Synaptic Organization of the Basolateral Amygdala

描述（由申请人提供）：拟议的研究是对基底外侧杏仁核（ABL）神经元和突触组织的长期研究的延续。本文将重点讨论递质特异性神经调节系统对ABL中间神经元的调节作用。Aim #1将根据其多肽和钙结合蛋白的含量确定灵长类ABL中间神经元的亚群。这些标记将用于识别目标#2和3中的每个亚种群。Aim #2将使用综合解剖/生理实验来确定不同的神经元间亚群是否表现出不同的电生理特征。此外，负责这些电生理特征的离子通道将使用免疫组织化学技术进行定位。Aim #3将通过多巴胺能、去甲肾上腺素能和血清素能传入分析ABL神经元亚群的神经支配。如果特定的神经间亚群表现出特定的血清素受体，也将使用综合解剖-生理/药理学方法来确定。Aim #4将通过胆碱能轴突分析ABL神经元亚群的神经支配，并确定哪些中间神经元表达烟碱和毒碱胆碱能受体。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The proposed study is the continuation of a long-term investigation of the neuronal and synaptic organization of the basolateral amygdala (ABL). It will focus on the regulation of ABL interneurons by transmitter-specific neuromodulator systems. Aim #1 will identify subpopulations of interneurons in the primate ABL on the basis of their content of peptides and calcium-binding proteins. These markers will be used to identify each subpopulation in Aims #2 and 3. Aim #2 will use integrated anatomical/physiological experiments to determine if different interneuronal subpopulations exhibit distinct electrophysiological characteristics. In addition, ion channels responsible for some of these electrophysiological features will be localized using immunohistochemical techniques. Aim #3 will analyze the innervation of ABL neuronal subpopulations by dopaminergic, noradrenergic, and serotonergic afferents. It will also be determined using integrated anatomical-physiological/pharmacological methods if particular interneuronal subpopulations exhibit specific serotonin receptors. Aim #4 will analyze the innervation of ABL intemeuronal subpopulations by cholinergic axons and determine which interneurons express nicotinic versus muscarinic cholinergic receptors. Additional anatomical studies in rodents will test the hypothesis that the ABL, like the neocortex and hippocampus, contains subsets of GABAergic neurons that receive inputs from, and provide outputs to, the GABAergic projection neurons of the basal forebrain. These proposed studies include the first comprehensive analysis of the electrophysiological properties of identified ABL interneuronal subpopulations in both rodent and primate brain slices. In addition, the modulation of key electrophysiological properties in these neurons by serotonin and serotonergic drugs will be investigated. These studies will contribute to an understanding of inhibitory mechanisms in the ABL and should be critical for the development of novel pharmacological treatments to modulate the activity of the ABL in epilepsy and psychiatric disorders.