Fig. 3. Optogenetic reactivation of social neural ensembles reduces freezing in multiple tests.

a Behavioral timeline for optogenetic cohorts. b Visualization of fiber optic implanted in the midline of the IL-PFC (below) and magnified image of eYFP+ socially labeled cells in the IL-PFC (right). Scale bars left = 100 µm, right = 50 µm. c Optogenetic reactivation of the socially labeled cells in the IL-PFC caused a reduction in freezing upon re-exposure to an environment previously paired with a shock. d Optogenetic reactivation of socially labeled ensembles significantly reduced freezing in a novel context during light-on period. e Representative heat maps for locomotion during RTPP (top = control, bottom = experimental). Optogenetic stimulation of socially labeled cells in the IL-PFC was not aversive or rewarding. Total distance traveled in the light-on side divided by time spent in the light-on chamber f and the distance by time in the light-off chamber g was not significantly different between control and experimental mice. The percent distance traveled h and the duration i in the light-on chamber was not significantly different between control and experimental mice. n = 21–28 mice per group, details in supplementary statistics table. Error bars represent ± SEM. *p < 0.05; **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001. 4-OHT, 4-hydroxytamoxifen; CFC, contextual fear conditioning; RTPP, real-time place preference; blue, light ON.