Shining light on the noradrenergic system

Abstract

Despite decades of research on the noradrenergic system, our understanding of its impact on brain function and behavior remains incomplete. Traditional recording techniques are challenging to implement for investigating in vivo noradrenergic activity, due to the relatively small size and the position in the brain of the locus coeruleus (LC), the primary location for noradrenergic neurons. However, recent advances in optical and fluorescent methods have enabled researchers to study the LC more effectively. Use of genetically encoded calcium indicators to image the activity of noradrenergic neurons and biosensors that monitor noradrenaline release with fluorescence can be an indispensable tool for studying noradrenergic activity. In this review, we examine how these methods are being applied to record the noradrenergic system in the rodent brain during behavior.

Juxtacellular recordings from identified neurons in the mouse locus coeruleus

“…The advent of optotagging techniques in the study of LC circuits has provided an unprecedented level of spatial and temporal resolution (for review, see Tanguay et al, 2023;Totah et al, 2019). However, these systemslevel approaches are not optimally suited for resolving structure-function relationships, as they are typically restricted to targeting 'broad' cell types (i.e., defined by single marker expression) and do not provide access to morphological information.…”

Special Section Guest Editorial: Frontiers in Neurophotonics

“…A review by Tanguay et al summarizes the progress made in the development of biosensors for neurotransmitter noradrenaline that have given neuroscientists a novel view of the rodent brain during behavior. 11 Another review by Foubert et al focuses on the impact of calcium imaging in understanding the significance of astrocytic activity in the visual system development. 12 Finally, a perspective by Doney et al highlights the importance of super-resolution imaging and quantitative data analysis, originally developed for neuroscience applications, for imaging beyond the brain.…”

“…summarizes the progress made in the development of biosensors for neurotransmitter noradrenaline that have given neuroscientists a novel view of the rodent brain during behavior. 11 Another review by Foubert et al. focuses on the impact of calcium imaging in understanding the significance of astrocytic activity in the visual system development.…”