Corticotropin Releasing Factor in the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis modulates the behavioral consequences of unpredictable threat

• DOI: 10.7554/elife.89189.1
• Publication Date: 2023-08-24T13:58:20Z
• Authors: Olivia J. Hon; Meghan E. Flanigan; Alison V. Roland; Christina M. Caira; Tori Sides; Shannon D’Ambrosio; Sophia Lee; Yolanda Simpson; Michelle Buccini; Samantha Machinski; Waylin Yu; Kristen M. Boyt; Thomas L. Kash
• Keywords: Apprehension

Fear is a protective response to perceived danger that allows an organism identify and respond threats avoid harm. Though fear critical for survival, excessive can impede normal biological processes; thus, accurate risk assessment key well-being. Here we investigate the neural underpinnings of two distinct behavioral states: phasic sustained fear. Phasic considered adaptive characterized by clear discrete cue dissipates rapidly once threat no longer present. Conversely, or anxiety heightened state arousal apprehension not clearly associated with specific cues lasts periods time. Here, directly examine contribution BNST CRF signaling in male female mice using partially reinforced paradigm test overarching hypothesis plasticity neurons drive responses unpredictable males females.