(provided by candidate): Traumatic events and chronic stress have been implicated in the development of stress-related psychopathologies such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders. Most animal models of stress-related disorders use tightly controlled, but artificial, stressors and it is critical to extend these findings to more biologically relevant stressors. In male Syrian hamsters, a single social defeat produces a prolonged reduction in territorial aggression and a concomitant rise in submissive and defensive behavior. We call this stress-induced change in agonistic behavior conditioned defeat. The overall hypothesis of the current proposal is that corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) modulates the acquisition and expression of conditioned defeat by its actions on serotonin (5-HT) cells and 5-HT1a autoreceptors in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN).
Specific Aim 1 will test the hypothesis that CRH neurotransmission within the DRN modulates the acquisition and expression of conditioned defeat.
Specific Aim 2 will test the hypothesis that activation of 5-HT1a autoreceptors within the DRN modulates the acquisition and expression of conditioned defeat. Furthermore, Specific Aim 2 will test the hypotheses that social defeat activates 5-HT neurons and desensitizes 5-HT1a autoreceptors in the DRN. The experiments in the current proposal will provide valuable information on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying stress-related disorders. ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32MH072085-01A1
Application #
6887031
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F02A (20))
Program Officer
Curvey, Mary F
Project Start
2004-09-30
Project End
2007-09-29
Budget Start
2004-09-30
Budget End
2005-09-29
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$52,492
Indirect Cost
Name
Georgia State University
Department
Psychology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
837322494
City
Atlanta
State
GA
Country
United States
Zip Code
30302