STRESS.cl Laboratory of Behavior Neurobiology

We use a number of behavioral paradigms to study learning, emotional and contextual memories. Thus, we can to evaluate the different phases of the memory (acquisition, consolidation, reconsolidation).

Chronic stress induces changes in the morphology and excitability of neural cells located in the limbic system, which regulates emotions and memory. In addition, chronic stress, or during the development of depressive behavior, the levels of neurotransmitters that modulate mood are affected (serotonin, dopamine, noradrenalin). However, it is significant to know whether all these molecular and cellular alterations can really affect in vivo neuronal circuits when the rodents are developing specific behaviors, such as anxiety, anhedonia (related to depression), during auditory attention or at the evocation of an emotional memory. To solve this experimental problem, we have at our disposal the technology called “Wireless Multi-Channel Recording in Behaving Rats”, which has been synchronized with our behavioral software (ANY-maze y Packwin). This experimental approach allows us record the neuronal activity (LFP, spikes) in areas of the limbic system when the rats are performing specific behaviors, without distractors, such as cables in the animal's head which may alter the performance of the animals.