Work

Animal models of anxiety based on classical conditioning: The conditioned emotional response (CER) and the fear-potentiated startle effect

Year: 1990

Type: article

Abstract: Stimuli consistently paired with shock become capable of suppressing ongoing operant or consummatory behavior (the conditioned emotional response--CER) or elevating the amplitude of the startle reflex (fear-potentiated startle). These changes are used to infer a central state of fear which involves the central nucleus of the amygdala and its efferent projections to the brainstem. The present paper reviews how psychoactive drugs affect these measures. Both the CER and fear-potentiated startle are reduced by benzodiazepines, barbiturates and opiates. Advantages and disadvantages of these animal tests of anxiety are discussed.

Source: Pharmacology & Therapeutics

DOI: 10.1016/0163-7258(90)90084-f

Author: Michael Davis

Institution: Yale University

Language: English

Topic: Memory and Neural Mechanisms

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,660