Study of the participation of the bed nucleus of stria terminalis in the modulation of stress-induced behavioral consequences

• Grant number: 10/12023-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: March 01, 2011
• End date: July 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - Neuropsychopharmacology
• Principal Investigator: Sâmia Regiane Lourenço Joca
• Grantee: Michelly Martins Nagai
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST) is a limbic forebrain structure involved in hypothalamopituitary-adrenal axis regulation and stress adaptation. Inappropriate adaptation to stress is thought to compromise the organism's coping mechanisms, which have been implicated in the neurobiology of depression. Recently, we ave shown that temporary acute inactivation of synaptic transmission in the BNST of rats subjected to the forced swimmingtest (FST) induces antidepressant-like effects. However, it is not yeat known which neurotransmitter mediates such effects. Considering that noradrenergic neurotransmission is abundant in the BNST and that it is involved in the mediation of emotional processes regulated by this structure, the aim of the present project is to investigate the participation of the noradrenergic neurotransmission within the BNST in the mediation of the behavioral consequences induced by the exposure to the forced swimming test, an animal model of depression. Therefore, rats will be implanted with cannulae aimed at the BNST and submitted to 15 min of forced swimming (pretest). Twenty-four hours later immobility time will be registered in a new 5 min forced swimming session (test). Independent groups of rats Will receive bilateral microinjections of selective antagonists of the noradrenergic receptors a1, a2, b1 or b2, before or immediately after pretest or before the test session. Additional groups will receive the same treatments and will submitted to the open field test to control for unspecific effects on locomotor behavior. (AU)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

NAGAI, Michelly Martins. Involvement of the noradrenergic system of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in mediating the behavioral consequences of stress. 2012. Master's Dissertation - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (PCARP/BC) Ribeirão Preto.