Hi,
I'm looking to find out more about the rostro-caudal gradient in the amygdala, but alas I don't speak Russian! Could someone give me some pointers, or suggest a good english language reference?
I'm interested as have cFos activation data covering the 3 subdivisions across the axis in response to a stimulus :)
Thanks!
Article [Rostro-caudal gradient in the amygdala structural and funct...
Thanks Dante - that does look very interesting, but I'm really looking for something with more about why there might be differences in activation along the rostro-caudal axis.
I'm wondering if it is something as simple as being related to the location of signal origin/entry to spinal cord?
Dear Rosie,
This gradient do not think this has to do with the signal coming into the amygdala, but with the way this area of the brain is stimulated. Perhaps it can be explained by the same mechanism as found Llinás and Rivary in the cerebral cortex (I send you the work); there the authors equate this gradient to a kind of 'cognitive quantum' or a period of minimum temporal discrimination related to higher brain functions.
Regards, Dante.
Dear Rosie
I'm afraid it is not clear that there is evidence for such a rostro-caudal gradient. The heterogeneity of amygdaloid nuclei is something more complex that a simple antero-posterior or medio-lateral gradient. Also in terms of connections there is not a simple antero-posterior gradient. For instance, the olfactory and vomeronasal inputs terminate in the medial nucleus of the amygdala (both anterior and posterior divisions) as well as in the cortical amygdaloid nuclei (both anterior and posterior). In the same way, the cortical inputs terminate in the lateral and basolateral and basomedial nuclei (in a complex way) but no obvious antero-posterior gradient is observed. The only case I remember for for differential connections between anterior and posterior parts of the amygdala pertains to the connections of the posterior aspect of the amygdala with the (posterior) hippocampus (the group of Asla Pitkaanen has studied this in detail).
I'm trying to attach the manuscript of a chapter that is going to come out soon. I hope it can be helpful for you. Do not hesitate to contact me again if you think I can help.
Best
Fernando
Thank-you very much for your details answer Fernando - I will definitely be in touch if I have any further questions!
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