Evolution of behavioral neuroscience during the last 50 years. Focus on the defense system and neurotransmission.

Abstract

The evolution of Behavioral Neuroscience along the last 50 years is presented on the basis of the research work carried out by the author and his coworkers. The main line of investigation reported deals with the role of serotonin in the regulation of defense reactions that are related to the emotions anxiety, fear and panic, as well as to the respective pathologies: generalized anxiety disorder, phobias and panic disorder. The key brain structures for anxiety – amygdala, hippocampus and insula – are localized in the forebrain, whereas those related to fear and panic – hypothalamus and periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) – are placed in the diencephalon and brain stem. The role of the defense reactions to proximal danger – immobility, flight and fight – that are related to panic attacks are highlighted. The results obtained in animal models of anxiety and panic, as well as in humans, including experimental anxiety tests and morphometric and functional neuroimaging are reported, and their implications for the knowledge of the pathophysiology of panic disorder and its pharmacological treatment are discussed.