Source Paper
No effect of partial reinforcement on fear extinction learning and memory in C57BL/6J mice
Su CJ, Fukunaga Y, Penna S, Cazares VA
Learn Mem • 2025
Fear Extinction
Objective: To assess fear extinction learning and memory by measuring freezing behavior in mice exposed to conditioned stimuli without reinforcement
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Protocol Steps
Fear conditioning training
Mice receive delayed fear conditioning with tones (50 db, 4.0 kHz) as conditioned stimuli immediately preceding footshocks (0.75 or 0.3 mA) as unconditioned stimuli. Training occurs in context A with metal rod floor, vinegar scent, and lights on.
View evidence from paper
“All experiments consisted of one or 2 days of delayed FC, during which 10 or 25 sec tones (50 db, 4.0 kHz), serving as conditioned stimuli (CS), immediately preceded 0.75 or 0.3 mA footshocks”
Fear extinction training
Mice receive unreinforced exposures to the conditioned stimulus in context B (semicircular white acrylic walls, ethanol scent, lights off).
View evidence from paper
“Following FC, mice received between one and three consecutive days of FE training, each day of which consisted of 12 unreinforced exposures to the CS”
Recent extinction memory test
Mice are exposed to four conditioned stimuli in context B to assess recent extinction memory.
View evidence from paper
“To assess the strength of recent and remote FE memory, mice were exposed to four CS at 2 and 30 days after extinction training”
Remote extinction memory test
Mice are exposed to four conditioned stimuli in context B to assess remote extinction memory.
View evidence from paper
“To assess the strength of recent and remote FE memory, mice were exposed to four CS at 2 and 30 days after extinction training”