Extinction-reconsolidation boundaries: key to persistent attenuation of fear memories

Extinction-reconsolidation boundaries: key to persistent attenuation of fear memories

2009 May 15; 324(5929): 951–955. doi:10.1126/science.1167975. | Marie-H. Monfils*,1,2, Kiriana K. Cowansage1, Eric Klann1, and Joseph E. LeDoux1,3,4,5
The study explores a novel behavioral approach to persistently reduce learned fear in rats by presenting an isolated retrieval trial before an extinction session. This method destabilizes and reinterprets the fear memory as safe, leading to a permanent attenuation of the fear response without the need for drugs. The researchers found that this procedure effectively prevents the return of fear through spontaneous recovery, renewal, and reinstatement tests. Molecularly, the isolated retrieval trial increases the phosphorylation of GluR1 receptors at the PKA site, which is crucial for memory destabilization and re-interpretation. The study also demonstrates that this treatment leads to a more resilient decrease in fear and retards subsequent fear re-acquisition, suggesting that the initial valence of the fear-inducing stimulus is no longer present. These findings have implications for the development of non-pharmacological treatments for fear-related disorders.The study explores a novel behavioral approach to persistently reduce learned fear in rats by presenting an isolated retrieval trial before an extinction session. This method destabilizes and reinterprets the fear memory as safe, leading to a permanent attenuation of the fear response without the need for drugs. The researchers found that this procedure effectively prevents the return of fear through spontaneous recovery, renewal, and reinstatement tests. Molecularly, the isolated retrieval trial increases the phosphorylation of GluR1 receptors at the PKA site, which is crucial for memory destabilization and re-interpretation. The study also demonstrates that this treatment leads to a more resilient decrease in fear and retards subsequent fear re-acquisition, suggesting that the initial valence of the fear-inducing stimulus is no longer present. These findings have implications for the development of non-pharmacological treatments for fear-related disorders.
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