Neuroscience Graduate Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
Neuroscience. 2012 Mar 1;204:38-52. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.08.037. Epub 2011 Aug 22.
The molecular constituents of endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling are abundantly expressed within the mammalian amygdaloid complex, consistent with the robust role of eCB signaling in the modulation of emotional behavior, learning, and stress-response physiology. Here, we detail the anatomical distribution of eCB signaling machinery in the amygdala and the role of this system in the modulation of excitatory and inhibitory neuroplasticity in this region. We also summarize recent findings demonstrating dynamic alternations in eCB signaling that occur in response to stress exposure, as well as known behavioral consequences of eCB-mediated modulation of amygdala function. Finally, we discuss how integrating anatomical and physiological data regarding eCB signaling in the amygdala could help elucidate common functional motifs of this system in relation to broader forebrain function.
内源性大麻素（eCB）信号的分子成分在哺乳动物杏仁核复合体中大量表达，这与 eCB 信号在调节情绪行为、学习和应激反应生理方面的强大作用一致。在这里，我们详细描述了 eCB 信号机制在杏仁核中的解剖分布，以及该系统在调节该区域兴奋性和抑制性神经可塑性中的作用。我们还总结了最近的发现，这些发现表明 eCB 信号在应激暴露时会发生动态变化，以及 eCB 介导的杏仁核功能调节的已知行为后果。最后，我们讨论了如何整合有关杏仁核中 eCB 信号的解剖学和生理学数据，以帮助阐明该系统与更广泛的大脑功能相关的常见功能模块。
