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Chronic Stress- and Sex-Specific Neuromorphological and Functional Changes in Limbic Structures

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Abstract

Chronic stress produces sex-specific neuromorphological changes in a variety of brain regions, which likely contribute to the gender differences observed in stress-related illnesses and cognitive ability. Here, we review the literature investigating the relationship between chronic stress and sex differences on brain plasticity and function, with an emphasis on morphological changes in dendritic arborization and spines in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala. These brain structures are highly interconnected and sensitive to stress and gonadal hormones, and influence a variety of cognitive abilities. Although much less work has been published using female subjects than with male subjects, the findings suggest that the relationship between brain morphology and function is very different between the sexes. After reviewing the literature, we present a model showing how chronic stress influences the morphology of these brain regions and changes the dynamic of how these limbic structures interact with each other to produce altered behavioral outcomes in spatial ability, behavioral flexibility/executive function, and emotional arousal.

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Abbreviations

AMY:

Amygdala

CA:

Cornu ammonis

GC:

Glucocorticoid

HPA:

Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal

MDD:

Major depressive disorder

OVX:

Ovariectomized

PFC:

Prefrontal cortex

PTSD:

Post-traumatic stress disorder

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by MH64727, a grant from the Institute for Mental Health Research, and the Arizona Biomedical Research Commission.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Loras College, Dubuque, IA, 52001, USA

    Katie J. McLaughlin

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA

    Sarah E. Baran

  3. Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 950 S McAllister, Tempe, AZ, 85287-1104, USA

    Cheryl D. Conrad

Authors
  1. Katie J. McLaughlin
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  2. Sarah E. Baran
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  3. Cheryl D. Conrad
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Correspondence to Cheryl D. Conrad.

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McLaughlin, K.J., Baran, S.E. & Conrad, C.D. Chronic Stress- and Sex-Specific Neuromorphological and Functional Changes in Limbic Structures. Mol Neurobiol 40, 166–182 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12035-009-8079-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12035-009-8079-7

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