The Basolateral Nucleus in the System of Reproductive Centers in the Amygdaloid Body of the Brain

Abstract

This review systematizes data in the contemporary literature characterizing the basolateral nucleus of the amygdaloid body (AB) of the brain as a zone of sexual dimorphism (ZSD) and its interactions with other reproductive centers of the AB. The basolateral nucleus, like structures of the phylogenetically newer part of the AB, receives most of the pheromonal and olfactory information via the phylogenetically ancient corticomedial segment of the AB. Integrating it with sensory signals of different modalities arriving from the thalamus and cortical formations, the basolateral nucleus, along with the ZSD of the corticomedial group of structures, is involved in organizing sexual behavior and controlling gonadotropin secretion. Sexual dimorphism of the basolateral nucleus, which is involved in the functional system forming the emotions and memory mechanisms, determines the gender-dependent characteristics of their behavioral manifestations, especially in the body’s stress reactions.