M₁ Muscarinic Receptors Modulate Fear-Related Inputs to the Prefrontal Cortex: Implications for Novel Treatments of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) integrates information from multiple inputs to exert top-down control allowing for appropriate responses in a given context. In psychiatric disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder, PFC hyperactivity is associated with inappropriate fear in safe situations. We previously reported a form of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR)-dependent long-term depression in the PFC that we hypothesize is involved in appropriate fear responding and could serve to reduce cortical hyperactivity following stress. However, it is unknown whether this long-term depression occurs at fear-related inputs.

Methods

Using optogenetics with extracellular and whole-cell electrophysiology, we assessed the effect of mAChR activation on the synaptic strengt

SUBMITTER: Maksymetz J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6555658 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature