Corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons in the central Amygdala: An integrative hub for pain, emotion, and addiction neurobiology

Abstract

The central amygdala (CeA) is a critical node within the limbic system. Corticotropin-releasing hormone-positive (CRH⁺) neurons within the CeA are essential for modulating stress responses and negative emotional behaviors. Recent investigations on CRH⁺ neurons in CeA have elucidated their multifaceted and significant biological roles in physiological regulation, encompassing pain, negative emotion, fear memory, and drug withdrawal. This review seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of the neuronal subtypes and their distribution within the CeA, the afferent and efferent connectivity of of CRH⁺ neurons in the CeA, and their associated functional roles, thereby providing insights and a framework for future research.

Keywords: Central amygdala; Corticotropin-releasing hormone; Drug withdrawal; Fear memory; Negative emotion.