Cholinergic and noradrenergic modulation of thalamocortical processing
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Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Modification of a Colliculo-thalamocortical Mouse Brain Slice, Incorporating 3-D printing of Chamber Components and Multi-scale Optical Imaging
Published on: September 18, 2015
Abstract:
During periods of drowsiness and synchronized sleep, thalamocortical neuronal activity is dominated by rhythmic oscillations. The shift to waking and attentiveness is associated with an abolition of these rhythms and a marked increase in neuronal responsiveness to synaptic inputs. These shifts in thalamocortical processing are controlled by ascending modulatory neurotransmitter systems of which the cholinergic and noradrenergic components play a key role. By altering the amplitude of specialized potassium currents in thalamic and cortical neurons, acetylcholine and norepinephrine can block the generation of thalamocortical rhythms and promote a state of excitability that is consistent with cognition.
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