Electrophysiological analysis of the interaction between the lateral septum and the central nucleus of the amygdala

Evidence suggests that the lateral septum (LS) and the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) play opposing roles in the modulation of fear and anxiety. The current study examined the interaction of the two structures in the albino rat by electrically stimulating each and recording single-unit activity in the other. In each case, electrical stimulation consisted of 50 trains of 5 pulses 800 μA in amplitude, 0.1 ms in duration with a .01 s interval between pulses. Electrical stimulation of LS had a predominant inhibitory effect upon cells in CeA. Contrariwise, stimulation of CeA had a predominant excitatory effect on cells in LS. The results of the study suggest a possible regulatory, negative feedback model of the interaction between LS and CeA.

► Electrical stimulation of the lateral septal area inhibits the firing of cells in the central nucleus of the amygdala.
► Electrical stimulation of the central nucleus of the amygdala increases firing rates of cells in the lateral septum.
► The results of the study are consistent with a regulatory, negative feedback model of the interaction between LS and CeA.