noradrenergic neuron

Noradrenergic neuron refers to any neuron whose primary neurotransmitter is norepinephrine (noradrenaline)[1]. These neurons are most prominent in the locus coeruleus of the pons and medulla, with additional population in peripheral sympathetic ganglia[3][8]. They regulate arousal, attention, memory, wakefulness, stress, and autonomic functions, and are implicated in numerous neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases[4][6]. Drugs do not target the neuron directly, but affect the signaling pathways mediated by norepinephrine released from these neurons, acting on adrenergic receptors (α1, α2, β) or the norepinephrine transporter[2][3][6].

Other names

noradrenergic cellNE neuronNA neuronnoradrenaline-producing neuronnorepinephrine neuron