Hippocampus

Description

The Hippocampus is a complex structure that is curled inside the Temporal Lobes of both Cerebral Hemispheres of the Brain.  The Hippocampus forms part of the Limbic System and has connections to the Hypothalamus and the Amygdala.

 

Nervous System

 It is believed that the Hippocampus is integral to and governs Emotion, Learning and Memory:  ^[1]

 The Hippocampus appears to weigh up the importance of facts and decides which should be retained as Memory, forming the basis for Learning.

 5-HT1A Receptors are located in the Hippocampus.

 5-HT1C Receptors are located in the Hippocampus.

 5-HT1F Receptors are located in the Hippocampus.

 Dopamine D5 Receptors are located in the Hippocampus.

 M1 Muscarinic Receptors (a sub-type of Cholinergic Receptors) are located in the Hippocampus.

 Large concentrations of N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptors (NMDA Receptors) are located in the Hippocampus.

 The Hippocampus receives incoming (afferent) Nerve Impulses - especially those relating to the Sense of Hearing.

 Negative Feedback Mechanism between the Pituitary Gland and the Adrenal Glands occurs within the Hippocampus:

 This Negative Feedback Mechanism helps to regulate the body's production of Glucocorticoids by the Adrenal Glands.

 Glucocorticoid Receptors are located within the Hippocampus.

 

Sexual System

 The Hippocampus is involved in Sexual Desire.

 

Amino Acids

 Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) may retard the age-related deterioration of the Hippocampus and inhibits the age-related decline in the number of NMDA Receptors within the Hippocampus.  ^[2]

 Glutamic Acid concentrates in the Hippocampus.  ^[3]

 N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) may protect the Hippocampus from the oxidative stress that occurs during Hypoxia.  ^[4]

 Taurine concentrates in the Hippocampus (where it may play a role in Memory by increasing Histamine and Acetylcholine levels)..  ^[5]

 Theanine may inhibit Ischemia-induced death of Neurons in the Hippocampus of the Brain.  ^[6]

 

Hormones

 DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) (in its Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEAS) form) may enhance the release of Acetylcholine from the Hippocampus and inhibits the ability of elevated Corticosterone to damage the Hippocampus.  ^[7]

 Estradiol may stimulate the growth of Axons within the Hippocampus.  ^[8]

 Pregnenolone (in its Pregnenolone Sulfate form) concentrates in the Hippocampus and may enhance the function of the Hippocampus.  ^[9]

 

Lipids

 Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) may help to prevent the damage caused to the Hippocampus by subsequent Cerebral Insufficiency, Hypoxia or Stroke (DHA is only effective for this purpose if it is administered daily for an extended period prior to Cerebral Insufficiency, Hypoxia or Stroke).  DHA deficiency may result in the shrinkage of the Neurons of the Hippocampus.  ^[10]

 Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) may inhibit the ability of Gamma-Rays to damage the Hippocampus.  ^[11]