Presented By: Joanna Dabrowska, PhD, PharmD

Speaker Biography: Dr. Joanna Dabrowska is an Associate Professor of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and faculty member of the Center for Stress Resilience and Psychiatric Disorders at Brain Science Institute at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS). Dr. Dabrowska investigates cell-type specific effects of neuropeptides such as oxytocin, corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), and vasopressin in the extended amygdala, particularly the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and their unique neuromodulatory roles in the regulation of neuronal activity, fear memory formation, and defensive behaviors.

Webinar: Keynote Presentation: The Integration of Interoceptive Signals and Defensive Behaviors via Neurohypophysial Hormones

Webinar Abstract: Interoceptive signals dynamically interact with the environment to shape appropriate defensive behaviors. Neurons in the hypothalamus regulate internal states, such as thirst and circadian rhythmicity, and send projections to the extended amygdala to influence defensive responses, including fear and anxiety-like behaviors. Two hypothalamic hormones and neuromodulators, oxytocin (OT) and arginine-vasopressin (AVP) modulate parturition and lactation, water and electrolyte balance and as well as circadian rhythmicity. Neurons of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) express both oxytocin (OTR) and vasopressin receptors and mediates defensive behaviors, including fear- and anxiety behaviors. Here we show that both OT and AVP directly excite BNST neurons via oxytocin receptor (OTR) transmission. These excitatory effects are also confirmed by specifically recording excitability of fluorescent OTR-neurons from OTR-Cre transgenic male rats after application of AVP or selective OTR agonist, TGOT.

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