Paula C. Southwick
Papers
1
Total Citations
9
H-Index
1
About
Paula C. Southwick’s research career has centered on the neurobiology of fear and defensive behaviors, with a particular focus on the role of cholinergic systems in modulating these responses. Her most-cited work, "Scopolamine: Effects on fear or defense responses in the rat" (1976), demonstrated that the muscarinic antagonist scopolamine significantly alters fear-related behaviors in rodents, providing early evidence for the involvement of acetylcholine in anxiety and threat processing. This foundational study, with 9 citations, has informed subsequent investigations into pharmacological interventions for anxiety disorders and the neural mechanisms underlying defensive reactions. Southwick’s contributions are notable for their precision in dissecting behavioral paradigms, distinguishing between fear and defense responses, and for bridging basic neuroscience with potential clinical applications. Her work remains a reference point for researchers exploring cholinergic modulation of emotional behavior, highlighting the enduring impact of her careful experimental design and theoretical insights.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Scopolamine: Effects on fear or defense responses in the rat9 citations · 1976