Disruption of Reconsolidation Erases a Fear Memory Trace in the Human Amygdala

Abstract

Removing Fear Memories Disruption of reconsolidation of an activated fear memory prevents subsequent fear expression. After a memory reminder, extinction training can disrupt fear memory. In rodents, this process is dependent on a brain area called the amygdala. Agren et al. (p. 1550 ) used functional magnetic resonance imaging and a fear conditioning paradigm to show in humans that, after an associative fear memory was formed, reactivation and reconsolidation left a signature in the basolateral amygdala. This memory trace predicted later fear expression, which was linked to activity in areas forming the fear circuit of the brain. Extinction alone did not change this signal. However, extinction in the reconsolidation window blocked fear expression by erasing the fear memory trace in the amygdala and weakened the connection in the wider fear circuit of the brain.