Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and chronic stress-induced modulations of glutamatergic neurotransmission in the hippocampus
Nutr Rev. 2014-01-13; 72(2): 99-112
DOI: 10.1111/nure.12088
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Hennebelle M(1), Champeil-Potokar G, Lavialle M, Vancassel S, Denis I.
Author information:
(1)Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Sherbrooke,
Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada.
Chronic stress causes the release of glucocorticoids, which greatly influence
cerebral function, especially glutamatergic transmission. These stress-induced
changes in neurotransmission could be counteracted by increasing the dietary
intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs). Numerous studies have
described the capacity of n-3 PUFAs to help protect glutamatergic
neurotransmission from damage induced by stress and glucocorticoids, possibly
preventing the development of stress-related disorders such as depression or
anxiety. The hippocampus contains glucocorticoid receptors and is involved in
learning and memory. This makes it particularly sensitive to stress, which
alters certain aspects of hippocampal function. In this review, the various ways
in which n-3 PUFAs may prevent the harmful effects of chronic stress,
particularly the alteration of glutamatergic synapses in the hippocampus, are
summarized.
© 2014 International Life Sciences Institute.