The role of the locus coeruleus in shaping adaptive cortical melodies. Issue 6 (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wainstein, Gabriel; Müller, Eli J.; Taylor, Natasha; Munn, Brandon; Shine, James M.
• Is Part Of: Trends in cognitive sciences. Volume 26:Issue 6(2022)
• Page Start: 527
• Page End: 538
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: locus coeruleus -- neuromodulation -- systems-level -- network; Cognitive science -- Periodicals; Cognitive neuroscience -- Periodicals; 153.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2022.03.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-6613

Abstract

Abstract : Neural dynamics are shaped and constrained by the projections of a small nucleus in the pons: the noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC). Much like a bow to the brain's violin, activity in the LC lacks content specificity, but instead dynamically shapes the excitability and receptivity of neurons across the brain. In this review, we explain how the style of the bowing technique, which is analogous to different firing modes in the LC, affects distinct activity patterns in the rest of the brain. Through this analogical lens, we provide intuitive insights into how the complex activity of the LC acts to coordinate adaptive neural dynamics. Highlights: The locus coeruleus (LC) is a small collection of cells in the pons that sends widespread, neuromodulatory projects to the rest of the brain. The LC works analogously to the manner in which a bow is needed to express musical notes from a violin. Different styles of bowing have distinct effects on the musicality of the notes expressed by the violin, and the same can be said for the different modes of LC activity. Dysfunctional bowing (LC activity patterns) can be linked to different abnormal brain states.