Scientists are studying panic attacks to understand how they happen in the brain.
They found a brain circuit that is tied to panic disorder.
Panic attacks can lead to intense fear, sweating, shortness of breath, and a fast heartbeat.
How it works
The newly found brain circuit is made up of special neurons that use a small protein called PACAP to send messages in the brain.
At first, the scientists focused on the amygdala, which is known as the fear center of the brain.
However, they found that panic attacks can still happen even if the amygdala is damaged.
They found a different brain circuit outside the amygdala that is connected to panic attacks.
This finding opens up the possibility of developing new methods that work differently from the current meds that target the brain's serotonin system.
The specialists researched a specific part of the brain called the lateral parabrachial nucleus located in the brainstem.
This area is responsible for controlling breathing, heart rate, and even body temperature.
The scientists used mice that experience panic attacks and observed the activity of the neurons that produce PACAP.
During a panic attack, these neurons become active and release PACAP messengers to another part of the brain called the dorsal raphe, where these receptors are located.
This activation of the PACAP system leads to symptoms related to panic in the lab mice.
More research needed
The specialists want to study PACAP-expressing neurons and neuropeptides as possible targets for treating panic disorder.
They also want to improve their understanding of panic disorder in the brain by mapping out where the neurons that produce PACAP receptors send their signals.
The goal is to learn how these neurons interact with other areas of the brain related to anxiety.
They want to understand why individuals with anxiety disorders are more likely to have panic attacks.
Previously, we talked about the dangers or RSVs.
