The amygdala is critically involved in emotional behavior processes and their pathological changes. To study the synaptic network activity, we used slices of the lateral nucleus (LA) obtained from epilepsy surgery and monitored electrical activity by using conventional electrophysiological and optical recording techniques. Towards electrical micro stimulation within the LA, field potentials were evoked that propagated from the stimulation to more distal sites. Both field potentials and optical recordings revealed a restriction in the spread of activity from ventromedial to dorsolateral sites. To further investigate this directed inhibition we moved one stimulation electrode in a circular manner. That clearly showed an "inhibitory focus" that influenced adjacent field potentials. Using paired pulse protocol we saw the same distinct effects with 25 and 100ms depending on the direction of propagation. The reduction was accompanied by a broad increase in neuronal activity measured by optical recordings probably due to GABAergic mechanisms within the LA. The spread of this activity had a strict localized border approximate with the inhibition of propagation that we saw by electrical micro stimulation. In conclusion the findings show a topographically organized network of inhibitory interneurons, directing the flow of synaptic signals through the lateral amygdala.