Topic: glutamatergic output

The basolateral amygdala (BLA), traditionally known for its role in associative fear learning, may also play a role in self-initiated, incentive-motivated behaviors. However, it is unclear how the BLA contributes to learning to initiate neutral actions for a positive outcome. In particular, while the mouse secondary motor cortex (M2), a key region involved in spontaneous action initiation, is a major target of BLA glutamatergic output, it is unknown whether and how BLA-M2 communication is involved in the self-initiation of incentive-motivated actions. To address these questions, we trained hea