The basolateral amygdaloid complex--its development, morphology and functions

For many years the amygdaloid body has been an object of numerous investigations on different species, because the basolateral complex, being the main part of the amygdaloid body, is regarded as "sensory input" to this structure. It plays a very important role in so called emotional memory and learning, what is particularly important in early developmental stages. Impairment at this time may cause psychiatric problems in later life, like neurosis, phobia, unconscious fear or panic attacks. Complicated functions of the basolateral complex require precise control and modulation especially in early development. In this review the morphological changes during the development and maturation will be discussed and compared with neurotransmitter as well as with the expression of the calcium binding proteins at various stages of the development.