Amygdala neurons influence cardiovascular reactions preceding psychomotor behavior

In unanesthetized chronically instrumented cats single neuron discharges were recorded in the amygdaloid complex together with blood pressure, heart rate (HR), EEG, and motor activity. In response to complex sensory stimuli neuronal activity changed followed by blood pressure changes preceding the arousal reaction. Besides the impact of neuronal discharges on the cardiovascular system, the neurons in turn received an input from the cardiovascular system. It is hypothesized that an exaggerated reactivity of amygdala neurons to complex sensory stimuli can lead to high blood pressure.