Responses of locus coeruleus neurons to neuropeptides

The knowledge on the neuronal inputs to the locus coeruleus (LC) and their roles in regulating noradrenergic (NA) cellular activity is quite advanced. In recent years, however, about ten neuropeptides were found to be localized in the area of the rodent LC; peptides which may be considered as potential transmitters or modulators acting in this area. Electrophysiological studies performed in vivo and in vitro have revealed that many of these peptides are able to alter LC neuronal activity. Stimulatory effects have been described with vasopressin, substance P, adrenocorticotropin hormone and corticotropin-releasing factor. Depressant effects were seen with galanin, somatostatin, neuropeptide Y and enkephalin. Variable actions were observed in the case of neurotensin. While these findings point to a possible regulatory function of these peptides in this area, precise roles remain unclear. Important information is lacking that would conclusively demonstrate their regulatory functions. It should be determined whether the stimulation of peptidergic cells elicits synaptic effects identical to the ones observed with local exogenous peptide applications. By studying the action of blockers of these transmitter and modulator candidates, we would probably begin to understand their importance in the regulation of tonic and phasic activity components. The LC is generally considered to consist of a homogenous group of neurons. The recent observation that subpopulations of these cells contain peptides as in the case of neuropeptide Y, galanin and vasopressin, points to the possible existence of subgroups of neurons having different functions.