Summarize the journal article and discuss how this chemical can affect learning and memory.
The article describes the Norepinephrine or noradrenaline and its significant role in the modulation of emotions through interaction with synaptic nerve mechanisms (Kodirov, 2012). In the article, the chemical has been associated with two primary purposes; function as a stress hormone and a neurotransmitter. Therefore, emotions, for instance, fear, have been related to the release of norepinephrine in the brain after the activation of the locus coeruleus (Hansen, 2017). Resultantly, the release of the hormone leads to the enhancement of memory. Alternatively, the release of norepinephrine in the bloodstream registers in the brain as an indicator of stress.
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Provide a specific example of how this chemical can hinder or enhance the learning.
Norepinephrine is hugely associated with fear learning and memory. Models conducted on rat brain indicated the increased release of norepinephrine every time the rat was subjected to pain (McGaugh, 2013). These experiments served to understand the role of the chemical and the Adrenergic system in memory (Murchison et al., 2004). Additionally, tail pinching the rats showed an increased concentration of norepinephrine in the extracellular of the rat, detectable through microdialysis. These experiments proved that different stimulations produced norepinephrine in different parts of the body, thus conferring a sense of memory and learning on the animal.
What activity or strategy can you use in design or facilitation/teaching to increase or decrease this chemical within the brain to support learning?
Systemic administration of norepinephrine has been associated with enhanced memory consolidation. This process has been essential in improved learning and inhibitory avoidance among subjects. Nonetheless, it is necessary to mention that the increase of norepinephrine in the body is possible through natural interventions. Typically, physical exercises and dieting have been hugely associated with the production of mood hormones like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine (Tully & Bolshakov, 2010). Food rich in amino acid Tyrosine has been associated with increased volumes of mood hormones. These foods include legumes, bananas, meat, and oatmeal. Most importantly, it is imperative to state that norepinephrine and the other hormones remain significant determinants of mood and depression in people. Nevertheless, reduction in depression has been associated with physical activities.
References
Hansen, N. (2017). The longevity of hippocampus-dependent memory is orchestrated by the locus coeruleus-noradrenergic system. Neural plasticity , 2017 .
Kodirov, S. A. (2012). The role of norepinephrine in amygdala dependent fear learning and memory. The amygdala-A discrete multitasking manager , 121-140.
McGaugh, J. L. (2013). Making lasting memories: Remembering the significant. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , 110 (Supplement 2), 10402-10407.
Murchison, C. F., Zhang, X. Y., Zhang, W. P., Ouyang, M., Lee, A., & Thomas, S. A. (2004). A distinct role for norepinephrine in memory retrieval. Cell , 117 (1), 131-143.
Tully, K., & Bolshakov, V. Y. (2010). Emotional enhancement of memory: how norepinephrine enables synaptic plasticity. Molecular brain , 3 (1), 15.
