Input-specific LTP and depotentiation in the basolateral amygdala

The amygdala plays a central role in emotional memory. The cellular mechani sms by which the amygdala participates in emotional learning are believed t o be changes in efficacy of synaptic transmission, similar to long-term pot entiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). Although different forms of FTP have been shown in the amygdala, many of their features are still unkn own. Here, we use both field potential and intracellular recordings in rat amygdala slices, and show that LTP in the basolateral nucleus, induced by h igh-frequency stimulation (HFS) of the external capsule is input-specific, can be reversed by low-frequency stimulation (LFS), and can be reinstated b y HFS. These synapse-specific, reversible changes in synaptic strength in t he basolateral nucleus of the amygdala may be important to amygdala's role in emotional memory. NeuroReport 12:635-640 (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.