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Alcohol-induced blackout. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2009; 6:2783-92. [PMID: 20049223 PMCID: PMC2800062 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph6112783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2009] [Accepted: 11/05/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
For a long time, alcohol was thought to exert a general depressant effect on the central nervous system (CNS). However, currently the consensus is that specific regions of the brain are selectively vulnerable to the acute effects of alcohol. An alcohol-induced blackout is the classic example; the subject is temporarily unable to form new long-term memories while relatively maintaining other skills such as talking or even driving. A recent study showed that alcohol can cause retrograde memory impairment, that is, blackouts due to retrieval impairments as well as those due to deficits in encoding. Alcoholic blackouts may be complete (en bloc) or partial (fragmentary) depending on severity of memory impairment. In fragmentary blackouts, cueing often aids recall. Memory impairment during acute intoxication involves dysfunction of episodic memory, a type of memory encoded with spatial and social context. Recent studies have shown that there are multiple memory systems supported by discrete brain regions, and the acute effects of alcohol on learning and memory may result from alteration of the hippocampus and related structures on a cellular level. A rapid increase in blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is most consistently associated with the likelihood of a blackout. However, not all subjects experience blackouts, implying that genetic factors play a role in determining CNS vulnerability to the effects of alcohol. This factor may predispose an individual to alcoholism, as altered memory function during intoxication may affect an individual’s alcohol expectancy; one may perceive positive aspects of intoxication while unintentionally ignoring the negative aspects. Extensive research on memory and learning as well as findings related to the acute effects of alcohol on the brain may elucidate the mechanisms and impact associated with the alcohol-induced blackout.
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Tanchuck MA, Long SL, Ford MM, Hashimoto J, Crabbe JC, Roselli CE, Wiren KM, Finn DA. Selected line difference in the effects of ethanol dependence and withdrawal on allopregnanolone levels and 5alpha-reductase enzyme activity and expression. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2009; 33:2077-87. [PMID: 19740134 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2009.01047.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allopregnanolone (ALLO) is a progesterone derivative that rapidly potentiates gamma-aminobutyric acid(A) (GABA(A)) receptor-mediated inhibition and modulates symptoms of ethanol withdrawal. Because clinical and preclinical data indicate that ALLO levels are inversely related to symptoms of withdrawal, the present studies determined whether ethanol dependence and withdrawal differentially altered plasma and cortical ALLO levels in mice selectively bred for differences in ethanol withdrawal severity and determined whether the alterations in ALLO levels corresponded to a concomitant change in activity and expression of the biosynthetic enzyme 5alpha-reductase. METHODS Male Withdrawal Seizure-Prone (WSP) and -Resistant (WSR) mice were exposed to 72 hours ethanol vapor or air and euthanized at select times following removal from the inhalation chambers. Blood was collected for analysis of ALLO and corticosterone levels by radioimmunoassay. Dissected amygdala, hippocampus, midbrain, and cortex as well as adrenals were examined for 5alpha-reductase enzyme activity and expression levels. RESULTS Plasma ALLO was decreased significantly only in WSP mice, and this corresponded to a decrease in adrenal 5alpha-reductase expression. Cortical ALLO was decreased up to 54% in WSP mice and up to 46% in WSR mice, with a similar decrease in cortical 5alpha-reductase activity during withdrawal in the lines. While cortical gene expression was significantly decreased during withdrawal in WSP mice, there was a 4-fold increase in expression in the WSR line during withdrawal. Hippocampal 5alpha-reductase activity and gene expression was decreased only in dependent WSP mice. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that there are line and brain regional differences in the regulation of the neurosteroid biosynthetic enzyme 5alpha-reductase during ethanol dependence and withdrawal. In conjunction with the finding that WSP mice exhibit reduced sensitivity to ALLO during withdrawal, the present results are consistent with the hypothesis that genetic differences in ethanol withdrawal severity are due, in part, to modulatory effects of GABAergic neurosteroids such as ALLO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A Tanchuck
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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Kumar S, Porcu P, Werner DF, Matthews DB, Diaz-Granados JL, Helfand RS, Morrow AL. The role of GABA(A) receptors in the acute and chronic effects of ethanol: a decade of progress. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2009; 205:529-64. [PMID: 19455309 PMCID: PMC2814770 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-009-1562-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 342] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2008] [Accepted: 04/30/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The past decade has brought many advances in our understanding of GABA(A) receptor-mediated ethanol action in the central nervous system. We now know that specific GABA(A) receptor subtypes are sensitive to ethanol at doses attained during social drinking while other subtypes respond to ethanol at doses attained by severe intoxication. Furthermore, ethanol increases GABAergic neurotransmission through indirect effects, including the elevation of endogenous GABAergic neuroactive steroids, presynaptic release of GABA, and dephosphorylation of GABA(A) receptors promoting increases in GABA sensitivity. Ethanol's effects on intracellular signaling also influence GABAergic transmission in multiple ways that vary across brain regions and cell types. The effects of chronic ethanol administration are influenced by adaptations in GABA(A) receptor function, expression, trafficking, and subcellular localization that contribute to ethanol tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal hyperexcitability. Adolescents exhibit altered sensitivity to ethanol actions, the tendency for higher drinking and longer lasting GABAergic adaptations to chronic ethanol administration. The elucidation of the mechanisms that underlie adaptations to ethanol exposure are leading to a better understanding of the regulation of inhibitory transmission and new targets for therapies to support recovery from ethanol withdrawal and alcoholism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 3027 Thurston-Bowles Building, CB #7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7178, USA
| | - Patrizia Porcu
- Department of Psychiatry, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 3027 Thurston-Bowles Building, CB #7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7178, USA
| | - David F. Werner
- Department of Psychiatry, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 3027 Thurston-Bowles Building, CB #7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7178, USA
| | | | | | - Rebecca S. Helfand
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - A. Leslie Morrow
- Department of Psychiatry, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 3027 Thurston-Bowles Building, CB #7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7178, USA, Department of Pharmacology, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 3027 Thurston-Bowles Building, CB #7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7178, USA
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BZYX, a novel acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, significantly improved chemicals-induced learning and memory impairments on rodents and protected PC12 cells from apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide. Eur J Pharmacol 2009; 613:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2009.03.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2008] [Revised: 03/16/2009] [Accepted: 03/23/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Dorsal hippocampal progesterone infusions enhance object recognition in young female mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2009; 93:177-82. [PMID: 19477194 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2009.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2008] [Revised: 05/12/2009] [Accepted: 05/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The effects of progesterone on memory are not nearly as well studied as the effects of estrogens. Although progesterone can reportedly enhance spatial and/or object recognition in female rodents when given immediately after training, previous studies have injected progesterone systemically, and therefore, the brain regions mediating this enhancement are not clear. As such, this study was designed to determine the role of the dorsal hippocampus in mediating the beneficial effect of progesterone on object recognition. Young ovariectomized C57BL/6 mice were trained in a hippocampal-dependent object recognition task utilizing two identical objects, and then immediately or 2 h afterwards, received bilateral dorsal hippocampal infusions of vehicle or 0.01, 0.1, or 1.0 microg/microl water-soluble progesterone. Forty-eight hours later, object recognition memory was tested using a previously explored object and a novel object. Relative to the vehicle group, memory for the familiar object was enhanced in all groups receiving immediate infusions of progesterone. Progesterone infusion delayed 2 h after training did not affect object recognition. These data suggest that the dorsal hippocampus may play a critical role in progesterone-induced enhancement of object recognition.
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Virtanen M, Singh-Manoux A, Ferrie JE, Gimeno D, Marmot MG, Elovainio M, Jokela M, Vahtera J, Kivimäki M. Long working hours and cognitive function: the Whitehall II Study. Am J Epidemiol 2009; 169:596-605. [PMID: 19126590 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwn382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the association between long working hours and cognitive function in middle age. Data were collected in 1997-1999 (baseline) and 2002-2004 (follow-up) from a prospective study of 2,214 British civil servants who were in full-time employment at baseline and had data on cognitive tests and covariates. A battery of cognitive tests (short-term memory, Alice Heim 4-I, Mill Hill vocabulary, phonemic fluency, and semantic fluency) were measured at baseline and at follow-up. Compared with working 40 hours per week at most, working more than 55 hours per week was associated with lower scores in the vocabulary test at both baseline and follow-up. Long working hours also predicted decline in performance on the reasoning test (Alice Heim 4-I). Similar results were obtained by using working hours as a continuous variable; the associations between working hours and cognitive function were robust to adjustments for several potential confounding factors including age, sex, marital status, education, occupation, income, physical diseases, psychosocial factors, sleep disturbances, and health risk behaviors. This study shows that long working hours may have a negative effect on cognitive performance in middle age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Virtanen
- Centre of Expertise for Work Organizations, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland.
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57
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Rezayof A, Sharifi K, Zarrindast MR, Rassouli Y. Modulation of ethanol state-dependent learning by dorsal hippocampal NMDA receptors in mice. Alcohol 2008; 42:667-74. [PMID: 18774674 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2008.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2007] [Revised: 05/09/2008] [Accepted: 05/23/2008] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The possible role of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors of dorsal hippocampus on ethanol state-dependent learning was studied in adult male mice (Pasteur Institute, Iran). As a model of memory, a single-trial step-down passive avoidance task was used. All animals were bilaterally implanted with cannulae into the CA1 regions of dorsal hippocampi. Results show that intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of ethanol (0.5 and 1 g/kg) 30 min before training impaired memory performance in animals when tested 24h later. Pretest administration of the same doses of ethanol-induced state-dependent retrieval of the memory acquired under pretraining ethanol (1 g/kg, i.p.) influence. Pretest intra-CA1 microinjection of NMDA (0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 microg/mouse) by itself had no effect on memory retrieval and ethanol-induced amnesia. However, pretest intra-CA1 administration of the same doses of NMDA with an ineffective dose of ethanol (0.25 g/kg, i.p.) significantly restored the retrieval and potentiated ethanol state-dependent learning. On the other hand, pretest administration of a competitive NMDA receptor antagonist D-AP5 (D-(-)-2-Amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid) (0.01, 0.1, and 1 microg/mouse, intra-CA1) or a noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 maleate [(5S, 10R)-(+)-5-Methyl-10, 11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo [a, d] cyclohepten-5, 10-imine maleate] (0.25, 0.5, and 1 g/mouse, intra-CA1) 5 min before the administration of ethanol (1 g/kg, i.p.) significantly inhibited ethanol state-dependent learning. Intra-CA1 pretest administration of D-AP5 (0.01, 0.1, and 1 microg/mouse) or MK-801 maleate [5S, 10R)-(+)-5-Methyl-10, 11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo [a, d] cyclohepten-5, 10-imine maleate] (0.25, 0.5, and 1 microg/mouse) alone did not affect memory retention. It may be concluded that dorsal hippocampal NMDA receptors are involved in mediating ethanol state-dependent learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameneh Rezayof
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, P. O. Box 4155-6455, Tehran, Iran.
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Alcohol-induced retrograde memory impairment in rats: prevention by caffeine. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2008; 201:361-71. [PMID: 18758756 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-008-1294-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2008] [Accepted: 07/30/2008] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Ethanol and caffeine are two of the most widely consumed drugs in the world, often used in the same setting. Animal models may help to understand the conditions under which incidental memories formed just before ethanol intoxication might be lost or become difficult to retrieve. OBJECTIVES Ethanol-induced retrograde amnesia was investigated using a new odor-recognition test. MATERIALS AND METHODS Rats thoroughly explored a wood bead taken from the cage of another rat, and habituated to this novel odor (N1) over three trials. Immediately following habituation, rats received saline, 25 mg/kg pentylenetetrazol (a seizure-producing agent known to cause retrograde amnesia) to validate the test, 1.0 g/kg ethanol, or 3.0 g/kg ethanol. The next day, they were presented again with N1 and also a bead from a new rat's cage (N2). RESULTS Rats receiving saline or the lower dose of ethanol showed overnight memory for N1, indicated by preferential exploration of N2 over N1. Rats receiving pentylenetetrazol or the higher dose of ethanol appeared not to remember N1, in that they showed equal exploration of N1 and N2. Caffeine (5 mg/kg), delivered either 1 h after the higher dose of ethanol or 20 min prior to habituation to N1, negated ethanol-induced impairment of memory for N1. A combination of a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor and an adenosine A(2A) antagonist, mimicking two major mechanisms of action of caffeine, likewise prevented the memory impairment, though either drug alone had no such effect. Binge alcohol can induce retrograde, caffeine-reversible disruption of social odor memory storage or recall.
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Brinton RD, Thompson RF, Foy MR, Baudry M, Wang J, Finch CE, Morgan TE, Pike CJ, Mack WJ, Stanczyk FZ, Nilsen J. Progesterone receptors: form and function in brain. Front Neuroendocrinol 2008; 29:313-39. [PMID: 18374402 PMCID: PMC2398769 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2008.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 464] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2008] [Accepted: 02/08/2008] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Emerging data indicate that progesterone has multiple non-reproductive functions in the central nervous system to regulate cognition, mood, inflammation, mitochondrial function, neurogenesis and regeneration, myelination and recovery from traumatic brain injury. Progesterone-regulated neural responses are mediated by an array of progesterone receptors (PR) that include the classic nuclear PRA and PRB receptors and splice variants of each, the seven transmembrane domain 7TMPRbeta and the membrane-associated 25-Dx PR (PGRMC1). These PRs induce classic regulation of gene expression while also transducing signaling cascades that originate at the cell membrane and ultimately activate transcription factors. Remarkably, PRs are broadly expressed throughout the brain and can be detected in every neural cell type. The distribution of PRs beyond hypothalamic borders, suggests a much broader role of progesterone in regulating neural function. Despite the large body of evidence regarding progesterone regulation of reproductive behaviors and estrogen-inducible responses as well as effects of progesterone metabolite neurosteroids, much remains to be discovered regarding the functional outcomes resulting from activation of the complex array of PRs in brain by gonadally and/or glial derived progesterone. Moreover, the impact of clinically used progestogens and developing selective PR modulators for targeted outcomes in brain is a critical avenue of investigation as the non-reproductive functions of PRs have far-reaching implications for hormone therapy to maintain neurological health and function throughout menopausal aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Diaz Brinton
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, School of Pharmacy, 1985 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
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60
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Kim HY. Biochemical and biological functions of docosahexaenoic acid in the nervous system: modulation by ethanol. Chem Phys Lipids 2008; 153:34-46. [PMID: 18359292 PMCID: PMC2517421 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2008.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3), an n-3 fatty acid highly concentrated in the central nervous system, is essential for proper neuronal and retinal function. While a high level of DHA is generally maintained in neuronal membranes, inadequate supply of n-3 fatty acid or ethanol exposure leads to a significant loss of DHA in neuronal cells. The roles of DHA in neuronal signaling have been emerging. In this review, biological, biochemical and molecular mechanisms supporting the essential function of DHA in neuronal survival and development are described in relation to n-3 fatty acid depleting conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Yong Kim
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, NIAAA, NIH, 5625 Fishers Lane, Room 3N07, MSC9410, Bethesda, MD 20892-9410, USA.
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61
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Rezayof A, Alijanpour S, Zarrindast MR, Rassouli Y. Ethanol state-dependent memory: Involvement of dorsal hippocampal muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2008; 89:441-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2007.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2007] [Revised: 10/14/2007] [Accepted: 10/31/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Spijkerman R, van den Eijnden RJJM, Huiberts A. Socioeconomic differences in alcohol-specific parenting practices and adolescents' drinking patterns. Eur Addict Res 2008; 14:26-37. [PMID: 18182770 DOI: 10.1159/000110408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent alcohol-specific parenting practices relate to adolescents' alcohol use, binge drinking, and alcohol-related problems, and whether these associations are moderated by socioeconomic status (SES), i.e. parents' education level and family income. The present data were collected within the framework of a representative study on alcohol use among Dutch students. The present findings are based on data from respondents who had been drinking in the past year (81.5%), and of whom one of the parents had filled out a short questionnaire including SES characteristics (52%). The sample consisted of 1,344 adolescents. Adolescents were approached in a school setting; parents received a short questionnaire at the home address. The results show that applying strict rules about alcohol use and having qualitative good conversations about drinking alcohol seem to prevent adolescents from heavy drinking patterns, whereas parental alcohol use seems to promote adolescents' drinking. A positive association was found between frequency of alcohol communication and availability of alcohol at home on the one hand and adolescents' drinking on the other. Some moderating effects of SES were found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renske Spijkerman
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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63
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Muller C, Herberth H, Cosquer B, Kelche C, Cassel JC, Schimchowitsch S. Structural and functional recovery elicited by combined putrescine and aminoguanidine treatment after aspirative lesion of the fimbria-fornix and overlying cortex in the adult rat. Eur J Neurosci 2007; 25:1949-60. [PMID: 17439484 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2007.05474.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Damage to the adult CNS often causes permanent deficits. Based on a lesion model of septohippocampal pathway aspiration in the rat, we attempted to promote neuronal cell survival and post-traumatic recovery by using a pharmacological treatment combining aminoguanidine and putrescine (AGP). The functional recovery was followed over 15 weeks before morphological analysis. AGP treatment produced a persistent attenuation (approximately 50%) of the lesion-induced hyperactivity, a reduction (approximately 60%) in the sensorimotor impairments and an improved performance in the water-maze task which did not, however, rely upon improved memory capabilities. AGP weakened the lesion-induced decrease in ChAT-positive neurons in the medial septum and the extent of thalamic retrograde necrosis (by approximately 30% in each case) and resulted in a partial cholinergic reinnervation of the dentate gyrus. These promising results support the idea that coadministration of putrescine and aminoguanidine might become a potent way to foster structural and functional recovery (or compensation) in the adult mammalian CNS after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Muller
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Comportementales et Cognitives, LINC UMR 7191, GDR 2905 CNRS, IFR 37, 67000 Strasbourg, France
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64
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Rodrìguez-Landa JF, Contreras CM, Bernal-Morales B, Gutièrrez-Garcìa AG, Saavedra M. Allopregnanolone reduces immobility in the forced swimming test and increases the firing rate of lateral septal neurons through actions on the GABAA receptor in the rat. J Psychopharmacol 2007; 21:76-84. [PMID: 16533862 DOI: 10.1177/0269881106064203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Since allopregnanolone reduces the total time of immobility in rats submitted to the forced swimming test, we decided to explore whether this neuroactive steroid shares other antidepressant-like actions, such as increasing the neuronal firing rate in the lateral septal nucleus (LSN). In order to discard the influence of the oestrous cycle on immobility and on the firing rate of LSN neurons, all Wistar rats used in the study underwent ovariectomy before treatments. A group of rats received different doses of allopregnanolone (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 mg/kg, i.p.) 1 hour before being forced to swim in order to identify the minimum effective dose diminishing immobility. None of the tested doses of allopregnanolone produced significant changes in motor activity in the open-field test. The minimum dose of allopregnanolone producing a significant reduction in the total time of immobility (p<0.05) against the vehicle was 1.0 mg/kg, while 2.0 mg/kg and above also increased the latency to the first period of immobility (p<0.05). The minimum effective dose of allopregnanolone reducing immobility in the forced swimming test (1.0 mg/kg) significantly (p <0.05) produced a higher (twofold) neuronal firing rate in LSN neurons, but did not produce any change in septofimbrial nucleus neurons, which fired at a rate similar to that of vehicle-treated rats. The pretreatment with the non-competitive GABAA receptor antagonist, picrotoxin (1.0 mg/kg), blocked the aforementioned actions of allopregnanolone on both immobility and LSN firing rate. In conclusion, allopregnanolone produces an antidepressant-like effect in the forced swimming test, associated with an increase in the LSN neuronal firing rate, seemingly mediated by the GABAA receptor.
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65
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Rezayof A, Motevasseli T, Rassouli Y, Zarrindast MR. Dorsal hippocampal dopamine receptors are involved in mediating ethanol state-dependent memory. Life Sci 2007; 80:285-92. [PMID: 17046026 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2006.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2006] [Revised: 09/11/2006] [Accepted: 09/13/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, the effects of bilateral injections of dopaminergic agents into the hippocampal CA1 regions (intra-CA1) on ethanol (EtOH) state-dependent memory were examined in mice. A single-trial step-down passive avoidance task was used for the assessment of memory retention in adult male NMRI mice. Pre-training intra-peritoneal (i.p.) administration of EtOH (0.25, 0.5 and 1 g/kg) dose dependently induced impairment of memory retention. Pre-test administration of EtOH (0.5 g/kg)-induced state-dependent retrieval of the memory acquired under pre-training EtOH (0.5 g/kg) influence. Intra-CA1 administration of the dopamine D(1) receptor agonist, SKF 38393 (0.5, 1 and 2 g/mouse) or the dopamine D(2) receptor agonist, quinpirole (0.25, 0.5 and 1 microg/mouse) alone cannot affect memory retention. While, pre-test intra-CA1 injection of SKF 38393 (2 microg/mouse, intra-CA1) or quinpirole (0.25, 0.5 and 1 microg/mouse, intra-CA1) improved pre-training EtOH (0.5 g/kg)-induced retrieval impairment. Moreover, pre-test administration of SKF 38393 (0.5, 1 and 2 microg/mouse, intra-CA1) or quinpirole (0.5 and 1 microg/mouse, intra-CA1) with an ineffective dose of EtOH (0.25 g/kg) significantly restored the retrieval and induced EtOH state-dependent memory. Furthermore, pre-training injection of the dopamine D(1) receptor antagonist, SCH 23390 (4 microg/mouse), but not the dopamine D(2) receptor antagonist, sulpiride, into the CA1 regions suppressed the learning of a single-trial passive avoidance task. Pre-test intra-CA1 injection of SCH 23390 (2 and 4 microg/mouse, intra-CA1) or sulpiride (2.5 and 5 microg/mouse, intra-CA1) 5 min before the administration of EtOH (0.5 g/kg, i.p.) dose dependently inhibited EtOH state-dependent memory. These findings implicate the involvement of a dorsal hippocampal dopaminergic mechanism in EtOH state-dependent memory and also it can be concluded that there may be a cross-state dependency between EtOH and dopamine.
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MESH Headings
- 2,3,4,5-Tetrahydro-7,8-dihydroxy-1-phenyl-1H-3-benzazepine/pharmacology
- Animals
- Avoidance Learning/drug effects
- Central Nervous System Depressants/pharmacology
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Synergism
- Ethanol/pharmacology
- Hippocampus/drug effects
- Hippocampus/metabolism
- Injections, Intraperitoneal
- Injections, Intraventricular
- Male
- Memory/drug effects
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred Strains
- Quinpirole/pharmacology
- Receptors, Dopamine D1/agonists
- Receptors, Dopamine D1/metabolism
- Receptors, Dopamine D2/agonists
- Receptors, Dopamine D2/metabolism
- Sulpiride/pharmacology
- Time Factors
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameneh Rezayof
- School of Biology, University College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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66
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Söderlund H, Grady CL, Easdon C, Tulving E. Acute effects of alcohol on neural correlates of episodic memory encoding. Neuroimage 2006; 35:928-39. [PMID: 17303439 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2006.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2006] [Revised: 11/07/2006] [Accepted: 12/10/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Although it is well established that alcohol impairs episodic memory encoding, it is unknown how this occurs on a cerebral level. We scanned intoxicated and sober individuals with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while they encoded various materials that were recalled the following day. Alcohol impaired memory for object pairs and face-name pairs, but not for words and phrase-word pairs. Impaired performance was associated with reduced bilateral prefrontal activation and non-specific activation of the parahippocampal gyrus. These results suggest that alcohol impairs episodic memory by interfering with activity of regions involved in encoding, and further indicate which regions are critical for human memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hedvig Söderlund
- The Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, 3560 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON, Canada M6A 2E1.
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67
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Kim HJ, Choi KM, Ku BM, Mun J, Joo Y, Han JY, Kim YH, Roh GS, Kang SS, Cho GJ, Choi WS. Acute ethanol administration decreases GAP-43 and phosphorylated-GAP-43 in the rat hippocampus. Brain Res 2006; 1112:16-25. [PMID: 16904654 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2006] [Revised: 06/25/2006] [Accepted: 07/04/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Acute alcohol ingestion is well known to have deleterious effects on memory and also known to inhibit long-term potentiation, a putative cellular substrate of memory. In this study, we for the first time revealed that growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43), which is well known as a presynaptic substrate of protein kinase C and one of the major synaptic plasticity-related genes, was down regulated by single ethanol administration (2.5 g/kg, 15% in saline, i.p.) in the rat hippocampus. Using real-time PCR, we confirmed that GAP-43 mRNA level is significantly decreased 2 h after ethanol administration. GAP-43 and p-GAP-43 (Ser41) immunoreactivities in the hippocampus were also reduced 4 h after ethanol administration. Immunohistochemical study showed that the reduction of GAP-43 and p-GAP-43 expression was associated with the perforant and mossy fibers pathways. These results suggest that the reduction of GAP-43 in the hippocampus might be, at least in part, a cause of memory impairment after acute ethanol ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Joon Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, 92 Chilam-dong, Jinju, Kyungnam 660-751, Korea
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68
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Murphy NP, Sakoori K, Okabe C. Lack of evidence of a role for the neurosteroid allopregnanolone in ethanol-induced reward and c-fos expression in DBA/2 mice. Brain Res 2006; 1094:107-18. [PMID: 16750178 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.03.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2006] [Revised: 03/28/2006] [Accepted: 03/30/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies using the 5alpha-reductase inhibitor finasteride suggest that progesterone metabolites, particularly the endogenous neurosteroid allopregnanolone, mediate some of the effects of ethanol. Consequently, we studied the effect of finasteride (2 x 25 mg/kg s.c., 12 h apart) pretreatment on the acquisition and expression of ethanol (2 g/kg i.p.) induced conditioned place preference and c-fos expression in DBA/2 mice; a strain known to be particularly sensitive to ethanol. Ethanol administration induced a clear conditioned place preference and widespread c-fos expression, with elements of the extended amygdala, Edinger-Westphal nucleus and paraventricular nucleus being especially sensitive. However, despite an approximately 99% decrease in whole brain allopregnanolone content, finasteride pretreatment had remarkably little effect on either ethanol-induced conditioned place preference or ethanol-induced c-fos expression. Thus, aside from a general stimulatory effect on c-fos expression in the ventral tegmental area, and generally mild depression of locomotor activity, no other effects of finasteride or interaction with ethanol effects were identifiable. Together, these studies suggest that endogenous allopregnanolone plays little part in mediating acute ethanol-induced reward or neural activation in DBA/2 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niall P Murphy
- Neuronal Circuit Mechanisms Research Group, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wakoshi, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
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69
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Eser D, Schüle C, Romeo E, Baghai TC, di Michele F, Pasini A, Zwanzger P, Padberg F, Rupprecht R. Neuropsychopharmacological properties of neuroactive steroids in depression and anxiety disorders. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2006; 186:373-87. [PMID: 16247651 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-005-0188-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2005] [Accepted: 08/27/2005] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Neuroactive steroids modulate neurotransmission through modulation of specific neurotransmitter receptors such as gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors. Preclinical studies suggested that neuroactive steroids may modulate anxiety- and depression-related behaviour and may contribute to the therapeutical effects of antidepressant drugs. Attenuations of 3alpha-reduced neuroactive steroids have been observed during major depression. This disequilibrium can be corrected by successful treatment with antidepressant drugs. However, non-pharmacological antidepressant treatment strategies did not affect neuroactive steroid composition independently from the clinical response. Further research is needed to clarify whether enhancement of neuroactive steroid levels might represent a new therapeutical approach in the treatment of affective disorders. Nevertheless, the first studies investigating the therapeutical effects of exogenously administered dehydroepiandosterone revealed promising results in the treatment of major depression. In addition, in various anxiety disorders alterations of neuroactive steroid levels have been observed. In panic disorder, in the absence of panic attacks, neuroactive steroid composition is opposite to that seen in depression, which may represent counter-regulatory mechanisms against the occurrence of spontaneous panic attacks. However, during experimentally induced panic attacks, there was a pronounced decline in GABAergic neuroactive steroids, which might contribute to the pathophysiology of panic attacks. In conclusion, neuroactive steroids contribute to the pathophysiology of affective disorders and the mechanisms of action of antidepressants. They are important endogenous modulators of depression and anxiety and may provide a basis for the development of novel therapeutic agents in the treatment of affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Eser
- Department of Psychiatry, Ludwig Maximilian University, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
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70
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Kim H, Lee MH, Chang HK, Lee TH, Lee HH, Shin MC, Shin MS, Won R, Shin HS, Kim CJ. Influence of prenatal noise and music on the spatial memory and neurogenesis in the hippocampus of developing rats. Brain Dev 2006; 28:109-14. [PMID: 16181757 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2005.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2005] [Revised: 05/13/2005] [Accepted: 05/25/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
During the prenatal period, the development of individual is influenced by the environmental factors. In the present study, the influence of prenatal noise and music on the spatial memory and neurogenesis in the hippocampus of developing rats was investigated. The exposure to the noise during pregnancy caused growth retardation, decreased neurogenesis in the hippocampus, and impaired spatial learning ability in pups. The exposure to music during pregnancy, on the other hand, caused increased neurogenesis in the hippocampus and enhanced spatial learning ability in pups. The present study has shown the importance of the prenatal environmental conditions for the cognition and brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, #1 Hoigi-dong, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul 130-701, South Korea
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71
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Türkmen S, Löfgren M, Birzniece V, Bäckström T, Johansson IM. Tolerance development to Morris water maze test impairments induced by acute allopregnanolone. Neuroscience 2006; 139:651-9. [PMID: 16457954 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2005.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2005] [Revised: 12/20/2005] [Accepted: 12/20/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The progesterone metabolite allopregnanolone, like benzodiazepines, reduces learning and impairs memory in rats. Both substances act as GABA agonists at the GABA-A receptor and impair the performance in the Morris water maze test. Women are during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and during hormone replacement therapy exposed to allopregnanolone or allopregnanolone-like substances for extended periods. Long-term benzodiazepine treatment can cause tolerance against benzodiazepine-induced learning impairments. In this study we evaluated whether a corresponding allopregnanolone tolerance develops in rats. Adult male Wistar rats were pretreated for 3 days with i.v. allopregnanolone injections (2 mg/kg) one or two times a day, or for 7 days with allopregnanolone injections 20 mg/kg intraperitoneally, twice a day. Thereafter the rats were tested in the Morris water maze for 5 days and compared with relevant controls. Rats pretreated with allopregnanolone twice a day had decreased escape latency, path length and thigmotaxis compared with the acute allopregnanolone group that was pretreated with vehicle. Pretreatment for 7 days resulted in learning of the platform position. However, the memory of the platform position was in these tolerant rats not as strong as in controls only given vehicle. Allopregnanolone treatment was therefore seen to induce a partial tolerance against acute allopregnanolone effects in the Morris water maze.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Türkmen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Umeå Neurosteroid Research Centre, 5B level 5, Umeå University Hospital, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden.
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Li SP, Park MS, Jin GZ, Kim JH, Lee HL, Lee YL, Kim JH, Bahk JY, Park TJ, Koh PO, Chung BC, Kim MO. Ethanol modulates GABA(B) receptor expression in cortex and hippocampus of the adult rat brain. Brain Res 2005; 1061:27-35. [PMID: 16246313 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2005.08.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2005] [Revised: 08/24/2005] [Accepted: 08/29/2005] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Using in situ hybridization, RNase protection assay and Western blot, we studied the effects of ethanol on the expression levels of GABA(B) receptor mRNA and protein in the cortex and hippocampus from adult rat brain. The results showed that ethanol significantly increased GABA(B1) and GABA(B2) receptor protein expression in the cortex, whereas only GABA(B2) was increased in the hippocampus. GABA(B) receptor agonist baclofen could partially reverse the effect of ethanol. Further studies of the mRNA levels defined that GABA(B1) mRNA levels were significantly increased in the hippocampus, with no significant changes of GABA(B2) mRNA levels. Moreover, GABA(B1) and GABA(B2) receptor mRNA levels were increased on 3-week ethanol treatment. Finally, GABA(B) agonist baclofen and antagonist phaclofen showed significant decreasing effects on GABA(B1) receptor mRNA levels in the cortex, but not in the hippocampus. These results were further confirmed by in situ hybridization. Thus, the present results showed the effects of ethanol on GABA(B) receptors in the cortex and hippocampus, implying the possible role of GABA(B) receptor in ethanol effects. The effects of GABA(B) receptor agonist and antagonist suggested that the possible mechanisms underlying that GABA(B) receptor modulated the behavioral effect induced by ethanol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Peng Li
- Division of Life Science and Applied Life Science (Brain Korea 21), Gyeongsang National University, Chinju 660-701, South Korea
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73
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Martín-García E, Pallarès M. The neurosteroid pregnenolone sulfate neutralized the learning impairment induced by intrahippocampal nicotine in alcohol-drinking rats. Neuroscience 2005; 136:1109-19. [PMID: 16203107 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2005.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2005] [Revised: 04/01/2005] [Accepted: 08/15/2005] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The effects of intrahippocampal administration of nicotine and the neurosteroids pregnenolone sulfate and allopregnanolone on acquiring the lever-press response and extinction in a Skinner box were examined using voluntary alcohol-drinking rats. A free-choice drinking procedure that implies early availability of the alcoholic solution (10% ethanol v/v+3% glucose w/v in distilled water) was used. Alcohol and control rats were deprived of food and assigned at random to six groups. Each group received two consecutive intrahippocampal (dorsal CA1) injections immediately after 1-h of drinking ethanol and before the free lever-press response shaping and extinction session. The groups were: saline-saline; saline-pregnenolone sulfate (5 ng, 24 microM); saline-allopregnanolone (0.2 microg, 1.26 microM); nicotine (4.6 microg, 20 mM)-saline; nicotine-pregnenolone sulfate; nicotine-allopregnanolone. Blood alcohol concentrations were assessed the day before conditioning. The combination of the oral self-administration of ethanol and the intrahippocampal injection of nicotine deteriorated the ability to acquire the lever-press response. This effect was neutralized by intrahippocampal pregnenolone sulfate (negative modulator of the GABA(A) receptor complex), and it was not affected by intrahippocampal allopregnanolone (positive GABA receptor complex A modulator). Pregnenolone sulfate and allopregnanolone had no effects per se on lever-press acquisition, neither in alcohol-drinking rats nor in controls. Alcohol consumption facilitated operant extinction just as anxiolytics that act as positive modulators of the GABA receptor complex A receptors do, possibly reducing the anxiety or aversion related to non-reinforcement. This effect was increased by intrahippocampal nicotine.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Martín-García
- Institut de Neurociències, Departament de Psicobiologia i Metodologia de les Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
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Abstract
Neural stem cells contribute to neurogenesis in both the embryonic and adult brain. However, while adult neural stem cells produce new neurons that populate the olfactory bulb and the granule cell layer of the hippocampus, they do not normally participate in reparative neurogenesis following injury or disease affecting regions distant from the subventricular zone or the dentate gyrus. Here we review differences between neural stem cells found in the embryo and the adult, and describe factors that enhance neuronal output from these cells in vivo. Additionally, we review evidence that neural stem cells can be transplanted into injured regions of the adult brain to enhance compensatory neurogenesis from endogenous precursors. Pre-differentiation of neural stem cells into immature neurons prior to transplantation can also aid in functional recovery following injury or disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Y Brazel
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging, 333 Cassell Dr., Triad 406A, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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