Bioreactivity: Regulation of Neuronal Responsiveness--Role of Locus.
Abstract
In mammals, a group of neurons localized in an area of the brainstem called the locus coeruleus utilize norepinephrine as their neurotransmitter and are believed to be important in attention, vigilance, anxiety, and arousal. Studies supported by this grant over the past 2 1/2 years explored these issues by means of chronic single unit recordings in unrestrained and unanesthetized cats. The work has been highly productive and has resulted in a number of major findings, most or which have been published or will be published within the next six months. We have completed a detailed analysis of the response of locus coeruleus-noradrenergic (LC-NE) neurons to repetitive presentation of simple sensory stimuli and how this response is altered by systemic administration of anxiolytic and anxiogenic drugs. We have also finished a study which examined the activity of these neurons during appetitive and aversive conditioning. In our most comprehensive investigations in the series of environmental and physiological challenges (stressors). Overall, our experiments indicate an important role for this system in vigilance and bioreactivity, especially in situations that can be regarded as challenging or successful to the organism.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 12, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA186354
Entities
People
- Barry L. Jacobs
Organizations
- Princeton University