Deletion of NRXN1α impairs long-range and local connectivity in amygdala fear circuit

LA (Lateral amygdalar nucleus) MBA:131 functionally connects to BLA glutamatergic principal neurons nt-wprma5fcrr · Mouse

Bipolar electrode stimulation of the lateral amygdala evoked EPSCs with monosynaptic latencies in BA principal neurons, with AMPA and NMDA components measured; paired-pulse ratio and AMPA/NMDA ratio at this input were unchanged by NRXN1alpha deletion.

Figs. 1j–l; 2d–f; 3d–f

Made by an AI model reading the paper (claude-opus-5, extract@0.3.0); a second AI model (claude-opus-5) agrees.

PL (Prelimbic area) MBA:972 projects to BLA (Basolateral amygdalar nucleus) MBA:295 · Mouse

AAV encoding ChR2-EYFP was injected into the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex, and fluorescent axons from these neurons were visualized in the basal amygdala, where a biocytin-filled recorded neuron was located.

Fig. 1b, c

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PL (Prelimbic area) MBA:972 functionally connects to BLA glutamatergic principal neurons nt-wprma5fcrr · Mouse

Blue-light activation of ChR2-expressing dmPFC terminals in the basal amygdala evoked monosynaptic AMPA- and NMDA-receptor-mediated EPSCs in BA principal neurons recorded in whole-cell mode; EPSCs persisted with GABA-A blockade by bicuculline, and paired-pulse ratio, input-output and AMPA/NMDA ratio were measured at this synapse.

Figs. 1a, d–i; 2a–c; 3a–c

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BLA (Basolateral amygdalar nucleus) MBA:295 functionally connects to BLA glutamatergic principal neurons nt-wprma5fcrr · Mouse

Sequential patterned-light activation of individual soma-targeted ChR2-expressing neurons within the basal amygdala, with glutamate receptors blocked by NBQX and L-APV, evoked IPSCs in non-expressing BA principal neurons, demonstrating local inhibitory connections; connection probability and quantal IPSC amplitude were both lower in NRXN1alpha knockouts (about 69-71 presynaptic cells probed per recorded neuron).

Fig. 4a–f

Made by an AI model reading the paper (claude-opus-5, extract@0.3.0); a second AI model (claude-opus-5) agrees.