| Norepinephrine Neurons | |
|---|---|
| Lineage | Neuron > Catecholaminergic > Noradrenergic |
| Markers | DBH, TH, PHOX2A, PHOX2B, SLC6A2A, SLC6A2B, ADRA2A |
| Brain Regions | Locus coeruleus, Subcoeruleus nucleus, Lateral tegmental nuclei |
| Disease Vulnerability | [Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers), [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease), [FTD](/diseases/ftd), [Narcolepsy](/diseases/narcolepsy) |
Norepinephrine Neurons is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
Norepinephrine (NE) Neurons are catecholaminergic neurons that produce and release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (noradrenaline).[1] The majority of noradrenergic neurons in the mammalian brain are located in the locus coeruleus (LC), a compact nucleus in the dorsal pons.[2]
These neurons project widely throughout the central nervous system, innervating the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, cerebellum, and spinal cord. This diffuse projection pattern allows norepinephrine to modulate overall brain state and arousal.[3]
| Taxonomy | ID | Name / Label |
|---|---|---|
| Cell Ontology (CL) | CL:0000459 | noradrenergic cell |
Noradrenergic neurons are identified by expression of:
Norepinephrine neurons perform essential functions in brain physiology:
Norepinephrine neurons show early vulnerability in AD:
](/cell-types/cell-types-norepinephrine-neurons-—-this-page)## Background
The study of Norepinephrine Neurons has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.
Berridge CW, Waterhouse BD. The locus coeruleus-noradrenergic system: modulation of behavioral state and state-dependent cognitive processes. Brain Res Rev. 2003. ↩︎
Sara SJ. The locus coeruleus and noradrenergic modulation of cognition. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2009. ↩︎
Aston-Jones G, Cohen JD. Adaptive gain and the role of the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system in optimal performance. J Comp Neurol. 2005. ↩︎
Mann DM, et al. The locus coeruleus in Alzheimer's disease: a quantitative study. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1980. ↩︎
Reinikainen KJ, et al. Decreased noradrenaline concentration in Alzheimer's disease brain. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1988. ↩︎
Ross JA, et al. Locus coeruleus catecholamine depletion and memory deficits in people with cognitive impairment. Neurology. 2020. ↩︎
Heneka MT, et al. Locus coeruleus controls Alzheimer's disease pathology by modulating microglial functions through norepinephrine. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2010. ↩︎
Chalermpalanupap T, et al. Targeting norepinephrine in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Res Ther. 2013. ↩︎
Zarow C, et al. Neuronal loss is greater than the loss of noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus in Parkinson's disease. Exp Neurol. 2003. ↩︎