Neuronal activity in the basolateral amygdala following olfactory threat conditioning, extinction and second order conditioning
Year: 2024
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This thesis investigates the neuronal activities within the basolateral amygdala (BLA) in response to olfactory threat conditioning, extinction and second order conditioning. With a focus on neuronal representation underlying memory processing, I employed advanced techniques such as viral transduction, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry in both young and aged Sprague-Dawley rats. Results demonstrate that the BLA is critical in olfactory threat memory acquisition and extinction in animal models. Furthermore, the study reveals age-related differences in extinction learning, suggesting alterations in NMDAR function and amygdala activity with aging. Using a tTA-c-Fos/TRE-GFP double transgene approach, I showed that sensory cues involved in second order conditioning merged their representations in the BLA. These findings give us a deeper understanding of the neural basis of odor threat conditioning, extinction and higher order learning, offering potential insights for addressing anxiety-related disorders and the impact of aging on cognitive functions.
DOI: 10.48336/45wb-yk26
Author: Xia, Yue
Institution: Memorial University of Newfoundland
Language: English
Topic: Memory and Neural Mechanisms
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6928996195
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