DAGL synthesizes 2-AG from DAGs, however, the distribution of this enzyme in the amygdala has not been reported. To determine the regional distribution and staining pattern of DAGL∝ we used an earlier characterized antibody directed against an intracellular 118 amino-acid residue sequence of the DAGL∝ protein (Katona et al, 2006). DAGL∝ immunoreactivity was heterogeneously distributed throughout the amygdaloid complex. Dense neuropil staining was evident in the BLA with clear difference in staining intensity evident between subregions of the basolateral complex (Figure 1a). The dorsal division of the lateral nucleus (Ld) and BLA were intensely stained, whereas the ventral division of the lateral amygdala (Lv) showed lower immunoreactivity. Within the central amygdala, the medial division (CeAM) showed less immunoreactivity than the CeAL, but was still above the signal of the adjacent white matter. Increased immunoreactivity was also observed within intercalated cell masses (ICM; Figure 1a). Laser scanning confocal images of the BLA showed neuropil staining surrounding unstained cell bodies (Figure 1b). Higher magnification photomicrographs showed a punctate distribution superimposed on a less intense reticular pattern (Figure 1c).
