werner@aecom.UUCP (Craig Werner) (11/05/86)
<> The Brain Nucleus Locus Coeruleus: Restricted Afferent Control of a Broad Efferent Network. Aston-Jones G, Ennis M, Pieribone VA, Nickell WT, Shipley MT Science 234:734 (7 Nov 1986) Dense Focal injections of wheat germ agglutinin conjugated- horseradish peroxidase in the locus coeruleus of rats labeled afferent neurons in unexpectedly few brain regions. Major inputs emanate from only two nuclei -- the paragigantocellularis and the prepositus hypoglossi, both in the rostral medulla. The dorsal cap of the paraventricular nuclei and the spinal intermediate gray are possible minor afferents to the locus coeruleus. Others areas reported to project to locus coeruleus (for example Amygdala, nucleus tractus solitarius, and spinal dorsal horn) did not exhibit consistent retrograde labeling. Anterograde tracing and electrophysiologic experiments confirmed the absence of input to locus coeruleus from these areas, which instead terminate in targets adjacent to locus coeruleus. These finding redefine the anatomic organization of the locus coeruleus, and have implications for hypotheses concerning the functions of the noradrenergic brain nucleus. Note: "A considerable body of evidence implicates this nucleus in global brain function such as emotion and vigilance, as well as in the etiology of depression and dementia of the Alzheimer's type." -- Craig Werner (MD/PhD '91) !philabs!aecom!werner (1935-14E Eastchester Rd., Bronx NY 10461, 212-931-2517) "It doesn't even have to be a Pelvis."