Changes

=c-Fos Protein=

=c-Fos Protein=

The immediate early gene product c-Fos is commonly used to map neural structures that are activated by the unconditioned and conditioned stimuli in CTA paradigms [Refs]. The c-Fos protein is expressed at a very low constituitive levels in many brain structures.  Following US or CS stimulation of the animal, however, transynaptic activation of second messenger cascades causes the rapid but transient synthesis of c-Fos protein within 30 -180min. The c-Fos protein is easily visualized by immunohistochemistry; because c-Fos is a transcription factor, its labeling is discretely localized within cell nuclei.  Thus, the presence of c-Fos after stimulation in a central relay implies direct or indirect activation of the relay by the stimulus. Quantification of the number of c-Fos positive cells provides a measure of response magnitude.

The immediate early gene product c-Fos is commonly used to map neural structures that are activated by the unconditioned and conditioned stimuli in CTA paradigms [Refs]. The c-Fos protein is expressed at a very low constituitive levels in many brain structures.  Following US or CS stimulation of the animal, however, transynaptic activation of second messenger cascades causes the rapid but transient synthesis of c-Fos protein within 30 -180min. The c-Fos protein is easily visualized by immunohistochemistry; because c-Fos is a transcription factor, its labeling is discretely localized within cell nuclei.  Thus, the presence of c-Fos after stimulation in a central relay implies direct or indirect activation of the relay by the stimulus. Quantification of the number of c-Fos positive cells provides a measure of response magnitude.