Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 28, 2026
09:35
Environmental Modulations of the Number of Midbrain Dopamine Neurons in Adult Mice
Published on: January 20, 2015
9.3K
Neuromodulatory influence of norepinephrine during developmental experience-dependent plasticity
Randall M Golovin1, Nicholas J Ward2
1Neuroscience Graduate Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee;
Journal of Neurophysiology
|December 15, 2015
Summary
Norepinephrine is a key driver of auditory cortex plasticity during critical developmental periods. This finding challenges the idea that noradrenergic and cholinergic systems have redundant roles in shaping brain circuits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Auditory System Research
Background:
- Critical periods are sensitive developmental phases where neuronal circuits are highly adaptable.
- Experience-dependent plasticity shapes these circuits, but the specific molecular drivers are debated.
- Previous research suggested functional redundancy between noradrenergic and cholinergic systems in cortical plasticity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific role of norepinephrine in auditory cortex plasticity during critical periods.
- To challenge existing notions of functional redundancy between noradrenergic and cholinergic influences.
- To elucidate novel mechanisms underlying critical period plasticity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the auditory cortex as a model system.
- Focused on experience-dependent plasticity during critical developmental windows.
- Investigated the influence of norepinephrine on neuronal circuit refinement.
Main Results:
- Norepinephrine was identified as an essential driver of plasticity in the auditory cortex.
- Demonstrated that norepinephrine actively shapes neuronal responses during critical periods.
- Provided evidence against the concept of functional redundancy between noradrenergic and cholinergic systems.
Conclusions:
- Norepinephrine plays a critical and non-redundant role in auditory cortex development.
- This research offers new insights into the mechanisms governing critical period plasticity.
- Challenges established views on the interplay of neuromodulators in brain development.
Related Concept Videos
01:01Neuroplasticity
2.4K
Neuroplasticity reflects the brain's remarkable capacity to adapt and evolve, responding dynamically to learning, experiences, or injury by reorganizing its neural circuitry. This reorganization involves creating new neural connections and refining old ones through a series of biological processes that contribute to the brain's lifelong development and adaptability.
2.4K
01:29Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis
2.5K
Drugs affecting neurotransmitter synthesis can impact the adrenergic neuron and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. For example, α-methyltyrosine and carbidopa target specific enzymes involved in catecholamine synthesis. α-methyltyrosine inhibits the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, which converts tyrosine into dopamine. By blocking this enzyme, α-methyltyrosine reduces dopamine production and other catecholamines. Carbidopa, on the other hand, inhibits the enzyme dopa decarboxylase,...
2.5K
01:26Neurochemical Transmission: Sites of Drug Action
3.9K
Neurochemical transmission, the conduction of electrical impulses between neurons mediated by neurotransmitters, plays a vital role in various physiological processes. Autonomic drugs exert their effects by modulating neurotransmission within the autonomic nervous system. For instance, drugs such as hemicholinium block the precursor uptake necessary for synthesizing acetylcholine, an essential autonomic neurotransmitter. Following synthesis, neurotransmitters are stored in vesicles. Metyrosine...
3.9K
01:25Long-term Potentiation
3.8K
Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when...
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when...
3.8K
01:35Long-term Potentiation
59.4K
Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre- and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
59.4K
01:21Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake
1.8K
Certain drugs can affect how neurotransmitters called catecholamines, are released or taken back up in the adrenergic neuron. They can have different effects on the body's sympathetic transmission. Reserpine, a natural compound found in the Rauwolfia shrub, blocks a transporter called vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), which leads to a buildup of catecholamines in the cell and reduces sympathetic transmission. Another drug called guanethidine works in multiple ways, including blocking...
1.8K