Closed-loop brain stimulation augments fear extinction in male rats

Dysregulated fear reactions can result from maladaptive processing of trauma-related memories. In post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychiatric disorders, dysfunctional extinction learning prevents discretization of trauma-related memory engrams and generalizes fear responses. Although PTSD may be viewed as a memory-based disorder, no approved treatments target pathological fear memory processing. Hippocampal sharp wave-ripples (SWRs) and concurrent neocortical oscillations are scaffolds to consolidate contextual memory, but their role during fear processing remains poorly understood. Here, we show that closed-loop, SWR triggered neuromodulation of the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) can enhance fear extinction consolidation in male rats. The modified fear memories became resistant to induced recall (i.e., 'renewal' and 'reinstatement') and did not reemerge spontaneously. These effects were mediated by D2 receptor signaling-induced synaptic remodeling in the basolateral amygdala. Our results demonstrate that SWR-triggered closed-loop stimulation of the MFB reward system enhances extinction of fearful memories and reducing fear expression across different contexts and preventing excessive and persistent fear responses. These findings highlight the potential of neuromodulation to augment extinction learning and provide a new avenue to develop treatments for anxiety disorders. Whether fear memories can be attenuated through on demand electrical stimulation remains unclear. Here, the authors demonstrate that fear extinction can be augmented through closed-loop stimulation of the reward system, guided by hippocampal SWRs.

Automated summary

Dysregulated fear reactions can be caused by maladaptive processing of trauma-related memories. By manipulating hippocampal SWRs and cortical oscillations, fear extinction can be enhanced in male rats. The modified fear memories become resistant to recall and do not spontaneously reemerge. This effect is mediated by D2 receptor signaling-induced synaptic remodeling in the basolateral amygdala. These findings demonstrate the potential of neuromodulation in augmenting extinction learning and provide a new avenue for anxiety disorder treatments.