MORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF NEURONS IN AMYGDALOID NUCLEI INVOLVED IN MULTIMODAL OLFACTORY INTEGRATION

Olfactory information is processed across multiple brain regions, with the amygdala serving as a key hub for odor-guided behavior. In parallel studies, we identified converging axonal projections from both the main and accessory olfactory bulbs within the bed nucleus of the accessory olfactory tract (BAOT) and the anteroventral medial amygdala (avMeA). Here, we characterize the morphology of neurons in both nuclei. To this end, we implement a method for three-dimensional reconstruction of single neuron morphologies following patch-clamp recordings in acute brain slices. Additionally, we use immunochemistry to identify axon initial segments, allowing distinction between dendritic arbors and axons. Notably, in both regions, we observe axons originating either from the soma or from dendrites. We further quantify morphological parameters such as dendritic complexity and the primary orientation to capture the structural diversity of these neurons. All parameters are then integrated using multidimensional cluster analysis to identify groups of neurons with shared morphological features. In summary, this comprehensive morphological profiling reveals distinct cell types in both BAOT and avMeA and provides initial insights into the contribution of different neuronal populations to olfactory integration within the amygdala.