CRC TRR 58 - A03: Plasticity of inhibitory interactions in synaptic networks of the amygdala related to fear memory

Basic data for this project

Type of project: Subproject in DFG-joint project hosted at University of Münster

Duration at the University of Münster: 01/07/2008 - 30/06/2013 | 1st Funding period

Description

Information flow and signal processing within the amygdala is controlled by inhibitory GABAergic interneurons, of whichclusters of paracapsular interneurons (para IN) between the major input and output stations of the amygdala comprise one subpopulation. The hypothesis will be tested in the present project that GABAergic interactions can undergo long term synaptic changes, that theses changes are functionally related to fear extinction, and that the paracapsular GABAergic neurons are importantly involved in this. Use will be made of GAD67-GFP mice with GFP-labelled GABAergic neurons, and GABAergic neurons and synaptic signals will be recorded through patch-clamp techniques in amygdala slices in vitro. A first study will be on neuropeptide S (NPS), a novel anxiolytic transmitter substance in the brain.

Keywords: fear; anxiety; anxiety disorders; plasticity; synaptic networks; amygdala; fear memory

Website of the project: http://sfbtrr58.uni-muenster.de/a3.0.html

Funding identifier: TRR58/1

Funder / funding scheme: