The contribution of the locus coeruleus - norepinephrine system to the coupling between pupil-linked arousal and cortical state.

ABSTRACT: Understanding how pupil-linked arousal couples with cortical state is crucial for uncovering the neural mechanisms underlying brain state-dependent cognitive and sensory processing. Pupil size fluctuations reflect rapid changes of the pupil-linked arousal system, indexing brain states as well as the activity of neuromodulatory systems, including the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine (LC-NE) system. We investigated the relationship among phasic pupil dilation, cortical state, and neuromodulation by combining optogenetic LC stimulation with EEG recordings and pupillometry in awake mice. A comparison between EEG signals during spontaneous phasic pupil dilation and those during phasic pupil dilation evoked by LC stimulation revealed distinct EEG power spectrums, with LC activation driving strong

SUBMITTER: Weiss E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12132287 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature