Work

Like Extinction, Latent Inhibition of Conditioned Fear in Mice Is Blocked by Systemic Inhibition of L-Type Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels

Year: 2004

Type: preprint

Abstract: Having recently shown that extinction of conditioned fear depends on L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (LVGCCs), we have been seeking other protocols that require this unusual induction mechanism. We tested latent inhibition (LI) of fear, because LI resembles extinction except that cue exposures precede, rather than follow, cue-shock pairing. Systemic injections of two LVGCC inhibitors, nifedipine and diltiazem, before pre-exposure blocked LI completely with no evidence of state-dependent learning. The results indicate that extinction and LI share a common molecular requirement and may support the notion that LI, like extinction, is a form of inhibitory learning.

Source: Learning & Memory

DOI: 10.1101/lm.78304

Authors: Mark Barad, Ashley M. Blouin, Chris K. Cain

Institution: University of California, Los Angeles

Language: English

Topic: Memory and Neural Mechanisms

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health