Convergence of Pro-Stress and Pro-Inflammatory Signaling in the Central Noradrenergic System: Implications for Mood and Anxiety Disorders

Mood and anxiety disorders are heterogeneous psychiatric diagnoses affecting millions. While the disease etiology is complex, various risk factors have been identified, such as stress. Stress a neuroendocrine physiologic response to stressor that promotes organism survival through adaptive processes behavior. The central stress response, which drives behavioral physiological change, primarily mediated by activating hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. In addition its effects on HPA axis, activates locus coeruleus (LC), bilateral brainstem nucleus projects broadly throughout nervous system releases catecholamine transmitter norepinephrine (NE). combined activities of LC–NE axis work synergistically produce timely responses advantageous in short term, chronic exposure can lead LC dysregulation, thought contribute several neuropsychiatric states. Notably, recent studies also implicated neuroinflammation microglia factor mood disorders. Despite their association with disorders, potential links between inflammation, possible interactions respective signaling cascades, not well-explored. This brief review aims summarize how uniquely positioned respond both pro-stress pro-inflammatory cues, convergence this site may development