NYMC Faculty Publications
Changes in Gene Expression in the Locus Coeruleus-Amygdala Circuitry in Inhibitory Avoidance PTSD Model
DOI
10.1007/s10571-017-0548-3
Journal Title
Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology
First Page
273
Last Page
280
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
January 2018
Department
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Abstract
The locus coeruleus (LC)-amygdala circuit is implicated in playing a key role in responses to emotionally arousing stimuli and in the manifestation of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Here, we examined changes in gene expression of a number of important mediators of the LC-amygdala circuitry in the inhibition avoidance model of PTSD. After testing for basal acoustic startle response (ASR), rats were exposed to a severe footshock (1.5 mA for 10 s) in the inhibitory avoidance apparatus. They were given contextual situational reminders every 5 day for 25 days. Controls were treated identically but with the footshock inactivated. Animals were re-tested on second ASR and decapitated 1 h later. The shock group had enhanced hyperarousal and several changes in gene expression compared to controls. In the LC, mRNA levels of norepinephrine (NE) biosynthetic enzymes (TH, DBH), NE transporter (NET), NPY receptors (Y1R, Y2R), and CB1 receptor of endocannabinoid system were elevated. In the basolateral amygdala (BLA), there were marked reductions in gene expression for CB1, and especially Y1R, with rise for corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) system (CRH, CRH receptor 1), and no significant changes in the central amygdala. Our results suggest a fast forward mechanism in the LC-amygdala circuitry in the shock group.
Recommended Citation
Sabban, E., Serova, L., Newman, E., Aisenberg, N., & Akirav, I. (2018). Changes in Gene Expression in the Locus Coeruleus-Amygdala Circuitry in Inhibitory Avoidance PTSD Model. Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, 38 (1), 273-280. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10571-017-0548-3