Evaluation of Defensive Responses Associated with Panic in Female Rats: Serotonergic Activation Profile in the Dorsal Raphe Nucleus and Periaqueductal Gray

This study investigated the effects of sex, estrous cycle, and administration of fluoxetine (FLX) and finasteride on panic-associated escape behavior in female rats exposed to hypoxia. Results showed that females exhibited more escape behavior than males, particularly during the diestrus phase. Low-dose FLX (1.75 mg/kg) reduced escape behavior in diestrus rats, while finasteride increased it in proestrus rats. The study suggests that allopregnanolone (ALLO) plays a role in regulating escape behavior, with potential therapeutic implications for panic disorder (PD) management in women. The findings highlight the importance of considering sex and hormonal cycles in PD treatment.