Amygdala circuitry mediating reversible and bidirectional control of anxiety

Kay M. Tye, Rohit Prakash, Sung-Yon Kim, Lief E. Fenno, Logan Grosenick, Hosniya Zarabi, Kimberly R. Thompson, Viviana Gradinaru, Charu Ramakrishnan and Karl Deisseroth ()
Additional contact information
Kay M. Tye: Stanford University
Rohit Prakash: Stanford University
Sung-Yon Kim: Stanford University
Lief E. Fenno: Stanford University
Logan Grosenick: Stanford University
Hosniya Zarabi: Stanford University
Kimberly R. Thompson: Stanford University
Viviana Gradinaru: Stanford University
Charu Ramakrishnan: Stanford University
Karl Deisseroth: Stanford University

Nature, 2011, vol. 471, issue 7338, 358-362

Abstract: Neuronal circuitry of anxiety The amygdala, a brain region important for learning fearful memories, is thought to have a role in generalized anxiety, but the subregions and connections involved in this response are unknown. Now, using optogenetic stimulation of basolateral amygdala terminals in the central nucleus of the amygdala of rats, a specific circuit for natural bidirectional anxiety control has been identified. Stimulating these neurons has a calming effect, whereas blocking the same projection increases anxiety-related behaviours. These findings are consistent with a role for the central nucleus of the amygdala in anxiety, although there may be other circuits working in parallel or downstream of the amygdala.

Date: 2011
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DOI: 10.1038/nature09820

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