Central amygdala-to-pre-Botzinger complex neurotransmission is direct and inhibitory.

ABSTRACT: Breathing behaviour is subject to emotional regulation, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate a direct relationship between the central amygdala, a major output hub of the limbic system associated with emotional brain function, and the brainstem pre-Bötzinger complex, which generates the fundamental rhythm and pattern for breathing. The connection between these two sites is monosynaptic and inhibitory, involving GABAergic central amygdala neurons whose axonal projections act predominantly via ionotropic GABA_A receptors to produce inhibitory postsynaptic currents in pre-Bötzinger neurons. This pathway may provide a mechanism to inhibit breathing in the context of freezing to assess threats and plan defensive action. The existence of this pathway may f

SUBMITTER: Gu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11612842 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature