Cortical effects of the electrical stimulation of the locus coeruleus. 1977

J García Ramos, and E de la Cerda

The results of the electrical stimulation of the locus coeruleus in curarized cats, and the effects upon the observed cortical responses of 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine or 6-hydroxydopamine injected intracisternally or applied in the subarachnoideal space were studied. The changes were followed on the strychnine spikes produced after the topical application of this drug. Stimulation of the locus coeruleus elicited a response in every area of the cortex explored. The response was complex, showed a phase of depression and a phase of enhancement both mixed in different proportions. The depressant reaction was more marked with lower strengths of stimulation and the enhancement reactions appeared more evident with the stronger stimuli. Both these reactions were blocked by the previous administration of 6-hydroxydopamine and only the depressant one was practically abolished by 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine. It is concluded that a complex interaction exists between the noradrenergic neurons of the locus coeruleus and the serotonergic neurons, probably those of the raphe nuclei. It is suggested that the axons of the noradrenergic neurons in their way to the cortex, give off collaterals that innervate some serotonergic neurons. The monoamines liberated by these axon terminals at the cerebral cortex would act as neurohumoral agents.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008125 Locus Coeruleus Bluish-colored region in the superior angle of the FOURTH VENTRICLE floor, corresponding to melanin-like pigmented nerve cells which lie lateral to the PERIAQUEDUCTAL GRAY. Locus Caeruleus Complex,Locus Caeruleus,Locus Ceruleus,Locus Ceruleus Complex,Locus Coeruleus Complex,Nucleus Pigmentosus Pontis,Caeruleus Complex, Locus,Complex, Locus Caeruleus,Complex, Locus Ceruleus,Complex, Locus Coeruleus,Pontis, Nucleus Pigmentosus
D002415 Cats The domestic cat, Felis catus, of the carnivore family FELIDAE, comprising over 30 different breeds. The domestic cat is descended primarily from the wild cat of Africa and extreme southwestern Asia. Though probably present in towns in Palestine as long ago as 7000 years, actual domestication occurred in Egypt about 4000 years ago. (From Walker's Mammals of the World, 6th ed, p801) Felis catus,Felis domesticus,Domestic Cats,Felis domestica,Felis sylvestris catus,Cat,Cat, Domestic,Cats, Domestic,Domestic Cat
D004558 Electric Stimulation Use of electric potential or currents to elicit biological responses. Stimulation, Electric,Electrical Stimulation,Electric Stimulations,Electrical Stimulations,Stimulation, Electrical,Stimulations, Electric,Stimulations, Electrical
D004569 Electroencephalography Recording of electric currents developed in the brain by means of electrodes applied to the scalp, to the surface of the brain, or placed within the substance of the brain. EEG,Electroencephalogram,Electroencephalograms
D006892 Hydroxydopamines Dopamines with a hydroxy group substituted in one or more positions. Hydroxydopamine
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D012701 Serotonin A biochemical messenger and regulator, synthesized from the essential amino acid L-TRYPTOPHAN. In humans it is found primarily in the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and blood platelets. Serotonin mediates several important physiological functions including neurotransmission, gastrointestinal motility, hemostasis, and cardiovascular integrity. Multiple receptor families (RECEPTORS, SEROTONIN) explain the broad physiological actions and distribution of this biochemical mediator. 5-HT,5-Hydroxytryptamine,3-(2-Aminoethyl)-1H-indol-5-ol,Enteramine,Hippophaine,Hydroxytryptamine,5 Hydroxytryptamine
D013268 Stimulation, Chemical The increase in a measurable parameter of a PHYSIOLOGICAL PROCESS, including cellular, microbial, and plant; immunological, cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive, urinary, digestive, neural, musculoskeletal, ocular, and skin physiological processes; or METABOLIC PROCESS, including enzymatic and other pharmacological processes, by a drug or other chemical. Chemical Stimulation,Chemical Stimulations,Stimulations, Chemical
D013331 Strychnine An alkaloid found in the seeds of STRYCHNOS NUX-VOMICA. It is a competitive antagonist at glycine receptors and thus a convulsant. It has been used as an analeptic, in the treatment of nonketotic hyperglycinemia and sleep apnea, and as a rat poison. Strychnine Nitrate,Nitrate, Strychnine

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