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Abstract
The central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) encompasses the main output pathways of
the amygdala, a temporal lobe structure essential in affective and cognitive dimensions
of pain. A major population of neurons in the CeA send projections to the periaqueductal
gray (PAG), a key midbrain structure that mediates coping strategies in response to
threat or stress. CeA-PAG neurons are topographically organized based on their targeted
subregion within the PAG. PAG-projecting neurons in the central medial (CeM) and central
lateral (CeL) regions of CeA are intrinsically distinct. CeL-PAG neurons are a homogeneous
population of intrinsically distinct neurons while CeM-PAG neurons are intrinsically
heterogeneous. Membrane properties of distinct CeM-PAG subtypes are altered in the
complete Freund's adjuvant model of inflammatory pain.