Overexpressing Corticotropin-Releasing Factor in the Primate Amygdala Increases Anxious Temperament and Alters Its Neural Circuit.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Nonhuman primate models are critical for understanding mechanisms underlying human psychopathology. We established a nonhuman primate model of anxious temperament (AT) for studying the early-life risk to develop anxiety and depression. Studies have identified the central nucleus of the amygdala (Ce) as an essential component of AT's neural substrates. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is expressed in the Ce, has a role in stress, and is linked to psychopathology. Here, in young rhesus monkeys, we combined viral vector technology with assessments of anxiety and multimodal neuroimaging to understand the consequences of chronically increased CRF in the Ce region.

Methods

Using real-time intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging-guided convection-enhanced delivery,

SUBMITTER: Kalin NH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4967405 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature