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.

Mygalin, an Acanthoscurria gomesiana spider-derived synthetic, modulates haloperidol-induced cataleptic state in mice.

Background: Haloperidol (HAL) is an antipsychotic used in the treatment of schizophrenia. However, adverse effects are observed in the extrapyramidal tracts due to its systemic action. Natural compounds are among the treatment alternatives widely available in Brazilian biodiversity.