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Real-world stress resilience is associated with the responsivity of the locus coeruleus

Author

Listed:
  • Marcus Grueschow

    (University of Zurich)

  • Nico Stenz

    (University of Zurich
    University of Zurich)

  • Hanna Thörn

    (University of Zurich
    University of Zurich
    University of Zurich)

  • Ulrike Ehlert

    (University of Zurich)

  • Jan Breckwoldt

    (University of Zurich)

  • Monika Brodmann Maeder

    (Accident and Emergency Department, Inselspital Bern)

  • Aristomenis K. Exadaktylos

    (Accident and Emergency Department, Inselspital Bern)

  • Roland Bingisser

    (University Hospital Basel)

  • Christian C. Ruff

    (University of Zurich)

  • Birgit Kleim

    (University of Zurich
    University of Zurich)

Abstract

Individuals may show different responses to stressful events. Here, we investigate the neurobiological basis of stress resilience, by showing that neural responsitivity of the noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC-NE) and associated pupil responses are related to the subsequent change in measures of anxiety and depression in response to prolonged real-life stress. We acquired fMRI and pupillometry data during an emotional-conflict task in medical residents before they underwent stressful emergency-room internships known to be a risk factor for anxiety and depression. The LC-NE conflict response and its functional coupling with the amygdala was associated with stress-related symptom changes in response to the internship. A similar relationship was found for pupil-dilation, a potential marker of LC-NE firing. Our results provide insights into the noradrenergic basis of conflict generation, adaptation and stress resilience.

Suggested Citation

  • Marcus Grueschow & Nico Stenz & Hanna Thörn & Ulrike Ehlert & Jan Breckwoldt & Monika Brodmann Maeder & Aristomenis K. Exadaktylos & Roland Bingisser & Christian C. Ruff & Birgit Kleim, 2021. "Real-world stress resilience is associated with the responsivity of the locus coeruleus," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-22509-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22509-1
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