Pigeon et al. (2022)

Impairing memory reconsolidation with propranolol in healthy and clinical samples: a meta-analysis

Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, 47(2), E109-E122

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Abstract

Background Reconsolidation impairment using propranolol is a novel intervention for mental disorders with an emotional memory at their core. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we examined the evidence for this intervention in healthy and clinical adult samples. Methods We searched 8 databases for randomized, double-blind studies that involved at least 1 propranolol group and 1 placebo group. We conducted a meta-analysis of 14 studies ( n = 478) in healthy adults and 12 studies in clinical samples ( n = 446). Results Compared to placebo, reconsolidation impairment under propranolol resulted in reduced recall of aversive material and cue-elicited conditioned emotional responses in healthy adults, as evidenced by an effect size (Hedges g) of −0.51 ( p = 0.002, 2-tailed). Moreover, compared to placebo, reconsolidation impairment under propranolol alleviated psychiatric symptoms and reduced cue-elicited reactivity in clinical samples with posttraumatic stress disorder, addiction or phobia ( g = −0.42, p = 0.010). Limitations Methodological differences between studies posed an obstacle for identifying sources of heterogeneity. Conclusion Reconsolidation impairment is a robust, well-replicated phenomenon in humans. Its clinical use is promising and deserves further controlled investigation.

Reference

Pigeon, S., Lonergan, M., Rotondo, O., Pitman, R. K., & Brunet, A. (2022). Impairing memory reconsolidation with propranolol in healthy and clinical samples: a meta-analysis. Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, 47(2), E109-E122. https://doi.org/10.1503/jpn.210057

What Rests on This

1 mechanism cites this source. Each finding below is quoted as it appears on that mechanism's own page.

Reconsolidation Memory Processes

Measured in humans

A meta-analysis of randomized double-blind studies found that propranolol given at reactivation reduced recall of aversive material and cue-elicited fear in 14 studies of healthy adults (n = 478; Hedges g = -0.51) and reduced symptoms in 12 clinical studies (n = 446; g = -0.42)
Measured in AI

Comparison is not possible because there is no common scale: no study located runs AI on a reconsolidation paradigm, and human studies measure a change that depends on retrieval, against a no-reactivation control (e.g., Hedges g), whereas AI studies only score whether an update succeeded and report no human results