Gαq protein signaling in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis regulate the lipopolysaccharide-induced despair-like behavior in mice.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is highly comorbid with anxiety disorders. It has been reported that the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is important for the induction of anxiety and MDD. Recently, the Gαq protein signaling within the BNST is involved in the induction of anxiety through Gαq protein signaling-mediated RNA-editing of GluR2 subunit, which produces the calcium (Ca)-impermeable α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor.