ABSTRACT
The amygdala, especially the central amygdaloid nucleus (Ce), contains large numbers of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) containing cell bodies and terminals. This chapter reviews the studies that implicate the Ce and associated regions in mediation of autonomic and neuroendocrine responses to fear- or stress-producing stimuli; and describes the possible pathways that could mediate amygdaloid autonomic and neuroendocrine responses. Electrical stimulation of the central amygdaloid nucleus in several animal species including rats, cats, and rabbits produces a collection of autonomic responses that could be characterized as stress- or defense-like. Intracerebroventricular injection of CRF in animals produces centrally mediated autonomic and behavioral changes that are characteristic of the stress or defense reaction, similar to changes observed in awake amygdaloid-stimulated animals. The chapter investigates the possible contribution of CRF-immunoreactive forebrain neurons to pathways that terminate within the central gray, parabrachial region, and the dorsal vagal complex.
