Fear learning through the two visual systems, a commentary on: "A parvalbumin-positive excitatory visual pathway to trigger fear responses in mice".

Ti-Fei Yuan,Huanxing Su

doi:10.3389/fncir.2015.00056

Abstract

Fear learning through the two visual systems, a commentary on: "A parvalbumin-positive excitatory visual pathway to trigger fear responses in mice".

Highlights

The theory of two visual systems was firstly proposed in 1960s, to explain the distinct neural mechanisms underlying visual discrimination and localization in rodents and frogs
The traditional view suggested that fear cues are evaluated by visual cortex and transmitted to the amygdala, through the visual thalamus
The hypothesis is further proved on human patients with cortical blindness, which showed intact fear learning to the visual cue (Hamm et al, 2003)

Summary

Introduction

The theory of two visual systems was firstly proposed in 1960s, to explain the distinct neural mechanisms underlying visual discrimination and localization in rodents and frogs. A parvalbumin-positive excitatory visual pathway to trigger fear responses in mice. A recent study demonstrated that fear learning could be transmitted either through visual cortex or superior colliculus to the amygdala.

Results

Conclusion