Effects of Phoenixin-14 on anxiolytic-like behavior in mice

•Centrally injected PNX-14 evoked anxiolytic-like responses in mice.•This anxiolytic effect of PNX-14 was antagonized by Cetrorelix, but not Atosiban.•PNX-14 injected in the AHA, but not amygdala, exerted anxiolytic effects.•PNX-14 increased the expression level of GnRH mRNA and plasma GnRH concentration.•Centrally injected PNX-14 and PNX-20 reduced the core temperature.