Endocannabinoid interactions in the regulation of acquisition of contextual conditioned fear

Publication date: Available online 17 November 2018Source: Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological PsychiatryAuthor(s): Zoltan Balogh, Laszlo Szente, Laszlo Biro, Zoltan K. Varga, Jozsef Haller, Mano AliczkiAbstractEndocannabinoids (eCBs) anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) were shown to be involved in the basis of trauma-induced behavioral changes, particularly contextual conditioned fear, however, their ligand-specific effects and possible interactions are poorly understood. Here we assessed specific eCB effects and interactions on acquisition of contextual conditioned fear employing electric footshocks in a rat model. We selectively increased eCB levels by pharmacological blockade of the degrading enzymes of AEA by URB597 and 2-AG by JZL184 before traumatization either systemically or locally in relevant brain areas, the prelimbic cortex (PrL), ventral hippocampus (vHC) and basolateral amygdala (BLA). Following traumatization, a series of contextual reminders were conducted during which conditioned fear was assessed. While systemic URB597-treatment during traumatization only slightly enhanced the acquisition of contextual conditioned fear, administration of the compound in the PrL and vHC led to the acquisition of stable, lasting conditioned fear, resistant to extinction. These effects of URB597 were blocked by simultaneous administration of JZL184. Similar treatment effects did not occur in the BLA. Treatment effects were not secondary to altera...

Source: Progress in Neuro Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry - November 18, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research