Pslawinski [creativecommons license] via Wikimedia CommonsReconsolidation occurs when memories are recalled and re-encoded in the brain; during this process, the memories become temporarily susceptible to modification. Therefore, the reconsolidation process may provide a therapeutic window for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other emotional memory disorders. Xenon gas can inhibit receptors that are involved in fear memory reconsolidation. Edward Meloni and colleagues (Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA) merged these two concepts into a study assessing the effects of xenon administration during the reconsolidation window.
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