The importance of central components activated in relation to stress and inflammation has long been known. This includes the amygdala complex, a major structure involved in emotional responses, which I have studied extensively from an electrophysiological and anatomical perspective. Almost all components of this complex are located in the temporal lobe, which has one of the lowest thresholds for triggering epileptic seizures. It is also connected to the hippocampus and the emotional structures of the brain, particularly the cortical structures. It is also strongly activated by stimuli that generate inflammation.
In this study (1), another facet of this structure is revealed: connections with the lungs and an important role in the worsening of pneumonia. The authors show the existence of direct relationships between the central nucleus of the amygdala and brain stem structures that control lung activity. In a situation of pulmonary stress, the neurons of this amygdala nucleus increase their GABAergic activity, resulting in activation of these brain stem structures and, consequently, worsening pneumonia. Central blockade of GABA neurons in the central nucleus of the amygdala and pneumonia…
This is an elegant, well-conducted study that shows once again how the centre and periphery work together for better or for worse. A few years ago, my colleague and friend Professor Eric Delpire (Vanderbilt University) and I suggested that autism is a syndrome involving the centre and periphery and that it was futile to try to separate them. (2)
