Activation of Centromedial Amygdala GABAergic Neurons Produces Hypotension in Mice
Xiaoyi Wang1 · Ziteng Yue1 · Luo Shi1 · Wei He1 · Liuqi Shao1 · Yuhang Liu1 · Jinye Zhang1 · Shangyu Bi1 · Tianjiao Deng1 · Fang Yuan1,2 · Sheng Wang1,21 Department of Neurobiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
2 Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
Abstract
The central amygdala (CeA) is a crucial modulator of emotional, behavioral, and autonomic functions, including cardiovascular responses. Despite its importance, the specific circuit by which the CeA modulates blood pressure remains insufficiently explored. Our investigations demonstrate that photostimulation of GABAergic neurons in the centromedial amygdala (CeMGABA), as opposed to those in the centrolateral amygdala (CeL), produces a depressor response in both anesthetized and freely-moving mice. In addition, activation of CeMGABA axonal terminals projecting to the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) significantly reduces blood pressure. These CeMGABA neurons form synaptic connections with NTS neurons, allowing for the modulation of cardiovascular responses by influencing the caudal or rostral ventrolateral medulla. Furthermore, CeMGABA neurons targeting the NTS receive dense inputs from the CeL. Consequently, stimulation of CeMGABA neurons elicits hypotension through the CeM-NTS circuit, offering deeper insights into the cardiovascular responses associated with emotions and behaviors.
Keywords
Centromedial amygdala nucleus; Blood pressure; Nucleus tractus solitarius; GABA; Neural circuit
