Mechanisms of reconsolidation and extinction of fear memory

Reconsolidation and extinction of fear memories are induced by re-exposure to the conditioned stimulus (CS) but they appear to be opposite processes; as the fear memory is maintained or inhibited through reconsolidation and extinction, respectively. More importantly, reconsolidation and extinction are thought to be potential targets for the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). From this view, it is important to understand mechanisms by which reactivated fear memories are reconsolidated or extinguished. Here, we review processes for fear memory regulation including consolidation, reconsolidation and extinction, and discuss implications of fear memory regulation with PTSD.