| Grant number: | 12/03798-0 |
| Support Opportunities: | Regular Research Grants |
| Start date: | December 01, 2012 |
| End date: | May 31, 2015 |
| Field of knowledge: | Biological Sciences - Morphology - Anatomy |
| Principal Investigator: | Norberto Cysne Coimbra |
| Grantee: | Norberto Cysne Coimbra |
| Host Institution: | Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil |
| City of the host institution: | Ribeirão Preto |
Abstract
The study of the neuropsychopharmacological bases of the fear- and panic-related behaviour has been the focus of several scientific researches. The mesencephalic tectum (MT) has been considered as responsible for the control of defensive responses evoked during threatening situations. The deep layers of the superior colliculus (dlSC) have been considered important structures for the elaboration of innate fear and defensive behaviour. The substantia nigra, pars reticulata (SNpr) is known to send inputs to the intermediate layers of the superior colliculus (ilSC), that can Works as a sensory channel to tectal neurons responsible for the elaboration of defensive responses in more ventral regions of this neural substrate. The dorsal mesencephalon, however, is connected to both compacta and reticulata divisions of the substantia nigra, through inputs rich in endogenous opioid peptides. This mesencephalic structure is also rich in CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors, with putative involvement in this neural system that is known for these interactive properties with the opioid system, and has been the focus of interest of scientific community. The purpose of the present work is to investigate the role of µ- and kappa-opioid receptors, of CB1- and CB2-endocannabinoid receptors of SNpr, rich in GABAergic neurons connected to the mesencephalic tectum in the modulation of defensive behavior related to instinctive fear and panic reactions. However, there is co-existence of both classic opioid receptors and nociceptin/orfanin ORL1 receptors in SNpr, and the role of this opioid-like receptores in the nigro-tectal pathways deserves investigation. Thus, it will be also studied the effect of microinjections of µ1- and kappa-opioid receptors selective antagonists, CB1- and CB2-endocannabinoid receptors selective antagonist, ORL1-receptor selective antagonist into SNpr on the elaboration of the defensive behavior elaborated by dorsal mesencephalon induced by GABAA receptor selective blockade in the dlSC of Wistar rats. (AU)
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