Researchers facilitated the extinction of long-term traumatic memories in mice by enhancing activity in the nucleus reuniens.
The nucleus reuniens is responsible for coordinating synchronous slow waves between the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus during sleep. The findings suggest the nucleus reuniens plays a critical role in sleep-dependant memory consolidation.
Researchers have identified two brain pathways that appear to be critical in determining how mice react to visual threats. The findings could have implications for treating PTSD and phobias in humans.
