Topographic organization underlies intrinsic and morphological heterogeneity of central amygdala neurons expressing corticotropin-releasing hormone

Abstract

The central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) network consists of a heterogeneous population of inhibitory GABAergic neurons distributed across distinct subregions. While the specific roles for molecularly defined CeA neurons have been extensively studied, our understanding of functional heterogeneity within classes of molecularly distinct CeA neurons remains incomplete. In addition, manipulation of genetically defined CeA neurons has produced inconsistent behavioral results potentially due to broad targeting across CeA subregions. Therefore, elucidating heterogeneity within molecularly defined neurons in subdivisions of the CeA is pivotal for gaining a complete understanding of how CeA circuits function. Here, we used a multifaceted approach involving transgenic reporter mice, brain slice electrophysiology, and neuronal morphology to dissect the heterogeneity of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in topographically distinct subregions of the CeA. Our results revealed that intrinsic and morphological properties of CRH-expressing (CRH+) neurons in the lateral (CeL) and medial (CeM) subdivisions of the CeA were significantly different. We found that CeL-CRH+ neurons are relatively homogeneous in morphology and firing profile. Conversely, CeM-CRH+ neurons displayed heterogeneous electrophysiological and morphological phenotypes. Overall, these results show phenotypic differences between CRH+ neurons in CeL and CeM.