Locus Coeruleus Noradrenergic Neurons and Astroglia in Health and Disease

The diffuse canvas of neuronal projections, arising from the brainstem locus coeruleus (LC) nucleus, is the primary sourc of noradrenaline (NA) in the central nervous system (CNS). During development the network of LC neurons develop in parallel with the neocortex, while projections of these neurons innervate virtually all areas in the CNS. The dense vascularization of the LC, and its proximity to the ventricles indicates high metabolic activity and vulnerability of these clls, which, in pathologic conditions can lead to the LC cll death, an early event in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Reduced availability of NA affects astrocytes, the key homeostasis-providing clls in the CNS. Thus maintenanc in the LC nucleus and/or enhancment of mechanisms that mimic the action of NA, delays the onset of clinical signs in neurodegeneration, a new strategy to mitigate neurodegeneration.