| First Author | Knapska E | Year | 2013 |
| Journal | J Neurosci | Volume | 33 |
| Issue | 36 | Pages | 14591-600 |
| PubMed ID | 24005309 | Mgi Jnum | J:201744 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:5515656 | Doi | 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.5239-12.2013 |
| Citation | Knapska E, et al. (2013) Reward learning requires activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in the central amygdala. J Neurosci 33(36):14591-600 |
| abstractText | Learning how to avoid danger and pursue reward depends on negative emotions motivating aversive learning and positive emotions motivating appetitive learning. The amygdala is a key component of the brain emotional system; however, an understanding of how various emotions are differentially processed in the amygdala has yet to be achieved. We report that matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9, extracellularly operating enzyme) in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is crucial for appetitive, but not for aversive, learning in mice. The knock-out of MMP-9 impairs appetitively motivated conditioning, but not an aversive one. MMP-9 is present at the excitatory synapses in the CeA with its activity greatly enhanced after the appetitive training. Finally, blocking extracellular MMP-9 activity with its inhibitor TIMP-1 provides evidence that local MMP-9 activity in the CeA is crucial for the appetitive, but not for aversive, learning. |
