The monoaminergic innervation of the amygdala in the squirrel monkey: an immunohistochemical study

The monoaminergic innervation of the amygdala of the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) was studied by using immunohistochemical methods with primary antisera raised against serotonin, and the catecholamine synthesizing enzymes tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine-beta-hydroxylase and phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase. Serotonin was widely distributed within the amygdala including profuse terminal labeling in central, basolateral and cortical nuclear groups. The accessory basal and medial nuclei were the only two areas receiving relatively poor serotoninergic innervation. Tyrosine hydroxylase was more discretely distributed, with very dense to moderate terminal labeling in central, basal and lateral nuclei, but only scant labeling within accessory basal and corticomedial nuclei, except at the cortical transitional area where dense terminal labeling was noted. Dopamine-beta-hydroxylase immunoreactivity was moderate in central and corticomedial nuclei, but comparatively light in other nuclear groups. Phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase was only sparsely distributed in the amygdala. The findings of the present study reveal that the monoaminergic innervation of the primate amygdala is similar to that reported in rodents, although some conspicuous exceptions do exist. Whereas the noradrenergic and serotoninergic neuronal systems ramify profusely within the amygdala, the dopaminergic system appears to be more discretely and topographically organized.