Activation of 5-HT1A receptors in the rat basolateral amygdala induces both anxiolytic and antipanic-like effects.

The relevance of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2C receptors of the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) in the mediation of anxiety-related defensive responses has long been acknowledged. Whereas strong evidence supports that activation of the latter receptors provokes anxiety, conflicting findings have been reported on the role played by the former binding site. In this study we further investigated the involvement of 5-HT1A receptors (5-HT1A-Rs) in the regulation of anxiety- and panic-related defensive behaviors.

Effects of medial amygdala inactivation on a panic-related behavior.

In the last years, the role played by the medial nucleus of the amygdala (MeA) in the modulation of fear- and anxiety-related behaviors has been increasingly investigated. This nucleus plays an important role in the processing of predator odor-induced defensive reactions, i.e.