Predator odor stress activates corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neurons in rat brain

Post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder are highly co-morbid. One possible mediator of this co-morbidity is corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). CRF is highly expressed in the central amygdala (CeA), and stress and alcohol each dysregulate brain CRF signaling, as well as CeA activity. Re-exposure to stress-paired stimuli increases neuronal activation, as measured by ERK phosphorylation, in CeA of rats that display high avoidance of a predator odor-paired chamber (Avoiders). The purpose of Experiment 1 was to determine the effect of predator odor stress on CRF neuron activation in limbic brain regions.
Source: Alcohol - Category: Addiction Authors: Source Type: research