SHEDDING LIGHT ON THE CONTRIBUTION OF AMYGDALAR EXCITATORY PROJECTIONS TO PREPULSE INHIBITION OF THE AUDITORY STARTLE REFLEX

This study explores the role of excitatory projections from the amygdala in regulating prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the auditory startle reflex, a widely used measure of sensorimotor gating. By shedding light on how amygdalar circuits contribute to PPI, the research aims to clarify the neural mechanisms underlying emotional modulation of sensory processing and defensive reflexes. These findings have implications for understanding neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by impaired PPI, such as schizophrenia, PTSD, and anxiety disorders.