Role of the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala in the formation of a phobia.

Abstract

Specific phobia is an anxiety disorder that does not respond to benzodiazepines. The elevated plus-maze test of anxiety is sensitive to benzodiazepines on trial 1, but during the first 5-min trial the nature of the anxiety generated changes to a specific fear of heights, and, as a result, on trial 2 the rats no longer respond to benzodiazepines. However, rats that received reversible bilateral lesions of the basolateral amygdala (by lidocaine injection) immediately after trial 1 responded with an anxiolytic response to chlordiazepoxide when tested 48 h later on trial 2. Those that received vehicle injections after trial 1 showed the usual lack of response to chlordiazepoxide on trial 2. Thus, the basolateral amygdala plays a crucial role in the consolidation of information that leads to the formation of a specific phobia and subsequent insensitivity to benzodiazepines.

• Authors: S E File, L E Gonzalez, R Gallant
• Journal: Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (Neuropsychopharmacology) Vol. 19 Issue 5 Pg. 397-405 (Nov 1998) ISSN: 0893-133X [Print] England
• PMID: 9778661 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anti-Anxiety Agents
• Chlordiazepoxide
• Lidocaine

Topics

• Amygdala (drug effects, physiology)
• Animals
• Anti-Anxiety Agents (therapeutic use)
• Chlordiazepoxide (therapeutic use)
• Lidocaine (pharmacology)
• Male
• Motor Activity (drug effects)
• Phobic Disorders (drug therapy, etiology)
• Rats