Handling and novel object recognition modulate fear response and endocannabinoid signaling in nucleus basalis magnocellularis.

ABSTRACT: Storage of aversive memories is of utmost importance for survival, allowing animals to avoid upcoming similar stimuli. However, without reinforcement, the learned avoidance response gradually decreases over time. Although the molecular mechanisms controlling this extinction process are not well known, there is evidence that the endocannabinoid system plays a key role through CB₁ receptor-mediated modulation of cholinergic signaling. In this study, we measured fear extinction throughout 7 months using naïve rats, assessed in passive avoidance (PA) test in a non-reinforced manner. Then, we evaluated the effect of gentle handling and non-aversive novel object recognition test (NORT) on the extinction and expression of fear memories by measuring passive avoidance responses. Neuroche

SUBMITTER: Bengoetxea de Tena I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9313565 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature