Dopamine D2-like receptors on conditioned and unconditioned fear: A systematic review of rodent pharmacological studies

Autor(es)

de Oliveira Alves, Camila ; Waku, Isabelle ; Chiossi, Joyce Nonato ; de Oliveira, Amanda Ribeiro

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: PROGRESS IN NEURO-PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY; v. 134, p. 20-pg., 2024-07-02.

Resumo

Growing evidence supports dopamine's role in aversive states, yet systematic reviews focusing on dopamine receptors in defensive behaviors are lacking. This study presents a systematic review of the literature examining the influence of drugs acting on dopamine D2-like receptors on unconditioned and conditioned fear in rodents. The review reveals a predominant use of adult male rats in the studies, with limited inclusion of female rodents. Commonly employed tests include the elevated plus maze and auditory-cued fear conditioning. The findings indicate that systemic administration of D2-like drugs has a notable impact on both innate and learned aversive states. Generally, antagonists tend to increase unconditioned fear, while agonists decrease it. Moreover, both agonists and antagonists typically reduce conditioned fear. These effects are attributed to the involvement of distinct neural circuits in these states. The observed increase in unconditioned fear induced by D2-like antagonists aligns with dopamine's role in suppressing midbrain-mediated responses. Conversely, the reduction in conditioned fear is likely a result of blocking dopamine activity in the mesolimbic pathway. The study highlights the need for future research to delve into sex differences, explore alternative testing paradigms, and identify specific neural substrates. Such investigations have the potential to advance our understanding of the neurobiology of aversive states and enhance the therapeutic application of dopaminergic agents. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 21/05022-9 - Efeitos da estimulação encefálica profunda da cápsula ventral/estriado ventral e do núcleo subtalâmico sobre o desempenho de ratos em tarefas de flexibilidade comportamental.
• Beneficiário: Isabelle Waku
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Doutorado
• Processo FAPESP: 21/04949-1 - Envolvimento de receptores dopaminérgicos do tipo D2 do colículo inferior e do complexo basolateral da amígdala na expressão do medo condicionado e incondicionado em ratos machos e fêmeas
• Beneficiário: Camila de Oliveira Alves
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Doutorado
• Processo FAPESP: 22/02986-0 - Envolvimento de mecanismos dopaminérgicos no medo condicionado e incondicionado: modulação por fatores hormonais
• Beneficiário: Amanda Ribeiro de Oliveira
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Projeto Inicial