Antagonism of corticotropin-releasing factor receptors in the locus coeruleus attenuates shock-induced freezing in rats.
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| Abstract |
Intracerebroventricularly administered alpha-helical CRF9-41, a corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptor antagonist, is known to reduce a variety of stress-induced behavioral responses. This study examined in rats whether antagonism of CRF receptors in the region of locus coeruleus (LC) plays a role in reducing freezing induced by electric foot shock. Freezing is a well-characterized defensive response to stress and has been demonstrated to index an animal's degree of fear. A CRF-receptor antagonist, alpha-helical CRF9-41, bilaterally infused into the LC significantly reduced the duration of freezing at a dose as low as 0.20 micrograms. Additional experiments confirmed that 0.20 micrograms of alpha-helical CRF9-41 significantly reduced the duration of freezing only when cannulae were within the LC or in regions bordering the nucleus. Antagonist-treated rats with cannulae that did not impinge on the LC exhibited freezing at levels not different from vehicle-treated animals. These results strongly implicate CRF receptors located in the LC region in influencing the display of stress-induced behavior.
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| Authors | A H Swiergiel, L K Takahashi, W W Rubin, N H Kalin |
| Journal | Brain research (Brain Res) Vol. 587 Issue 2 Pg. 263-8 (Aug 07 1992) ISSN: 0006-8993 [Print] Netherlands |
| PMID | 1326376 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S., Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.) |
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