Structure, function and genoarchitectonics of the Central nucleus of the Brain’s Amygdala

Abstract

The review presents the latest literature describing the Central nucleus of the Amygdala complex of the brain (CE), which is an important link in the Central autonomic nervous network. It appears in the early stages of the evolution of the telencephalon. This determines its solid phylogenetic age and explains the heteromorphy, which is manifested by the presence of a number of subnucleus: medial, intermediate, lateral and latero-capsular. The article provides information about the features of cytoarchitectonics, neural organization of subnucleus and neuropeptides. Among the latter, special attention is paid to vasopressin and oxytocin in connection with the identified new way of innervation of the amygdala complex, which has at least two origins: 1. arising from a small population of neurons localized in the intra-amygdalar portion of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and 2.originating from hypothalamic neurosecretory nuclei. Afferent and efferent connections of CE are characterized. A large number of studies define the medial subnucleus as the center of integration of incoming information to the CE and the main channel for its exit from CE. At the same time, the main point where efferent connections of CE follow is the centers of the brain stem that control cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic and motor functions. Information is provided about the main functions, including the regulation of various forms of social behavior, eating behavior, and involvement in functional reinforcement systems. The results of genetic studies indicate that CE is a derivative of the striatal division of the lateral ganglionic eminence, in the formation of which the expression of the Dlx5 and Lmo4 genes.