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While stress is a physiological response that helps us to be alert to face an unexpected situation, a threat or a dangerous event, when this state extends over time, becoming chronic, it can affect our mood, cause changes of the brain and affect our memory.

Stress worsens sleep quality and can harm memory. However, neuronal circuits that underlie sleep alterations and stress -induced memory are not yet completely understood.

In order to answer this question Shinjae Chung, from the University of Pennsylvania, has directed a study to explore a neuronal route in male mice in which the Stress can influence and cause sleep and memory alterations.

In this study, they demonstrated that The activation of the neurons of the corticotropin releasing hormone in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (Crhpvn)similar to acute stress stress, decreases sleep and deteriorates memory andn a task of recognition of space objects In male mice.

On the contrary, the inhibition of neurons in this area during stress reduces stress -induced memory deficits, while slightly increases the amount of sleep.

In their article published in the magazine “Jneurosci”, the researchers artificially activated neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (NPV) previously associated with stress.

This experimental manipulation caused mice to sleep less and affected their performance in a memory task.

It should be noted that, when the mice were stressed, the artificial inhibition of these NVP neurons reduced stress -related memory problems, while slightly improved sleep.

By investigating the neuronal route involved, Chung and his colleagues discovered that The stress and artificial activation of NPV neurons were directed separately to another brain region called lateral hypothalamus (HL).

When combining their findings, the researchers discovered that this neuronal route, which goes from NPV to HL, could be involved in the deterioration of memory and sleep interruptions related to stress.

“We discovered that both stress and stimulation of CRHPVN neurons activate neurons in the lateral hypothalamus (HL), and that CRHPVN projections to HL regulate memory deficits and sleep interruptions induced by stress. Our results suggest that CRHPVN neuronal tracks regulate the adverse effects of stress on memory Important to improve sleep and mitigate cognitive deficits associated with stress -related disorders, “the authors conclude in the study.

According to researchers, this neuronal route can guide future works that explore ways to improve sleep and cognitive deficits associated with stress -related disorders, at least in men.