51
|
Conti CL, Nakamura-Palacios EM. Bilateral transcranial direct current stimulation over dorsolateral prefrontal cortex changes the drug-cued reactivity in the anterior cingulate cortex of crack-cocaine addicts. Brain Stimul 2013; 7:130-2. [PMID: 24139147 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2013.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2013] [Revised: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 09/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients addicted to crack-cocaine routinely have difficulty sustaining treatment, which could be related to dysfunctional cerebral activity that occurs in addiction. OBJECTIVE To investigate the indirect electrophysiological effects of single transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on cocaine-addicted brains. METHODS The patients received either left cathodal/right anodal or sham stimulation over the DLPFC. The region of interest was the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) during the N2 time window (200-350 ms). Event-related potentials in the ACC were measured during visual presentation of crack-related cues or neutral cues. RESULTS Low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) indicated that exposure to crack-related images led to increased activity in the ACC in the sham group, while the tDCS group showed decreased ACC activity after visualization of drug cues. CONCLUSION Prefrontal tDCS specifically modulated the ACC response during exposure to visual drug cues in crack-cocaine users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catarine Lima Conti
- Laboratory of Cognitive Sciences and Neuropsychopharmacology, Program of Post-Graduation in Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil.
| | - Ester Miyuki Nakamura-Palacios
- Laboratory of Cognitive Sciences and Neuropsychopharmacology, Program of Post-Graduation in Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
52
|
Short and long access to cocaine self-administration activates tyrosine phosphatase STEP and attenuates GluN expression but differentially regulates GluA expression in the prefrontal cortex. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2013; 229:603-13. [PMID: 23624776 PMCID: PMC3784626 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-013-3118-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Dephosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB) in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) at the end of short access (ShA) cocaine self-administration is implicated in cocaine seeking. However, what receptors and phosphatases mediate this effect and whether ERK/CREB and related phospho-proteins in the dmPFC react similarly during early withdrawal from long access (LgA) cocaine self-administration are unknown. OBJECTIVES The effects of ShA vs. LgA cocaine self-administration on the phosphorylation of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and striatal-enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase (STEP), as well as GluN and GluA receptor subtype expression in the dmPFC during early withdrawal, were compared. METHODS Rats self-administered cocaine or received saline during 2- or 6-h daily sessions for 10-11 days. Two hours after the final session, the dmPFC was dissected out and processed for immunoblotting. RESULTS Similar to previous findings after ShA cocaine, phospho-ERK and phospho-CREB in the dmPFC were decreased after LgA cocaine. Cocaine elevated phospho-PP2A (deactivation) and decreased phospho-STEP (activation) in both ShA and LgA cocaine rats. GluN1, GluN2B, and phospho-GluN2B Tyr1472 in the dmPFC were decreased after ShA and LgA cocaine. Further, a significant reduction of GluA2, GluA1, and phospho-GluA1 Ser845 was found only in LgA rats. CONCLUSIONS Activation of phospho-STEP may underlie ERK and CREB dephosphorylation in the dmPFC as well as internalization and degradation of GluN complexes during early withdrawal from both ShA and LgA cocaine self-administration, whereas differential alteration of AMPA receptor subunits after ShA and LgA cocaine self-administration depends on cocaine intake.
Collapse
|
53
|
Sullivan EV, Müller-Oehring E, Pitel AL, Chanraud S, Shankaranarayanan A, Alsop DC, Rohlfing T, Pfefferbaum A. A selective insular perfusion deficit contributes to compromised salience network connectivity in recovering alcoholic men. Biol Psychiatry 2013; 74:547-55. [PMID: 23587427 PMCID: PMC3766441 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2012] [Revised: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 02/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcoholism can disrupt neural synchrony between nodes of intrinsic functional networks that are maximally active when resting relative to engaging in a task, the default mode network (DMN) pattern. Untested, however, are whether the DMN in alcoholics can rebound normally from the relatively depressed task state to the active resting state and whether local perfusion deficits could disrupt network synchrony when switching from conditions of rest to task to rest, thereby indicating a physiological mechanism of neural network adaptation capability. METHODS Whole-brain, three-dimensional pulsed-continuous arterial spin labeling provided measurements of regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) in 12 alcoholics and 12 control subjects under three conditions: pretask rest, spatial working-memory task, and posttask rest. RESULTS With practice, alcoholics and control subjects achieved similar task accuracy and reaction times. Both groups exhibited a high-low-high pattern of perfusion levels in DMN regions during the rest-task-rest runs and the opposite pattern in posterior and cerebellar regions known to be associated with spatial working memory. Alcoholics showed selective differences from control subjects in the rest-task-rest CBF pattern in the anterior precuneus and CBF level in the insula, a hub of the salience network. Connectivity analysis identified activation synchrony from an insula seed to salience nodes (parietal, medial frontal, anterior cingulate cortices) in control subjects only. CONCLUSIONS We propose that attenuated insular CBF is a mechanism underlying compromised connectivity among salience network nodes. This local perfusion deficit in alcoholics has the potential to impair ability to switch from cognitive states of interoceptive cravings to cognitive control for curbing internal urges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edith V Sullivan
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
54
|
Thoma P, Daum I. Comorbid substance use disorder in schizophrenia: a selective overview of neurobiological and cognitive underpinnings. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2013; 67:367-83. [PMID: 23890122 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.12072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2011] [Revised: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Although individuals with schizophrenia show a lifetime prevalence of 50% for suffering from a comorbid substance use disorder, substance abuse usually represents an exclusion criterion for studies on schizophrenia. This implies that surprisingly little is known about a large group of patients who are particularly difficult to treat. The aim of the present work is to provide a brief and non-exhaustive overview of the current knowledgebase about neurobiological and cognitive underpinnings for dual diagnosis schizophrenia patients. Studies published within the last 20 years were considered using computerized search engines. The focus was on nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, cannabis and cocaine being among the most common substances of abuse. All drugs of abuse target dopaminergic, glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission which are also involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Current literature suggests that neurocognitive function might beless disrupted in substance-abusing compared to non-abusing schizophrenia patients, but in particular the neuroimaging database on this topic is sparse. Detrimental effects on brain structure and function were shown for patients for whom alcohol is the main substance of abuse. It is as yet unclear whether this finding might be an artifact of age differences of patient subgroups with different substance abuse patterns. More research is warranted on the specific neurocognitive underpinnings of schizophrenia patients abusing distinct psychoactive substances. Treatment programs might either benefit from preserved cognitive function as a resource or specifically target cognitive impairment in different subgroups of addicted schizophrenia patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Thoma
- Department of Neuropsychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
| | | |
Collapse
|
55
|
Reduced striatal brain volumes in non-medicated adult ADHD patients with comorbid cocaine dependence. Drug Alcohol Depend 2013; 131:198-203. [PMID: 23726981 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2012] [Revised: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adult attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is highly comorbid with other psychiatric disorders, including substance use disorders (SUD). Patients with ADHD and SUD comorbidity respond less well to pharmacological treatment (e.g., methylphenidate), have more severe ADHD symptoms, and are generally more impulsive than ADHD patients without SUD. However, little is known about structural brain abnormalities that may differentiate ADHD patients with and without comorbid SUD. METHODS We compared regional grey matter volumes of 10 non-medicated male ADHD patients with comorbid cocaine dependence, 14 non-medicated male ADHD patients without cocaine dependence and 15 healthy control participants matched for age and premorbid intellectual functioning, using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) using both a whole-brain analysis and a priori ROI analysis based on the existing ADHD VBM literature. RESULTS In a whole brain analysis, ADHD patients with and without cocaine dependence showed smaller volumes in the right putamen and cerebellum compared to healthy controls. In addition, ADHD patients without cocaine dependence showed larger volumes in the midbrain and in the precentral gyrus compared to healthy control participants and larger volumes in the occipital cortex compared to ADHD patients with comorbid cocaine dependence. A direct comparison using the a priori defined ROI approach showed that ADHD patients with cocaine dependence had smaller putamen volumes than ADHD patients without cocaine dependence. CONCLUSIONS ADHD patients with cocaine dependence show more profound grey matter volume reductions in the striatum compared to ADHD patients without cocaine dependence. Possible implications for treatment are discussed.
Collapse
|
56
|
da Silva MC, Conti CL, Klauss J, Alves LG, do Nascimento Cavalcante HM, Fregni F, Nitsche MA, Nakamura-Palacios EM. Behavioral effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) induced dorsolateral prefrontal cortex plasticity in alcohol dependence. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 107:493-502. [PMID: 23891741 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphysparis.2013.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2013] [Revised: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to reduce acute substance craving in drug addicts, and improve cognition in neuropsychiatric patients. Here we aimed to explore further tDCS induced behavioral and neurophysiological modulation including assessment of relapse rate over a prolonged time course in alcoholism. We examined the effects of repeated anodal tDCS (2mA, 35 cm(2), 20min) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on relapse to the use of alcohol in alcoholics from outpatient services, who received additional routine clinical treatment. Furthermore, event related potentials (ERPs), cognitive and frontal executive processes, craving, depressive and anxiety symptoms were obtained before and after treatment. From thirteen alcoholic subjects, seven were randomized to sham-tDCS and six to real tDCS treatment (once a week for five consecutive weeks). Depressive symptoms and craving were reduced to a larger extent in the tDCS group compared to the sham group (p=0.005 and p=0.015, respectively). On the other hand, active tDCS was able to block the increase in neural activation triggered by alcohol related and neutral cues in prefrontal cortex (PFC) as indexed by ERP as seen in the sham-tDCS group. Finally, there was a trend for increased change in executive function in the tDCS group compared to the sham-tDCS group (p=0.082), and, similarly, a trend for more relapses in the tDCS group compared to sham tDCS (four alcoholic subjects (66.7%) vs. one (14.3%), p=0.053).These results confirm the previous findings of tDCS effects on craving in alcoholism and also extend these findings as we showed also tDCS-related mood improvement. However, potential increase in relapse is possible; thus the clinical value of an increase in craving and improvement in depression and executive function needs to be carefully assessed in further studies; including investigation of optimal parameters of stimulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morgana Croce da Silva
- Laboratory of Cognitive Sciences and Neuropsychopharmacology, Program of Post-Graduation in Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
57
|
Jupp B, Dalley JW. Behavioral endophenotypes of drug addiction: Etiological insights from neuroimaging studies. Neuropharmacology 2013; 76 Pt B:487-97. [PMID: 23756169 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2013] [Revised: 05/11/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
This article reviews recent advances in the elucidation of neurobehavioral endophenotypes associated with drug addiction made possible by the translational neuroimaging techniques magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). Increasingly, these non-invasive imaging approaches have been the catalyst for advancing our understanding of the etiology of drug addiction as a brain disorder involving complex interactions between pre-disposing behavioral traits, environmental influences and neural perturbations arising from the chronic abuse of licit and illicit drugs. In this article we discuss the causal role of trait markers associated with impulsivity and novelty-/sensation-seeking in speeding the development of compulsive drug administration and in facilitating relapse. We also discuss the striking convergence of imaging findings from these behavioural traits and addiction in rats, monkeys and humans with a focus on biomarkers of dopamine neurotransmission, and highlight areas where further research is needed to disambiguate underlying causal mechanisms. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'NIDA 40th Anniversary Issue'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Jupp
- Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge Downing St, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
58
|
Recovering from cocaine: insights from clinical and preclinical investigations. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2013; 37:2037-46. [PMID: 23628740 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Revised: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine remains one of the most addictive substances of abuse and one of the most difficult to treat. Although increasingly sophisticated experimental and technologic advancements in the last several decades have yielded a large body of clinical and preclinical knowledge on the direct effects of cocaine on the brain, we still have a relatively incomplete understanding of the neurobiological processes that occur when drug use is discontinued. The goal of this manuscript is to review both clinical and preclinical data related to abstinence from cocaine and discuss the complementary conclusions that emerge from these different levels of inquiry. This commentary will address observed alterations in neural function, neural structure, and neurotransmitter system regulation that are present in both animal models of cocaine abstinence and data from recovering clinical populations. Although these different levels of inquiry are often challenging to integrate, emerging data discussed in this commentary suggest that from a structural and functional perspective, the preservation of cortical function that is perhaps the most important biomarker associated with extended abstinence from cocaine.
Collapse
|
59
|
Liu J, Lester BM, Neyzi N, Sheinkopf SJ, Gracia L, Kekatpure M, Kosofsky BE. Regional brain morphometry and impulsivity in adolescents following prenatal exposure to cocaine and tobacco. JAMA Pediatr 2013; 167:348-54. [PMID: 23400239 PMCID: PMC4467165 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2013.550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Animal studies have suggested that prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) deleteriously influences the developing nervous system, in part attributable to its site of action in blocking the function of monoamine reuptake transporters, increasing synaptic levels of serotonin and dopamine. OBJECTIVE To examine the brain morphologic features and associated impulsive behaviors in adolescents following prenatal exposure to cocaine and/or tobacco. DESIGN Magnetic resonance imaging data and behavioral measures were collected from adolescents followed up longitudinally in the Maternal Lifestyle Study. SETTING A hospital-based research center. PARTICIPANTS A total of 40 adolescent participants aged 13 to 15 years were recruited, 20 without PCE and 20 with PCE; a subset of each group additionally had tobacco exposure. Participants were selected and matched based on head circumference at birth, gestational age, maternal alcohol use, age, sex, race/ethnicity, IQ, family poverty, and socioeconomic status. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Subcortical volumetric measures of the thalamus, caudate, putamen, pallidum, hippocampus, amygdala, and nucleus accumbens; cortical thickness measures of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and ventral medial prefrontal cortex; and impulsivity assessed by Conners' Continuous Performance Test and the Sensation Seeking Scale for Children. RESULTS After controlling for covariates, cortical thickness of the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was significantly thinner in adolescents following PCE (P = .03), whereas the pallidum volume was smaller in adolescents following prenatal tobacco exposure (P = .03). Impulsivity was correlated with thalamic volume following either PCE (P = .05) or prenatal tobacco exposure (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Prenatal cocaine or tobacco exposure can differentially affect structural brain maturation during adolescence and underlie enhanced susceptibility to impulsivity. Additional studies with larger sample sizes are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Brown Center for the Study of Children at Risk, Women & Infants Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
60
|
Connolly CG, Bell RP, Foxe JJ, Garavan H. Dissociated grey matter changes with prolonged addiction and extended abstinence in cocaine users. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59645. [PMID: 23527239 PMCID: PMC3601087 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2012] [Accepted: 02/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Extensive evidence indicates that current and recently abstinent cocaine abusers compared to drug-naïve controls have decreased grey matter in regions such as the anterior cingulate, lateral prefrontal and insular cortex. Relatively little is known, however, about the persistence of these deficits in long-term abstinence despite the implications this has for recovery and relapse. Optimized voxel based morphometry was used to assess how local grey matter volume varies with years of drug use and length of abstinence in a cross-sectional study of cocaine users with various durations of abstinence (1–102 weeks) and years of use (0.3–24 years). Lower grey matter volume associated with years of use was observed for several regions including anterior cingulate, inferior frontal gyrus and insular cortex. Conversely, higher grey matter volumes associated with abstinence duration were seen in non-overlapping regions that included the anterior and posterior cingulate, insular, right ventral and left dorsal prefrontal cortex. Grey matter volumes in cocaine dependent individuals crossed those of drug-naïve controls after 35 weeks of abstinence, with greater than normal volumes in users with longer abstinence. The brains of abstinent users are characterized by regional grey matter volumes, which on average, exceed drug-naïve volumes in those users who have maintained abstinence for more than 35 weeks. The asymmetry between the regions showing alterations with extended years of use and prolonged abstinence suggest that recovery involves distinct neurobiological processes rather than being a reversal of disease-related changes. Specifically, the results suggest that regions critical to behavioral control may be important to prolonged, successful, abstinence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colm G Connolly
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
61
|
Rando K, Tuit K, Hannestad J, Guarnaccia J, Sinha R. Sex differences in decreased limbic and cortical grey matter volume in cocaine dependence: a voxel-based morphometric study. Addict Biol 2013; 18:147-60. [PMID: 23167305 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Structural neuroimaging studies have provided evidence of differences in local brain volume between cocaine-dependent and healthy control individuals. While sex differences in aetiology, course and brain dysfunction associated with chronic cocaine abuse have been previously documented, evidence of sex-specific differences in brain volume has not been examined thus far. This study examined sex-related differences in grey matter volume between cocaine-dependent and healthy control subjects using voxel-based morphometry. High-resolution T1 structural scans were obtained from 36 inpatient, treatment-engaged 3-week abstinent cocaine-dependent (CD) individuals. Fifty healthy control subjects were also scanned. Segmentation and registration were performed in SPM8, using New Segment and DARTEL, respectively. The whole-brain statistical analysis was conducted in SPM8 using random field-based cluster-size testing and family-wise error rate correction for multiple comparisons. CD patients were found to have less grey matter volume in anterior prefrontal cortex, including frontopolar and orbitofrontal cortices, and a posterior region surrounding the parietal-occipital sulcus. Female CD patients had less grey matter volume than female controls in left inferior frontal gyrus, insula, superior temporal gyrus and hippocampus. Male CD patients had less grey matter in a superior cortical region that included the precentral gyrus and the mid-cingulate. These sex differences in lower grey matter volume add to the evidence from functional neuroimaging for sex-specific differences in the neurophysiological changes associated with chronic cocaine use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Rando
- Department of Psychiatry; Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven; CT; USA
| | - Keri Tuit
- Department of Psychiatry; Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven; CT; USA
| | - Jonas Hannestad
- Department of Psychiatry; Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven; CT; USA
| | - Joseph Guarnaccia
- Department of Neurology; Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven; CT; USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
62
|
Mackey S, Paulus M. Are there volumetric brain differences associated with the use of cocaine and amphetamine-type stimulants? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2012; 37:300-16. [PMID: 23253945 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2012.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2012] [Revised: 11/06/2012] [Accepted: 12/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
While a large number of studies have examined brain volume differences associated with cocaine use, much less is known about structural differences related to amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) use. What is known about cocaine may help to interpret emerging information on the interaction of brain volume with ATS consumption. To date, volumetric studies on the two types of stimulant have focused almost exclusively on brain differences associated with chronic use. There is considerable variability in the findings between studies which may be explained in part by the wide variety of methodologies employed. Despite this variability, seven recurrent themes are worth noting: (1) loci of lower cortical volume (approximately 10% on average) are consistently reported, (2) almost all studies indicate less volume in all or parts of the frontal cortex, (3) more specifically, a core group of studies implicate the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (including the medial portion of the orbital frontal cortex) and (4) the insula, (5) an enlarged striatal volume has been repeatedly observed, (6) reports on volume differences in the hippocampus and amygdala have been equivocal, (7) evidence supporting differential interaction of brain structure with cocaine vs. ATS is scant but the volume of all or parts of the temporal cortex appear lower in a majority of studies on cocaine but not ATS. Future research should include longitudinal designs on larger sample sizes and examine other stages of exposure to psychostimulants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott Mackey
- Dept. Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States.
| | | |
Collapse
|
63
|
Zhang X, Lee MR, Salmeron BJ, Stein DJ, Hong LE, Geng X, Ross TJ, Li N, Hodgkinson C, Shen PH, Yang Y, Goldman D, Stein EA. Prefrontal white matter impairment in substance users depends upon the catechol-o-methyl transferase (COMT) val158met polymorphism. Neuroimage 2012; 69:62-9. [PMID: 23219927 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2012.11.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2012] [Revised: 09/28/2012] [Accepted: 11/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals addicted to most chemical substances present with hypoactive dopaminergic systems as well as altered prefrontal white matter structure. Prefrontal dopaminergic tone is under genetic control and is influenced by and modulates descending cortico-striatal glutamatergic pathways that in turn, regulate striatal dopamine release. The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene contains an evolutionarily recent and common functional variant at codon 108/158 (rs4680) that plays an important role in modulating prefrontal dopaminergic tone. To determine if the COMT val158met genotype influences white matter integrity (i.e., fractional anisotropy (FA)) in substance users, 126 healthy controls and 146 substance users underwent genotyping and magnetic resonance imaging. A general linear model with two between-subjects factors (COMT genotype and addiction status) was performed using whole brain diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to assess FA. A significant Genotype × Drug Use status interaction was found in the left prefrontal cortex. Post-hoc analysis showed reduced prefrontal FA only in Met/Met homozygotes who were also drug users. These data suggest that Met/Met homozygous individuals, in the context of addiction, have increased susceptibility to white matter structural alterations, which might contribute to previously identified structural and functional prefrontal cortical deficits in addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochu Zhang
- Neuroimaging Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
64
|
Yoga meditation practitioners exhibit greater gray matter volume and fewer reported cognitive failures: results of a preliminary voxel-based morphometric analysis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2012; 2012:821307. [PMID: 23304217 PMCID: PMC3525089 DOI: 10.1155/2012/821307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Revised: 10/19/2012] [Accepted: 10/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hatha yoga techniques, including physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation, involve the practice of mindfulness. In turn, yoga meditation practices may induce the state of mindfulness, which, when evoked recurrently through repeated practice, may accrue into trait or dispositional mindfulness. Putatively, these changes may be mediated by experience-dependent neuroplastic changes. Though prior studies have identified differences in gray matter volume (GMV) between long-term mindfulness practitioners and controls, no studies to date have reported on whether yoga meditation is associated with GMV differences. The present study investigated GMV differences between yoga meditation practitioners (YMP) and a matched control group (CG). The YMP group exhibited greater GM volume in frontal, limbic, temporal, occipital, and cerebellar regions; whereas the CG had no greater regional greater GMV. In addition, the YMP group reported significantly fewer cognitive failures on the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ), the magnitude of which was positively correlated with GMV in numerous regions identified in the primary analysis. Lastly, GMV was positively correlated with the duration of yoga practice. Results from this preliminary study suggest that hatha yoga practice may be associated with the promotion of neuroplastic changes in executive brain systems, which may confer therapeutic benefits that accrue with repeated practice.
Collapse
|
65
|
Murphy A, Taylor E, Elliott R. The detrimental effects of emotional process dysregulation on decision-making in substance dependence. Front Integr Neurosci 2012; 6:101. [PMID: 23162443 PMCID: PMC3491319 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2012.00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 10/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Substance dependence is complex and multifactorial, with many distinct pathways involved in both the development and subsequent maintenance of addictive behaviors. Various cognitive mechanisms have been implicated, including impulsivity, compulsivity, and impaired decision-making. These mechanisms are modulated by emotional processes, resulting in increased likelihood of initial drug use, sustained substance dependence, and increased relapse during periods of abstinence. Emotional traits, such as sensation-seeking, are risk factors for substance use, and chronic drug use can result in further emotional dysregulation via effects on reward, motivation, and stress systems. We will explore theories of hyper and hypo sensitivity of the brain reward systems that may underpin motivational abnormalities and anhedonia. Disturbances in these systems contribute to the biasing of emotional processing toward cues related to drug use at the expense of natural rewards, which serves to maintain addictive behavior, via enhanced drug craving. We will additionally focus on the sensitization of the brain stress systems that result in negative affect states that continue into protracted abstinence that is may lead to compulsive drug-taking. We will explore how these emotional dysregulations impact upon decision-making controlled by goal-directed and habitual action selections systems, and, in combination with a failure of prefrontal inhibitory control, mediate maladaptive decision-making observed in substance dependent individuals such that they continue drug use in spite of negative consequences. An understanding of the emotional impacts on cognition in substance dependent individuals may guide the development of more effective therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Murphy
- Neuroscience and Psychiatry Unit, University of ManchesterManchester, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
66
|
Hanlon CA, Canterberry M. The use of brain imaging to elucidate neural circuit changes in cocaine addiction. Subst Abuse Rehabil 2012; 3:115-128. [PMID: 23162375 PMCID: PMC3499034 DOI: 10.2147/sar.s35153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Within substance abuse, neuroimaging has experienced tremendous growth as both a research method and a clinical tool in the last decade. The application of functional imaging methods to cocaine dependent patients and individuals in treatment programs, has revealed that the effects of cocaine are not limited to dopamine-rich subcortical structures, but that the cortical projection areas are also disrupted in cocaine dependent patients. In this review, we will first describe several of the imaging methods that are actively being used to address functional and structural abnormalities in addiction. This will be followed by an overview of the cortical and subcortical brain regions that are most often cited as dysfunctional in cocaine users. We will also introduce functional connectivity analyses currently being used to investigate interactions between these cortical and subcortical areas in cocaine users and abstainers. Finally, this review will address recent research which demonstrates that alterations in the functional connectivity in cocaine users may be associated with structural pathology in these circuits, as demonstrated through diffusion tensor imaging. Through the use of these tools in both a basic science setting and as applied to treatment seeking individuals, we now have a greater understanding of the complex cortical and subcortical networks which contribute to the stages of initial craving, dependence, abstinence, and relapse. Although the ability to use neuroimaging to predict treatment response or identify vulnerable populations is still in its infancy, the next decade holds tremendous promise for using neuroimaging to tailor either behavioral or pharmacologic treatment interventions to the individual.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colleen A Hanlon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Charleston, SC, USA ; Department of Neurosciences Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
67
|
van Holst RJ, de Ruiter MB, van den Brink W, Veltman DJ, Goudriaan AE. A voxel-based morphometry study comparing problem gamblers, alcohol abusers, and healthy controls. Drug Alcohol Depend 2012; 124:142-8. [PMID: 22270405 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2011.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2011] [Revised: 12/23/2011] [Accepted: 12/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are associated with smaller grey matter volumes in cortical and subcortical brain regions which are related to cognitive impairments often found in these disorders. Similar cognitive impairments have been found in patients suffering from problem gambling behaviour. However, in contrast to AUDs, gambling behaviour does not entail brain exposure to toxic agents. Although there are many clinical, neuropsychological, and neurobiological similarities between PG and substance use disorders it has not yet been established whether pathological gambling, similar to alcohol use disorders, is associated with abnormal regional grey matter volumes. METHODS With whole-brain voxel-based morphometry we compared a group of 40 treatment seeking problem gamblers, 36 subjects with an alcohol use disorder, and 54 healthy controls to evaluate potential group differences in regional grey matter volumes, corrected for age, IQ, smoking status, and total intracranial volume (TIV). RESULTS Significantly smaller grey matter volumes in left superior frontal cortex, left precentral cortex, right insula, right putamen, left thalamus, bilateral superior parietal cortex and right supramarginal cortex were present in subjects with an alcohol use disorder compared to healthy controls and problem gamblers. No significant grey matter volume differences were present between problem gamblers and healthy controls. CONCLUSION In conclusion, we replicated previous findings of smaller grey matter volumes in subjects with an alcohol use disorder and found no significant morphological brain abnormalities in problem gamblers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth J van Holst
- Academic Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 5, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
68
|
Gardini S, Venneri A. Reduced grey matter in the posterior insula as a structural vulnerability or diathesis to addiction. Brain Res Bull 2012; 87:205-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2011.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2011] [Revised: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 11/27/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
|
69
|
Barnea-Ygael N, Yadid G, Yaka R, Ben-Shahar O, Zangen A. Cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking in the rat "conflict model": effect of prolonged home-cage confinement. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2012; 219:875-83. [PMID: 21792542 PMCID: PMC3260342 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-011-2416-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2010] [Accepted: 07/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Drug addiction is not just the repeated administration of drugs, but compulsive drug use maintained despite the accumulation of adverse consequences for the user. In an attempt to introduce adverse consequences of drug seeking to laboratory animals, we have developed the "conflict model," in which the access of rats to a reinforcing lever allowing self-administration requires passing of an electrified grid floor. In this model, the current intensity leading to complete abstinence from drug seeking can be measured individually. The present study was designed to evaluated whether reinstatement of drug or natural reward seeking, despite the presence of the electrical barrier, can be achieved by presentation of discrete cues that were associated with the reward, and whether prolonged home-cage confinement can facilitate such reinstatement in this model. METHODS The "conflict model" was used to test cue-induced reinstatement in the presence of the electrical barrier, after 1 or 14 days of home-cage confinement, in groups of rats that were previously trained to self-administer cocaine or sucrose. RESULTS Although similar shock intensity was required to suppress sucrose or cocaine self-administration, subjects exhibited significantly lower response to sucrose-associated as compared to cocaine-associated cues, during the reinstatement test. Importantly, cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking was attenuated following 14 days of home-cage confinement. CONCLUSIONS The incorporation of aversive consequence in the self-administration model enable detection of what can be interpreted as a compulsive component unique to drug reinforcers. Moreover, the effect of the aversive consequence seems to increase following home-cage confinement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Barnea-Ygael
- The Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100 Rehovot, Israel,The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91904 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - G Yadid
- Bar Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - R Yaka
- The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91904 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - O Ben-Shahar
- University of California, Santa Barbara, 93106-9660 CA, USA
| | - A Zangen
- The Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
70
|
Hanlon CA, Dufault DL, Wesley MJ, Porrino LJ. Elevated gray and white matter densities in cocaine abstainers compared to current users. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2011; 218:681-92. [PMID: 21691942 PMCID: PMC3197798 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-011-2360-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2011] [Accepted: 05/16/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Numerous neuroimaging studies have demonstrated lower neural tissue density in chronic cocaine users, which may be linked to cognitive dysfunction. OBJECTIVES The goal of this study was to determine whether neural tissue density was also impaired in individuals abstinent from cocaine and whether any observed changes were associated with cognitive performance. METHODS A total of 73 participants were included: 24 active cocaine users, 24 abstainers (abstinent for at least 1 month), and 25 nondrug-abusing controls rigorously matched for age, gender, and IQ. All participants performed a cognitive assessment battery and received an MRI which was analyzed using voxel-based morphometry. RESULTS The abstainers had significantly higher gray matter density than the current cocaine users in neocortical areas including the frontal and temporal cortex. In contrast to the users, there was no difference in white matter density in the abstainers relative to the controls. The abstainers performed better than current users on several behavioral tasks. Within users and abstainers, cortical density was correlated with performance on memory and reaction time tasks. Subcortical gray matter density was lower in both the users and abstainers relative to the controls. Within abstainers, subcortical tissue density was correlated with the ability to set-shift. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that individuals able to remain abstinent from cocaine for at least 1 month have elevated neocortical tissue density and perform better on multiple cognitive tests, relative to current cocaine users. Larger, longitudinal studies are needed to address this interaction between abstinence, cognition, and cortical tissue density directly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colleen A. Hanlon
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1083 USA,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Darin L. Dufault
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1083 USA
| | - Michael J. Wesley
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1083 USA
| | - Linda J. Porrino
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1083 USA,
| |
Collapse
|
71
|
Barrós-Loscertales A, Bustamante JC, Ventura-Campos N, Llopis JJ, Parcet MA, Avila C. Lower activation in the right frontoparietal network during a counting Stroop task in a cocaine-dependent group. Psychiatry Res 2011; 194:111-8. [PMID: 21958514 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2011.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2010] [Revised: 03/30/2011] [Accepted: 05/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation in cognitive control networks may mediate core characteristics of drug addiction. Cocaine dependence has been particularly associated with low activation in the frontoparietal regions during conditions requiring decision making and cognitive control. This functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study aimed to examine differential brain-related activation to cocaine addiction during an inhibitory control paradigm, the "Counting" Stroop task, given the uncertainties of previous studies using positron emission tomography. Sixteen comparison men and 16 cocaine-dependent men performed a cognitive "Counting" Stroop task in a 1.5T Siemens Avanto. The cocaine-dependent patient group and the control group were matched for age, level of education and general intellectual functioning. Groups did not differ in terms of the interference measures deriving from the counting Stroop task. Moreover, the cocaine-dependent group showed lower activation in the right inferior frontal gyrus, the right inferior parietal gyrus and the right superior temporal gyrus than the control group. Cocaine patients did not show any brain area with increased activation when compared with controls. In short, Stroop-interference was accompanied by lower activation in the right frontoparietal network in cocaine-dependent patients, even in the absence of inter-group behavioral differences. Our study is the first application of a counting Stroop task using fMRI to study cocaine dependence and yields results that corroborate the involvement of a frontoparietal network in the neural changes associated with attentional interference deficits in cocaine-dependent men.
Collapse
|
72
|
Weller RE, Stoeckel LE, Milby JB, Bolding M, Twieg DB, Knowlton RC, Avison MJ, Ding Z. Smaller regional gray matter volume in homeless african american cocaine-dependent men: a preliminary report. Open Neuroimag J 2011; 5:57-64. [PMID: 22135719 PMCID: PMC3227861 DOI: 10.2174/1874440001105010057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2011] [Revised: 05/12/2011] [Accepted: 05/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Models of addiction include abnormalities in parts of the brain involving executive function/inhibitory control. Although previous studies have reported evidence of structural abnormalities in cocaine-dependent individuals, none have specifically targeted the homeless. The present preliminary study investigated brain structure in such an understudied
group, homeless, crack-cocaine-dependent African American men (n = 9), comparing it to that in healthy controls (n = 8). Structural data were analyzed using voxel based morphometry (VBM) and a regions of interest (ROI) analysis. Homeless cocaine-dependent individuals had smaller gray matter volume in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate, the cerebellum, insula, and superior temporal gyrus. Most of these areas subserve executive function or inhibitory control.
These results are similar to those found in most previous studies of non-homeless cocaine-dependent individuals. Reduced gray matter in executive function/inhibitory control regions of the brain in cocaine-dependent individuals may be a preexisting risk factor for the development of addiction and/or a consequence of drug abuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosalyn E Weller
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL, London
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
73
|
Abstract
Relapse is a highly prevalent phenomenon in addiction. This paper examines the new research on identifying biological factors that contribute to addiction relapse risk. Prospective studies examining relapse risk are reviewed, and clinical, biological, and neural factors that predict relapse risk are identified. Clinical factors, patient-related factors, and subjective and behavioral measures such as depressive symptoms, stress, and drug craving all predict future relapse risk. Among biological measures, endocrine measures such as cortisol and cortisol/corticotropin (ACTH) ratio as a measure of adrenal sensitivity and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor were also predictive of future relapse risk. Among neural measures, brain atrophy in the medial frontal regions and hyperreactivity of the anterior cingulate during withdrawal were identified as important in drug withdrawal and relapse risk. Caveats pertaining to specific drug abuse type and phase of addiction are discussed. Finally, significant implications of these findings for clinical practice are presented, with a specific focus on determining biological markers of relapse risk that may be used to identify those individuals who are most at risk of relapse in the clinic. Such markers may then be used to assess treatment response and develop specific treatments that will normalize these neural and biological sequelae so as to significantly improve relapse outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajita Sinha
- Yale Interdisciplinary Stress Center, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06515, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
74
|
Association between prior alcohol use disorders and decreased prefrontal gray matter volumes in bipolar I disorder patients. Neurosci Lett 2011; 503:136-40. [PMID: 21884753 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2011.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2011] [Revised: 08/04/2011] [Accepted: 08/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Up to 50% of bipolar disorder (BD) patients present a lifetime diagnosis of alcohol use disorders (AUD). BD patients with comorbid AUD, even when in remission from the AUD, have a poorer outcome and functional impairment than patients with BD alone. The neurobiological abnormalities that potentially characterize this severe subgroup of BD patients are unknown. Our goal was to investigate gray matter (GM) volume abnormalities in BD I patients with comorbid AUD. Twenty-one BD-AUD patients, 21 BD-nonAUD BD patients, and 25 healthy controls (HC), matched by age, gender, and handedness were studied. The BD-AUD patients were in remission from AUD on average for 6.8 years. 3D SPGR MRIs (TR=25 ms, TE=5 ms, slice thickness=1.5 mm) were acquired from all subjects using a 1.5 T GE Signa Imaging System. We used an optimized voxel-based morphometry protocol to compare GM volumes among the groups. BD-AUD patients presented smaller GM volumes in the left medial frontal and the right anterior cingulate gyri compared to BD-nonAUD patients. BDnon-AUD patients did not present GM volume differences compared to HC. These findings provide evidence for an effect of comorbid AUD on regional brain structure of BD I patients and warrant further research on neurobiological aspects of this prevalent and severe comorbidity.
Collapse
|
75
|
Prisciandaro JJ, McRae-Clark AL, Moran-Santa Maria MM, Hartwell KJ, Brady KT. Psychoticism and neuroticism predict cocaine dependence and future cocaine use via different mechanisms. Drug Alcohol Depend 2011; 116:80-5. [PMID: 21306838 PMCID: PMC3105212 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2010.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2010] [Revised: 11/19/2010] [Accepted: 11/20/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Personality characteristics have been associated with cocaine use. However, little is known about the mechanisms through which personality could impact drug use. The present study investigated the cross-sectional and prospective relationships between personality dimensions (i.e., impulsivity, neuroticism) and problematic cocaine use. Reactivity to a pharmacological stressor as a potential mediator of the relationship between neuroticism and future cocaine use was also examined. METHODS Participants were 53 cocaine-dependent individuals and 47 non-dependent controls. Subjects completed the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) at baseline and were administered i.v. corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH; 1 μg/kg). Cocaine use in the 30 days following CRH administration was measured. RESULTS Cocaine-dependent individuals had higher scores on the psychoticism (i.e., impulsivity, aggression; p=0.02) and neuroticism (p<0.01) scales of the EPQ than non-dependent controls. Cocaine-dependent individuals also had a greater subjective stress response to CRH than controls (p<0.01). Cocaine-dependent individuals with elevated psychoticism used significantly more cocaine over the follow-up period (p<0.05), whereas individuals with elevated neuroticism trended towards using cocaine more frequently over the follow-up (p=0.07). Finally, there was a trend for an indirect effect of neuroticism on frequency of cocaine use through subjective reactivity to CRH. CONCLUSIONS The findings extend past research on the association between personality and cocaine use, and suggest that motives for cocaine use may systematically vary across personality characteristics. Moreover, tailoring therapeutic interventions to individuals' personalities may be an area that warrants further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James J Prisciandaro
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Clinical Neuroscience Division, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
76
|
Ersche KD, Barnes A, Jones PS, Morein-Zamir S, Robbins TW, Bullmore ET. Abnormal structure of frontostriatal brain systems is associated with aspects of impulsivity and compulsivity in cocaine dependence. Brain 2011; 134:2013-24. [PMID: 21690575 PMCID: PMC3122375 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awr138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 276] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing body of preclinical evidence indicates that addiction to cocaine is associated with neuroadaptive changes in frontostriatal brain systems. Human studies in cocaine-dependent individuals have shown alterations in brain structure, but it is less clear how these changes may be related to the clinical phenotype of cocaine dependence characterized by impulsive behaviours and compulsive drug-taking. Here we compared self-report, behavioural and structural magnetic resonance imaging data on a relatively large sample of cocaine-dependent individuals (n = 60) with data on healthy volunteers (n = 60); and we investigated the relationships between grey matter volume variation, duration of cocaine use, and measures of impulsivity and compulsivity in the cocaine-dependent group. Cocaine dependence was associated with an extensive system of abnormally decreased grey matter volume in orbitofrontal, cingulate, insular, temporoparietal and cerebellar cortex, and with a more localized increase in grey matter volume in the basal ganglia. Greater duration of cocaine dependence was correlated with greater grey matter volume reduction in orbitofrontal, cingulate and insular cortex. Greater impairment of attentional control was associated with reduced volume in insular cortex and increased volume of caudate nucleus. Greater compulsivity of drug use was associated with reduced volume in orbitofrontal cortex. Cocaine-dependent individuals had abnormal structure of corticostriatal systems, and variability in the extent of anatomical changes in orbitofrontal, insular and striatal structures was related to individual differences in duration of dependence, inattention and compulsivity of cocaine consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen D Ersche
- University of Cambridge, Department of Psychiatry, Herchel Smith Building for Brain and Mind Sciences, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB20SZ, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
77
|
Alia-Klein N, Parvaz MA, Woicik PA, Konova AB, Maloney T, Shumay E, Wang R, Telang F, Biegon A, Wang GJ, Fowler JS, Tomasi D, Volkow ND, Goldstein RZ. Gene x disease interaction on orbitofrontal gray matter in cocaine addiction. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 68:283-94. [PMID: 21383264 DOI: 10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2011.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Long-term cocaine use has been associated with structural deficits in brain regions having dopamine-receptive neurons. However, the concomitant use of other drugs and common genetic variability in monoamine regulation present additional structural variability. OBJECTIVE To examine variations in gray matter volume (GMV) as a function of lifetime drug use and the genotype of the monoamine oxidase A gene, MAOA, in men with cocaine use disorders (CUD) and healthy male controls. DESIGN Cross-sectional comparison. SETTING Clinical Research Center at Brookhaven National Laboratory. PATIENTS Forty individuals with CUD and 42 controls who underwent magnetic resonance imaging to assess GMV and were genotyped for the MAOA polymorphism (categorized as high- and low-repeat alleles). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The impact of cocaine addiction on GMV, tested by (1) comparing the CUD group with controls, (2) testing diagnosis × MAOA interactions, and (3) correlating GMV with lifetime cocaine, alcohol, and cigarette smoking, and testing their unique contribution to GMV beyond other factors. RESULTS (1) Individuals with CUD had reductions in GMV in the orbitofrontal, dorsolateral prefrontal, and temporal cortex and the hippocampus compared with controls. (2) The orbitofrontal cortex reductions were uniquely driven by CUD with low- MAOA genotype and by lifetime cocaine use. (3) The GMV in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and hippocampus was driven by lifetime alcohol use beyond the genotype and other pertinent variables. CONCLUSIONS Long-term cocaine users with the low-repeat MAOA allele have enhanced sensitivity to gray matter loss, specifically in the orbitofrontal cortex, indicating that this genotype may exacerbate the deleterious effects of cocaine in the brain. In addition, long-term alcohol use is a major contributor to gray matter loss in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, and is likely to further impair executive function and learning in cocaine addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nelly Alia-Klein
- Medical Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973-5000, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
78
|
Bernat EM, Nelson LD, Steele VR, Gehring WJ, Patrick CJ. Externalizing psychopathology and gain-loss feedback in a simulated gambling task: dissociable components of brain response revealed by time-frequency analysis. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY 2011; 120:352-64. [PMID: 21319875 PMCID: PMC3092030 DOI: 10.1037/a0022124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Externalizing is a broad construct that reflects propensity toward a variety of impulse control problems, including antisocial personality disorder and substance use disorders. Two event-related potential responses known to be reduced among individuals high in externalizing proneness are the P300, which reflects postperceptual processing of a stimulus, and the error-related negativity (ERN), which indexes performance monitoring based on endogenous representations. In the current study, the authors used a simulated gambling task to examine the relation between externalizing proneness and the feedback-related negativity (FRN), a brain response that indexes performance monitoring related to exogenous cues, which is thought to be highly related to the ERN. Time-frequency (TF) analysis was used to disentangle the FRN from the accompanying P300 response to feedback cues by parsing the overall feedback-locked potential into distinctive theta (4-7 Hz) and delta (<3 Hz) TF components. Whereas delta-P300 amplitude was reduced among individuals high in externalizing proneness, theta-FRN response was unrelated to externalizing. These findings suggest that in contrast with previously reported deficits in endogenously based performance monitoring (as indexed by the ERN), individuals prone to externalizing problems show intact monitoring of exogenous cues (as indexed by the FRN). The results also contribute to a growing body of evidence indicating that the P300 is attenuated across a broad range of task conditions in high-externalizing individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward M Bernat
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, 1107 West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4301, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
79
|
Assessing white matter integrity as a function of abstinence duration in former cocaine-dependent individuals. Drug Alcohol Depend 2011; 114:159-68. [PMID: 21075564 PMCID: PMC3062648 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2010.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2010] [Revised: 09/20/2010] [Accepted: 10/04/2010] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Current cocaine-dependent users show reductions in white matter (WM) integrity, especially in cortical regions associated with cognitive control that have been associated with inhibitory dysfunction. A key question is whether these white matter differences are present following abstinence from drug use. To address this, WM integrity was examined using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) obtained on 43 cocaine abstinent patients (abstinence duration ranged between five days and 102 weeks) and 43 non-using controls. Additionally, a cross-sectional comparison separated the patients into three groups (short-term, mid-term and long-term) based upon duration of cocaine abstinence. The 43 cocaine abstinent patients showed lower fractional anisotropy (FA) in the left anterior callosal fibers, left genu of the corpus callosum, right superior longitudinal fasciculus, right callosal fibers and the superior corona radiata bilaterally when compared against non-using controls. Higher FA in the cocaine abstinent patients was observed in the splenium of the corpus callosum and right superior longitudinal fasciculus. Differences between the cocaine abstinent groups were observed bilaterally in the inferior longitudinal fasciculus, right anterior thalamic radiation, right ventral posterolateral nucleus of the thalamus, left superior corona radiata, superior longitudinal fasciculus bilaterally, right cingulum and the WM of the right precentral gyrus. The results identified WM differences between cocaine abstinent patients and controls as well as distinct differences between abstinent subgroups. The findings suggest that specific white matter differences persist throughout abstinence while other, spatially distinct, differences discriminate as a function of abstinence duration. These differences may, therefore, represent brain changes that mark recovery from addiction.
Collapse
|
80
|
Bustamante JC, Barrós-Loscertales A, Ventura-Campos N, Sanjuán A, Llopis JJ, Parcet MA, Ávila C. Right parietal hypoactivation in a cocaine-dependent group during a verbal working memory task. Brain Res 2011; 1375:111-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.12.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2010] [Revised: 12/07/2010] [Accepted: 12/11/2010] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
81
|
Fernández-Serrano MJ, Pérez-García M, Verdejo-García A. What are the specific vs. generalized effects of drugs of abuse on neuropsychological performance? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2011; 35:377-406. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2010.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 257] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2009] [Revised: 04/21/2010] [Accepted: 04/29/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
82
|
Santucci AC, Rabidou D. Residual performance impairments in adult rats trained on an object discrimination task subsequent to cocaine administration during adolescence. Addict Biol 2011; 16:30-42. [PMID: 20192947 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2009.00200.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The present study was conducted to determine whether cognitive impairments in adult rats treated with cocaine during adolescence demonstrated in previous investigations extend to tests of object discrimination learning. Accordingly, 30-day-old male Long-Evans rats were injected subcutaneously with either 10 or 20 mg/kg cocaine or received control injections of saline for 7-8 consecutive days. An extended abstinence period was then introduced (mean = 70.7 ± 9.8 days) before subjects, who were now young adults (mean = 106.3 ± 10.2 days old), were assessed for acquisition of a two-choice object discrimination task. Using a correctional learning procedure conducted in a water maze, subjects were trained (eight trials per day for 10 days) to approach one of two multi-dimentional 'junk' objects. Although all animals acquired the discrimination to a reasonable extent, cocaine-treated subjects exhibited lower percentages of correct choices over the course of training (10 mg/kg = 59.6 ± 7.2% and 20 mg/kg = 59.4 ± 4.9%) relative to the saline control group (67.5 ± 4.9%). Further analyses revealed that saline-treated subjects acquired proficient discrimination performance earlier during the course of training, achieving an approximate 72% performance rate after only 3 days of training. This was in contrast to the two cocaine-treated groups needing 7 days of training to achieve comparable levels of performance. In addition, saline-treated subjects required significantly fewer trials (20.8 ± 8.9) than either cocaine-treated group (10 mg/kg = 52.2 ± 11.9 and 20 mg/kg = 63.3 ± 8.7) to reach an 87.5% correct response criterion (i.e. 7-correct-out-of-8-consecutive-trials) and performed at a higher above-chance level (13.5%) than either cocaine-treated group (3.6% and 5.3% for the 10 and 20 mg/kg cocaine groups, respectively). These findings demonstrate the existence of cognitive impairments in adulthood subsequent to cocaine exposure during adolescence despite a prolonged drug-free interval. Speculation regarding the neurobiological basis for this effect, especially with regard to alterations to prefrontal circuitry, is provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony C Santucci
- Department of Psychology, Manhattanville College, Purchase, NY 10577, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
83
|
Cardenas VA, Meyerhoff DJ, Studholme C, Kornak J, Rothlind J, Lampiris H, Neuhaus J, Grant RM, Chao LL, Truran D, Weiner MW. Evidence for ongoing brain injury in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients treated with antiretroviral therapy. J Neurovirol 2010; 15:324-33. [PMID: 19499454 DOI: 10.1080/13550280902973960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART) has greatly reduced the incidence of dementia. The goal of this longitudinal study was to determine if there are ongoing macrostructural brain changes in human immunodeficiency virus-positive (HIV + ) individuals treated with ART. To quantify brain structure, three-dimensional T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were performed at baseline and again after 24 months in 39 HIV+ patients on ART and 30 HIV- controls. Longitudinal changes in brain volume were measured using tissue segmentation within regions of interest and deformation morphometry. Measured by tissue segmentation, HIV+ patients on ART had significantly (all P<.05) greater rates of white matter volume loss than HIV- control individuals. Compared with controls, the subgroup of HIV+ individuals on ART with viral suppression also had significantly greater rates of white matter volume loss. Deformation morphometry confirmed these results with more specific spatial localization. Deformation morphometry also detected greater rates of gray matter and white matter loss in the subgroup of HIV+ individuals with detectable viral loads. These results provide evidence of ongoing brain volume loss in HIV+ individuals on stable ART, possibly suggesting ongoing cerebral injury. The presence of continuing injury raises the possibility that HIV+ individuals-even in the presence of viral suppression in the periphery-are at greater risk for future cognitive impairments and dementia and possibly faster cognitive decline. Therefore, HIV+ individuals on ART should be monitored for cognitive decline, and treatments that reduce ongoing neurological injury should be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V A Cardenas
- University of California, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
84
|
The frontal assessment battery (FAB) reveals neurocognitive dysfunction in substance-dependent individuals in distinct executive domains: Abstract reasoning, motor programming, and cognitive flexibility. Addict Behav 2010; 35:875-81. [PMID: 20584570 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2010.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2009] [Revised: 04/21/2010] [Accepted: 05/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Substance-dependence is highly associated with executive cognitive function (ECF) impairments. However, considering that it is difficult to assess ECF clinically, the aim of the present study was to examine the feasibility of a brief neuropsychological tool (the Frontal Assessment Battery - FAB) to detect specific ECF impairments in a sample of substance-dependent individuals (SDI). Sixty-two subjects participated in this study. Thirty DSM-IV-diagnosed SDI, after 2weeks of abstinence, and 32 healthy individuals (control group) were evaluated with FAB and other ECF-related tasks: digits forward (DF), digits backward (DB), Stroop Color Word Test (SCWT), and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). SDI did not differ from the control group on sociodemographic variables or IQ. However, SDI performed below the controls in DF, DB, and FAB. The SDI were cognitively impaired in 3 of the 6 cognitive domains assessed by the FAB: abstract reasoning, motor programming, and cognitive flexibility. The FAB correlated with DF, SCWT, and WCST. In addition, some neuropsychological measures were correlated with the amount of alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine use. In conclusion, SDI performed more poorly than the comparison group on the FAB and the FAB's results were associated with other ECF-related tasks. The results suggested a negative impact of alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine use on the ECF. The FAB may be useful in assisting professionals as an instrument to screen for ECF-related deficits in SDI.
Collapse
|
85
|
Narayana PA, Datta S, Tao G, Steinberg JL, Moeller FG. Effect of cocaine on structural changes in brain: MRI volumetry using tensor-based morphometry. Drug Alcohol Depend 2010; 111:191-9. [PMID: 20570057 PMCID: PMC2945448 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2010.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2009] [Revised: 04/05/2010] [Accepted: 04/13/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in cocaine-dependent subjects to determine the structural changes in brain compared to non-drug using controls. Cocaine-dependent subjects and controls were carefully screened to rule out brain pathology of undetermined origin. Magnetic resonance images were analyzed using tensor-based morphometry (TBM) and voxel-based morphometry (VBM) without and with modulation to adjust for volume changes during normalization. For TBM analysis, unbiased atlases were generated using two different inverse consistent and diffeomorphic nonlinear registration techniques. Two different control groups were used for generating unbiased atlases. Independent of the nonlinear registration technique and normal cohorts used for creating the unbiased atlases, our analysis failed to detect any statistically significant effect of cocaine on brain volumes. These results show that cocaine-dependent subjects do not show differences in regional brain volumes compared to non-drug using controls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ponnada A. Narayana
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging University of Texas Medical School at Houston 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030,Corresponding author Tel: (713)500-7677 Fax: (713)500-7684
| | - Sushmita Datta
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging University of Texas Medical School at Houston 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Guozhi Tao
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging University of Texas Medical School at Houston 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Joel L. Steinberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences University of Texas Medical School at Houston 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030
| | - F. Gerard Moeller
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences University of Texas Medical School at Houston 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030
| |
Collapse
|
86
|
Prior chronic cocaine exposure in mice induces persistent alterations in cognitive function. Behav Pharmacol 2010; 20:695-704. [PMID: 19901826 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0b013e328333a2bb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Chronic cocaine use has been proposed to induce long-lasting alterations in cognitive functions dependent on the prefrontal cortex, and these alterations may contribute to the development of addiction. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms remain largely unknown, in part because of the lack of suitable animal models of cocaine-induced cognitive dysfunction that are amenable to molecular manipulations. Here, we characterized the effects of repeated cocaine administration on multiple aspects of cognitive function in C57BL/6 mice. Mice received 14 daily injections of either cocaine or saline, followed by a drug-free period of 2 weeks. They were then assessed for (i) cognitive flexibility in an instrumental reversal learning task; (ii) attentional function and response inhibition in a three-choice serial reaction time task; and (iii) working memory in a delayed matching-to-position task. Prior chronic exposure to cocaine resulted in impairments in reversal learning and working memory. Although there were no effects on attentional function or response inhibition, a shift in the pattern of errors committed was observed. These results indicate that prior chronic cocaine exposure in mice induces long-lasting alterations in cognitive functions associated with the prefrontal cortex.
Collapse
|
87
|
Comer SD, Bickel WK, Yi R, de Wit H, Higgins ST, Wenger GR, Johanson CE, Kreek MJ. Human behavioral pharmacology, past, present, and future: symposium presented at the 50th annual meeting of the Behavioral Pharmacology Society. Behav Pharmacol 2010; 21:251-77. [PMID: 20664330 PMCID: PMC2913311 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0b013e32833bb9f8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
A symposium held at the 50th annual meeting of the Behavioral Pharmacology Society in May 2007 reviewed progress in the human behavioral pharmacology of drug abuse. Studies on drug self-administration in humans are reviewed that assessed reinforcing and subjective effects of drugs of abuse. The close parallels observed between studies in humans and laboratory animals using similar behavioral techniques have broadened our understanding of the complex nature of the pharmacological and behavioral factors controlling drug self-administration. The symposium also addressed the role that individual differences, such as sex, personality, and genotype play in determining the extent of self-administration of illicit drugs in human populations. Knowledge of how these factors influence human drug self-administration has helped validate similar differences observed in laboratory animals. In recognition that drug self-administration is but one of many choices available in the lives of humans, the symposium addressed the ways in which choice behavior can be studied in humans. These choice studies in human drug abusers have opened up new and exciting avenues of research in laboratory animals. Finally, the symposium reviewed behavioral pharmacology studies conducted in drug abuse treatment settings and the therapeutic benefits that have emerged from these studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra D Comer
- New York State Psychiatric Institute/Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, NY 10032, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
88
|
Licata SC, Renshaw PF. Neurochemistry of drug action: insights from proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging and their relevance to addiction. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1187:148-71. [PMID: 20201852 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.05143.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H MRS) is a noninvasive imaging technique that permits measurement of particular compounds or metabolites within the tissue of interest. In the brain, (1)H MRS provides a snapshot of the neurochemical environment within a defined volume of interest. A search of the literature demonstrates the widespread utility of this technique for characterizing tumors, tracking the progress of neurodegenerative disease, and for understanding the neurobiological basis of psychiatric disorders. As of relatively recently, (1)H MRS has found its way into substance abuse research, and it is beginning to become recognized as a valuable complement in the brain imaging toolbox that also contains positron emission tomography, single-photon-emission computed tomography, and functional magnetic resonance imaging. Drug abuse studies using (1)H MRS have identified several biochemical changes in the brain. The most consistent alterations across drug class were reductions in N-acetylaspartate and elevations in myo-inositol, whereas changes in choline, creatine, and amino acid transmitters also were abundant. Together, the studies discussed herein provide evidence that drugs of abuse may have a profound effect on neuronal health, energy metabolism and maintenance, inflammatory processes, cell membrane turnover, and neurotransmission, and these biochemical changes may underlie the neuropathology within brain tissue that subsequently gives rise to the cognitive and behavioral impairments associated with drug addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C Licata
- Behavioral Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory, McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts 02478, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
89
|
Frascella J, Potenza MN, Brown LL, Childress AR. Shared brain vulnerabilities open the way for nonsubstance addictions: carving addiction at a new joint? Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1187:294-315. [PMID: 20201859 PMCID: PMC3671907 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.05420.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
For more than half a century, since the beginning of formal diagnostics, our psychiatric nosology has compartmentalized the compulsive pursuit of substance (e.g., alcohol, cocaine, heroin, nicotine) from nonsubstance (e.g., gambling, food, sex) rewards. Emerging brain, behavioral, and genetic findings challenge this diagnostic boundary, pointing to shared vulnerabilities underlying the pathological pursuit of substance and nonsubstance rewards. Working groups for the fifth revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-V), are thus considering whether the nosologic boundaries of addiction should be redrawn to include nonsubstance disorders, such as gambling. This review discusses how neurobiological data from problem gambling, obesity, and "normal" states of attachment (romantic infatuation, sexual attraction, maternal bonds) may help us in the task of carving addictions "at a new joint." Diagnostic recarving may have a positive effect on addiction research, stimulating discovery of "crossover" pharmacotherapies with benefit for both substance and nonsubstance addictions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Frascella
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience and Behavioral Research, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
90
|
Ma L, Hasan KM, Steinberg JL, Narayana PA, Lane SD, Zuniga EA, Kramer LA, Moeller FG. Diffusion tensor imaging in cocaine dependence: regional effects of cocaine on corpus callosum and effect of cocaine administration route. Drug Alcohol Depend 2009; 104:262-7. [PMID: 19595517 PMCID: PMC2728358 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2009.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2008] [Revised: 05/11/2009] [Accepted: 05/14/2009] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies demonstrated that diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can provide information regarding white matter integrity of the corpus callosum (CC). In this study, DTI parameters were compared between cocaine dependent subjects (CDs) and non-drug using controls (NCs) in midsagittal CC. DTI images were acquired from 19 CDs and 18 age-matched NCs. The midsagittal CC was segmented into: genu, rostral body, anterior midbody, posterior midbody, isthmus, and splenium. Linear mixed models analyses showed that, relative to NCs, CDs had lower fractional anisotropy (FA), higher radial diffusivity (lambda(perpendicular)), and higher mean diffusivity (D(av)) in the isthmus; higher lambda(perpendicular) and D(av) in the rostral body; and lower FA in the splenium. After including mass of lifetime alcohol use in the mixed model analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) as a covariate, significant between group differences in lambda(perpendicular) in the rostral body and isthmus remained. These results suggest that alterations in lambda(perpendicular) in the rostral body and isthmus were mainly due to cocaine use, consistent with previous studies showing that cocaine may alter myelin integrity. Between group differences in FA in the isthmus and splenium, and D(av) in the rostral body and isthmus became non-significant after inclusion of alcohol use as a covariate. This is suggestive of alcohol influencing these values, or may be related to the decreased degrees of freedom for these effects. Consistent with clinical data of greater severity of drug use in smoked versus intranasal cocaine, subjects who smoked cocaine showed lower FA and higher lambda(perpendicular) compared to intranasal CDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liangsuo Ma
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Khader M. Hasan
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Joel L. Steinberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Ponnada A. Narayana
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Scott D. Lane
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Edward A. Zuniga
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Larry A. Kramer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - F. Gerard Moeller
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
91
|
Ben-Shahar O, Obara I, Ary AW, Ma N, Mangiardi MA, Medina RL, Szumlinski KK. Extended daily access to cocaine results in distinct alterations in Homer 1b/c and NMDA receptor subunit expression within the medial prefrontal cortex. Synapse 2009; 63:598-609. [PMID: 19306440 DOI: 10.1002/syn.20640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Human cocaine addicts show altered function within the basal ganglia and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and altered glutamate function within these areas is postulated to be critical for cocaine addiction. The present project utilized a highly valid animal model of cocaine addiction, to test whether excessive use of cocaine alters glutamate function within these brain areas. Rats were trained to lever-press for i.v. saline vehicle or cocaine (0.25 mg/infusion) over seven 1-h daily sessions, after which, saline controls and half of cocaine self-administering animals (brief access condition) received 10 more 1-h daily sessions, whereas the remaining cocaine animals received 10 additional 6-h daily sessions (extended access condition). One, 14, or 60 days after the last self-administration session, animals were sacrificed. Tissue samples from the ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (N.Acc) core and shell, and mPFC were analyzed by immunoblotting for expression of Homer1b/c, Homer2a/b, mGluR1, mGluR5, NR2a, and NR2b subunits of the NMDA receptor. Brief and extended access to cocaine failed to alter protein levels within the VTA, and produced transient and similar changes in N.Acc protein expression, which were more pronounced in the core subregion. In contrast, extended access to cocaine resulted in distinct and long lasting alterations of protein expression within the mPFC that included: increased levels of Homer1b/c at 1 day, NR2b at 14 days, and NR2a at 60 days, of withdrawal. These data support the notion that altered NMDA function within the mPFC may contribute, in part, to the transition to excessive uncontrolled consumption of cocaine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Osnat Ben-Shahar
- Department of Psychology & The Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9660, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
92
|
Liu H, Hao Y, Kaneko Y, Ouyang X, Zhang Y, Xu L, Xue Z, Liu Z. Frontal and cingulate gray matter volume reduction in heroin dependence: optimized voxel-based morphometry. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2009; 63:563-8. [PMID: 19531112 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1819.2009.01989.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Repeated exposure to heroin, a typical opiate, causes neuronal adaptation and may result in anatomical changes in specific brain regions, particularly the frontal and limbic cortices. The volume changes of gray matter (GM) of these brain regions, however, have not been identified in heroin addiction. METHODS Using structural magnetic resonance imaging and an optimized voxel-based morphometry approach, the GM volume difference between 15 Chinese heroin-dependent and 15 healthy subjects was tested. RESULTS Compared to healthy subjects, the heroin-dependent subjects had reduced GM volume in the right prefrontal cortex, left supplementary motor cortex and bilateral cingulate cortices. CONCLUSION Frontal and cingulate atrophy may be involved in the neuropathology of heroin dependence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haihong Liu
- Mental Health Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
93
|
Pace-Schott EF, Stickgold R, Muzur A, Wigren PE, Ward AS, Hart CL, Walker M, Edgar C, Hobson JA. Cognitive Performance by Humans During a Smoked Cocaine Binge-Abstinence Cycle. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2009; 31:571-91. [PMID: 16320435 DOI: 10.1081/ada-200068120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Five cocaine-dependent individuals completed a 22-day inpatient study of sleep and cognition. Following 3 days of drug-free baseline, participants underwent 3 days of twice-daily smoked cocaine base self-administration (6 50-mg doses, 14 minutes apart), followed by 15 days of abstinence. Each morning and afternoon, the CDR repeatable, multiple-version, computerized cognitive battery (whose stability following practice has been documented) was administered. During abstinence, performance deteriorated on vigilance tasks (especially reaction time) as well as on immediate and delayed verbal recognition tasks but not on working memory tasks. Declines were most evident in the afternoon. Data suggest that abstinence can unmask cognitive deficits induced by chronic cocaine use and circadian factors may mediate their severity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward F Pace-Schott
- Center for Sleep and Cognition, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
94
|
Sheinkopf SJ, Lester BM, Sanes JN, Eliassen JC, Hutchison ER, Seifer R, Lagasse LL, Durston S, Casey BJ. Functional MRI and response inhibition in children exposed to cocaine in utero. Preliminary findings. Dev Neurosci 2009; 31:159-66. [PMID: 19372696 DOI: 10.1159/000207503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2008] [Accepted: 10/20/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the potential long-term effects of cocaine exposure on brain functioning using fMRI in school-aged children. The sample included 12 children with prenatal cocaine exposure and 12 non-exposed children (8-9 years old). Groups did not differ on IQ, socioeconomic status, or perinatal risk factors. A response inhibition task was administered during an fMRI scan using a 1.5-T MRI system. Task performance did not differentiate groups, but groups were differentiated by patterns of task-related brain activity. Cocaine-exposed children showed greater activation in the right inferior frontal cortex and caudate during response inhibition, whereas non-exposed children showed greater activations in temporal and occipital regions. These preliminary findings suggest that prenatal cocaine may affect the development of brain systems involved in the regulation of attention and response inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Sheinkopf
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02905, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
95
|
Madoz-Gúrpide A, Ochoa Mangado E, Martínez Pelegrín B. Consumo de cocaína y daño neuropsicológico. Implicaciones clínicas. Med Clin (Barc) 2009; 132:555-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2008.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2008] [Accepted: 07/09/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
96
|
Mendez IA, Williams MT, Bhavsar A, Lu AP, Bizon JL, Setlow B. Long-lasting sensitization of reward-directed behavior by amphetamine. Behav Brain Res 2009; 201:74-9. [PMID: 19428619 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2009.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2008] [Revised: 01/20/2009] [Accepted: 01/26/2009] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to psychostimulant drugs of abuse such as amphetamine can result in long-lasting "sensitization" of reward-directed behavior, such that subjects display enhancements in behavior directed by and toward rewards and reward-predictive cues (i.e. "incentive sensitization"). The purpose of these experiments was to determine the degree to which such sensitization resulting from chronic amphetamine exposure influences both appetitive and consummatory food-motivated behavior. Adult male Long-Evans rats received daily i.p. injections of D-amphetamine (2.0 mg/kg) or saline vehicle for five consecutive days. This amphetamine exposure regimen produced lasting sensitization to the acute locomotor stimulant effect of the drug. One month after drug exposure rats were tested for instrumental responding (lever pressing) for food reward under various response schedules. Two months after drug exposure, rats were tested for food consumption in a discriminative Pavlovian context-potentiated eating task, involving pairings of one context with food and another context with no food. Amphetamine exposed rats showed significantly greater instrumental responding for food reward than saline controls, particularly under conditions of high response ratios. In the potentiated eating task, testing under conditions of food satiation revealed that amphetamine exposed rats ate significantly more than saline controls in the food-paired context. These experiments demonstrate that amphetamine exposure can cause enduring increases in both appetitive and consummatory aspects of natural reward-directed behavior. Such long-lasting incentive sensitization could account in part for the propensity for relapse in drug addiction, as well as for reported enhancements in non-drug reward-related behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian A Mendez
- Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4235, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
97
|
De Oliveira LG, Barroso LP, Silveira CM, Sanchez ZVDM, De Carvalho Ponce J, Vaz LJ, Nappo SA. Neuropsychological assessment of current and past crack cocaine users. Subst Use Misuse 2009; 44:1941-57. [PMID: 20001290 DOI: 10.3109/10826080902848897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive changes due to crack cocaine consumption remain unclear. METHODS For clarification, 55 subjects were assigned to three groups: control group, crack cocaine current users, and ex-users. Participants were submitted to Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and tasks evaluating executive functioning and verbal memory. Mood state was also measured. Intergroup comparisons were carried out. RESULTS Control group performance on the MMSE was better than that of users and ex-users. Verbal memory performance for logical memory of users was impaired. Ex-users scored lower on DSST and Trail Making Test (Part B). CONCLUSION Chronic crack cocaine use seems to disrupt general cognitive functioning (MMSE), verbal memory, and attentional resources, but findings suggest that some of these effects could be reversed by abstinence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lúcio Garcia De Oliveira
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo (SP), Brazil. [corrected]
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
98
|
Robbins TW, Ersche KD, Everitt BJ. Drug addiction and the memory systems of the brain. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2008; 1141:1-21. [PMID: 18991949 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1441.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 290] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
We review drug addiction from the perspective of the hypothesis that drugs of abuse interact with distinct brain memory systems. We focus on emotional and procedural forms of memory, encompassing Pavlovian and instrumental conditioning, both for action-outcome and for stimulus-response associations. Neural structures encompassed by these systems include the amygdala, hippocampus, nucleus accumbens, and dorsal striatum. Additional influences emanate from the anterior cingulate and prefrontal cortex, which are implicated in the encoding and retrieval of drug-related memories that lead to drug craving and drug use. Finally, we consider the ancillary point that chronic abuse of many drugs may impact directly on neural memory systems via neuroadaptive and neurotoxic effects that lead to cognitive impairments in which memory dysfunction is prominent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T W Robbins
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
99
|
Cortical thickness abnormalities in cocaine addiction--a reflection of both drug use and a pre-existing disposition to drug abuse? Neuron 2008; 60:174-88. [PMID: 18940597 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2008.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2007] [Revised: 01/30/2008] [Accepted: 08/11/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The structural effects of cocaine on neural systems mediating cognition and motivation are not well known. By comparing the thickness of neocortical and paralimbic brain regions between cocaine-dependent and matched control subjects, we found that four of 18 a priori regions involved with executive regulation of reward and attention were significantly thinner in addicts. Correlations were significant between thinner prefrontal cortex and reduced keypresses during judgment and decision making of relative preference in addicts, suggesting one basis for restricted behavioral repertoires in drug dependence. Reduced effortful attention performance in addicts also correlated with thinner paralimbic cortices. Some thickness differences in addicts were correlated with cocaine use independent of nicotine and alcohol, but addicts also showed diminished thickness heterogeneity and altered hemispheric thickness asymmetry. These observations suggest that brain structure abnormalities in addicts are related in part to drug use and in part to predisposition toward addiction.
Collapse
|
100
|
Lim KO, Wozniak JR, Mueller BA, Franc DT, Specker SM, Rodriguez CP, Silverman AB, Rotrosen JP. Brain macrostructural and microstructural abnormalities in cocaine dependence. Drug Alcohol Depend 2008; 92:164-72. [PMID: 17904770 PMCID: PMC2693223 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2007.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2006] [Revised: 04/30/2007] [Accepted: 07/29/2007] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Two previous studies have utilized diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to examine microstructural integrity in cocaine abuse and found evidence of brain abnormalities in white matter. OBJECTIVE Using anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), DTI, and clinical evaluation, the macrostructural and microstructural correlates of cocaine abuse were investigated. METHODS Twenty-one men and women (mean age 42.5 and mean 18.9 years of cocaine use) and 21 age/gender-matched controls were included. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was measured in frontal white matter ROIs. Gray and white matter volumes in superior and inferior frontal regions were compared. RESULTS DTI data revealed that cocaine users had lower FA than controls, specifically in inferior frontal white matter. FA differences were not seen in other areas. Significant volumetric differences were not seen, but both gray and white matter inferior frontal volumes trended toward smaller in the cocaine group. The data suggested that duration of use was associated with decreased gray and white matter volumes. FA and gray matter volume were correlated in cocaine users. CONCLUSIONS Both macrostructural and microstructural abnormalities were seen in a group of cocaine abusers. Length of cocaine use was associated with severity of the brain abnormalities. Future studies of white matter tissue integrity are warranted including examination of the relationship between DTI measures and traditional volumetric measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin O Lim
- University of Minnesota, Department of Psychiatry, F282/2A West, 2450 Riverside Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|