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A specialized group of neurons in the brain’s lateral hypothalamus expressing leptin receptors actively reduces anxiety to promote exploration and feeding in exposed areas, according to a new study. The research reveals how these cells counteract prefrontal anxiety signals, enabling animals to adapt behavior in stressful environments. These findings may provide insights into anxiety and restrictive eating disorders.

Neural Circuitry That Counters Anxiety Identified

Scientists have discovered a specific population of neurons in the lateral hypothalamus that counteracts anxiety to enable exploration of exposed areas and feeding in threatening environments, according to research published in Nature Neuroscience. These leptin receptor-expressing (LepR) neurons show increased activity when animals venture into anxiety-provoking spaces, and their artificial activation reduces anxiety-related behaviors while enabling adaptive responses.