A model of amygdala function following plastic changes at specific synapses during extinction

Maxwell Bennett; Les Farnell; William G Gibson; Jim Lagopoulos

doi:10.1016/j.ynstr.2019.100159

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A model of amygdala function following plastic changes at specific synapses during extinction

Journal article

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A model of amygdala function following plastic changes at specific synapses during extinction

Maxwell Bennett, Les Farnell, William G Gibson and Jim Lagopoulos

Neurobiology of Stress, Vol.10, 100159

2019

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ynstr.2019.100159

Appears in Thompson Institute Research Collection

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Abstract

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The synaptic networks in the amygdala have been the subject of intense interest in recent times, primarily because of the role of this structure in emotion. Fear and itsextinction depend on the workings of these networks, with particular interest in extinction because of its potential to ameliorate adverse symptoms associated withpost-traumatic stress disorder. Here we place emphasis on the extinction networks revealed by recent techniques, and on the probable plasticity properties of theirsynaptic connections. We use modules of neurons representing each of the principal components identified as involved in extinction. Each of these modules consistsof neural networks, containing specific ratios of excitatory and specialized inhibitory neurons as well as synaptic plasticity mechanisms appropriate for the com-ponent of the amygdala they represent. While these models can produce dynamic output, here we concentrate on the equilibrium outputs and do not model thedetails of the plasticity mechanisms. Pavlovian fear conditioning generates a fear memory in the lateral amygdala module that leads to activation of neurons in thebasal nucleus fear module but not in the basal nucleus extinction module. Extinction protocols excite infralimbic medial prefrontal cortex neurons (IL) which in turnexcite so-called extinction neurons in the amygdala, leading to the release of endocannabinoids from them and an increase in efficacy of synapses formed by lateralamygdala neurons on them. The model simulations show how such a mechanism could explain experimental observations involving the role of IL as well asendocannabinoids in different temporal phases of extinction.

Details

Title: A model of amygdala function following plastic changes at specific synapses during extinction
Authors: Maxwell Bennett (Author) - University of Sydney
Les Farnell (Author) - University of Sydney
William G Gibson (Author) - University of Sydney
Jim Lagopoulos (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Publication details: Neurobiology of Stress, Vol.10, 100159
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date published: 2019
DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2019.100159
ISSN: 2352-2895
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Thompson Institute
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450902902621
Output Type: Journal article

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Web Of Science research areas: Neurosciences

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