Electrocortical power spectrum changes induced by microinfusion of corticotropin-releasing factor into the locus coeruleus in rats.
Rat corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) microinfused unilaterally or bilaterally into the locus coeruleus (LC) of awake, chronically cannulated rats produced a dose-dependent ECoG desynchronization and behavioral activation. ECoG spectra analysis revealed a significant decrease of total voltage power and of 0.25-3 and 3-6 Hz frequency bands. These effects were prevented by a pretreatment into the same site with alpha-hCRF, a selective antagonist at CRF receptors and by alprazolam, a benzodiazepine derivative. In conclusion, the present results indicate that CRF produces its behavioral and ECoG activating effects by interaction with specific receptors located on LC neurons.
De Sarro
G B
GB
Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Italy.
Fratta
W
W
Giglio
A
A
Nisticò
G
G
D000525:Alprazolam / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D001143:Arousal / Q000187:drug effects; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000187:drug effects*; D008125:Locus Coeruleus / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats
C069206:alpha helical corticotropin-releasing hormone; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; D000525:Alprazolam