Systemic administrations of β-estradiol alleviate both conditioned and sensitized fear responses in an ovariectomized rat model of post-traumatic stress disorder

► SPS increased conditioned and sensitized fear responses in ovariectomized rats. ► Multiple injections of β-estradiol could alleviate fear responses induced by SPS. ► β-estradiol following a traumatic event, reduces expression of PTSD symptoms. ► β-estradiol may be useful in treatment of clinical fear and PTSD in humans.