Relationship Between Oxytocin and Fear Memory in the Brain Discovered
A scientific study conducted in Japan has proven that the hormone oxytocin plays a vital role in leaving fear behind in the brain and perceiving that danger has passed.
A new neuroscience study conducted in Japan has revealed that the hormone oxytocin, known for trust and social bonds, plays a critical role in the mechanism of leaving fear behind in the paraventricular thalamus region of the brain.
The Relationship Between Paraventricular Thalamus and Oxytocin
A new neuroscience study conducted in Japan obtained significant findings by examining the paraventricular thalamus region, which coordinates stress and emotional responses.
Experiments Conducted on Mice
In experiments conducted on mice modified through genetic engineering methods, it was determined that a specific group of neurons carrying oxytocin receptors in this region undertakes critical functions.
It was found that these neurons directly control both social interaction and the fear extinction mechanism.
Fear Conditioning and Freezing Response
During the experiments, even though the environment where mild electric shocks were administered was made safe, it was observed that mice with suppressed neurons had difficulty learning that the danger had ended.
It was recorded that these mice continued to exhibit a fear-freezing response by remaining immobile for a long time, and that stimulating oxytocin-sensitive neurons alleviated the fear response.
Future Neuropsychiatric Treatments
Experts stated that mapping this neuronal junction in the thalamus will pave the way for developing new treatments for patients suffering from disorders such as autism and anxiety.