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Extinction Training During the Reconsolidation Window Prevents Recovery of Fear
Published on: August 24, 2012
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The learning of fear extinction
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|December 3, 2014
Summary
Fear extinction learning, crucial for treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), involves specific brain circuits and molecular pathways. Novel experiences can enhance fear extinction consolidation, offering therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
- Psychopharmacology
Background:
- Fear extinction is the learned inhibition of fear memory retrieval.
- It is a key component of exposure therapy for conditions like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Fear extinction involves complex circuitry including the hippocampus, basolateral amygdala, and ventromedial prefrontal cortex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the neural circuitry and modulatory mechanisms of fear extinction.
- To explore the role of specific molecular targets and neurotransmitters in fear extinction.
- To discuss the therapeutic implications of enhancing fear extinction for PTSD.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on fear extinction.
- Analysis of the roles of NMDA receptors, d-serine, AP5, histamine, endocannabinoids, and epinephrine.
- Examination of the impact of novel experiences on fear extinction consolidation.
Main Results:
- Fear extinction relies on NMDA receptor activation and is modulated by d-serine and AP5.
- Histamine (H2 receptors), endocannabinoids (CB1 receptors), and cholinergic fibers enhance fear extinction.
- Epinephrine can make fear extinction state-dependent; novel experiences strengthen extinction via synaptic tagging and capture.
Conclusions:
- Fear extinction is a complex process modulated by multiple neurochemical systems.
- Understanding these mechanisms offers potential therapeutic strategies for fear-related disorders like PTSD.
- Enhancing fear extinction consolidation through novel experiences may be a promising therapeutic avenue.
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