Acoustic startle and fear‐potentiated startle in rats selectively bred for fast and slow kindling rates: relation to monoamine activity

• DOI: 10.1046/j.0953-816x.2000.01216.x
• Publication Date: 2003-03-06T14:29:18Z
• Authors: Hymie Anisman; Owen Kelly; Shawn Hayley; Thomas Borowski; Zul Merali; Dan C. McIntyre
• Keywords: Startle reaction; Startle response; Stimulus (psychology); Locus coeruleus; Acoustic Startle Reflex; Neurochemical; Fear-potentiated startle

Abstract The acoustic startle response, prepulse inhibition, fear‐potentiated and monoamine activity induced by either, a novel stimulus or cue previously paired with foot‐shock (fear‐conditioning), were assessed in rats selectively bred for differences amygdala excitability (Fast vs. Slow kindling epileptogenesis). Comorbid of anxiety, which dependent both on the rats' behavioural style kind stressor, also characterized these strains. In present investigation, exhibited greater reflex to noise relative Fast rats, suggesting generalized but similar rates habituation inhibition. startle, however, was rats. When movement rat restricted new environment, presentation (light) increased norepinephrine, dopamine and/or serotonin brain regions typically associated stressors (e.g. locus coeruleus, paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus). Generally, effects more pronounced norepinephrine utilization central particularly highlighted response conditioned fear stimulus. Thus, while anxiety appeared neurochemical reactivity stimuli fear‐eliciting stimuli, Similarly, basal prefrontal cortex elicited This suggested that neurons do not react normally environmental this phenomenon could lead disturbances attention impulsivity.