Serine Racemase and D-serine in the Amygdala Are Dynamically Involved in Fear Learning.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The amygdala is a central component of the neural circuitry that underlies fear learning. N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-dependent plasticity in the amygdala is required for pavlovian fear conditioning and extinction. N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activation requires the binding of a coagonist, D-serine, which is synthesized from L-serine by the neuronal enzyme serine racemase (SR). However, little is known about SR and D-serine function in the amygdala.

Methods

We used immunohistochemical methods to characterize the cellular localization of SR and D-serine in the mouse and human amygdala. Using biochemical and molecular techniques, we determined whether trace fear conditioning and extinction engages the SR/D-serine system in the brain. D-serine was administered sy

SUBMITTER: Balu DT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5806199 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature