Hippocampal-amygdala memory circuits govern experience-dependent observational fear.
Neuron
; 110(8): 1416-1431.e13, 2022 04 20.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-35139362
ABSTRACT
The empathic ability to vicariously experience the other's fearful situation, a process called observational fear (OF), is critical to survive in nature and function in society. OF can be facilitated by both prior similar fear experience in the observer and social familiarity with the demonstrator. However, the neural circuit mechanisms of experience-dependent OF (Exp OF) remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that hippocampal-basolateral amygdala (HPC-BLA) circuits in mice without involving the anterior cingulate cortex, considered a center of OF, mediate Exp OF. Dorsal HPC neurons generate fear memory engram cells in BLA encoding prior similar fear experiences, which are essential for Exp OF. On the other hand, ventral HPC neurons respond to the familiar demonstrator's aversive situation during Exp OF, which reactivates the fear memory engram cells in BLA to elicit Exp OF. Our study provides new insights into the memory engram-dependent perception-action coupling that underlies empathic behaviors like Exp OF.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Complejo Nuclear Basolateral
/
Amígdala del Cerebelo
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Neuron
Asunto de la revista:
NEUROLOGIA
Año:
2022
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos