Intercalated cells of the amygdala


The intercalated cells of the amygdala are a group of GABAergic neurons situated between the basolateral and central nuclei of the amygdala that are important for inhibitory control over the amygdala.

Function

ITC cells are thought to play a role as the 'off switch' for the amygdala, inhibiting the amygdala's central nucleus output neurons and its basolateral nucleus neurons. Some researchers speculate that ITC cells, via their extensive local inhibition within the amygdala, could serve as a substrate for expression and storage of extinction memory.

Structure

Connectivity

ITC cells receive strong projections from the infralimbic cortex in both primates and rodents, which may explain cortical control over emotional regulation processes such as extinction.