Alterations in neuronal morphology in infralimbic cortex predict resistance to fear extinction following acute stress

摘要: Dysfunction in corticolimbic circuits that mediate the extinction of learned fear responses is thought to underlie perseveration stress-related psychopathologies, including post-traumatic stress disorder. Chronic produces dendritic hypertrophy basolateral amygdala (BLA) and hypotrophy medial prefrontal cortex, whereas acute leads both BLA prelimbic cortex. Additionally, chronic impair retrieval. Here, we examined effects a single elevated platform on learning morphology infralimbic region considered be critical for extinction. Acute produced resistance extinction, as well retraction Spine density apical basilar terminal branches was unaffected by stress. However, animals underwent conditioning had decreased spine branches. Thus, cortex appears particularly sensitive stress, changes spines may more sensitively reflect learning. Further, stressed rats level correlated with densities, poorer retrieval immature fewer thin than better retrieval, suggesting have impaired learning-related plasticity. These results implications understanding role deficits associated pathologies.