Molecular mechanisms of threat learning in the lateral nucleus of the amygdala.
Pavlovian threat conditioning is a behavioral paradigm that has been successfully utilized to define the mechanisms underlying threat (fear) memory formation. The amygdala is a temporal lobe structure required for the acquisition, consolidation, and expression of threat (fear) memories. In particular, the lateral nucleus of the amygdala (LA) is the major input structure of the amygdala and is required for all aspects of threat learning and memory. The LA expresses many neurotransmitter and neuromodulator receptors. This chapter covers the molecular mechanisms that occur downstream of these receptors and how they influence LA-dependent Pavlovian threat learning.
Center for Neuroscience, New York University, New York, USA.
Robert M
RM
Sears
Center for Neuroscience, New York University, New York, USA.
Hillary C
HC
Schiff
Center for Neuroscience, New York University, New York, USA; Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, New York, USA.
Joseph E
JE
LeDoux
D000679:Amygdala / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D003213:Conditioning, Psychological / Q000502:physiology*; D005239:Fear / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*
Acquisition; Amygdala; Consolidation; Fear conditioning; Molecular mechanisms; Plasticity; Signaling pathways; Threat conditioning