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LC-NE = locus coeruleus neroepiniphrine
The locus coeruleus is responsible for mediating many of the sympathetic effects during [[FFFF|stress]]. The locus coeruleus is activated by stress, and will respond by increasing norepinephrine secretion, which in turn will alter cognitive function (through the prefrontal cortex), increase motivation (through [[nucleus accumbens]]), activate the [[hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis]], and increase the sympathetic discharge/inhibit parasympathetic tone (through the [[brainstem]]). Specific to the activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary adrenal axis, norepinephrine will stimulate the secretion of [[corticotropin-releasing factor]] from the hypothalamus, which induces [[adrenocorticotropic hormone]] release from the [[anterior pituitary]] and subsequent cortisol synthesis in the [[adrenal glands]]. Norepinephrine released from locus coeruleus will feedback to inhibit its production, and corticotropin-releasing hormone will feedback to inhibit its production, while positively feeding to the locus coeruleus to increase norepinephrine production.<ref name="> Benarroch"EE. The locus ceruleus norepinephrine system: functional organization and potential clinical significance. Neurology. 2009 Nov 17;73(20):1699-704.</ref>
The LC's role in cognitive function in relation to stress is complex and multi-modal. Norepinephrine released from the LC can act on α2 receptors to increase working memory, or an excess of NE may decrease working memory by binding to the lower-affinity α1 receptors.<ref name="Ramos">Ramos BP, Arnsten AF. Adrenergic pharmacology and cognition: focus on the prefrontal cortex. Pharmacol Ther 2007; 113: 523-536.</ref>
==References==
<references/>
[[category:brain]]
[[category:brain regions]]