MentalHealthDaily

Astrocyte Calcium Signals Shape Amygdala Fear Memory and Extinction in Mice

by GLOOM

Photoreal illustration of astrocytes interacting with neurons in the amygdala, conveying glial role in fear circuit dynamics.

A 2026 Nature mouse study found that basolateral amygdala astrocyte Ca2+ signals tracked fear retrieval and extinction, then showed causality: 3 mg/kg CNO manipulations of astrocyte DREADDs pushed early-extinction freezing in opposite directions while both disrupting later extinction retrieval.1 Research Highlights Astrocytes tracked fear state: after 3 tone-shock pairings and 2 days of 25 cue-only …

KNT-127 for Anxiety: Delta Opioid Receptor Agonist via PL-BLA Pathway (2023 Study)

by GLOOM

Recent scientific advancements have illuminated the crucial role of the prelimbic cortex to basolateral amygdala (PL-BLA) pathway in regulating anxiety-like behaviors. Utilizing cutting-edge optogenetic techniques and selective delta-opioid receptor (DOP) agonists, researchers have begun to decode the complex neural circuitry underlying anxiety disorders. Highlights: PL-BLA Pathway Significance: The connection between the prelimbic cortex (PL) and …