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June 14, 2026Science AdvancesOpen Access

Oxytocin attenuates fear learning via enhancing somatostatin interneuron–mediated local GABAergic inhibition in the prelimbic cortex

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Authors

HXHao XuYLYIBING LIXCXiao Cui

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Overview

Randomized trial demonstrates oxytocin reduces fear learning in high-risk occupations, suggesting a pathway for PTSD prevention.

Key Points

  • This research aims to explore how oxytocin affects fear learning by targeting specific interneuron pathways in the brain.
  • Investigated the effects of intranasal oxytocin on fear learning using animal models.
  • Activated oxytocin receptors in prelimbic cortex and measured impacts on fear conditioning.
  • Utilized techniques like local infusion and neuron ablation to study GABAergic transmission.
  • Oxytocin significantly reduces fear learning, with optimal effects observed through SST interneuron activation.
  • Ablation of oxytocin receptors in GABA neurons negates oxytocin's effects on fear attenuation.
  • Activation of SST interneurons enhances GABAergic transmission to pyramidal neurons, contributing to the observed fear reduction.

Cite This Study

Xu et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a2e4608b1cc60ccdea8adf2https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aef8400
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Also Consider

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

  1. 1Oxytocin remodels the brain-heart axis: intranasal treatment rescues PTSD-related deficits in persistent fear memory retention and cardiac autonomic dysfunction2026
  2. 2Oxytocin receptor neurons in the paraventricular thalamus as a nexus for social behaviour and fear2025
  3. 3The Role of Oxytocin-Driven Synaptic Plasticity in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder:Mechanisms, Therapeutic Potential, and Future Directions2026
  4. 4Oxytocin reduces subjective fear in naturalistic social contexts via enhancing top-down middle cingulate-amygdala regulation and brain-wide connectivity2024
  5. 5Oxytocin reduces subjective fear in naturalistic social contexts via enhancing top-down middle cingulate-amygdala regulation and brain-wide connectivity2024