Our research aims to better understand the biological mechanisms involved in the effects of emotion on memory. As we gain an understanding of how these processes function, we hope to develop approaches to treat disorders of memory.
Commitment to Student Development
Our lab team is made up of students from over 10 different countries. If you appreciate diverse backgrounds and perspectives, come plant your flag!
Research
Vagus Nerve Stimulation Enhances Fear Extinction
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the US and an estimated 12 million Americans suffer from PTSD during a given year. Like trauma-related disorders, anxiety often stems from fearful memories. A major goal of the McIntyre lab is to develop methods to help people overcome learned fear responses.
The McIntyre lab investigates the physiological response to stress and its contribution to synaptic plasticity and memory. We find that stimulation of the vagus nerve promotes memory consolidation and synaptic plasticity while, at the same time, reducing anxiety. These findings suggest that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) may enhance the effects of treatments for anxiety disorders and posttraumatic stress disorders.
Current Projects
- The role of the locus coeruleus in VNS enhanced fear extinction
- Using VNS to treat anxiety in autism spectrum disorder
- The role of stress hormones in the development of migraines