The locus coeruleus (LC) is a major hub of norepinephrine producing neurons that modulate
a number of physiological functions. Structural or functional abnormalities of LC impact
several brain regions including cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum and may contribute to
depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, as well as Parkinson disease and Alzheimer disease.
These disorders are often associated with metal misbalance, but the role of metals in LC is
only partially understood. Morphologic and functional studies of LC are needed to better …