Posttraining activation of glucocorticoid pathways usually enhances memory consolidation. The effects of glucocorticoid on memory consolidation, however, follow up an inverted-shape dose-response relationship. High circulating level of glucocorticoids may impair memory retrieval processes by influences on the hippocampus. Glucocorticoid influences on memory consolidation depend on basolateral complex of the amygdala and interactions with other brain regions. These apparently dual effects of glucocorticoids on memory consolidation and memory retrieval might be related.