Neurohypophysial peptides: gatekeepers in the amygdala.

A recent paper by Huber, Veinante and Stoop reports electrophysiological studies in slices of the amygdala in which the authors are able to demonstrate a cellular and spatial dissociation between the sites of action of oxytocin and vasopressin. These studies are important for determining how these brain peptides might gate autonomic responses to fear and other emotional stimuli.