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Extinction Training During the Reconsolidation Window Prevents Recovery of Fear
Published on: August 24, 2012
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Diazepam promotes active avoidance extinction associating with increased dorsal CA3 and amygdala activity
Juan Zhang1, Wenjun Li2, Taohong Liao2
1Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
Brain Research
|July 10, 2023
Summary
Anxiolytic medication promotes active avoidance extinction, reducing anxiety-related behaviors. This effect is linked to changes in brain activity within the hippocampus and amygdala.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Maladaptive active avoidance (AA) is a key symptom in anxiety and PTSD.
- Understanding AA extinction mechanisms is crucial for treating these disorders.
Approach:
- Examined AA extinction in rats using a two-way active avoidance paradigm.
- Investigated the effect of diazepam, an anxiolytic, on AA extinction.
- Utilized c-Fos immunostaining to assess neural activity in the hippocampus and amygdala.
Key Points:
- Diazepam treatment significantly reduced avoidance behaviors during extinction training.
- Reduced avoidance persisted even after drug withdrawal.
- Diazepam increased neural activity in the dorsal CA3 hippocampus and amygdala regions.
Conclusions:
- Anxiolytics, like diazepam, facilitate active avoidance extinction.
- These effects are associated with altered activity in the dorsal CA3 hippocampus and amygdala.
- Findings suggest potential therapeutic targets for anxiety and PTSD.
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