Startle Response Modulation as a Behavioral Tool in Neuropharmacology

Authors: Koch M.; Fendt M.

Source: Current Neuropharmacology, Volume 1, Number 2, June 2003 , pp. 175-185(11)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

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Abstract:

Behavioral studies in animals are an important part of neuropharmacological research, because they integrate findings from in vitro pharmacology, chemical neuroanatomy and electrophysiology at the system's level, thereby bridging the gap between basic research on one hand, and the development of pharmacological treatment with clinical trials on the other hand. Animal behavioral models of neuropsychiatric diseases (such as fear/anxiety disorders, depression, addiction, or schizophrenia) are, therefore, an eminent part of preclinical neuropharmacology. We review here recent neuropharmacological findings on prepulse inhibition (PPI) and fear-potentiation of the startle response (FPS) as behavioral models for sensorimotor gating deficits in neuropsychiatric disorders and fear/anxiety-related disorders, respectively.

Keywords: anxiety; fear; fear-potentiated startle; prepulse inhibition; schizophrenia

Document Type: Review article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1570159033477161

Publication date: 2003-06-01

More about this publication?

Current Neuropharmacology aims to provide current, timely and comprehensive reviews of all areas of neuropharmacology and related matters of neuroscience. The journal publishes reviews written by experts and leaders in the fields of molecular, cellular, and systems/behavioural aspects of neuropharmacology and neuroscience. The journal serves as a comprehensive, multidisciplinary expert forum for neuropharmacologists and neuroscientists.