Nitric oxide-signalling affects panic-like defensive behaviour and defensive antinociception neuromodulation in the prelimbic cerebral cortex.

Rationale: The prelimbic division (PrL) of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is a key structure in panic.

Objectives: To evaluate the role of nitric oxide (NO) in defensive behaviour and antinociception.

Methods: Either Nω-propyl-L-arginine (NPLA) or Carboxy-PTIO was microinjected in the PrL cortex, followed by hypothalamic treatment with bicuculline.