Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Comprehensive Profiling of Dopamine Regulation in Substantia Nigra and Ventral Tegmental Area
Published on: August 10, 2012
The dopaminergic projection system, basal forebrain macrosystems, and conditioned stimuli
Daniel S Zahm1, Michael Trimble
1Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, St Louis, MO 63104, USA. zahmds@slu.edu
This review examines problems in current fear conditioning models and explores neuroanatomy for both fear and appetitive conditioning. It proposes that basal forebrain macrosystems, including striatopallidal and amygdala systems, contribute to behavioral conditioning.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
- Computational Psychiatry
Background:
- Influential circuit models of fear conditioning face challenges.
- Understanding the neurobiological basis of conditioning requires a broader perspective beyond fear.
- Basal forebrain functional-anatomical systems (macrosystems) are increasingly recognized for their role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review limitations in current fear conditioning models.
- To explore neuroanatomy underlying both fear and appetitive conditioning.
- To investigate the role of basal forebrain macrosystems in behavioral conditioning.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on fear conditioning models.
- Neuroanatomical analysis of systems involved in conditioning.
- Functional-anatomical examination of basal forebrain systems.
Main Results:
- Identified problems within influential fear conditioning circuit models.
- Highlighted the broader neuroanatomical substrates for both fear and appetitive conditioning.
- Detailed the relationships between striatopallidal systems, extended amygdala, and dopaminergic projections.
Conclusions:
- Basal forebrain macrosystems, encompassing striatopallidal and extended amygdala networks, are crucial for conditioning.
- These macrosystems interact with dopaminergic projections to influence behavior.
- A unified hypothesis suggests that all macrosystems contribute to overall behavioral conditioning.
More Related Videos
06:35In Vivo Optical Calcium Imaging of Learning-Induced Synaptic Plasticity in Drosophila melanogaster
Published on: October 8, 2019
08:07Simultaneous Detection of c-Fos Activation from Mesolimbic and Mesocortical Dopamine Reward Sites Following Naive Sugar and Fat Ingestion in Rats
Published on: August 24, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Diencephalon: Thalamus and Information Relay
Diencephalon: Hypothalamus and Coordination
The hypothalamus interacts with other brain regions, including the pituitary gland, through a direct physical connection called the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. The hypothalamus receives somatic and visceral inputs and...
Diencephalon: Anatomical Regions
Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System
Organization of the Brain
Hindbrain
The hindbrain, located at the base of the brain, plays a vital role in regulating automatic processes that sustain life. It includes the medulla oblongata, which is essential for...
Real-World Application of Classical Conditioning
Higher-order, or second-order, conditioning occurs when a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an already established conditioned stimulus through repeated pairings. For instance, if a dog has been...