Panic Disorder: Brain Pathway Discovery
Scientists have identified a specific brain circuit linked to panic disorder, offering a fresh perspective on potential treatments. This groundbreaking research, conducted by Salk Institute scientists, centers on a neuropeptide called PACAP and its role in triggering panic attacks. The finding highlights a specific pathway, moving beyond the amygdala, the brain’s customary fear center, toward the lateral parabrachial nucleus (PBL). By inhibiting PACAP signaling,researchers reduced panic symptoms in mice,indicating promising therapeutic avenues. The study, published in “Nature Neuroscience,” suggests that targeting PACAP and its receptors could lead to more effective, tailored treatments. Uncover new findings at News Directory 3. The team plans further investigations into this panic pathway. Discover what’s next in the treatment of panic disorder.
Brain Circuit Linked to panic Disorder Identified
Updated June 16, 2025
LA JOLLA, Calif. — Scientists at the Salk Institute have identified a specific brain circuit that appears to mediate panic disorder. The discovery, focused on specialized neurons communicating via a neuropeptide called PACAP, could pave the way for more effective treatments for this often debilitating condition.
Panic attacks, characterized by symptoms such as rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, and overwhelming fear, affect millions. Current medications frequently enough target the brain’s serotonin system, but researchers are seeking more specific approaches.The Salk team’s findings,published in Nature Neuroscience,highlight PACAP and its receptors as potential drug targets for new panic disorder treatments.
Sung Han, associate professor at Salk and senior author of the study, said the research explored brain areas beyond the amygdala, the brain’s known fear center. han said even individuals with amygdala damage can still experience panic attacks, prompting the search for other areas. The lateral parabrachial nucleus (PBL) in the brainstem, known as the brain’s alarm center, emerged as a key area of interest.
The PBL controls vital functions like breathing and heart rate. Researchers found that it produces PACAP (pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide), a master regulator of stress responses. Using a mouse model of panic attacks, the team confirmed a direct link between PACAP-expressing neurons and panic disorder.
Sukjae Kang, senior research associate in Han’s lab and co-frist author, said mimicking panic attacks in mice allowed them to observe the activity of these neurons. During a panic attack,PACAP-expressing neurons activate and release PACAP neuropeptides to the dorsal raphe,where neurons with PACAP receptors reside. This activation triggers panic-associated symptoms.
Han emphasized the importance of mapping the panic disorder brain to develop tailored therapeutics. He noted key differences between panic and anxiety,such as the physical symptoms induced by panic attacks and their often spontaneous nature,unlike the memory-based triggers of disorders like PTSD.
Han, who also holds the Pioneer Fund Developmental Chair at Salk, said that during anxiety conditions and traumatic memory events, the activity of PACAP-producing neurons in the brain’s parabrachial nucleus is inhibited. He added that becuase anxiety seems to be operating conversely to the panic brain circuit, it would be interesting to look at the interaction between anxiety and panic.
What’s next
The research team plans to further investigate PACAP-expressing neurons and neuropeptides as therapeutic targets. They also aim to map where PACAP receptor-producing neurons in the dorsal raphe send signals and how other anxiety-related brain areas interact with the PACAP panic system to better understand panic disorder and develop better treatments.