Peripheral, autonomic regulation of locus coeruleus noradrenergic neurons in brain: putative implications for psychiatry and psychopharmacology.

摘要: In 1946 von Euler identified the major transmitter of sympathetic nerve fibers, norepinephrine (NE), and about a decade later Vogt (1954) provided first evidence that NE may also serve as neurotransmitter in central nervous system (CNS). Since time, literal explosion CNS research has taken place involving histological, biochemical, physiological, pharmacological clinical investigations. Yet, it is only now we are beginning to understand biological function brain, particular because recent advances regarding physiology regulation neurons locus coeruleus (LC), bilateral pontine structure with uniquely wide-spread terminal network reaching throughout neuroaxis primates accounting for 70% all brain NE. Recently, neurobiology LC noradrenergic was extensively reviewed by Foote et al. (1983), its implication vigilance well global orientation behavior towards imperative, environmental sensory stimuli outlined. more information peripheral, autonomic provides fundamentally new aspects on mental which seem allow integrated view role overall individual than previously understood. The purpose this review summarize these findings and, furthermore, outline some putative implications psychiatry neuropsychopharmacology.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)