[Recording of the electrophysiological activity of the locus coeruleus in the rat]

After having previously studied some histochemical and biochemical aspects of the noradrenalin-containing neurons of the rat locus coeruleus (LC), we intend now to record the unitary electrophysiological activity of these neurons. In the present paper, we try to define the experimental conditions allowing a reproducible recording of this activity. In agreement with other authors, we have shown that the neurons of the LC slowly discharge, at a frequency of 1-3/sec with an amplitude of 100-150 muV. This spontaneous activity is greatly reduced by low doses of norimipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant.