Facilitation of social fear extinction in adolescent male mice

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) presents a significant challenge in mental health, often stemming from traumatic social experiences and manifesting as profound fear and avoidance in social contexts. As one of the most prevalent neuropsychological disorders across adolescence and adulthood, its clinical importance is undeniable. However, the absence of a robust animal model has hindered comprehensive research efforts. In response, we developed a Social Fear Conditioning (SFC) mice model, mirroring the process of exposure therapy used in clinical settings.To elucidate age-dependent behavioral patterns of the extinction of social fear, we subjected mice to a battery of tests following SFC, including open field, elevated plus maze, forced swimming, Y-maze, novel object recognition, novel object placement, three-chamber social interaction, and preference-avoidance tests. Furthermore, we investigated social conditioned place preference in SFC and extinction (Ext) groups to explore variations in social behavior.Our findings reveal heightened general anxiety in adult SFC mice compared to controls (Con). Notably, SFC/Ext mice displayed enhanced extinction capabilities in adolescence, alongside elevated sociality levels compared to Con mice. This research offers valuable insights into SAD pathophysiology and underscores the potential of extinction-based therapies in managing this debilitating disorder.