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Behavioral functions of locus coeruleus derived from cellular attributes

Physiological PsychologyPublished 1 September 1985Open access
Gary Aston‐Jones
Citations233
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TL;DR

The electrophysiological activity of noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus was examined in unanesthetized rats during spontaneously occurring behavior and sensory stimulation and implicates the LC system in the control of vigilance and initiation of adaptive behavioral responses.

Abstract

The electrophysiological activity of noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) was examined in unanesthetized rats during spontaneously occurring behavior and sensory stimulation. The pattern of spontaneous and evoked discharge during sleep, grooming, drinking, and orienting behaviors, considered in light of other cellular anatomic and physiologic attributes, implicates the LC system in the control of vigilance and initiation of adaptive behavioral responses.

Keywords

Neuroscience