Ciliary neurotrophic factor signaling in the rat orbitofrontal cortex ameliorates stress-induced deficits in reversal learning.

ABSTRACT: Deficits in cognitive flexibility, i.e. the ability to modify behavior in response to changes in the environment, are present in several psychiatric disorders and are often refractory to treatment. However, improving treatment response has been hindered by a lack of understanding of the neurobiology of cognitive flexibility. Using a rat model of chronic stress (chronic intermittent cold stress, CIC) that produces selective deficits in reversal learning, a form of cognitive flexibility dependent on orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) function, we have previously shown that JAK2 signaling is required for optimal reversal learning. In this study we explore the molecular basis of those effects. We show that, within the OFC, CIC stress reduces the levels of phosphorylated JAK2 and of ciliary neurotrophi

SUBMITTER: Girotti M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6842063 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature