Catecholamine function, brain state dynamics, and human cognition

Author(s):
Brink, R.L. van den (0000-0002-3142-7248)
Published
2017
Publication type
Doctoral Thesis

Abstract

The locus coeruleus (LC) is

a nucleus in the brainstem, and projects widely to the forebrain where it releases

norepinephrine (NE). Catecholamines such as NE do not have a unitary effect on

their target neurons, but instead influence the function of other neurotransmitters, a process that is known known as neuromodulation. By virtue of the LC’s wide projection profile and the neuromodulatory properties of NE, the LC-NE system profoundly influences neural firing characteristics and associated cognitive processes. The work presented in this thesis addresses the role of the LC-NE system in various aspects of human cognition, and the modulation of brain state.

NeuromodulationNorepinephrineDopamineConnectivityCognitionAttention
Defense date
2017-11-07
Language
English
Supervisor(s)
NIeuwenhuis, S.T.
Advisor(s)
Steenbergen, H. van
Committee member(s)
Ridderinkhof, R.K.; Forstmann, B.U.; Cohen, M.X.
Qualification
Ph.D.
Degree granting institution
Institute of Psychology, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden
hdl
1887/54947
ISBN(s)
9789402807592