NEUROMODULATORY SYSTEMS AND MEMORY STORAGE - ROLE OF THE AMYGDALA

This article reviews findings of research examining the interaction of peripheral adrenergic systems with cholinergic, opioid peptidergic an d GABAergic systems in modulating memory storage. It is well establish ed that retention is enhanced by posttraining systemic or intra-amygda la injections of adrenergic agonists, opiate antagonists and GABAergic antagonists. These influences appear to be mediated by activation of NE receptors within the amygdala, as intra-amygdala injections of beta -adrenergic antagonists block the memory-modulating effects of hormone s and drugs affecting these systems. Furthermore, these influences als o appear to involve, at a subsequent step, activation of a cholinergic system: atropine blocks the memory-enhancing effects of adrenergic ag onists and opiate and GABAergic antagonists and oxotremorine attenuate the memory-impairing effects of opiate agonists and GABAergic agonist s. These findings suggest that the amygdala integrates the memory-modu lating effects of neuromodulatory systems activated by learning experi ences.