Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of enhanced noradrenergic activity on memory consolidation in humans. Method: Thirty healthy subjects (21 men and nine women) viewed a series of 12 slides that depicted an emotionally arousing story. Five minutes after viewing the slides, subjects received either intravenous yohimbine or intravenous placebo in a double-blind randomized fashion. Multiple blood samples were drawn for determining plasma free 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG). One week later subjects took a surprise memory test for the slides. Results: There was no significant difference in memory score between yohimbine and placebo groups. Linear regression revealed a significant effect of MHPG on memory score for the group as a whole (subjects who had received yohimbine and those who had received placebo) and for the placebo group alone. Conclusions: These findings strengthen support for the hypothesis that enhanced memory for emotionally arousing events in humans depends critically on postlearning adrenergic modulation.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1420-1422 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | American Journal of Psychiatry |
| Volume | 159 |
| Issue number | 8 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2002 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychiatry and Mental health