The Role of the Orbitofrontal Cortex in the Regulation of Fear Coping Strategies

Abstract

Under threats, individuals exhibit freezing behavior and prepare for active coping. The ability to flexibly shift between freezing and active coping increases survival chances in animals and decreases susceptibility to mental disorders among human beings. For example, patients with psychiatric disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, often show maladaptive coping behaviors. The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is a critical hub to process higher cognitive functions, sensory inputs, reward learning, and decision-making. It also regulates negative emotions and its aberrant activation level often correlates with numerous mental disorders. The rodent OFC comprises different subdivisions with varying connections to cortical and subcortical regions. Among these subdivisions, the medial orbital area (MO) and the lateral orbital area (LO) have distinct functions in the regulation of fear. Here, we updated the existing rodent literature studying the function of the OFC, with a particular focus on the MO and the LO in different coping strategies of animals. By examining the role of the OFC in the mediation of defensive coping strategies, we aim to deepen the understanding of its functional importance on mental health.