The Role of AMPA Receptor in the Basolatral Amygdala on Aggression and Anxiety in Rats

According to the previous studies, neural pathway of the basolatral amygdala plays an important role in etiology and pathophysiology of depression, anxiety, and aggression. However, the exact role of the basolateral amygdala in anxiety needs to be elucidated. Using social interaction and elevated plus maze tests, the role of AMPA glutamate subreceptors in the basolatral amygdala on aggression and anxiety-like behaviors was investigated.
After anesthesia, two cannulas were implanted in the basolatral amygdala in Wistar rats. After one week recovery, anxiety levels and different forms of aggression were analyzed by elevated plus maze and social interaction tests.
AMPA agonist was administered at 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg doses in the basolateral amygdala. Doses of 0.5 and 1 mg/kg were significantly increased time spent in the open arms and offensive sideway compared to sham group. In addition, activation of AMPA receptor at 1 mg/kg significantly decreased the stay and entrance percentage of open arm and offensive sideway.
Our data indicate that AMPA receptors modulate the signaling in the basolateral amygdala and may affect anxiety and aggression.