Noradrenaline and cerebral aging
Jouvet M, Albarede JL, Lubin S, Meyrignac C.
Laboratoire de Medecine Experimentale,
Faculte de Medecine, Lyon.
Encephale 1991 May-Jun;17(3):187-95
Abstract:
The central functions of norepinephrine (NE)
are a recent discovery: regulation of alertness and of the wakefulness-sleep
cycle, maintenance of attention, memory and learning, cerebral plasticity and
neuro-protection. The anatomical, histological, biochemical and physiological
properties of the central noradrenergic system: extreme capacity for
ramification and arborization; slow conduction, non-myelinized axons with
extrasynaptic varicosities producing and releasing NE; frequency of
co-transmission phenomena, and; neuromodulation with fiber effect responsible
for improvement in the signal over background noise ratio and selection of
significant stimuli form a true interface between the outside world and the
central nervous system, notably for the neocortex in the context of the
cognitive treatment of information. This central noradrenergic system is
involved in the neurophysiology and the clinical features of cerebral aging
(ideation-motor and cognitive function slowing down, loss of behavioral
adjustment), neuro-degenerative disorders (SDAT, Parkinson's disease), certain
aspects of depression and less obvious conditions (head injuries, sequelae of
cerebrovascular accidents, sub-cortical dementia). The recent development of
medications improving alertness (adrafinil, modafinil) with a pure
central action and specifically noradrenergic, may contribute to an
improvement in these multifactorial disorders.
1. Modafinil for sustaining
the alertness of helicopter pilots
2. Modafinil augmentation
of antidepressant treatment
3. Modafinil the
unique properties of a new stimulant
4. Modafinil children
with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
5. Modafinil tolerability
in healthy male volunteers
6. Modafinil successful treatment of
hypersomnia & narcolepsy
7. Modafinil narcolepsy:
symptoms and management
8. Modafinil
amplification of cortical serotonin release
9. Modafinil
treatment of alcoholic organic brain syndrome
10. Modafinil
effect on melatonin, cortisol, and growth hormone
11. Modafinil
in obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome
