Role of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus in anxiety disorders

The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) expresses multiple neuropeptides and plays an essential role in several physiological processes. Among the brain areas directly projecting to PVN are deep structures closely related instinctive behavior. Moreover, neurons can project abundant axons downstream regions key components of stress response. Accordingly, malfunction is implicated stress-related psychiatric diseases. When facing stressors, releases into pituitary, activating hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical axis regulate blood pressure, energy metabolism, electrolyte balance. This review summarizes functions PVN-related neural circuits neuropeptides, as well their anxiety, which may provide insights mechanism disorders assisting development new treatments.