Heterogeneous organization and function of the central noradrenergic system

TY - JOUR

T1 - Heterogeneous organization and function of the central noradrenergic system

AU - Waterhouse, Barry D.

AU - Chandler, Daniel J.

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2016 Published by Elsevier B.V.

PY - 2016/6/15

Y1 - 2016/6/15

N2 - Since the identification of NE-containing cells in the CNS there has been a concerted effort to characterize the attributes of these neurons and their role in brain function and behavior. Much of that work focused on the largest of the NE- containing cell clusters in the brain stem, the nucleus locus coeruleus. Several principles of organization and physiological properties have been recognized for this nucleus most of which converges on the popular view that the LC is a homogeneous structure responsible for simultaneous release of NE in terminal fields throughout the entire extent of the LC efferent network, primarily forebrain, cerebellum and spinal cord. Although the circuit level actions are dictated by the adrenergic receptor complement of the target region, there has been a tendency until recently to develop a unified concept of how LC output influences behavior. A general hypothesis is that LC-mediated NE release facilitates synaptic transmission at the cellular level and enhances net neural circuit functions to the benefit of whole organism adaptive responses. This view extends to both males and females and across all stages of the aging continuum, and likewise influences thinking about the role of the NE system in neuropsychiatric disorders. There has also been a tendency to look for similar organizational patterns and physiological attributes among the non-LC NE clusters in the brainstem and to fit these cell groups into a unified theory of operation for NE in the brain. However, evidence from more recent studies suggests a more fine-grained description of the NE system and its role in brain function and behavior is necessary. Rather than expect unifying principles of operation it may be more appropriate to acknowledge heterogeneity that predicts the selectivity of action and diversity of function that are required to generate adaptive responses to a multitude of behavioral circumstances. For example, data from several sectors suggest we consider the central noradrenergic system as an interconnected network of NE-containing cells called upon as needed to orchestrate whole brain/whole organism responses to ever changing behavioral conditions. Accordingly, the early views of the LC as a central "arousal, alarm system" Grant et al. (1988) designed to promote "alerting, orienting, and attending" (Foote et al., 1991) requires refinement and revision. The articles presented in this special edition of Brain Research highlight evidence that calls for greater appreciation of the complexities of the noradrenergic network as it relates to normal operations and dysfunction of the central nervous system.

AB - Since the identification of NE-containing cells in the CNS there has been a concerted effort to characterize the attributes of these neurons and their role in brain function and behavior. Much of that work focused on the largest of the NE- containing cell clusters in the brain stem, the nucleus locus coeruleus. Several principles of organization and physiological properties have been recognized for this nucleus most of which converges on the popular view that the LC is a homogeneous structure responsible for simultaneous release of NE in terminal fields throughout the entire extent of the LC efferent network, primarily forebrain, cerebellum and spinal cord. Although the circuit level actions are dictated by the adrenergic receptor complement of the target region, there has been a tendency until recently to develop a unified concept of how LC output influences behavior. A general hypothesis is that LC-mediated NE release facilitates synaptic transmission at the cellular level and enhances net neural circuit functions to the benefit of whole organism adaptive responses. This view extends to both males and females and across all stages of the aging continuum, and likewise influences thinking about the role of the NE system in neuropsychiatric disorders. There has also been a tendency to look for similar organizational patterns and physiological attributes among the non-LC NE clusters in the brainstem and to fit these cell groups into a unified theory of operation for NE in the brain. However, evidence from more recent studies suggests a more fine-grained description of the NE system and its role in brain function and behavior is necessary. Rather than expect unifying principles of operation it may be more appropriate to acknowledge heterogeneity that predicts the selectivity of action and diversity of function that are required to generate adaptive responses to a multitude of behavioral circumstances. For example, data from several sectors suggest we consider the central noradrenergic system as an interconnected network of NE-containing cells called upon as needed to orchestrate whole brain/whole organism responses to ever changing behavioral conditions. Accordingly, the early views of the LC as a central "arousal, alarm system" Grant et al. (1988) designed to promote "alerting, orienting, and attending" (Foote et al., 1991) requires refinement and revision. The articles presented in this special edition of Brain Research highlight evidence that calls for greater appreciation of the complexities of the noradrenergic network as it relates to normal operations and dysfunction of the central nervous system.

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/84955317521

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/84955317521#tab=citedBy

U2 - 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.12.050

DO - 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.12.050

M3 - Editorial

C2 - 26746339

SN - 0006-8993

VL - 1641

SP - v-x

JO - Brain Research

JF - Brain Research

ER -