Corticosteroid hormones, synaptic strength and emotional memories: corticosteroid modulation of memory -- a cellular and molecular perspective

Emotionally loaded and stressful events modulate cognitive performance. This modulation of cognitive performance is at least partially dependent on corticosteroid hormones that are released in high amounts during emotional or stressful events. Corticosterone both strengthens and suppresses cognitive performance and synaptic plasticity. These effects may critically depend on the timing of the stressful event and corticosteroid exposure with respect to the learning situation. Based on recent findings we propose a model in which corticosterone can rapidly enhance synaptic plasticity. Later, corticosterone may stabilize synaptic efficacy, possibly at the expense of reduced synaptic plasticity.