Noradrenaline acts on two classes of adrenergic receptor, α and β.[Purves et al., 2008] Noradrenergic neurones project widely throughout the brain, and there are many brain areas where serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine projections overlap, allowing interactions.[Stahl, 2013]
Noradrenaline and the locus coeruleus are thought to have important input into the control the CNS exerts over mood, cognition, stress, arousal, pain, and other functions.[Stahl, 2013; Dunn & Swiergiel, 2008] Malfunction of the locus coeruleus is thought to underlie disorders such as depression, anxiety, and disorders of attention and information processing.[Stahl, 2013]
Low or abnormal noradrenaline activity is, theoretically, characterised by impaired attention; concentration, working memory and information processing difficulties; as well as psychomotor retardation, fatigue, and apathy.[Stahl, 2000] In addition, abnormalities in the noradrenergic projection to the hypothalamus, which mediates stress response, are indicated in depressive and anxiety disorders.[Dunn & Swiergiel, 2008]
References:
Dunn AJ, Swiergiel AH. The role of corticotropin-releasing factor and noradrenaline in stress-related responses, and the inter-relationships between the two systems. Eur J Pharmacol 2008; 583 (2–3): 186–193.
Purves D, Augustine GJ, Fitzpatrick D, et al. (eds).
Neuroscience. 4th edition. Sinauer Associates, 2008.
Stahl SM. Stahl’s Essential Psychopharmacology.
Neuroscientific Basis and Practical Applications. 2nd edition. © Cambridge University Press, 2000.
Stahl SM. Stahl’s Essential Psychopharmacology.
Neuroscientific Basis and Practical Applications. 4th edition.
© Cambridge University Press, 2013.