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A Central Role for Norepinephrine in the Modulation of Cerebellar Learning Tasks

University of South Florida

Thomas Gould

Temple University

Paula C. Bickford

University of South Florida and Veterans Administration Hospital

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 ß-adrenergic receptor function correlates with a loss of function in related learning tasks. Interventions that improve ß-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.

Key Words: cerebellum • aging • oxidative stress • norepinephrine

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