title: A central role for norepinephrine in the modulation of cerebellar learning tasks.
abstract: Norepinephrine (NE) is a central nervous system neuromodulator that enhances the actions of other neurotransmitters such as gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate. Based on the Marr-Albus theories, Gilbert suggested that NE influences consolidation of cerebellar learning. NE depletion or blockade of postsynaptic noradrenergic receptors decreases the rate of learning in several cerebellar-dependent learning tasks. Loss of cerebellar beta-adrenergic receptor function correlates with a loss of function in related learning tasks. Interventions that improve beta-adrenergic receptor function also improve performance in cerebellum-dependent learning tasks. Thus, the authors propose that NE has a central role in the modulation of learning within the cerebellum.
authors.affiliation: University of South Florida, USA.
authors.forename: M Claire
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Cartford
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gould
authors.forename: Paula C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Bickford
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000378:metabolism; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000502:physiology*; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000502:physiology; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; D009638:Norepinephrine