Convergent data from rodents and human studies have led to the development of models describing the neural\r\nmechanisms of fear extinction. Key components of the now well-characterized fear extinction network include the\r\namygdala, hippocampus, and medial prefrontal cortical regions. These models are fueling novel hypotheses that\r\nare currently being tested with much refined experimental tools to examine the interactions within this network.\r\nLagging far behind, however, is the examination of sex differences in this network and how sex hormones\r\ninfluence the functional activity and reactivity of these brain regions in the context of fear inhibition. Indeed, there\r\nis a large body of literature suggesting that sex hormones, such as estrogen, do modulate neural plasticity within\r\nthe fear extinction network, especially in the hippocampus.\r\nAfter a brief overview of the fear extinction network, we summarize what is currently known about sex differences\r\nin fear extinction and the influence of gonadal hormones on the fear extinction network. We then go on to\r\npropose possible mechanisms by which sex hormones, such as estrogen, may influence neural plasticity within the\r\nfear extinction network. We end with a discussion of how knowledge to be gained from developing this line of\r\nresearch may have significant ramifications towards the etiology, epidemiology and treatment of anxiety disordes.
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