Recent studies of the central nucleus of the amygdala and stress ulcers

Studies are reviewed which indicate that the multiple-unit activity of the central nucleus of the amygdala differentiates stress-susceptible from stress-resistant rats, highly emotional from less emotional animals, and genetically-selected Roman High-Avoidance and Low-Avoidance rats. Kindling of this region increases the susceptibility to stress ulcer formation. Dopamine, neurotensin, and the endogenous opiates in the central nucleus are cytoprotective, whereas thyrotropin-releasing hormone aggravates the stress pathology. It is suggested that the amygdala codes the stressfulness of aversive inputs, the central nucleus being the point of output to areas controlling visceral responses to such information.