Bidirectional cardiovascular responses evoked by microstimulation of the amygdala in rats

Although the amygdala is known as a negative emotion center for coordinating defensive behaviors, its functions in autonomic control remain unclear. To resolve this issue, we examined effects on cardiovascular responses induced by stimulation and lesions of the amygdala in anesthetized and free-moving rats. Electrical microstimulation of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) induced a gradual increase in arterial pressure (AP) and heart rate (HR), whereas stimulation of adjacent nuclei evoked a phasic AP decrease. The gain of the baroreceptor reflex was not altered by CeA stimulation, suggesting that CeA activity increases both AP and HR by resetting baroreceptor reflex function. Disinhibition of GABAergic input by amygdalar microinjection of the GABA receptor antagonist induced robust increases in AP and HR. Furthermore, bilateral electrolytic lesions of CeA evoked consistent AP increases over the light/dark cycle. These results suggest that the amygdala exerts 'bidirectional' autonomic control over the cardiovascular system.