Angiotensin receptor blockade modulates resting state functional connectivity in the memory network rather than fear network – implications for posttraumatic stress disorder

Shkreli, L; Nettekoven, C; Boessenkool, S; Martens, M; Filippini, N; Capitão, L; Cowen, P; Reinecke, A

Neuroscience & Neuroimaging Research Collection

Journal article

Angiotensin receptor blockade modulates resting state functional connectivity in the memory network rather than fear network – implications for posttraumatic stress disorder

Abstract:: Population-based studies have shown that the intake of Angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARBs), commonly used to treat high blood pressure, is associated with reduced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. However, the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. While PTSD development is characterized by maladaptive processing within brain networks associated with fear processing and memory formation during trauma exposure, there is increasing evidence that such aberrations manifest in altered resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) of brain regions in these networks.

In this double-blind placebo-controlled study in 45 healthy volunteers with high trait-anxiety, we investigated whether the ARB losartan would affect rsFC in prominent seeds of the fear and memory network, counteracting effects seen in PTSD.

Seed selection was informed by established rsFC aberrations seen in PTSD and consisted of the hippocampus and the parahippocampal gyrus (memory network), as well the amygdala and insula (fear network).

Our results showed that a single dose of the ARB losartan decreased rsFC in the memory network from modulatory structures in the frontal cortex: losartan decreased rsFC (i) between the hippocampus and the inferior frontal gyrus involved in threat processing and memory intrusion development, and (ii) between the parahippocampal gyrus and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex involved in top-down control. There were no drug effects on the fear network seeds. These findings may imply that ARB preserves adaptive memory function during trauma.

Publication status:: Published

Peer review status:: Peer reviewed

Actions

Email

Email this record

Send the bibliographic details of this record to your email address.

Your Email
Please enter the email address that the record information will be sent to.

-
Your message (optional)
Please add any additional information to be included within the email.
Share
Cite

Cite this record

APA Style

Shkreli, L., Nettekoven, C., Boessenkool, S., Martens, M., Filippini, N., Capitão, L., Cowen, P., & Reinecke, A. (2025). Angiotensin receptor blockade modulates resting state functional connectivity in the memory network rather than fear network – implications for posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychiatry Research, 348.

MLA Style

Shkreli, L, et al. “Angiotensin Receptor Blockade Modulates Resting State Functional Connectivity in the Memory Network Rather than Fear Network – Implications for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.” Psychiatry Research, vol. 348, 2025.

Chicago Style

Shkreli, L, C Nettekoven, S Boessenkool, et al. 2025. “Angiotensin Receptor Blockade Modulates Resting State Functional Connectivity in the Memory Network Rather than Fear Network – Implications for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.” Psychiatry Research 348.
Print