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