The way network activity is coordinated in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) plays a critical role in the expression of fear. While neuromodulatory systems are known to regulate shifts between behavioral states, the underlying mechanisms largely remain a mystery. Dr. Tasker joins us in this episode to discuss his recent findings which shed light on this enigmatic process.

His team used a mouse model to explore the effects of chemogenetic Gq activation and α1 adrenoreceptor activation in BLA parvalbumin (PV) interneurons. The results revealed a stereotyped phasic bursting in PV neurons and time-locked synchronized bursts of inhibitory postsynaptic currents and phasic firing in BLA principal neurons. Interestingly, this activation in PV neurons was found to suppress gamma oscillations in vivo and in an ex vivo slice model, facilitating fear memo ...