How does the amygdala mediate the interplay between attention and emotion?
Outcome: A new computational model within CELEST, an NSF Science of Learning Center, shows that
attention and emotion interact in a network linking the amygdala, the frontal cortex and the thalamic
reticular nucleus (TRN). The model shows that the amygdala acts like an “emotional lens”. The amygdala
enhances attention to some sensory signals at the expense of others. The model also shows how
emotionally important information is used as “evidence” to choose a plan of action. The model can shift
attention to emotional signals as they arise and choose the right plan. The model can also decide to
restrict attention to signals that match with an imposed plan.
Impact/benefits: Focusing attention can be useful, but paying attention to many signals indiscriminately
occurs in psychiatric diseases such as phobias or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The modeling
results can be used to guide research on treatments for diseases that disrupt emotions.
Explanation: The amygdala is a major hub in the brain’s emotion system, but its effects on other areas
are still poorly understood. Recent experiments in our lab showed that a pathway from the amygdala
can affect one of the brain’s key regions for attention. A model of this pathway can show how emotion
influences attention, which is an important cognitive process.
Legend for figure: The model consists of 3
parts: a sensory map, and emotional
salience map, and a plan/behavior map.
Reinforcement signals tag sensory
information as either food-related or pain/
shock-related. The tagged information
serves as evidence for choosing between
two plans: feeding and fear.
Figure adapted from John, Y. J., Bullock,
D., Zikopoulos, B. and Barbas, H. (2013)
The "Emotional Lens": A network linking
amygdala, limbic cortices and the thalamic
reticular nucleus that facilitates the
interplay between attentional and
emotional processes. Abstracts of the
Society for Neuroscience.