A Neural Switch for Active and Passive Fear

Abstract

(Neuron 67, 656–666; August 26, 2010) In this article, the author list misspelled Aldo Giovannelli's last name as “Giovanelli.” The spelling is correct as shown above, and the authors regret this error. A Neural Switch for Active and Passive FearGozzi et al.NeuronAugust 26, 2010In BriefThe central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) serves as a major output of this structure and plays a critical role in the expression of conditioned fear. By combining cell- and tissue-specific pharmacogenetic inhibition with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we identified circuits downstream of CeA that control fear expression in mice. Selective inhibition of a subset of neurons in CeA led to decreased conditioned freezing behavior and increased cortical arousal as visualized by fMRI. Correlation analysis of fMRI signals identified functional connectivity between CeA, cholinergic forebrain nuclei, and activated cortical structures, and cortical arousal was blocked by cholinergic antagonists. Full-Text PDF Open Archive