Behavioural pharmacology of alpha(2)-adrenoceptors

Information about the behavioural and psychological correlates of alpha(2)-adrenoceptor stimulation has arisen from manipulations and recordings of the activity of the rostral noradrenergic projection from the nucleus locus coeruleus in a variety of species. The results of anatomical and chemical lesioning experiments, direct electrical stimulation, the effects of alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists and single unit recordings combine to develop a view that the brain noradrenergic system plays an important role in mediating changes in cortical and perhaps thalamic activity that underly the direction of attention. Inputs into the nucleus locus coeruleus are such that this projection might subserve the contribution of somatic markers to decision-making and behaviour.