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Biochemical Neuroadaptations in the Rat Striatal Dopaminergic System after Prolonged Exposure to Methamphetamine Self-Administration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710092. [PMID: 36077488 PMCID: PMC9456063 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Perturbations in striatal dopamine (DA) homeostasis might underlie the behavioral and pathobiological consequences of METH use disorder in humans. To identify potential consequences of long-term METH exposure, we modeled the adverse consequence DSM criterion of substance use disorders by giving footshocks to rats that had escalated their intake of METH during a drug self-administration procedure. Next, DA D1 receptor antagonist, SCH23390 was injected. Thereafter, rats were euthanized to measure several indices of the striatal dopaminergic system. Footshocks split the METH rats into two phenotypes: (i) shock-sensitive that decreased their METH-intake and (ii) shock-resistant that continued their METH intake. SCH23390 caused substantial dose-dependent reduction of METH taking in both groups. Stopping SCH23390 caused re-emergence of compulsive METH taking in shock-resistant rats. Compulsive METH takers also exhibited greater incubation of METH seeking than non-compulsive rats during withdrawal from METH SA. Analyses of DA metabolism revealed non-significant decreases (about 35%) in DA levels in resistant and sensitive rats. However, striatal contents of the deaminated metabolites, DOPAL and DOPAC, were significantly increased in sensitive rats. VMAT2 and DAT protein levels were decreased in both phenotypes. Moreover, protein expression levels of the D1-like DA receptor, D5R, and D2-like DA receptors, D3R and D4R, were significantly decreased in the compulsive METH takers. Our results parallel findings in post-mortem striatal tissues of human METH users who develop Parkinsonism after long-term METH intake and support the use of this model to investigate potential therapeutic interventions for METH use disorder.
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Miller AE, Daiwile AP, Cadet JL. Sex-Dependent Alterations in the mRNA Expression of Enzymes Involved in Dopamine Synthesis and Breakdown After Methamphetamine Self-Administration. Neurotox Res 2022; 40:1464-1478. [PMID: 35834057 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-022-00545-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences have been reported in methamphetamine (METH) use disorder in humans and in animal models of METH exposure. Specifically, animals that self-administer METH show sex-related dissimilarities in dopamine (DA) metabolism. To better understand the molecular bases for the differences in DA metabolism, we measured the levels of mRNAs of enzymes that catalyze DA synthesis and breakdown in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc), dorsal striatum (dSTR), and hippocampus (HIP) of rats that had self-administered METH. There were significant sex differences in control rats, with males having higher basal levels of Th in the PFC and dSTR, Ddc in the NAc, and MaoB in the HIP. In contrast, female controls showed higher basal levels of Comt in the HIP. Male and female METH SA rats also showed some distinct responses to the drug. Specifically, female METH rats exhibited increased expression of Ddc and MaoB, whereas male METH animals showed higher levels of Comt mRNA in the PFC compared to their respective controls. In the NAc, male METH rats displayed decreased Th and Ddc mRNA levels. Together, our results identified sex-dependent and region-specific changes in the mRNA expression of several enzymes involved in DA synthesis and breakdown in response to METH SA, with the majority of differences being observed in the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic system. These findings are of significant translational importance providing further support for the inclusion of sex as an important variable when planning and evaluating therapeutic interventions against METH use disorder in human clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron E Miller
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Atul P Daiwile
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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Apóstol Del Rosal GD, Limón ID, Martínez I, Patricio-Martínez A. The Chronic Oral Administration of Clobenzorex or Amphetamine Decreases Motor Behavior and Induces Glial Activation in the Striatum Without Dopaminergic Degeneration. Neurotox Res 2021; 39:1405-1417. [PMID: 34279823 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-021-00395-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Described as amphetamine-like due to their structural and stimulant similarities, clobenzorex is one of the five most-commonly used drugs in Mexico for the treatment of obesity. Various studies have shown that amphetamines induce dopaminergic neurotoxicity and neuroinflammation in the striatum, symptoms which are associated with motor damage. For this reason, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of chronic clobenzorex administration on motor behaviors, TH immunoreactivity, gliosis, and the neurodegenerative process in the striatum and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). The present research was conducted on three experimental groups of male Wistar rats: the vehicle group, the amphetamine group (2 mg/kg), and the clobenzorex group (30 mg/kg). All groups were subject to oral administration every 24 h for 31 days. Motor activity and motor coordination were evaluated in the open field test and the beam walking test, respectively. The animals were euthanized after the last day of treatment to enable the extraction of their brains for the evaluation of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels, the immunoreactivity of the glial cells, and the neurodegeneration of both the striatum and SNpc via amino-cupric-silver stain. The results obtained show that amphetamine and clobenzorex administration decrease motor activity and motor coordination in the beam walking test and cause increased gliosis in the striatum, while no significant changes were observed in terms of immunoreactivity to TH and neurodegeneration in both the striatum and SNpc. These results suggest that the chronic administration of clobenzorex may decrease motor function in a manner similar to amphetamine, via the neuroadaptive and non-neurotoxic changes caused to the striatum under this administration scheme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grego David Apóstol Del Rosal
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Ilhuicamina Daniel Limón
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Isabel Martínez
- Laboratorio de Neuroquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Aleidy Patricio-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico.
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Blvd. Valsequillo y Av. San Claudio Edificio BIO-1 C.U. Col. Jardines de San Manuel A.P, 72570, Puebla, Mexico.
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Marusich JA, Gay EA, Blough BE. Analysis of neurotransmitter levels in addiction-related brain regions during synthetic cathinone self-administration in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:903-914. [PMID: 30191259 PMCID: PMC6401347 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5011-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Synthetic cathinones are used as stimulants of abuse. Different stimulants may induce distinct rates of disease progression, yielding neurochemical changes that may vary across brain regions or neurotransmitter systems. OBJECTIVES This research sought to behaviorally and chemically differentiate stages of synthetic cathinone abuse through rodent self-administration and measurement of the neurotransmitter profile in multiple brain regions. METHODS Male rats were trained to self-administer α-PVP, mephedrone (4MMC), or saline. Half of each drug group stopped self-administering after autoshaping; the other half self-administered for another 21 days. Brain tissue from amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, PFC, striatum, and thalamus was profiled with electrochemical detection to assess neurotransmitter levels. RESULTS During autoshaping, the majority of infusions were delivered noncontingently. In the self-administration phase, rats responded more for α-PVP and 4MMC than for saline, demonstrating that both synthetic cathinones were reinforcing. Longer durations of exposure elevated 5-HIAA in hypothalamus, PFC, and hippocampus, indicating that learning may produce changes in addiction-related brain regions. Both synthetic cathinones decreased norepinephrine in hippocampus, while α-PVP decreased glutamate in hippocampus and PFC, and 4MMC decreased glutamate in thalamus. Furthermore, α-PVP increased dopaminergic metabolites in striatum, whereas 4MMC decreased serotonin in the amygdala, hippocampus, and PFC. Interestingly, neither synthetic cathinone affected dopamine levels despite their functional effects on the dopaminergic system. CONCLUSIONS In summary, the neurotransmitter changes observed here suggest that synthetic cathinone use likely produces sequential neurochemical changes during the transition from use to abuse. Consequently, treatment need may differ depending on the progression of synthetic cathinone abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Marusich
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, 136 Hermann, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - Elaine A Gay
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, 136 Hermann, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Bruce E Blough
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, 136 Hermann, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
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Kesby JP, Chang A, Markou A, Semenova S. Modeling human methamphetamine use patterns in mice: chronic and binge methamphetamine exposure, reward function and neurochemistry. Addict Biol 2018; 23:206-218. [PMID: 28224681 PMCID: PMC5565728 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Different methamphetamine use patterns in human subjects may contribute to inconsistent findings regarding the effects of methamphetamine abuse on brain and behavior. The present study investigated whether human-derived chronic and binge methamphetamine use patterns have differential effects on reward and neurochemistry in mice. Brain reward function in mice was evaluated during acute/prolonged withdrawal, and in response to methamphetamine challenge using the intracranial self-stimulation procedure. Brain dopaminergic, serotonergic and glutamatergic neurochemistry was determined with high-performance liquid chromatography. Chronic and binge regimens induced withdrawal-related decreases in reward function that were more severe during the binge regimen during cycles 1-2. Despite large differences in methamphetamine dose, both regimens induced similar reward deficits during cycles 3-4. Neither methamphetamine regimen led to persistent alterations in the sensitivity to the reward-enhancing effects of acute methamphetamine challenge. The binge regimen severely depleted striatal dopamine levels and increased brain glutamine levels. The chronic regimen had milder effects on striatal dopamine levels and altered cortical dopamine and serotonin levels. This work highlights that the magnitude of acute/prolonged withdrawal may not reflect amount or frequency of methamphetamine intake. In contrast, the array of underlying neurochemical alterations was methamphetamine regimen dependent. Thus, stratifying methamphetamine-dependent individuals based on use pattern may help to cater therapeutic interventions more appropriately by targeting use pattern-specific neurotransmitter systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Kesby
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Qld, Australia
| | - Ariel Chang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Athina Markou
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Svetlana Semenova
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Effects of chronic methamphetamine on psychomotor and cognitive functions and dopamine signaling in the brain. Behav Brain Res 2016; 320:282-290. [PMID: 27993694 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (MA) studies in animals usually involve acute, binge, or short-term exposure to the drug. However, addicts take substantial amounts of MA for extended periods of time. Here we wished to study the effects of MA exposure on brain and behavior, using an animal model analogous to this pattern of MA intake. MA doses, 4 and 8mg/kg/day, were based on previously reported average daily freely available MA self-administration levels. We examined the effects of 16 week MA treatment on psychomotor and cognitive function in the rat using open field and novel object recognition tests and we studied the adaptations of the dopaminergic system, using in vitro and in vivo receptor imaging. We show that chronic MA treatment, at doses that correspond to the average daily freely available self-administration levels in the rat, disorganizes open field activity, impairs alert exploratory behavior and anxiety-like state, and downregulates dopamine transporter in the striatum. Under these treatment conditions, dopamine terminal functional integrity in the nucleus accumbens is also affected. In addition, lower dopamine D1 receptor binding density, and, to a smaller degree, lower dopamine D2 receptor binding density were observed. Potential mechanisms related to these alterations are discussed.
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Batra V, Tran TLN, Caputo J, Guerin GF, Goeders NE, Wilden J. Intermittent bilateral deep brain stimulation of the nucleus accumbens shell reduces intravenous methamphetamine intake and seeking in Wistar rats. J Neurosurg 2016; 126:1339-1350. [PMID: 27392268 DOI: 10.3171/2016.4.jns152524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is increasing interest in neuromodulation for addiction. Methamphetamine abuse is a global health epidemic with no proven treatment. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of intermittent nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh) deep brain stimulation (DBS) on operant methamphetamine intake and on methamphetamine seeking when stimulation is delivered in an environment different from that of drug use. METHODS Eighteen rats were implanted with intravenous (IV) catheters and bilateral AcbSh electrodes and subsequently underwent daily sessions in 2-lever (active/methamphetamine and inactive/no reward) operant chambers to establish IV methamphetamine self-administration. After stable responding was achieved, 3 hours of DBS or sham treatment was administered (sham: 0 µA, n = 8; active: 200 µA, n = 10) in a separate nondrug environment prior to the daily operant sessions for 5 consecutive days. Immediately following each DBS/sham treatment, rats were placed in the operant chambers to examine the effects of remote stimulation on methamphetamine intake. After the 5 days of therapy were finished, rats reestablished a posttreatment baseline, followed by extinction training, abstinence, and 1 day of relapse testing to assess methamphetamine-seeking behavior. RESULTS There was a decrease in total methamphetamine intake in rats receiving active DBS versus sham on Days 1 (42%) and 2 (44%). Methamphetamine administration returned to baseline levels following the cessation of DBS therapy. Compared with baseline drug responding, methamphetamine seeking was reduced (57%) in the DBS group but not in the sham group. CONCLUSIONS It is feasible to deliver noncontinuous DBS outside of the drug use environment with a resultant decrease in IV methamphetamine intake and seeking. The AcbSh is a neuroanatomical substrate for psychostimulant reinforcement and may be a target for intermittent neuromodulatory therapies that could be administered during brief periods of sobriety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thanh Lam N Tran
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, & Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana
| | - Jessica Caputo
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, & Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana
| | - Glenn F Guerin
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, & Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana
| | - Nicholas E Goeders
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, & Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana
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Methamphetamine reduces expression of caveolin-1 in the dorsal striatum: Implication for dysregulation of neuronal function. Neuroscience 2016; 328:147-56. [PMID: 27138644 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2016] [Revised: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Role of striatal dopamine D1 receptors (D1Rs) in methamphetamine (Meth) taking and seeking is recognized from contingent Meth self-administration studies. For example, Meth increases levels of D1Rs in the dorsal striatum in animal models of Meth addiction, and blockade of striatal D1Rs decreased responding for Meth and reduced Meth priming-induced drug seeking. However, the mechanism underlying enhanced expression of striatal D1Rs in animals self-administering Meth is unknown and is hypothesized to involve maladaptive intracellular signal transduction mechanism via hyperphosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). D1Rs are predominantly localized to detergent-resistant membrane/lipid raft fractions (MLR fraction), and in vitro studies indicate that D1R signaling and recycling is regulated by the MLR-resident protein caveolin-1 (Cav-1), in an endocytotic-dependent manner. Notably, expression of Cav-1 is inversely regulated by ERK1/2 activation, suggesting a signaling interplay among D1Rs, ERK1/2 and Cav-1. We therefore evaluated the effects of extended access Meth self-administration on expression of striatal D1Rs, activated ERK1/2 and Cav-1. We first report that Cav-1 is heavily expressed in neurons located in the dorsal striatum. We also report that extended access Meth produces compulsive-like unregulated intake of the drug, and these behavioral outcomes are associated with enhanced expression of D1Rs, increased activity of ERK1/2, and reduced Cav-1 expression in the dorsal striatum. These data suggest a possible cellular mechanism that involves Cav-1 regulation of D1R expression in response to escalated Meth intake, and how this response of altered D1Rs and enhanced ERK1/2 activation to Meth self-administration contributes to contingent-related processes such as addiction.
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D'Arcy C, Luevano JE, Miranda-Arango M, Pipkin JA, Jackson JA, Castañeda E, Gosselink KL, O'Dell LE. Extended access to methamphetamine self-administration up-regulates dopamine transporter levels 72 hours after withdrawal in rats. Behav Brain Res 2015; 296:125-128. [PMID: 26367473 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that there are persistent changes in dopamine systems following withdrawal from methamphetamine (METH). This study examined changes in striatal dopamine transporter (DAT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine receptor 2 (D2) 72 h after withdrawal from METH intravenous self- administration (IVSA). Rats were given limited (1h) or extended (6h) access to METH IVSA (0.05 mg/kg/0.1 ml infusion) for 22 days. Controls did not receive METH IVSA. The rats given extended access to IVSA displayed higher METH intake during the first hour of drug access compared to rats given limited access. Extended access to METH also produced a concomitant increase in striatal DAT levels relative to drug-naïve controls. There were no changes in TH or D2 levels across groups. Previous studies have reported a decrease in striatal DAT levels during protracted periods (>7 days) of withdrawal from METH IVSA. This study extends previous work by showing an increase in striatal DAT protein expression during an earlier time point of withdrawal from this drug. These results are an important step toward understanding the dynamic changes in dopamine systems that occur during different time points of withdrawal from METH IVSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina D'Arcy
- Departments of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Joe E Luevano
- Departments of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Manuel Miranda-Arango
- Departments of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Joseph A Pipkin
- Departments of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Jonathan A Jackson
- Departments of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Eddie Castañeda
- Departments of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Kristin L Gosselink
- Departments of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Laura E O'Dell
- Departments of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968, USA.
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McFadden LM, Vieira-Brock PL, Hanson GR, Fleckenstein AE. Prior methamphetamine self-administration attenuates the dopaminergic deficits caused by a subsequent methamphetamine exposure. Neuropharmacology 2015; 93:146-54. [PMID: 25645392 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Revised: 12/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Others and we have reported that prior methamphetamine (METH) exposure attenuates the persistent striatal dopaminergic deficits caused by a subsequent high-dose "binge" METH exposure. The current study investigated intermediate neurochemical changes that may contribute to, or serve to predict, this resistance. Rats self-administered METH or saline for 7 d. On the following day (specifically, 16 h after the conclusion of the final METH self-administration session), rats received a binge exposure of METH or saline (so as to assess the impact of prior METH self-administration), or were sacrificed without a subsequent METH exposure (i.e., to assess the status of the rats at what would have been the initiation of the binge METH treatment). Results revealed that METH self-administration per se decreased striatal dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT) function and DA content, as assessed 16 h after the last self-administration session. Exposure to a binge METH treatment beginning at this 16-h time point decreased DAT function and DA content as assessed 1 h after the binge METH exposure: this effect on DA content (but not DAT function) was attenuated if rats previously self-administered METH. In contrast, 24 h after the binge METH treatment prior METH self-administration: 1) attenuated deficits in DA content, DAT function and vesicular monoamine transporter-2 function; and 2) prevented increases in glial fibrillary acidic protein and DAT complex immunoreactivity. These data suggest that changes 24 h, but not 1 h, after binge METH exposure are predictive of tolerance against the persistence of neurotoxic changes following binge METH exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M McFadden
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States
| | - Paula L Vieira-Brock
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States
| | - Glen R Hanson
- School of Dentistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States
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Paterson NE, Vocci F, Sevak RJ, Wagreich E, London ED. Dopamine D3 receptors as a therapeutic target for methamphetamine dependence. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2015; 40:1-9. [PMID: 24359505 DOI: 10.3109/00952990.2013.858723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methamphetamine (MA) use disorders are major public health problems nationally and worldwide and treatment remains an unmet need. OBJECTIVES (1) To review preclinical and clinical studies identifying the dopamine D3 receptor as a therapeutic target for substance use disorders (SUDs), including MA dependence, (2) to consider buspirone (Buspar®) as a potential medication based on its dopamine D3 receptor antagonist properties, and (3) to evaluate the safety and initial efficacy of buspirone in a pilot study of MA-dependent individuals. METHODS Literature on the dopamine D3 receptor as a therapeutic target and on the potential of buspirone as a novel therapy for MA dependence was reviewed. The cardiovascular and subjective effects of intravenous MA challenge were assessed in five non-treatment seeking individuals. Participants met DSM-IV criteria for MA dependence and were treated subacutely (9 days) with buspirone (60 mg daily). RESULTS The literature identified the dopamine D3 receptor as a therapeutic target for MA dependence, a safe and approved medication, and a valuable opportunity to re-purpose buspirone for treating MA dependence and perhaps other SUDs. Pilot data (n = 5) indicated that buspirone is safe in MA-using individuals and comparison against historical placebo data from this laboratory suggested that at least some aspects of the subjective properties of MA may be diminished during buspirone treatment. CONCLUSION Future studies should include a small-scale, placebo-controlled Phase IIa trial of buspirone in MA dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil E Paterson
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California , Los Angeles, CA , USA
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Methamphetamine self-administration attenuates hippocampal serotonergic deficits: role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2014; 17:1315-20. [PMID: 24650575 PMCID: PMC4074226 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145714000327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Preclinical studies suggest that prior treatment with escalating doses of methamphetamine (METH) attenuates the persistent deficits in hippocampal serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5HT) transporter (SERT) function resulting from a subsequent 'binge' METH exposure. Previous work also demonstrates that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) exposure increases SERT function. The current study investigated changes in hippocampal BDNF protein and SERT function in rats exposed to saline or METH self-administration prior to a binge exposure to METH or saline. Results revealed that METH self-administration increased hippocampal mature BDNF (mBDNF) immunoreactivity compared to saline-treated rats as assessed 24 h after the start of the last session. Further, mBDNF immunoreactivity was increased and SERT function was not altered in rats that self-administered METH prior to the binge METH exposure as assessed 24 h after the binge exposure. These results suggest that prior exposure to contingent METH increases hippocampal mBDNF, and this may contribute to attenuated deficits in SERT function.
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13
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Lominac KD, McKenna CL, Schwartz LM, Ruiz PN, Wroten MG, Miller BW, Holloway JJ, Travis KO, Rajasekar G, Maliniak D, Thompson AB, Urman LE, Phillips TJ, Szumlinski KK. Mesocorticolimbic monoamine correlates of methamphetamine sensitization and motivation. Front Syst Neurosci 2014; 8:70. [PMID: 24847220 PMCID: PMC4019853 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2014.00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Methamphetamine (MA) is a highly addictive psychomotor stimulant, with life-time prevalence rates of abuse ranging from 5–10% world-wide. Yet, a paucity of research exists regarding MA addiction vulnerability/resiliency and neurobiological mediators of the transition to addiction that might occur upon repeated low-dose MA exposure, more characteristic of early drug use. As stimulant-elicited neuroplasticity within dopamine neurons innervating the nucleus accumbens (NAC) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) is theorized as central for addiction-related behavioral anomalies, we used a multi-disciplinary research approach in mice to examine the interactions between sub-toxic MA dosing, motivation for MA and mesocorticolimbic monoamines. Biochemical studies of C57BL/6J (B6) mice revealed short- (1 day), as well as longer-term (21 days), changes in extracellular dopamine, DAT and/or D2 receptors during withdrawal from 10, once daily, 2 mg/kg MA injections. Follow-up biochemical studies conducted in mice selectively bred for high vs. low MA drinking (respectively, MAHDR vs. MALDR mice), provided novel support for anomalies in mesocorticolimbic dopamine as a correlate of genetic vulnerability to high MA intake. Finally, neuropharmacological targeting of NAC dopamine in MA-treated B6 mice demonstrated a bi-directional regulation of MA-induced place-conditioning. These results extend extant literature for MA neurotoxicity by demonstrating that even subchronic exposure to relatively low MA doses are sufficient to elicit relatively long-lasting changes in mesocorticolimbic dopamine and that drug-induced or idiopathic anomalies in mesocorticolimbic dopamine may underpin vulnerability/resiliency to MA addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin D Lominac
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Courtney L McKenna
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Lisa M Schwartz
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Paige N Ruiz
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Melissa G Wroten
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Bailey W Miller
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - John J Holloway
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Katherine O Travis
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Ganesh Rajasekar
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Dan Maliniak
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Andrew B Thompson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Lawrence E Urman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Tamara J Phillips
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Methamphetamine Abuse Research Center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oregon Health and Science University Portland, OR, USA
| | - Karen K Szumlinski
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA, USA
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14
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Gonçalves J, Baptista S, Silva AP. Psychostimulants and brain dysfunction: a review of the relevant neurotoxic effects. Neuropharmacology 2014; 87:135-49. [PMID: 24440369 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2013] [Revised: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Psychostimulants abuse is a major public concern because is associated with serious health complications, including devastating consequences on the central nervous system (CNS). The neurotoxic effects of these drugs have been extensively studied. Nevertheless, numerous questions and uncertainties remain in our understanding of these toxic events. Thus, the purpose of the present manuscript is to review cellular and molecular mechanisms that might be responsible for brain dysfunction induced by psychostimulants. Topics reviewed include some classical aspects of neurotoxicity, such as monoaminergic system and mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity and hyperthermia. Moreover, recent literature has suggested new phenomena regarding the toxic effects of psychostimulants. Thus, we also reviewed the impact of these drugs on neuroinflammatory response, blood-brain barrier (BBB) function and neurogenesis. Assessing the relative importance of these mechanisms on psychostimulants-induced brain dysfunction presents an exciting challenge for future research efforts. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'CNS Stimulants'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga Santa Comba, Celas, 3000-548 Coimbra Portugal
| | - Sofia Baptista
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga Santa Comba, Celas, 3000-548 Coimbra Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Silva
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga Santa Comba, Celas, 3000-548 Coimbra Portugal.
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15
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Le Cozannet R, Markou A, Kuczenski R. Extended-access, but not limited-access, methamphetamine self-administration induces behavioral and nucleus accumbens dopamine response changes in rats. Eur J Neurosci 2013; 38:3487-95. [PMID: 24112125 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Revised: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
To better understand the neurobiology of methamphetamine (METH) dependence and the cognitive impairments induced by METH use, we compared the effects of extended (12 h) and limited (1 h) access to METH self-administration on locomotor activity and object place recognition, and on extracellular dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens and caudate-putamen. Rats were trained to self-administer intravenous METH (0.05 mg/kg). One group had progressively extended access up to 12-h sessions. The other group had limited-access 1-h sessions. Microdialysis experiments were conducted during a 12-h and 1-h session, in which the effects of a single METH injection (self-administered, 0.05 mg/kg, i.v.) on extracellular dopamine levels were assessed in the nucleus accumbens and caudate-putamen compared with a drug-naive group. The day after the last 12-h session and the following day experimental groups were assessed for their locomotor activities and in a place recognition procedure, respectively. The microdialysis results revealed tolerance to the METH-induced increases in extracellular dopamine only in the nucleus accumbens, but not in the caudate-putamen in the extended-access group compared with the control and limited-access groups. These effects may be associated with the increased lever-pressing and drug-seeking observed during the first hour of drug exposure in the extended-access group. This increase in drug-seeking leads to higher METH intake and may result in more severe consequences in other structures responsible for the behavioral deficits (memory and locomotor activity) observed in the extended-access group, but not in the limited-access group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Le Cozannet
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
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