Neural bases for motivated behavior

Abstract

Motivated behaviors are those fundamental for survival of the individual or the species, and therefore accompanied by a high degree of motivation, such as, the behaviors of nutrition, reproduction and defense. Giving continuity to our studies on the neural organization of motivated behaviors, we are proposing in this theme a series of studies which aim to broaden our knowledge about the organization of defense behavior in the face of a natural predator, of the predatory hunt, of the intra-specific agonistic behavior, as well as an investigation of neurochemical and functional aspects linked to the pre-mammilar ventral nucleus, and integrative spot sensitive to the nutritional state of animals and which is involved in neuroendocrine responses and in the regulation of various reproductive behaviors, such as the behavior of mating and intra-specific agonistics. In the first three projects we will continue our studies on the neural bases of the defense responses. In the first project we propose to characterize the corticoamygdalar paths involved in the detection of predators. Thus, we propose a series of studies combining the use of functional mapping and tracking of neural paths with a view to identifying the corticoamygdalar paths potentially involved in the detection of predators. Subsequently, using selective lesions in these paths, we will examine the alterations in the behavioral responses during direct confrontation with the predator. In the second project we will evaluate the participation of thalamic goals (reuniens nucleus and ventral part of the anteromedial nucleus) and subthalamic (rostral part of unknown zone) of the hypothalamic defense circuit in the defense responses during direct confrontation with the predator (innate response), as well as in the exposure to environments where they were previously exposed to the predator (contextual response). The third project concerns an anatomical study where we will evaluate the projections of the dorsolateral of the periaqueductal grey matter and of the cuneiform nucleus, two fundamental locations for the organization of unconditioned and contextual responses linked to predatory threat. (AU)