Correlation of [3H]diazepam binding density with anxiolytic locus in the amygdaloid complex of the rat.

Using [3H]diazepam binding, high concentrations of receptors were found in the frontal cortex and lateral amygdala. Infusions of chlordiazepoxide into the lateral amygdala induced a release of responding measured during the component of a conditioned emotional response task previously associated with an aversive stimulus. The lateral amygdala appears to be an important component of the forebrain circuitry involved in the expression of anxiety and sensitive to benzodiazepine drugs.