Pflügers Archiv : European journal of physiology
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The Locus coeruleus (LC) has been suggested as a CO(2) chemoreceptor site in mammals. In the present study, we assessed the role of LC noradrenergic neurons in the cardiorespiratory and thermal responses to hypercapnia. To selectively destroy LC noradrenergic neurons, we administered 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) bilaterally into the LC of male Wistar rats. ⋯ This difference was due to a decreased V (T) in 6-OHDA rats. LC chemical lesion or hypercapnia did not affect MAP, HR, and T (c). Thus, we conclude that LC noradrenergic neurons modulate hypercapnic ventilatory response but play no role in cardiovascular and thermal regulation under resting conditions.