Chemical Lesion of the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis Blocks the Behavioral Consequences of Uncontrollable Stress.

2004/01/01 by Sayamwong E. Hammack, Kristen J. Richey, Linda R. Watkins +1 · 3 citations
Neuroscience · #Circadian rhythm and melatonin #Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research #Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior

paper · doi:10.1037/0735-7044.118.2.443

openalex publication_date 2004/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01

Abstract

Uncontrollable or inescapable shock (IS) produces behavioral changes that are characterized by a sensitized fear system and a deficit in fight-flight responding. These behavioral changes have been argued to represent an anxiety-like state produced by the uncontrollability of the stressor. The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) has been implicated in the mediation of long-duration responses to unpredictable stressors, which have also been argued to represent anxiety. In the present study, the effects of BNST chemical lesion on the IS-induced sensitization of freezing to an environment previously paired with shock and the IS-induced impairment of escape responding were investigated. BNST chemical lesion blocked the potentiation of freezing and the increases in escape latency that normally follow IS.

Citations

• Learned helplessness: Theory and evidence.

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• Chronic inhibition of GABA synthesis in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis elicits anxiety-like behavior