Lidocaine in ACC decreased the proaversive effect and antinociception evoked by bicuculline in PH. NBQX in PH attenuated anxiety- and panic-like defensive reaction and antinociception. LY235959 in PH attenuated panic-like defensive reactions and antinociception. ACC modulates defensive behaviour and antinociception organised by PH neurons. Glutamatergic efferent pathways from the ACC to the PH modulate fear-induced defensive responses.