The role of hippocampus in memory reactivation: an implication for a therapeutic target against opioid use disorder

Abstract

Purpose of the review The abuse of opioids induces many terrible problems in human health and social stability. For opioid-dependent individuals, withdrawal memory can be reactivated by context, which is then associated with extremely unpleasant physical and emotional feelings during opioid withdrawal. The reactivation of withdrawal memory is considered one of the most important reasons for opioid relapse, and it also allows for memory modulation based on the reconsolidation phenomenon. However, studies exploring withdrawal memory modulation during the reconsolidation window are lacking. By summarizing the previous findings about the reactivation of negative emotional memories, we are going to suggest potential neural regions and systems for modulating opioid withdrawal memory. Recent findings Here, we first present the role of memory reactivation in its modification, discuss how the hippocampus participates in memory reactivation, and discuss the importance of noradrenergic signaling in the hippocampus for memory reactivation. Then, we review the engagement of other limbic regions receiving noradrenergic signaling in memory reactivation. We suggest that noradrenergic signaling targeting hippocampus neurons might play a potential role in strengthening the disruptive effect of withdrawal memory extinction by facilitating the degree of memory reactivation. Summary This review will contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying reactivation-dependent memory malleability and will provide new therapeutic avenues for treating opioid use disorders.

Association between gaming disorder and regional homogeneity in highly involved male adult gamers: A pilot resting‐state fMRI study

“…Accumulated evidence supports the involvement of the hippocampus in the development and maintenance of substance use disorder (Avchalumov & Mandyam, 2021 ; Dai et al., 2022 ; Peyton et al., 2021 ). Additionally, the reactivation of withdrawal memory is considered one of the most important reasons for drug relapse, and the hippocampus might participate in memory reactivation, which plays a potential role in shifting motivational processing from seeking positive reinforcement to avoiding the aversive effects of withdrawal (Dai et al., 2022 ; Kutlu & Gould, 2016 ; Pantazis et al., 2021 ). As such, our finding highlights the hippocampus‐dependent learning deficit in highly involved gamers with greater GD severity.…”

“…The hippocampus is a vital brain structure that sends projections to both the cortex and striatum to coordinate learning, memory, and mood. Accumulated evidence supports the involvement of the hippocampus in the development and maintenance of substance use disorder (Avchalumov & Mandyam, 2021;Dai et al, 2022;Peyton et al, 2021). Additionally, the reactivation of withdrawal memory is considered one of the most important reasons for drug relapse, and the hippocampus might participate in memory reactivation, which plays a potential role in shifting motivational processing from seeking positive reinforcement to avoiding the aversive effects of withdrawal (Dai et al, 2022;Kutlu & Gould, 2016;Pantazis et al, 2021).…”

Tapentadol: A Review of Experimental Pharmacology Studies, Clinical Trials, and Recent Findings

“…18,19 This is because opiates have been shown to affect the hippocampus, which is responsible for learning and memory. 20 Thus, it is hypothesized that the interventions of opiates could lead to a reduction in hippocampal neurogenesis, which could have long-term implications on cognition. 21 5HT positively modulates hippocampal neurogenesis, according to literature reports.…”

PtNPs/Short MWCNT-PEDOT: PSS-Modified Microelectrode Array to Detect Neuronal Firing Patterns in the Dorsal Raphe Nucleus and Hippocampus of Insomnia Rats

“…About two-thirds of the cells in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) of adult rats are serotonergic neurons [ 13 ], projecting axons to most of the brain areas, including the cerebral cortex, hypothalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus [ 14 ]. The hippocampus is the biological brain region responsible for processing memory and cognition [ 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Insomnia negatively affects hippocampus morphology and function [ 18 , 19 ].…”