Locus Coeruleus: Uyku-Uyanıklık Döngüsünde Nöroanatomik Bir Anahtar

Year 2026, Volume: 35 Issue: 1, 64 - 71, 02.03.2026

Sena Güldehan Uçan

https://izlik.org/JA72BL66XC

Abstract

Locus coeruleus, beyin sapında bulunan ve merkezi noradrenerjik sistemin temel kaynağını teşkil eden bir çekirdek olarak tanımlanmaktadır. Geniş afferent ve efferent projeksiyonları sayesinde kortikal ve subkortikal birçok alanla bağlantı kuran bu yapı; uyku-uyanıklıktan dikkat, bellek konsolidasyonu ve duygusal düzenlemeye kadar geniş bir nörofizyolojik spektrumda işlev görmektedir. Bu derleme, locus coeruleusun özellikle uyku-uyanıklık döngüsündeki rolünü vurgulayarak anatomik ve kimyasal özellikleri ile hızlı göz hareketi (rapid eye movement-REM) ve hızlı göz hareketi olmayan (non-rapid eye movement- NREM) uyku evreleri boyunca sergilediği aktivite değişimlerini incelemektedir. Homeostatik ve sirkadiyen uyku düzenleyici sistemlerle etkileşimi, uykunun başlatılması, sürdürülmesi ve geçiş evrelerindeki spesifik katkıları vurgulanmaktadır. Ek olarak, disfonksiyonunun çeşitli uyku bozukluklarıyla olan ilişkisi ele alınmaktadır. Bu çalışma, literatürdeki mevcut bilgileri bütüncül bir yaklaşımla sentezleyerek locus coeruleusun uyku fizyolojisindeki merkezi rolünü daha iyi anlamaya yönelik kavramsal bir çerçeve sunmayı hedeflemektedir.

Keywords

uyku , locus coeruleus , uyku bozuklukları

Locus Coeruleus: A Neuroanatomical Key in the Sleep-Wake Cycle

https://izlik.org/JA72BL66XC

Abstract

The locus coeruleus is defined as a nucleus located in the brainstem that constitutes the primary source of the central noradrenergic system. Through its extensive afferent and efferent projections connecting with numerous cortical and subcortical regions, this structure functions across a wide neurophysiological spectrum, ranging from sleep-wake regulation to attention, memory consolidation, and emotional modulation. This review emphasizes the role of the locus coeruleus particularly in the sleep-wake cycle by examining its anatomical and chemical characteristics alongside the variations in its activity during rapid eye movement (REM) and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep stages. Its interaction with homeostatic and circadian sleep regulatory systems, along with its specific contributions to sleep initiation, maintenance, and transitional phases, are highlighted. Additionally, the relationship between locus coeruleus dysfunction and various sleep disorders is discussed. This study aims to provide a conceptual framework that synthesizes current literature in a comprehensive manner to better understand the central role of the locus coeruleus in sleep physiology.

Keywords

sleep , locus coeruleus , sleep disturbances

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