Central Ghrelin Resistance Permits the Overconsolidation of Fear Memory.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There are many contradictory findings about the role of the hormone ghrelin in aversive processing, with studies suggesting that ghrelin signaling can both inhibit and enhance aversion. Here, we characterize and reconcile the paradoxical role of ghrelin in the acquisition of fearful memories.

Methods

We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure endogenous acyl-ghrelin and corticosterone at time points surrounding auditory fear learning. We used pharmacological (systemic and intra-amygdala) manipulations of ghrelin signaling and examined several aversive and appetitive behaviors. We also used biotin-labeled ghrelin to visualize ghrelin binding sites in coronal brain sections of amygdala. All work was performed in rats.

Results

In unstressed rodents,

SUBMITTER: Harmatz ES 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5447505 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature