In many situations fear is a learned response. This research project seeks to understand the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these learned fears. One line of research examines manipulations of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors to see if they are involved in encoding of fear memory as opposed to memory consolidation, retrieval or behavioral performance. This receptor is interesting because it has been implicated in certain changes in neurons that may provide a way for the nervous system to store information. The second line of research explores the role of endogenous opioids (endorphins) in fear learning. Fear causes release of endorphins and these endorphins in turn limit or regulate additional learning. This regulation normally results in controlling the magnitude of fear, so that the amount of fear is appropriate for the particular circumstance.
