Figure 9.

Activity in the avBST→ventrolateral PAG pathway is necessary for restraining passive coping responses. a, Diagram of experiment involving AAV microinjection into avBST and illumination of its terminal fields within ventrolateral PAG for inhibition of this pathway during shock probe defensive burying test. Immobility was elevated (b), burying was decreased (c), and ambulation was unchanged (d) for Halo group compared with YFP controls. During the initial 30 s bout of ambulation following shock, no group differences were observed for either velocity (e) or distance traveled (f) in rats receiving inhibition of the PL→avBST pathway. No differences were noted in approach latency (g), rearing (h), or grooming (i) behavior as a function of laser stimulation in either YFP or Halo groups. Data are shown as mean + SEM. *p < 0.05.