The Catecholaminergic Innervation Of The Rat Amygdala

Experimental evidence indicates that catecholamines are able to modulate information processing in the amygdaloid complex. The dense catecholaminergic innervation of the amygdala may thus exert significant influence upon its well-documented functions in emotion, attention, learning and memory. Dysfunctions of the systems have been suggested to be involved in the etiology of neuropsychiatric disorders including senile dementia, Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia. To further insight into neural mechanisms of the innervation, the present study provides a detailed documentation of ultrastructural and neurochemical characteristics of dopanminergic, noradrinergic and adrenergic afferent fibers and of their target structures in central, basal and intercalated amygdaloid nuclei. A high degree of heterogeneitiy is observed between the nuclei concerning the different catecholaminergic innervation patterns and the peptide content of individual catecholaminergic fibers, as well as concerning the neurotransmitter/-modulator and receptor expression of possible amygdaloid target neurons. The results are discussed with regard to previously documented properties of the nuclei.

The amygdala is a central component of the limbic system, which is known to play a critical role in emotional processing of learning and memory. Over these last 20 years, major advances in techniques for examining brain activity greatly helped the scientific community to determine the nature of the contribution of the amygdala to these fundamental aspects of cognition. Combined with new conceptual breakthroughs, research data obtained in animals and humans have also provided major insights into our understanding of the processes by which amygdala dysfunction contributes to various brain disorders, such as autism or Alzheimer's disease. Although the primary goal of this book is to inform experts and newcomers of some of the latest data in the field of brain structures involved in the mechanisms underlying emotional learning and memory, we hope it will also help stimulate discussion on the functional role of the amygdala and connected brain structures in these mechanisms.

The previous editions of The Rat Nervous System were indispensable guides for those working on the rat and mouse as experimental models. The fourth edition enhances this tradition, providing the latest information in the very active field of research on the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system. The structure, connections, and function are explained in exquisite detail, making this an essential book for any graduate student or scientist working on the rat or mouse nervous system. Completely revised and updated content throughout, with entirely new chapters added Beautifully illustrated so that even difficult concepts are rendered comprehensible Provides a fundamental analysis of the anatomy of all areas of the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as an introduction to their functions Appeals to researchers working on other species, including humans

Handbook of Amygdala Structure and Function, Volume 26, provides an updated overview on the functional neuroanatomy of amygdala nuclei, with an emphasis on interconnections (basolateral, central amygdala, medial amygdala) and their integration into related networks/circuits (prefrontal cortex, bed nucleus, nucleus accumbens). The design of this volume builds upon the foundations of functional neural circuits and the corresponding (cellular) electrophysiology important for the homeostatic control of amygdala function. This volume contains a dedicated section on the anatomical organization of the amygdala nuclei, emphasizing the role of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides that integrate signals and regulate behavior. Additional chapters discuss cellular physiology, plasticity and the integration of electrical signals that contribute to neural activity. The final section of the book connects the role of amygdala dysfunction and the development of disorders in human health and disease. Emphasizes a comparative and multidisciplinary approach on the topic of the amygdala Discusses, in detail, the role of amygdala dysfunction and the development of disorders in human health and disease Examines the current state of research in cellular physiology, plasticity and the integration of electrical signals Includes a dedicated section on neuropeptides, neurotransmitters and cannabinoids that links to behavior control

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychiatric illness that can occur in anyone who has experienced a life-threatening or violent event. The trauma can be due to war, terrorism, torture, natural disasters, violence, or rape. In PTSD the brain areas that are likely to be affected are the hippocampus (memory), amygdala (fear association), the prefrontal cortex (cognitive processing), and the ascending reticular activating system (arousal). The chemical of interest is norepinephrine, which is released during a stressful event and is part of the fight-or-flight response meant to mobilize the body to action.The objective of this title is to outline the neurobiology of post-traumatic stress disorder and provide treatment strategies for clinicians. The chapter material from this book has evolved from a seminar on PTSD held recently under the auspices of the VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston University Medical Center and Harvard Medical School. We propose a book that will focus on the epidemiology, neurobiology, MRI studies, animal models, arousal and sleep issues, clinical trials, and treatment strategies for clinicians. Treatment will cover such topics as guidelines for treating posttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD and the use of mental health services, cognitive intervention therapy, and large scale clinical trials in PTSD. This collection will be a vital source of information to clinicians and neuroscientists.

With contributions by numerous experts

First published in 1943, Vitamins and Hormones is the longest-running serial published by Academic Press. The Editorial Board now reflects expertise in the field of hormone action, vitamin action, X-ray crystal structure, physiology, and enzyme mechanisms. Under the capable and qualified editorial leadership of Dr. Gerald Litwack, Vitamins and Hormones continues to publish cutting-edge reviews of interest to endocrinologists, biochemists, nutritionists, pharmacologists, cell biologists, and molecular biologists. Others interested in the structure and function of biologically active molecules like hormones and vitamins will, as always, turn to this series for comprehensive reviews by leading contributors to this and related disciplines. This volume focuses on hormones of the limbic system. Longest running series published by Academic Press Contributions by leading international authorities