LeDoux Lab 2008 SfN Abstracts
 
Program#/Poster#: 591.17/UU4
Title: Behavioral blockade of reconsolidation prevents return of fear
Location: Washington Convention Center: Hall A-C
Presentation Time: Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008, 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Authors: *M. H. MONFILS, K. K. COWANSAGE, E. KLANN, J. E. LEDOUX;
Ctr. Neural Sci., New York Univ., New York, NY
Abstract: Many common psychiatric conditions involve problems related to fear (e.g., phobias, panic, and post-traumatic stress disorder). Our understanding of fear processing comes largely from studies of Pavlovian conditioning, a behavioral paradigm in which an initially neutral stimulus (conditioned stimulus, CS; e.g., a tone) acquires the ability to elicit a conditioned response (CR; e.g., freezing) after its pairing with an unconditioned stimulus (US; e.g., a shock). When new information is acquired, the memory is initially unstable, but then consolidates into long-term storage through protein synthesis. Previously consolidated memories actually revert to a mutable state when subsequently retrieved, and that a second cycle of protein synthesis is then required to restore the stable condition of memories: a process termed reconsolidation. Pharmacologically interfering with mechanisms triggered during fear retrieval enables the targeted modification of memories in the lateral nucleus of the amygdala (LA). Here we describe, in rats, a novel protocol in which we modified consolidated fear memories using behavioral training. We show that a single isolated retrieval trial given prior to a session in which the CS was repeatedly presented (extinction) progressively attenuates freezing, blocks reconsolidation, and prevents return of fear as evidenced by a lack of reinstatement, renewal, or spontaneous recovery. This work may provide a new approach for treating traumatic memory without the use of drugs.
Support: AHFMR, CIHR, and NSERC
P50 MH058911
K05 MH067048
R37 MH038774
R01 MH046516