Differential attentional control mechanisms by two distinct noradrenergic coeruleo-frontal cortical pathways.

ABSTRACT: The attentional control of behavior is a higher-order cognitive function that operates through attention and response inhibition. The locus coeruleus (LC), the main source of norepinephrine in the brain, is considered to be involved in attentional control by modulating the neuronal activity of the prefrontal cortex (PFC). However, evidence for the causal role of LC activity in attentional control remains elusive. Here, by using behavioral and optogenetic techniques, we investigate the effect of LC neuron activation or inhibition in operant tests measuring attention and response inhibition (i.e., a measure of impulsive behavior). We show that LC neuron stimulation increases goal-directed attention and decreases impulsivity, while its suppression exacerbates distractibility and increases imp

SUBMITTER: Bari A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7682591 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature