Proposed models of information processing within the amygdala. Auditory and nociceptive signals converge within the BLA and are associated via interactions with local inhibitory networks [25]. Associated information is signaled to the CeL where activation and plasticity at SOM+ (CeL ON) expressing inhibitory neurons provides disinhibition to brainstem projecting CeM neurons [40, 46] via interactions with PKC-δ+ (CeL OFF) expressing neurons. In addition, PKC-δ+ neurons within the CeL also receive nociceptive signals directly from the PBN [49] and plasticity at these synapses is involved in the acquisition of conditioned fear [50·]. BLA, basolateral amygdala; CeL, lateral division of central amygdala; CeM, medial division of central amygdala; SOM, somatostatin; PV, parvalbumin; PKC-δ+, protein kinase C delta; SNc, substantia nigra parscompacta; PBN, parabrachial nucleus; PAG, periaqueductal gray; HYPO, hypothalamus; LC, locus coeruleus.