Contribution of CRF and 5-HT in the antero-dorsal BNST on phasic and sustained fear in freely behaving mice (A02)

啮齿动物的数据表明，短期的（阶段性的）恐惧反应依赖于中央杏仁核，而更长期的（持续的）恐惧反应主要依赖于终纹床核（BNST）。这个项目是基于假设，持续恐惧可以决定性地调节促肾上腺皮质激素释放因子（CRF）和5-羟色胺（5-HT）在前背BNST。该项目的总体目标是阐明adBNST潜在的阶段性/持续性恐惧的关键机制，特别关注CRF1-和5-HT受体介导的过程。为了解决这个项目，我们将在阶段性/持续性恐惧小鼠模型中使用药理学和光遗传学方法结合既定的恐惧条件反射方案。

Rodent data suggest that short-lasting (phasic) fear responses rely on the central amygdala, whereas more long-lasting (sustained) fear responses critically depend on the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). This project is based on the hypothesis that sustained fear can be decisively modulated by corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) and serotonin (5-HT) in the antero-dorsal BNST. The overall aim of the project is to elucidate key mechanisms in the adBNST underlying phasic/sustained fear with special focus on the contribution of CRF1- and 5-HT receptor-mediated processes. To address this project, we are going to use pharmacological and optogenetical approaches in combination with established fear conditioning protocols in the phasic/sustained fear mouse model.