SI (Substantia innominata) functionally connects to BLA (basal amygdaloid nucleus)

Optical activation of ChR2- or ChrimsonR-expressing NBM terminals just before electrical stimulation of stria terminalis fibres lowered the paired-pulse ratio of glutamatergic EPSCs in BLA pyramidal neurons of air-exposed rats, an effect reversed by the nicotinic antagonist mecamylamine and mimicked by physostigmine; optical inhibition of NBM terminals with halorhodopsin raised the paired-pulse ratio in ethanol-withdrawn rats. This shows NBM terminals modulate glutamate release in the BLA through presynaptic nicotinic receptors.

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