Optogenetic and pharmacological dissection of a neuropeptide circuit that gates sustained fear
| Author(s) | Asok, Arun | |
| Date Accessioned | 2016-12-07T13:24:34Z | |
| Date Available | 2016-12-07T13:24:34Z | |
| Publication Date | 2016 | |
| Abstract | This dissertation focuses on how corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a 41 amino-acid neuropeptide, within an extended amygdala microcircuit gates fear learning and memory. Chapter 1 frames fear and anxiety within a historical perspective. It also describes how a reductionist approach using rodent models has been useful for deciphering the neural circuitry and neurobiology of fear memory formation and retrieval. Chapter 2 briefly describes how stress can modulate fear learning and memory. It also outlines a theoretical framework for the experiments of my dissertation. Chapter 3 is an empirical study that examines how blockade of CRFs primary receptor (CRFr1s) in a region of the extended amygdala, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), impacts discrete phases (acquisition, consolidation, or retrieval) of contextual fear learning and memory. Chapter 4 expands on the experiments of chapter 3 to investigate how optogenetically inhibiting a CRF pathway to the BNST regulates the retention of short and long-lasting fear. Finally, Chapter 5 highlights a few critical future experiments and frames the empirical findings of my dissertation within the context of its public health relevance. | en_US |
| Advisor | Rosen, Jeffrey B. | |
| Degree | Ph.D. | |
| Department | University of Delaware, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences | |
| Unique Identifier | 965444541 | |
| URL | http://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/19892 | |
| Publisher | University of Delaware | en_US |
| URI | http://search.proquest.com/docview/1836857073?accountid=10457 | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Fear. | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Corticotropin releasing hormone. | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Amygdaloid body. | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Memory -- Physiological aspects. | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Learning -- Physiological aspects. | |
| Title | Optogenetic and pharmacological dissection of a neuropeptide circuit that gates sustained fear | en_US |
| Type | Thesis | en_US |