Differential effect of chemical lesion and electrocoagulation of the central amygdaloid nucleus on active avoidance responses.

The effect of lesions of the central amygdaloid nucleus on the acquisition of two way active avoidance responses was studied in Wistar male rats. Lesions were carried out by electrocoagulation or by local application of ibotenic acid, a neurotoxin that destroys neuronal cells without damaging fibres passing through the lesioned area. The results showed that both types of lesion lead to a deficit of active avoidance responses, but the impairment with respect to control group was significant only when the neurotoxin was applied. These results suggest that at least the neurons of the central amygdaloid nucleus could play some role for the organization of active avoidance behaviour.