D 2 -like receptor activation by intranasal dopamine attenuates fear responses induced by electrical stimulation of the dorsal periaqueductal grey matter, but fails to reduce aversion to pit vipers and T-maze performance.

The IN-DA effects in reducing unconditioned fear responses elicited by ES-dPAG seem to be mediated by D-like receptors. The lack of effects on panic-related responses in the ETM and PSP may be related to the possibility of avoiding the danger inherent to these models, a defence strategy not available during ES-dPAG. These findings cannot be attributed to motor performance. The decision-making responses to avoid dangerous situations can be orchestrated by supra-mesencephalic structures connected by non-dopaminergic inputs.