Alpha1-adrenergic receptor blockade in the VTA modulates fear memories and stress responses

Activity of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and its terminals has been implicated in the Pavlovian associative learning of both stressful and rewarding stimuli. However, the role of the VTA noradrenergic signaling in fear responses remains unclear. We aimed to examine how alpha1-adrenergic receptor ( α1-AR) signaling in the VTA affects conditioned fear. The role of α1-AR was assessed using the micro-infusions into the VTA of the selective antagonists (0.1–1µg/0.5µl prazosin and 1µg/0.5µl terazosin) in acquisition and expression of fear memory.
Source: European Neuropsychopharmacology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Source Type: research