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Scientists Extend Map of Fear Memory Formation in Human Brain
Researchers led by Dr. Kerry Ressler, found that mice lacking a critical growth factor in the prelimbic cortex have trouble remembering to fear electric shocks.
The discovery could help improve diagnosis and treatment for anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder and phobias.
Scientists describe the molecule BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) as Miracle-Gro for brain cells.
It's a protein that pushes brain cells to withstand stress and make new connections.
In other parts of the brain such as the amygdala, interfering with BDNF's effects blocks the acquisition of fear memory.
Some variations in the human gene for BDNF are thought to increase the risk for anxiety disorders and even change the anatomy of the prefrontal cortex in affected individuals.
"The prelimbic cortex is part of the medial prefrontal cortex, which appears to be important for emotional regulation in rodents as well as humans. Evidence is building that these regions may be dysregulated or even over-active in fear and anxiety disorders in humans," said Ressler.
Working with Ressler, postdoctoral associate Dennis Choi and colleagues took advantage of a strain of genetically engineered mice that lack the BDNF gene in certain parts of the brain.
These include the prelimbic cortex but exclude the amygdala and other regions such as the hippocampus.
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