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，短暂的(相)恐惧反应依赖于中央杏仁核，而更持久的(持续的)恐惧反应关键依赖于终纹床核(BNST)。这个项目是基于这样一个假设，即持续的恐惧可以被前背侧BNST中的促肾上腺皮质激素释放因子(CRF)和5-羟色胺(5-HT)决定性地调制。该项目的总体目标是阐明adBNST在阶段性/持续性恐惧中的关键机制，特别关注CRF1和5-羟色胺受体介导的过程的贡献。为了解决这个项目，我们将使用药理学和光遗传学的方法，并在阶段/持续恐惧小鼠模型中结合已建立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.