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A role for PACAPergic lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBn) afferents in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) in anxiety-like responding
Higgins, Mallie
Higgins, Mallie
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Abstract
Understanding the underlying neural circuits important for anxiety behaviors is crucial
for potential therapeutics and awareness of risk factors. The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis
(BNST) has long been researched as a critical region for anxiety-like responding. And pituitary
adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) within the BNST has been shown crucial for
mediating anxiety-like responses, both chronic and acute, in mice. A major source of PACAP in
the BNST comes from the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBn), which is a brain region
previously researched for its role as a general alarm response center. Here, we demonstrate that
activation of LPBn → BNST PACAP afferents results in increased anxiety-like behaviors.
However, antagonism of PAC1 receptors in the BNST prior to circuit activation resulted in
decreased anxiety-like behaviors, producing an anxiolytic effect. Together, these findings
highlight the PACAP dependent LPBn → BNST circuit in mediating stress and anxiety-like
behaviors.
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2026-04-13
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Psychological Science