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A framework for integrated cardio-behavioral defensive states

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The defense response to threat involves complex behavioral and autonomic adjustments. We identified integrated, short-lasting microstates and long-lasting macrostates evoked by threat, consisting of patterned behavioral and cardiac responses, which are dynamically interrelated, dependent on environmental threat levels, and controlled by neurons in the midbrain periaqueductal gray region.

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Fig. 1: Interplay between defensive micro- and macrostates.

References

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This is a summary of: Signoret-Genest, J. et al. Integrated cardio-behavioral responses to threat define defensive states. Nat. Neurosci. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41593-022-01252-w (2023).

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A framework for integrated cardio-behavioral defensive states. Nat Neurosci 26, 373–374 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41593-023-01255-1

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