Anatomical Neuropharmacology Unit

This is an historical archive of the activities of the MRC Anatomical Neuropharmacology Unit (MRC ANU) that operated at the University of Oxford from 1985 until March 2015. The MRC ANU established a reputation for world-leading research on the brain, for training new generations of scientists, and for engaging the general public in neuroscience. The successes of the MRC ANU are now built upon at the MRC Brain Network Dynamics Unit at the University of Oxford.

News- Marco Capogna's group, in collaboration with previous Unit members Francesco Ferraguti and Yannis Dalezios, publishes on distinct functions of intercalated cell masses of the amygdala

11 Apr 2011

The group of Marco Capogna in collaboration with previous Unit members (Francesco Ferraguti, Yannis Dalezios) publishes on distinct functions of intercalated cell masses of the amygdala in the Journal of Neuroscience, 31 (13): 5131-5144, 2011.

Intercalated cell masses have been implicated in acquisition and consolidation of extinction learning. Busti et al. reports that these neurons are more heterogeneous than previously appreciated. By using cell labelling and electrophysiological techniques, three distinct cell clusters were identified exhibiting distinct axonal projection patterns and differential activation after fear learning and fear extinction. 

The paper has been selected and evaluated this week by Gary Aston-Jones, a Member of the Faculty of 1000 (F1000), which places it at the top 2% of published articles in biology and medicine (F1000 evaluation for this paper). 

Busti D., Geracitano R., Whittle N., Dalezios Y., Manko M., Kaufmann W., Saetzler K., Singewald N., Capogna M., and Ferraguti F. (2011) Different fear states engage distinct networks within the intercalated cell clusters of the amygdala. Journal of Neuroscience, 31 (13): 5131-5144. (PDF)