Vasopressin and oxytocin excite BNST neurons via oxytocin receptors, which reduce anxious arousal.

ABSTRACT: 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 the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST), which expresses OT receptors (OTRs) and vasopressin receptors, and governs fear responses. However, understanding the integrated role of AVP and OT is complicated by their cross-reactivity and their mutual receptor promiscuity. Here, we provide evidence that the effects of neurohypophysial hormones on BNST excitability are driven by cell-type-specific receptor selectivity and input specificity. We show that OTR-expressing BN

SUBMITTER: Francesconi W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12294564 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature