Prefrontal cortex projections to the nucleus reuniens suppress freezing following two-way signaled avoidance training
Year: 2020
Type: preprint
Abstract: Signaled active avoidance (SAA) behavior requires the suppression of defensive reactions, such as freezing, that conflict with the avoidance response. The neural mechanisms of this inhibitory process are not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that ventromedial prefrontal cortex projections to the nucleus reuniens of the thalamus are recruited following SAA training to suppress freezing in rats. This projection may serve as a crucial common pathway for the inhibition of innate defensive reactions that interfere with proactive behavior, thus facilitating adaptive coping.
Source: Learning & Memory
Author: Justin M. Moscarello
Institution: Texas A&M University
Language: English
Topic: Memory and Neural Mechanisms
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
Funder: National Institute on Drug Abuse
OpenAlex ID: W3007717740