Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) in the central nucleus of the amygdala induces anxiety via melanocortin receptors.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders in the USA. Characterized by feelings of uncontrollable apprehension, they are accompanied by physical, affective, and behavioral symptoms. The neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and its receptor PAC1 (PAC1R) are highly expressed in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), and they have gained growing attention for their proposed role in mediating the body's response to stress.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anxiogenic effects of PACAP in the CeA and its effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Furthermore, the mechanism of action of PACAP in the CeA was investigated.

Methods

PACAP was microinfused into the CeA of rats, and its

SUBMITTER: Iemolo A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4982769 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature