Studies of the neural basis of fear learning and implications for psychopathology.
Item
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Title
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Studies of the neural basis of fear learning and implications for psychopathology.
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Identifier
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AAI3063863
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identifier
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3063863
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Creator
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Muller, Jeff.
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Contributor
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Advisers: Joseph LeDoux | Lissa Weinstein
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Date
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2002
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Biology, Neuroscience | Psychology, Clinical | Psychology, Physiological
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Abstract
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A leading model for studying how the brain's activity gives rise to fear phenomena is fear conditioning. A cumulative body of work has identified major components of the neural system mediating this form of learning. The pathways involve transmission of sensory information from processing areas in the thalamus and cortex to the amygdala. The amygdala's lateral nucleus receives and integrates the sensory inputs from the thalamic and cortical areas, and the central nucleus provides the interface with motor systems controlling specific fear responses in various modalities (behavioral, autonomic, endocrine). Internal connections within the amygdala allow the lateral and central nuclei to communicate. Recent studies have begun to identify some sites of plasticity in the circuitry and the cellular mechanisms involved in fear conditioning. The present work includes local inactivation of the basolateral amygdala, confirming its role in fear conditioning. Further work here elaborates on the activity of individual neurons recorded in awake behaving rats that may be responsible for fear learning. Through studies of fear conditioning, our understanding of emotional memory is being taken to the level of cells and synapses in the brain. Advances in understanding the neural basis of fear hold out the possibility that, when coupled with emerging work on the neural basis of affiliative emotion, anxiety and mood disorders may be better understood.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
