Viral vector induction of CREB expression in the periaqueductal gray induces a predator stress-like pattern of changes in pCREB expression, neuroplasticity, and anxiety in rodents.

Predator stress is lastingly anxiogenic. Phosphorylation of CREB to pCREB (phosphorylated cyclic AMP response element binding protein) is increased after predator stress in fear circuitry, including in the right lateral column of the PAG (periaqueductal gray). Predator stress also potentiates right but not left CeA-PAG (central amygdala-PAG) transmission up to 12 days after stress.