Figure 4.
2MT enhances CeL intrinsic excitability. (A) Experimental timeline for slice electrophysiology recordings in the CeL. Analysis by two-way analysis of variance (2MT effect) (B), unpaired, two-tailed t test (C, D; G–N), or linear regression (E) performed. H2O: n = 7; 2MT: n = 7. (B) 2MT significantly enhances intrinsic excitability of the CeL. (C) 2MT enhances the number of action potentials fired per 100 pA of injected current. (D) 2MT increases the number of APs fired at 200-pA current injection. (E) Enhanced CeL excitability is positively correlated to freezing behavior (circles are males, triangles are females). (F) The first AP fired at 200-pA current step was used for analysis. Representative image of analysis of half-width and afterhyperpolarization potential. (G) 2MT decreases the half-width of the first AP fired. (H) 2MT has no effect on AHP. (I) 2MT has no effect on the amplitude of the first AP fired at 200-pA current step. (J) 2MT has no effect on the latency of the first AP fired. (K–N) Passive membrane properties of CeL neurons. (K) 2MT has no effect on resting membrane potential (Vrest). (L) 2MT significantly decreases the membrane constant, tau. (M) 2MT has no effect on the membrane resistance (Rm). (N) 2MT has no effect on membrane capacitance (Cm). *p < .05. 2MT, 2-methyl-2-thiazoline; AHP, afterhyperpolarization potential; AP, action potential; BLA, basolateral amygdala; CeL, lateral subnucleus of the central amygdala.