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Kerry J. Ressler

2 papers in the library · 137 citations · publishing 2015-2023

Papers

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine facilitates fear extinction learning

Translational Psychiatry September 15, 2015 Matthew B. Young, Raül Andero, Kerry J. Ressler et al. 137 citations

MDMA (ecstasy) enhances the extinction of fear memories in mice through a mechanism dependent on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). When administered before extinction training, MDMA persistently improved long-term extinction of conditioned fear. The drug increased Fos expression in the amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex, while BDNF expression rose specifically in the amygdala after extinction training. Direct infusion of MDMA into the basolateral amygdala recapitulated the extinction enhancement, and blocking BDNF signaling abolished it. These findings suggest MDMA may be a useful adjunct to exposure-based therapies for PTSD and other anxiety disorders involving altered fear learning.

DOI: 10.1038/tp.2015.138 Full text MDMA Ecstasy Anxiety Extinction optical mineralogy +9

Enhancing Fear Extinction: Pharmacological Approaches

Fear Extinction January 1, 2023 Olga Y. Ponomareva, Robert J. Fenster, Kerry J. Ressler

Extinction—the process by which a learned conditioned association fades over time and with new learning—is central to fear-related disorders such as phobias, panic disorder, OCD, and PTSD, and underlies gold-standard therapies like prolonged exposure and cognitive processing therapy. Pharmacological modulators of extinction are promising treatment targets. This review covers emerging psychopharmacological agents that may facilitate extinction: D-cycloserine, scopolamine, losartan, ketamine, and MDMA. It also surveys recent advances in molecular pathways relevant to extinction and inhibitory learning, including cannabinoid, BDNF, HPA-axis signaling, and neurosteroid compounds.

DOI: 10.1007/7854_2023_443 Full text Ketamine MDMA Allopregnanolone Angiotensin +13