The amygdala is essential for learning andexpression of behavioral responses driven by either rewarding or aversivestimuli. How exactly distinct amygdala circuits contribute to the generation ofsuch divergent behavioral responses remains unclear. Our recent studies in miceindicate that aversive stimulus-driven learning and stress induces distinct plasticchanges in distributed amygdala circuits, including those in the extendedamygdala. These changes may underlie specific learning processes or behavioralresponses. Here I will report our recent findings regarding the cellular andcircuit mechanisms underlying some of the behavioral roles of the amygdala.