A neural circuit for competing approach and defense underlying prey capture

Significance Predatory hunting involves measured risk taking by the predator to anticipate dangerous defensive behavior from prey. This a mechanism where motivation hunt can overcome behaviors toward prey unlock attack. Here, we found that activation of subset GABAergic neurons in lateral hypothalamus (LHA) promotes but not feeding behavior. Stimulation projections these periaqueductal gray (PAG), an area known trigger behaviors, decreased avoidance Single neuron recording during exposure revealed two distinct PAG neuronal populations encoding assessment and flight. We conclude male mice, LHA are involved blocking encoded fear