The brain nucleus locus coeruleus: restricted afferent control of a broad efferent network

Science ◽  
1986 ◽  
Vol 234 (4777) ◽  
pp. 734-737 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Aston-Jones ◽  
M Ennis ◽  
V. Pieribone ◽  
W. Nickell ◽  
M. Shipley
Keyword(s):  
Locus Coeruleus ◽  
Brain Nucleus ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Afferent Control

scholarly journals Comparisons of neuroinflammation, microglial activation, and degeneration of the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system in APP/PS1 and aging mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Song Cao ◽  
Daniel W. Fisher ◽  
Guadalupe Rodriguez ◽  
Tian Yu ◽  
Hongxin Dong
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Locus Coeruleus ◽  
Microglial Activation ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Norepinephrine System ◽  
Protective Processes ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Brain And Spinal Cord ◽  
The Brain

Abstract Background The role of microglia in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis is becoming increasingly important, as activation of these cell types likely contributes to both pathological and protective processes associated with all phases of the disease. During early AD pathogenesis, one of the first areas of degeneration is the locus coeruleus (LC), which provides broad innervation of the central nervous system and facilitates norepinephrine (NE) transmission. Though the LC-NE is likely to influence microglial dynamics, it is unclear how these systems change with AD compared to otherwise healthy aging. Methods In this study, we evaluated the dynamic changes of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in the LC-NE system in the brain and spinal cord of APP/PS1 mice and aged WT mice using immunofluorescence and ELISA. Results Our results demonstrated increased expression of inflammatory cytokines and microglial activation observed in the cortex, hippocampus, and spinal cord of APP/PS1 compared to WT mice. LC-NE neuron and fiber loss as well as reduced norepinephrine transporter (NET) expression was more evident in APP/PS1 mice, although NE levels were similar between 12-month-old APP/PS1 and WT mice. Notably, the degree of microglial activation, LC-NE nerve fiber loss, and NET reduction in the brain and spinal cord were more severe in 12-month-old APP/PS1 compared to 12- and 24-month-old WT mice. Conclusion These results suggest that elevated neuroinflammation and microglial activation in the brain and spinal cord of APP/PS1 mice correlate with significant degeneration of the LC-NE system.

scholarly journals The specification of noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC) neurones depends on bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs)

Development ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 129 (4) ◽  
pp. 983-991 ◽  
Author(s):  
Astrid Vogel-Höpker ◽  
Hermann Rohrer
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Locus Coeruleus ◽  
Bone Morphogenetic Proteins ◽  
Chick Embryos ◽  
Dorsal Midline ◽  
Neural Crest Development ◽  
Roof Plate ◽  
Rhombic Lip ◽  
The Brain

The role of BMPs in the development of the major noradrenergic centre of the brain, the locus coeruleus (LC), was investigated. LC generation is reflected by initial expression of the transcription factors Phox2a and Phox2b in dorsal rhombomere1 (r1), followed by expression of dopamine-β-hydroxylase and tyrosine hydroxylase. Bmp5 is expressed in the dorsal neuroepithelium in proximity to Phox2-expressing cells. BMP inhibition in stage 10 chick embryos resulted in the lack of LC neurones or in their generation at the dorsal midline, and loss of roof plate and rhombic lip, but it did not affect neural crest development. These results reveal late essential BMP functions in the specification of dorsal neuronal phenotypes in r1, including LC neurones, and in the development of dorsal midline structures.

scholarly journals Locus Coeruleus Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Neurological Diseases

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Galgani ◽  
Francesco Lombardo ◽  
Daniele Della Latta ◽  
Nicola Martini ◽  
Ubaldo Bonuccelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Locus Coeruleus ◽  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Mri Findings ◽  
Promising Tool ◽  
Experimental Tool ◽  
Early Biomarker ◽  
The Brain

Abstract Purpose of Review Locus coeruleus (LC) is the main noradrenergic nucleus of the brain, and its degeneration is considered to be key in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. In the last 15 years,MRI has been used to assess LC in vivo, both in healthy subjects and in patients suffering from neurological disorders. In this review, we summarize the main findings of LC-MRI studies, interpreting them in light of preclinical and histopathological data, and discussing its potential role as diagnostic and experimental tool. Recent findings LC-MRI findings were largely in agreement with neuropathological evidences; LC signal showed to be not significantly affected during normal aging and to correlate with cognitive performances. On the contrary, a marked reduction of LC signal was observed in patients suffering from neurodegenerative disorders, with specific features. Summary LC-MRI is a promising tool, which may be used in the future to explore LC pathophysiology as well as an early biomarker for degenerative diseases.

Increased Noradrenergic Neurotransmission to a Pain Facilitatory Area of the Brain Is Implicated in Facilitation of Chronic Pain

2015 ◽  
Vol 123 (3) ◽  
pp. 642-653 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Martins ◽  
Paulina Carvalho ◽  
Martin G. de Vries ◽  
Armando Teixeira-Pinto ◽  
Steven P. Wilson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Locus Coeruleus ◽  
Camp Response Element Binding ◽  
In Vivo Microdialysis ◽  
Reticular Nucleus ◽  
Analgesic Effects ◽  
Inhibitory Function ◽  
Noradrenaline Reuptake ◽  
The Brain

Abstract Background: Noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors are known to produce analgesia through a spinal action but they also act in the brain. However, the action of noradrenaline on supraspinal pain control regions is understudied. The authors addressed the noradrenergic modulation of the dorsal reticular nucleus (DRt), a medullary pronociceptive area, in the spared nerve injury (SNI) model of neuropathic pain. Methods: The expression of the phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (pCREB), a marker of neuronal activation, was evaluated in the locus coeruleus and A5 noradrenergic neurons (n = 6 rats/group). pCREB was studied in noradrenergic DRt-projecting neurons retrogradely labeled in SNI animals (n = 3). In vivo microdialysis was used to measure noradrenaline release in the DRt on nociceptive stimulation or after DRt infusion of clonidine (n = 5 to 6 per group). Pharmacology, immunohistochemistry, and western blot were used to study α-adrenoreceptors in the DRt (n = 4 to 6 per group). Results: pCREB expression significantly increased in the locus coeruleus and A5 of SNI animals, and most noradrenergic DRt-projecting neurons expressed pCREB. In SNI animals, noradrenaline levels significantly increased on pinprick (mean ± SD, 126 ± 14%; P = 0.025 vs. baseline) and acetone stimulation (mean ± SD, 151 ± 12%; P < 0.001 vs. baseline), and clonidine infusion showed decreased α2-mediated inhibitory function. α1-adrenoreceptor blockade decreased nociceptive behavioral responses in SNI animals. α2-adrenoreceptor expression was not altered. Conclusions: Chronic pain induces brainstem noradrenergic activation that enhances descending facilitation from the DRt. This suggests that antidepressants inhibiting noradrenaline reuptake may enhance pain facilitation from the brain, counteracting their analgesic effects at the spinal cord.

scholarly journals Functional dichotomy in spinal- vs prefrontal-projecting locus coeruleus modules splits descending noradrenergic analgesia from ascending aversion and anxiety in rats

eLife ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Hirschberg ◽  
Yong Li ◽  
Andrew Randall ◽  
Eric J Kremer ◽  
Anthony E Pickering
Keyword(s):  
Locus Coeruleus ◽  
Viral Vectors ◽  
Spontaneous Pain ◽  
Pain Model ◽  
Axon Terminals ◽  
Neuronal Populations ◽  
Functional Organisation ◽  
Neuropathic Pain Model ◽  
Brain And Spinal Cord ◽  
The Brain

The locus coeruleus (LC) projects throughout the brain and spinal cord and is the major source of central noradrenaline. It remains unclear whether the LC acts functionally as a single global effector or as discrete modules. Specifically, while spinal-projections from LC neurons can exert analgesic actions, it is not known whether they can act independently of ascending LC projections. Using viral vectors taken up at axon terminals, we expressed chemogenetic actuators selectively in LC neurons with spinal (LC:SC) or prefrontal cortex (LC:PFC) projections. Activation of the LC:SC module produced robust, lateralised anti-nociception while activation of LC:PFC produced aversion. In a neuropathic pain model, LC:SC activation reduced hind-limb sensitisation and induced conditioned place preference. By contrast, activation of LC:PFC exacerbated spontaneous pain, produced aversion and increased anxiety-like behaviour. This independent, contrasting modulation of pain-related behaviours mediated by distinct noradrenergic neuronal populations provides evidence for a modular functional organisation of the LC.

Ultrastructure of the locus coeruleus in the brain of rats in early ontogenesis

1984 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-179
Author(s):  
A. M. Ten ◽  
T. I. Belova ◽  
V. V. Korolev
Keyword(s):  
Locus Coeruleus ◽  
Early Ontogenesis ◽  
The Brain

scholarly journals The Expression Patterns of c-Fos and c-Jun Induced by Different Frequencies of Electroacupuncture in the Brain

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zheng-Ying Qiu ◽  
Yi Ding ◽  
Lu-ying Cui ◽  
Man-Li Hu ◽  
Ming-Xing Ding
Keyword(s):  
Nucleus Accumbens ◽  
Caudate Nucleus ◽  
Locus Coeruleus ◽  
Pain Threshold ◽  
Neural Circuits ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Analgesic Effects ◽  
The Brain

To investigate patterns of c-Fos and c-Jun expression induced by different frequencies of electroacupuncture (EA) in the brain, goats were stimulated by EA of 0, 2, 60, or 100 Hz at a set of “Baihui, Santai, Ergen, and Sanyangluo” points for 30 min. The pain threshold was measured using the potassium iontophoresis method. The levels of c-Fos and c-Jun were determined with Streptavidin-Biotin Complex immunohistochemistry. The results showed that the pain threshold induced by 60 Hz was 82.2% higher (P<0.01) than that by 0, 2, or 100 Hz (6.5%, 35.2%, or 40.9%). EA induced increased c-Fos and c-Jun expression in most analgesia-related nuclei and areas in the brain. Sixty Hz EA increased more c-Fos or c-Jun expression than 2 Hz or 100 Hz EA in all the measured nuclei and areas except for the nucleus accumbens, the area septalis lateralis, the caudate nucleus, the nucleus amygdala basalis, and the locus coeruleus, in which c-Fos or c-Jun expressions induced by 60 Hz EA did not differ from those by 2 Hz or 100 Hz EA. It was suggested that 60 Hz EA activated more extensive neural circuits in goats, which may contribute to optimal analgesic effects.

scholarly journals Locus Coeruleus tracking of prediction errors optimises cognitive flexibility: an Active Inference model

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna C Sales ◽  
Karl J. Friston ◽  
Matthew W. Jones ◽  
Anthony E. Pickering ◽  
Rosalyn J. Moran
Keyword(s):  
Locus Coeruleus ◽  
Prediction Error ◽  
Internal Models ◽  
Prediction Errors ◽  
Active Inference ◽  
Behavioural Flexibility ◽  
Action Prediction ◽  
Belief Updating ◽  
State Action ◽  
The Brain

AbstractThe locus coeruleus (LC) in the pons is the major source of noradrenaline (NA) in the brain. Two modes of LC firing have been associated with distinct cognitive states: changes in tonic rates of firing are correlated with global levels of arousal and behavioural flexibility, whilst phasic LC responses are evoked by salient stimuli. Here, we unify these two modes of firing by modelling the response of the LC as a correlate of a prediction error when inferring states for action planning under Active Inference (AI).We simulate a classic Go/No-go reward learning task and a three-arm foraging task and show that, if LC activity is considered to reflect the magnitude of high level ‘state-action’ prediction errors, then both tonic and phasic modes of firing are emergent features of belief updating. We also demonstrate that when contingencies change, AI agents can update their internal models more quickly by feeding back this state-action prediction error – reflected in LC firing and noradrenaline release – to optimise learning rate, enabling large adjustments over short timescales. We propose that such prediction errors are mediated by cortico-LC connections, whilst ascending input from LC to cortex modulates belief updating in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC).In short, we characterise the LC/ NA system within a general theory of brain function. In doing so, we show that contrasting, behaviour-dependent firing patterns are an emergent property of the LC’s crucial role in translating prediction errors into an optimal mediation between plasticity and stability.Author SummaryThe brain uses sensory information to build internal models and make predictions about the world. When errors of prediction occur, models must be updated to ensure desired outcomes are still achieved. Neuromodulator chemicals provide a possible pathway for triggering such changes in brain state. One such neuromodulator, noradrenaline, originates predominantly from a cluster of neurons in the brainstem – the locus coeruleus (LC) – and plays a key role in behaviour, for instance, in determining the balance between exploiting or exploring the environment.Here we use Active Inference (AI), a mathematical model of perception and action, to formally describe LC function. We propose that LC activity is triggered by errors in prediction and that the subsequent release of noradrenaline alters the rate of learning about the environment. Biologically, this describes an LC-cortex feedback loop promoting behavioural flexibility in times of uncertainty. We model LC output as a simulated animal performs two tasks known to elicit archetypal responses. We find that experimentally observed ‘phasic’ and ‘tonic’ patterns of LC activity emerge naturally, and that modulation of learning rates improves task performance. This provides a simple, unified computational account of noradrenergic computational function within a general model of behaviour.

Lack of Association of Locus Coeruleus Pathology with Orthostatic Hypotension in Parkinson’s Disease

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Qiang Tong ◽  
Liam Chen
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Substantia Nigra ◽  
Orthostatic Hypotension ◽  
Locus Coeruleus ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Motor Symptom ◽  
Postmortem Brains ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
The Brain

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a common non-motor symptom in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and is linked with increased mortality risk among the elderly. Although the locus coeruleus (LC) is the major source of noradrenaline (NA) modulation in the brain, its role in the pathogenesis of OH in PD remains largely elusive. Here we examined 44 well characterized postmortem brains of PD patients and available clinical data to explore the relationship between OH and LC pathology in PD. Our results failed to indicate that the LC pathology as well as the substantia nigra pathology were robustly associated with the presence of OH in PD patients, suggesting targeting LC norepinephrinergic system alone may not be sufficient to treat OH in PD.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document