Like sisters but not twins - vasopressin and oxytocin excite BNST neurons via cell type-specific expression of oxytocin receptor to reduce anxious arousal.

Interoceptive signals dynamically interact with the environment to shape appropriate defensive behaviors. Hypothalamic hormones arginine-vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) regulate physiological states, including water and electrolyte balance, circadian rhythmicity, and defensive behaviors. Both AVP and OT neurons project to dorsolateral bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST), which expresses oxytocin receptors (OTR) and vasopressin receptors and mediates fear responses.