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Neural circuit changes mediating lasting brain and behavioral response to predator stress
Robert E Adamec1, Jacqueline Blundell, Paul Burton
1Dept. of Psychology, Memorial University, 232 Elizabeth Ave., St. John's, Nl, Canada. radamec@mun.ca
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|August 16, 2005
Summary
Predator stress in rats causes lasting anxiety-like behaviors, potentially due to neural changes in the right hemisphere. These brain alterations impact various behaviors, offering insights into stress responses.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
- Psychology
Background:
- Predator stress is a significant factor influencing anxiety-like behaviors.
- Understanding the neural basis of stress-induced behavioral changes is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on neural circuitry underlying lasting anxiety-like behavior after predator stress.
- To identify specific brain pathways involved in stress-induced behavioral alterations.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies on neural transmission in limbic pathways.
- Path and covariance analysis relating physiological changes to behavioral outcomes.
- Examination of behavioral tests such as elevated plus maze and acoustic startle.
Main Results:
- Predator stress leads to persistent anxiety-like behaviors in rats.
- Long-term potentiation-like changes in right-hemisphere limbic pathways are implicated.
- These neural changes account for alterations in most, but not all, tested behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Right-hemisphere neural circuitry plays a critical role in mediating lasting anxiety-like behaviors post-predator stress.
- Findings provide insights into the neural substrates activated by predator odor.
- Further research can explore the specific mechanisms within these pathways.