a, Confocal images show robust expression of c-Fos (red) in the PVTNAc projection neurons (green) after footshock (upper panel) and LiCl injection (lower panel). Left: scale bar, 100 μm; Right: magnified image shows the boxed area. Scale bar, 50 μm. b, Quantification of CTB (left) and c-fos (middle) positive cells per mm2 and percentage of PVTNAc projection neurons (right) expressing c-Fos induced by footshock (white bar, n = 4) or LiCl injection (gray bar, n = 4). c, Light stimulation suppressed the expression of footshock-induced CPA in ArchT- (n = 8) but not eGFP- (n = 8) expressing mice. d, Local infusion of CNO reduced the expression of LiCl-induced CPA in hM4Di- (n = 8) but not eGFP- (n = 8) expressing mice. Mann–Whitney U-test, *p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01. Mean ± s.e.m.