Topic: central amygdala

Oxytocin orchestrates social and emotional behaviors through modulation of neural circuits in brain structures such as the central amygdala (CeA). In this structure, the release of oxytocin modulates inhibitory circuits and subsequently suppresses fear responses and decreases anxiety levels. Using astrocyte-specific gain and loss of function approaches and pharmacology, we demonstrate that oxytocin signaling in the central amygdala relies on a subpopulation of astrocytes that represent a prerequisite for proper function of CeA circuits and adequate behavioral responses, both in rats and mice.