Single unit activity in the lateral septum and central nucleus of the amygdala in the elevated plus-maze: a model of exposure therapy?

The central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is a major output region of the amygdala involved in organizing the expression of fear. There is also evidence that the lateral septum (LS) provides inhibitory control of neurons in CeA and is involved in the relief of fear. This study examined single unit activity in the lateral septum (LS) and the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) in the open and closed arms of the elevated plus-maze, a highly validated animal model of fear and anxiety.