A new study reveals the role the locus coeruleus plays in learning, behavior, and mental health.
Motor learning deficits associated with autism may be the result of reduced levels of noradrenaline release in the primary motor cortex.
Study sheds light on the brain chemistry involved in attention loss when a person drinks alcohol.
Stimulating noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus that carry signals from the brain down the spinal dorsal horn activates astrocytes. The astrocyte activation results in hypersensitivity to pain.
Study identifies a key role locus coeruleus neurons play in attentional control.
Exercise increases levels of galanin in the brain stem, making mice more resilient to stress.
Those on the autism spectrum had atypically smaller pupil dilation compared to the control group during distracting conditions while taking a push-button test. The findings suggest those with ASD may have dysregulation in locus coeruleus activity. The dysregulation of the LC may explain the exaggerated responses to environmental stimuli and fixated behaviors many with ASD experience.
Adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a precursor to Alzheimer's disease, have greater pupil dilation when taking cognitive tests than their cognitively normal peers. Task-evoked pupillary response may be a cost-effective, and low invasive screening test for those at genetic risk for Alzheimer's before the symptoms of the disease take hold.
Tau accumulations disrupt wake-promoting neurons. The findings help explain why day-time napping and sleep disruptions are often reported in Alzheimer's patients.
A new study sheds light on how the brain changes as a result of chronic stress. Selective noradrenaline release rewires connectivity patterns between different brain regions. Activity in the amygdala and networks that process sensory stimuli increased.
Researchers reveal how connections from around the mammalian brain stimulate two key cell types in the locus coeruleus to moderate arousal in two different ways.
A new mouse study reveals females have a three fold higher abundance of EP3, in addition to elevated levels of genes associated with major depressive disorder in the locus coeruleus.
