Research progress on the effects of 17β-estradiol on fear memory extinction in post-traumatic stress disorder

VernacularTitle:17β-雌二醇对创伤后应激障碍恐惧记忆消退作用的研究进展
Author: Xinyi ZHANG ¹ ; Han WANG ; Jiahao TANG ; Congxun FENG ; Lin SUN
Author Information

1. 山东第二医科大学心理学院，潍坊　261053
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Stress disorders, post-traumatic; Fear memory extinction; 17β-estradiol; Hippocampus
From: Chinese Journal of Psychiatry 2024;57(11):772-777
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Impairment in Fear Memory Fading is a major pathological mechanism of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Fear memory extinction refers to repeatedly presenting of a conditioned stimulus without the unconditioned (fear) stimulus, therefore eliminating the individual′s previously conditioned fear response. As a neuroprotective factor, 17β-estradiol is critical in regulating learning memory functions in hippocampal-mediated learning and memory functions. It influences the activity of neural circuits related to extinction learning, including the ventral medial prefrontal, amygdala, and hippocampus, thereby modulating the effectiveness of fear extinction learning. This paper aims to systematically explore the source characteristics, and key effects of 17β-estradiol in the extinction of fear memory in PTSD, providing a scientific basis for studying pathogenesis of PTSD and identifying new targets for prevention or intervention.