Input-specific LTP and depotentiation in the basolateral amygdala

The amygdala plays a central role in emotional memory. The cellular mechanisms by which the amygdala participates in emotional learning are believed to be changes in efficacy of synaptic transmission, similar to long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). Although different forms of LTP have been shown in the amygdala, many of their features are still unknown. Here, we use both field potential and intracellular recordings in rat amygdala slices, and show that LTP in the basolateral nucleus, induced by high-frequency stimulation (HFS) of the external capsule is input-specific, can be reversed by low-frequency stimulation (LFS), and can be reinstated by HFS. These synapse-specific, reversible changes in synaptic strength in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala may be important to amygdala's role in emotional memory.