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Changes in opioid peptide expression in the amygdala of rats associated with aversive stress
Author(s) -
Silveira Julia Tomoyasu,
Gouty Shawn,
Bull Gregory P.,
Cote Thomas E.,
Cox Brian M.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.1006.8
Subject(s) - nociceptin receptor , amygdala , dynorphin , central nucleus of the amygdala , periaqueductal gray , enkephalin , neuroscience , basolateral amygdala , in situ hybridization , endocrinology , receptor , medicine , opioid peptide , opioid , endogenous opioid , chemistry , psychology , messenger rna , biology , central nervous system , midbrain , gene , biochemistry
The amygdala is critically involved in the establishment of aversive memories and their extinction. Aversive experiences are processed through the basolateral (BLA) amygdaloid nucleus, that in turn regulates activity of neurons in the central amygdaloid nuc, (CeA). Activity in the CeA output neurons (projecting to the periaqueductal gray region) is modulated by input from the intercalated (ITC) nuclei, which strongly express μ‐opioid receptors. Opioid peptides are also strongly expressed in several amygdaloid nuclei. We have quantified the expression of enkephalin (ENK), dynorphin (DYN), and nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), and mRNAs, and μ‐opioid receptors within specific nuclei, using in situ hybridization autoradiography and immunohistochemistry. Exposure to an aversive stress significantly decreased the number of anterior BLA neurons expressing ENK mRNAs while μ‐receptor density in ITC of anterior amygdala also decreased. N/OFQ mRNA‐expressing neurons were increased in BLA. Further understanding of the roles of endogenous opioids in amygdala in response to stressors may lead to new therapies for aberrant anxiety and fear responses, including PTSD. (Supported by a grant from USAMRMC).