Lara, HwaDuval-Arnould, SeanBaylor University.Baylor University2023-05-222023-05-222023-05-012023-05-22https://hdl.handle.net/2104/12198The limbic system, particularly the hippocampus and amygdala, are oft-studied and well-established regions for fear learning and memory and have been seen to critically underlie the encoding of contextual fear memory. Literature has shown that chronic ethanol consumption has a negative effect on hippocampal beta-dynorphin – a neuropeptide implicated in limbic LTP and fear-forming memories. The impact of self- administered chronic ethanol on hippocampal fear memory has not yet been investigated in mice. In this study, we exposed 3 cohorts of C57BL/6J mice to an intermittent-access ethanol protocol for 6 weeks followed by fear conditioning tests. We found significant differences in freezing behaviour between binge-like drinking mice and water controls on a trace conditioning protocol. Immunohistochemistry for c- Fos was performed, and significant differences were seen in CA1, CA3, and the dentate gyrus between binge-like mice and controls after fear exposure. These findings suggest that chronic ethanol consumption has a dampening effect on fear learning in mice and implicates differential hippocampal activation potentially underlying the behaviour seen.enBaylor University projects are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.NeuroscienceAddictionSubstance-use DisordersAlcoholSTEMThesisWorldwide access