Asok, Arun2016-12-072016-12-072016http://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/19892This dissertation focuses on how corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a 41 amino-acid neuropeptide, within an extended amygdala microcircuit gates fear learning and memory. Chapter 1 frames fear and anxiety within a historical perspective. It also describes how a reductionist approach using rodent models has been useful for deciphering the neural circuitry and neurobiology of fear memory formation and retrieval. Chapter 2 briefly describes how stress can modulate fear learning and memory. It also outlines a theoretical framework for the experiments of my dissertation. Chapter 3 is an empirical study that examines how blockade of CRFs primary receptor (CRFr1s) in a region of the extended amygdala, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), impacts discrete phases (acquisition, consolidation, or retrieval) of contextual fear learning and memory. Chapter 4 expands on the experiments of chapter 3 to investigate how optogenetically inhibiting a CRF pathway to the BNST regulates the retention of short and long-lasting fear. Finally, Chapter 5 highlights a few critical future experiments and frames the empirical findings of my dissertation within the context of its public health relevance.Fear.Corticotropin releasing hormone.Amygdaloid body.Memory -- Physiological aspects.Learning -- Physiological aspects.Thesis965444541