The Amygdala Is a Chemosensor that Detects Carbon Dioxide and Acidosis to Elicit Fear Behavior

摘要: The amygdala processes and directs inputs outputs that are key to fear behavior. However, whether it directly senses fear-evoking stimuli is unknown. Because the expresses acid-sensing ion channel-1a (ASIC1a), ASIC1a required for normal responses, we hypothesized might detect a reduced pH. We found inhaled CO(2) brain pH evoked behavior in mice. Eliminating or inhibiting markedly impaired this activity, localized expression rescued CO(2)-induced deficit of null animals. Buffering attenuated behavior, whereas reducing with microinjections reproduced effect CO(2). These data identify as an important chemosensor detects hypercarbia acidosis initiates behavioral responses. They also give molecular explanation how rising concentrations elicit intense provide foundation dissecting bases anxiety panic disorders.