Some of the key functions of the amygdala are the evaluation of the significance of external and internal information, the formation of learned associations between neutral and significant events, and the initiation and regulation of behavior on the basis of such evaluations and associations. While some progress has been made in understanding the cellular, synaptic and molecular mechanisms that enable amygdala circuits to perform these functions, much remains unknown in terms of the details, the microcircuitry, involved. Further, while pathological fear, anxiety and stress are associated with changes in the structure and function of the amygdala, the cascade of events that alter the structure of cells and circuits in the amygdala are poorly understood. Understanding amygdala microcircuits is one of the frontiers of neuroscience, and will provide essential information about the cellular basis of emotion, memory and psychopathology. In this Frontiers Research Topic, a part of the Brain Microcircuits Series, we explore the frontiers of knowledge on amygdala microcircuits.
Papers will be considered, reviewed and published on a rolling schedule from October 2011.
Some of the key functions of the amygdala are the evaluation of the significance of external and internal information, the formation of learned associations between neutral and significant events, and the initiation and regulation of behavior on the basis of such evaluations and associations. While some progress has been made in understanding the cellular, synaptic and molecular mechanisms that enable amygdala circuits to perform these functions, much remains unknown in terms of the details, the microcircuitry, involved. Further, while pathological fear, anxiety and stress are associated with changes in the structure and function of the amygdala, the cascade of events that alter the structure of cells and circuits in the amygdala are poorly understood. Understanding amygdala microcircuits is one of the frontiers of neuroscience, and will provide essential information about the cellular basis of emotion, memory and psychopathology. In this Frontiers Research Topic, a part of the Brain Microcircuits Series, we explore the frontiers of knowledge on amygdala microcircuits.
Papers will be considered, reviewed and published on a rolling schedule from October 2011.