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The neuro-symphony of stress

Abstract

The impact of stress on brain function is increasingly recognized. Various substances are released in response to stress and can influence distinct neuronal circuits, but the functional advantages of having such a diversity of stress mediators remain unclear. Individual neurotransmitter, neuropeptide and steroid stress mediators have specific spatial and temporal niches, but these niches also overlap. In addition, the effects of individual mediators on neuronal function and plasticity are integrated, and emerging evidence suggests that there is crosstalk between them. Together, this results in the stress instruments producing an orchestrated 'symphony' that enables fine-tuned responses to diverse challenges.

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Figure 1: Different stressors require different responses.
Figure 2: 'Hot spots' of receptors for key stress mediators.
Figure 3: Subcellular localization of stress-mediator receptors.
Figure 4: Direct interaction between different stress mediators.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank E. R. de Kloet and A. Korosi for critical reading of the text and help with the figures. Supported by NWO grant #91204042 (M.J.) and grants NS29012 and MH 73136 from the National Institute of Health (T.Z.B.).

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Joëls, M., Baram, T. The neuro-symphony of stress. Nat Rev Neurosci 10, 459–466 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn2632

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