Nitric oxide synthesis in the basolateral complex of the amygdala is required for the consolidation and expression of fear potentiated startle but not shock sensitization of the acoustic startle

► Nitric oxide acts as a second messenger of NMDA activation. ► We inhibit its synthesis specifically within the basolateral complex of the amygdala. ► Visual cue conditioning is used to examine its role in fear memory. ► Nitric oxide is required for consolidation and expression of fear potentiated startle. ► It is not required for the shock sensitization of the acoustic startle effect.