Massive activation of c-fos in forebrain after mechanical stimulation of the locus coeruleus.
Brief implantation of a 33-ga cannula in the locus coeruleus (LC) of the rat caused widespread and intense ipsilateral activation of c-fos throughout the forebrain. Areas showing heavy staining included the cingulate, piriform, parietal, frontal cortex, and the olfactory tubercle. Prior lesion of the LC with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) abolished the response. It is concluded that the mechanical stimulation and/or trauma involved in the implantation of a cannula in the LC is sufficient to cause widespread activation of noradrenergic neurotransmission throughout the forebrain. The use of this procedure for drug delivery should therefore be reevaluated.
Stone
E A
EA
Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, NY 10016.
Zhang
Y
Y
Carr
K D
KD
D000818:Animals; D002404:Catheterization; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D016762:Genes, fos; D008125:Locus Coeruleus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D016627:Oxidopamine / Q000494:pharmacology; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D016548:Prosencephalon / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D016627:Oxidopamine