Intercalated cells of the amygdala

The intercalated (ITC) cells of the amygdala are a group of GABAergic neurons situated between the basolateral and central nuclei of the amygdala that are important for inhibitory control over the amygdala.[1]

Function

ITC cells are thought to play a role as the 'off switch' for the amygdala, inhibiting the amygdala's central nucleus output neurons and its basolateral nucleus neurons.[1] Some researchers speculate that ITC cells, via their extensive local inhibition within the amygdala, could serve as a substrate for expression and storage of extinction memory.[1]

Connectivity

ITC cells receive strong projections from the infralimbic cortex (IL mPFC) in both primates and rodents,[1] which may explain cortical control over emotional regulation processes such as extinction.

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Quirk, G. J.; Mueller, D (2008). "Neural mechanisms of extinction learning and retrieval". Neuropsychopharmacology 33 (1): 56–72. doi:10.1038/sj.npp.1301555. PMC 2668714. PMID 17882236.