Source Paper
Activation of ERK/MAP Kinase in the Amygdala Is Required for Memory Consolidation of Pavlovian Fear Conditioning
Glenn E. Schafe, Coleen M. Atkins, Michael W. Swank, Elizabeth P. Bauer, J. David Sweatt et al.
Journal of Neuroscience • 2000
Pavlovian Fear Conditioning
Objective: Evaluate the role of ERK/MAPK signaling cascade in the amygdala during Pavlovian fear conditioning and assess whether ERK/MAPK activation is necessary for memory consolidation of fear conditioning
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Equipment2
Materials1
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Protocol Steps
Pavlovian Fear Conditioning
Subjects receive paired presentations of tone and shock to establish fear conditioning
Note: Paired tone-shock presentations are critical to distinguish from nonassociative auditory stimulation, foot shock sensitization, or unpaired presentations
View evidence from paper
“paired presentations of tone and shock rather than to nonassociative auditory stimulation, foot shock sensitization, or unpaired tone-shock presentations”
Tissue Collection and Analysis at Multiple Timepoints
Amygdala tissue, specifically lateral nucleus (LA), is collected at 15, 30, 60, and 180 minutes after conditioning to assess ERK/MAPK phosphorylation
Note: ERK/MAPK is transiently activated at 60 min but not at other timepoints
View evidence from paper
“ERK/MAPK is transiently activated–phosphorylated in the amygdala, specifically the lateral nucleus (LA), at 60 min, but not 15, 30, or 180 min, after conditioning”
U0126 Infusion into Lateral Amygdala
U0126, an ERK/MAPK inhibitor, is infused into the lateral amygdala at dose-dependent concentrations
Note: Infusions are aimed at the LA to test effects on memory consolidation
View evidence from paper
“infusions of U0126, an inhibitor of ERK/MAPK activation, aimed at the LA, dose-dependently impair long-term memory of Pavlovian fear conditioning”
Memory Testing
Assessment of long-term and short-term memory of Pavlovian fear conditioning following U0126 infusion
Note: U0126 impairs long-term memory but leaves short-term memory intact
View evidence from paper
“dose-dependently impair long-term memory of Pavlovian fear conditioning but leaves short-term memory intact”
In Vitro Long-Term Potentiation Measurement
Bath application of U0126 to lateral amygdala slices to assess effects on long-term potentiation
Note: U0126 impairs long-term potentiation in the LA in vitro
View evidence from paper
“bath application of U0126 impairs long-term potentiation in the LA in vitro”