Abstract
SummaryA primary function of the primate amygdala is to modulate behavior based on emotional cues. To study the underlying neural mechanism, we first inactivated the amygdala locally and temporarily by injecting a GABA agonist. Then, saccadic eye movements and gaze were suppressed only on the contralateral side. Next, we performed optogenetic activation after injecting a viral vector into the amygdala. Optical stimulation in the amygdala excited amygdala neurons, whereas optical stimulation of axon terminals in the substantia nigra pars reticulata inhibited nigra neurons. Optical stimulation in either structure facilitated saccades to the contralateral side. These data suggest that the amygdala controls saccades and gaze through the basal ganglia output to the superior colliculus. Importantly, this amygdala-derived circuit mediates emotional context information, whereas the internal basal ganglia circuit mediates object value information. This finding demonstrates a basic mechanism whereby basal ganglia output can be modulated by other areas conveying distinct information.
Highlights
Eye movements are important for scanning the visual environment and making decisions
Optical stimulation in either structure facilitated saccades to the contralateral side. These data suggest that the amygdala controls saccades and gaze through the basal ganglia output to the superior colliculus
This amygdala-derived circuit mediates emotional context information, whereas the internal basal ganglia circuit mediates object value information. This finding demonstrates a basic mechanism whereby basal ganglia output can be modulated by other areas conveying distinct information
Summary
Eye movements are important for scanning the visual environment and making decisions. Abnormal eye movement patterns are a common symptom in many psychiatric disorders, including attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, and autism (Constantino et al, 2017; Munoz et al, 2003; Yep et al, 2018). Amygdala neurons are spatially selective and encode information about both the location and the motivational significance of visual cues (Peck and Salzman, 2014). As spatial attention is tightly coupled to motor function, especially in the case of stimulus-driven orienting behaviors (Corbetta and Shulman, 2002), it is plausible that amygdala neurons convey signals appropriate for control of eye movements. Causal evidence linking the amygdala to abnormal eye movement patterns is lacking in both human and animal studies
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