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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Stimulation of the Nigrotectal Pathway at the Level of the Superior Colliculus Reduces Threat Recognition and Causes a Shift From Avoidance to Approach Behavior

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Author(s):
Almada, Rafael C. [1, 2, 3] ; Genewsky, Andreas J. [3] ; Heinz, Daniel E. [3, 4] ; Kaplick, Paul M. [3] ; Coimbra, Norberto C. [1, 2, 5] ; Wotjak, Carsten T. [3]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto Med Sch FMRP, Dept Pharmacol, Lab Neuroanat & Neuropsychobiol, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Behav Neurosci Inst INeC, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] Max Planck Inst Psychiat, Dept Stress Neurobiol & Neurogenet, Neuronal Plast, Munich - Germany
[4] Heidelberg Univ, Interdisciplinary Ctr Neurosci IZN, Neurosci Masters Program, Heidelberg - Germany
[5] Univ Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto Med Sch FMRP, NAP USP Neurobiol Emot Res Ctr NuPNE, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: FRONTIERS IN NEURAL CIRCUITS; v. 12, MAY 7 2018.
Web of Science Citations: 3
Abstract

Defensive behavioral responses are essential for survival in threating situations. The superior colliculus (SC) has been implicated in the generation of defensive behaviors elicited by visual, tactile and auditory stimuli. Furthermore, substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) neurons are known to exert a modulatory effect on midbrain tectum neural substrates. However, the functional role of this nigrotectal pathway in threating situations is still poorly understood. Using optogenetics in freely behaving mice, we activated SNr projections at the level of the SC, and assessed consequences on behavioral performance in an open field test (OFT) and the beetle mania task (BMT). The latter confronts a mouse with an erratic moving robo-beetle and allows to measure active and passive defensive responses upon frequent encounter of the threatening object. Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2)-mediated activation of the inhibitory nigrotectal pathway did not affect anxiety-like and exploratory behavior in the OFT, but increased the number of contacts between robo-beetle and test mouse in the BMT. Depending on the size of the arena, active avoidance responses were reduced, whereas tolerance and close following of the robo-beetle were significantly increased. We conclude from the data that the nigrotectal pathway plays holds the potential to modulate innate fear by attenuating threat recognition and causing a shift from defensive to approach behavior. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 15/09116-7 - Role of glucocorticoid, endocannabinoid and noradrenaline interactions during aversive conditioning in mice
Grantee:Rafael Carvalho Almada
Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor