Source Paper
Ventral pallidum GABA neuron inhibition augments context-appropriate defensive responses to learned threat cues
Ramirez EM, Martinez MX, Rokerya RK, Vera VA, Ruiz CM et al.
Neurobiol Stress • 2026
Auditory Cue Fear Expression Test
Objective: Test effects of VP GABA inhibition on expression of freezing behavior elicited by shock-paired auditory cues
Protocol Steps
Auditory cue fear conditioning training
Place rats in novel chamber with peppermint scent. After 3min baseline, deliver 20sec white noise cue (80 dB) followed immediately by foot shock (0.3 mA or 0.75 mA, 2sec duration). Repeat 3 cue/shock pairings with 90sec intervals.
View evidence from paper
“On these 8.5min training sessions, rats were placed into the novel chamber, and a house light turned on for a 3min baseline period. Then, a 20sec auditory cue (continuous white noise: 80 dB) was played, which was followed immediately by either a low (0.3 mA) or high (0.75 mA) intensity foot shock, delivered for 2sec. Three cue/shock pairings were made during this training session, with 90sec elapsing between each.”
Pre-test injection
48 hours after training, inject rats with either vehicle or CNO 30 minutes before testing.
View evidence from paper
“48hrs later, rats received either VEH or CNO injection”
Auditory cue fear expression test
Place rats in different chamber with distinct metal grid floor and orange scent. After 3min baseline, play the 20sec shock-associated white noise cue 24 times with 90sec intervals between presentations. No shocks are delivered during this 47min session.
View evidence from paper
“they were placed into a different Med Associates chamber with a distinct metal grid floor, and an orange scent (McCormick) for a 47min auditory cue fear expression session. After a 3min baseline period, the 20sec shock-associated white noise cue was played a total of 24 times, with 90sec elapsing between each. No shocks were delivered during this session.”