Avoidance learning and classical eyeblink conditioning as model systems to explore a learning diathesis model of PTSD

M T Allen; J D Handy; D P Miller; R J Servatius

doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.03.003

Avoidance learning and classical eyeblink conditioning as model systems to explore a learning diathesis model of PTSD

Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2019 May:100:370-386. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.03.003.

Authors

M T Allen¹, J D Handy², D P Miller³, R J Servatius⁴

Affiliations

¹ School of Psychological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO, 80639, USA; Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, Stress and Motivated Behavior Institute, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA; Central New York Research Corporation, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA. Electronic address: todd.allen@unco.edu.
² Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, Stress and Motivated Behavior Institute, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA; Central New York Research Corporation, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA; Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory, Groton, CT, 06349 USA.
³ Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, Stress and Motivated Behavior Institute, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA; Central New York Research Corporation, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA; Neuroscience Department, Carthage College, Kenosha, WI, 53140, USA.
⁴ Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, Stress and Motivated Behavior Institute, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA; Central New York Research Corporation, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs, Syracuse Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA; Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA.

PMID: 30952323
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.03.003

Abstract

Experiencing a trauma is necessary, but not sufficient, for the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in that most individuals who experience a trauma do not go on to develop PTSD. This suggests that identifiable vulnerabilities (i.e., diatheses) exist that increase the risk for the development of PTSD. One such factor is the personality temperament of behavioral inhibition (BI). Organisms that exhibit BI were studied in the context of avoidance learning and classical eyeblink conditioning. We present a body of evidence supporting a learning diathesis model in which behaviorally inhibited organisms exhibit enhanced acquisition and resistance to extinction in these tasks. Vulnerable individuals show learning-related enhancements when the learning situation involves some degree of uncertainty. We review the known brain circuitry involved in classical eyeblink conditioning in the context of the learning diathesis model. Finally, the data reviewed here demonstrate the value of studying vulnerability factors in humans and a rodent model using cerebellar-dependent learning tasks for understanding the acquisition and endurance of PTSD symptomatology.

Keywords: Avoidance; Behavioral inhibition; Cerebellum; Eyeblink conditioning; PTSD; Uncertainty; Wistar-Kyoto (WKY).

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Avoidance Learning*
Brain / physiopathology*
Conditioning, Eyelid*
Disease Models, Animal
Disease Susceptibility
Extinction, Psychological*
Humans
Risk Factors
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / physiopathology*
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology*
Temperament*