The main olfactory bulb (MOB) and piriform cortex (PC) comprise a relatively simple, well characterized, sensory neural network. Our studies have shown that 40% of all locus coeruleus (LC) neurons project to MOB where they terminate with a higher degree of laminar specificity than any other forebrain target. LC-norepinephrine (NE) inputs preferentially terminate in the granule cell layer (GCL). This layer contains granule cells which are GABAergic interneurons that control the spontaneous and sensory-evoked activity of mitral cells. The mitral cell receives olfactory neuron sensory input and relays MOB output to PC. The laminar organization of LC-NE inputs to the GCL leads to specific predictions about the cellular targets and functional modulation of bulb neurons by LC-NE synapses. Preliminary studies support these predictions. Specifically, confirmed activation of LC increases the response of identified mitral cells to sensory input. We will use EM- immunocytochemical and neurophysiological methods to directly test the hypothesis that LC-NE inputs disinhibit mitral cells by direct or indirect (presynaptic) inhibition of granule cells. We will further test the hypothesis that LC-NE activation increases the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio of sensory throughout in MOB. Our preliminary studies show that LC also massively innervates PC. The target(s) of LC-NE terminals in PC ar unknown and will be determined by localizing NE synapses on identified PC neurons intracellularly-filled in fixed slices. In vivo and in vitro physiological studies will test the hypothesis that NE modulates PC neurons so as to preserve or enhance S/N ratio gains achieved by LC-NE modulation of MOB. The long range goal of these studies is to close the gap between global hypotheses of LC-NE function and cellular-molecular studies of NE synaptic actions by characterizing LC-NE modulation of a cortically organized, integrated sensory neural network.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DC002588-02
Application #
2128033
Study Section
Neurological Sciences Subcommittee 1 (NLS)
Project Start
1994-06-01
Project End
1998-05-31
Budget Start
1995-06-01
Budget End
1996-05-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1995
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Maryland Baltimore
Department
Anatomy/Cell Biology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
003255213
City
Baltimore
State
MD
Country
United States
Zip Code
21201
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