Basic Research Studies > Glutamate
Receptors and Anxiety
Glutamate Receptors and Anxiety
The noradrenergic nucleus locus coeruleus (LC) is an important
mediator of stress responses and dysfunction of this system
is implicated in affective disorders such as anxiety and
depression. Elevated norepinephrine levels in the extended
amygdala have been implicated in heightened anxiety following
withdrawal from drugs of abuse. This region receives its
noradrenergic input from the A1/A2 cell groups in the caudal
medulla. We are interested to know whether blockade of the
mGlu5 receptor attenuates anxiety associated with protracted
withdrawal from cocaine and if the anxiolytic actions of
these compounds are dependent on their ability to limit increases
in extracellular NE.
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