Evaluation of an angiotensin Type 1 receptor blocker on the reconsolidation of fear memory

Inhibition of the angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT(1)R) has been shown to decrease fear responses in both humans and rodents. These effects are attributed to modulation of extinction learning, however the contribution of AT(1)R to alternative memory processes remains unclear. Using classic Pavlovian conditioning combined with radiotelemetry and whole-genome RNA sequencing, we evaluated the effects of the AT(1)R antagonist losartan on fear memory reconsolidation. Following the retrieval of conditioned auditory fear memory, animals were given a single intraperitoneal injection of losartan or saline. In response to the conditioned stimulus (CS), losartan-treated animals exhibited significantly less freezing at 24 h and 1 week; an effect that was dependent upon memory reactivation and independent of conditioned cardiovascular reactivity. Using an unbiased whole-genome RNA sequencing approach, transcriptomic analysis of the basolateral amygdala (BLA) identified losartan-dependent differences in gene expression during the reconsolidation phase. These findings demonstrate that post-retrieval losartan modifies behavioral and transcriptomic markers of conditioned fear memory, supporting an important regulatory role for this receptor in reconsolidation and as a potential pharmacotherapeutic target for maladaptive fear disorders such as PTSD.