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Coutens B, Yrondi A, Rampon C, Guiard BP. Psychopharmacological properties and therapeutic profile of the antidepressant venlafaxine. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:2735-2752. [PMID: 35947166 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06203-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Major depression (MD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders worldwide. Currently, the first-line treatment for MD targets the serotonin system but these drugs, notably the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, usually need 4 to 6 weeks before the benefit is felt and a significant proportion of patients shows an unsatisfactory response. Numerous treatments have been developed to circumvent these issues as venlafaxine, a mixed serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that binds and blocks both the SERT and NET transporters. Despite this pharmacological profile, it is difficult to have a valuable insight into its ability to produce more robust efficacy than single-acting agents. In this review, we provide an in-depth characterization of the pharmacological properties of venlafaxine from in vitro data to preclinical and clinical efficacy in depressed patients and animal models of depression to propose an indirect comparison with the most common antidepressants. Preclinical studies show that the antidepressant effect of venlafaxine is often associated with an enhancement of serotonergic neurotransmission at low doses. High doses of venlafaxine, which elicit a concomitant increase in 5-HT and NE tone, is associated with changes in different forms of plasticity in discrete brain areas. In particular, the hippocampus appears to play a crucial role in venlafaxine-mediated antidepressant effects notably by regulating processes such as adult hippocampal neurogenesis or the excitatory/inhibitory balance. Overall, depending on the dose used, venlafaxine shows a high efficacy on depressive-like symptoms in relevant animal models but to the same extent as common antidepressants. However, these data are counterbalanced by a lower tolerance. In conclusion, venlafaxine appears to be one of the most effective treatments for treatment of major depression. Still, direct comparative studies are warranted to provide definitive conclusions about its superiority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basile Coutens
- Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 31000, Toulouse, France
| | - Antoine Yrondi
- Département de psychiatrie, CHU Toulouse-Purpan, Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, ToNIC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, 31059, Toulouse, France
| | - Claire Rampon
- Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 31000, Toulouse, France
| | - Bruno P Guiard
- Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, 31000, Toulouse, France.
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Pan X, Kaminga AC, Jia P, Wen SW, Acheampong K, Liu A. Catecholamines in Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 12:184. [PMID: 33024430 PMCID: PMC7516036 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.00184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Previous studies found inconsistent results regarding the relationship between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and catecholamines, such as dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), and epinephrine (EPI). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the results of previous studies on this relationship. Method: Literature retrieval of eligible studies was performed in four databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and PsycARTICLES). Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated to assess differences in catecholamine concentrations between the AD groups and controls. Results: Thirteen studies met the eligibility criteria. Compared with the controls, significant lower concentrations of NE (SMD = −1.10, 95% CI: −2.01 to −0.18, p = 0.019) and DA (SMD = −1.12, 95% CI: −1.88 to −0.37, p = 0.003) were observed in patients with AD. No difference was found in the concentrations of EPI between the two groups (SMD = −0.74, 95% CI: −1.85 to 0.37, p = 0.189). Conclusion: Overall, these findings are in line with the hypothesis that reduced NE and DA may be an important indicator for AD (Registration number CRD42018112816).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiongfeng Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Atipatsa C Kaminga
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi
| | - Peng Jia
- Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.,International Initiative on Spatial Lifecourse Epidemiology (ISLE), Hong Kong, China.,Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Shi Wu Wen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Kwabena Acheampong
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Public, School of Postgraduate Studies, Adventist University of Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Aizhong Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
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3
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Liebenberg N, Jensen E, Larsen ER, Kousholt BS, Pereira VS, Fischer CW, Wegener G. A Preclinical Study of Casein Glycomacropeptide as a Dietary Intervention for Acute Mania. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2018; 21:473-484. [PMID: 29726996 PMCID: PMC5932479 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyy012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Casein glycomacropeptide is a peptide that lacks phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan. This profile may enable it to deplete phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan, and subsequently the synthesis of dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Dopamine- and serotonin-depleting amino acid mixtures have shown promise as acute antimanic treatments. In this study, we explore the depleting effects on amino acids, dopamine and serotonin as well as its actions on manic-like and other behavior in rats. METHODS Casein glycomacropeptide and a selection of amino acid mixtures were administered orally at 2, 4, or 8 h or for 1 week chronically. Amino acid and monoamine levels were measured in plasma and brain and behavior was assessed in the amphetamine-hyperlocomotion, forced swim, prepulse inhibition, and elevated plus maze tests. RESULTS Casein glycomacropeptide induced a time-dependent reduction in tyrosine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine in brain and plasma which was augmented by supplementing with leucine. Casein glycomacropeptide +leucine reduced dopamine in the frontal cortex and serotonin in the hippocampus, frontal cortex, and striatum after 2 and 4 h. Casein glycomacropeptide+leucine also had antimanic activity in the amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion test at 2 h after a single acute treatment and after 1 week of chronic treatment. CONCLUSIONS Casein glycomacropeptide-based treatments and a branched-chain amino acid mixture affected total tissue levels of dopamine in the frontal cortex and striatum and serotonin in the frontal cortex, striatum, and hippocampus of rats in a time-dependent fashion and displayed antimanic efficacy in a behavioral assay of mania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Liebenberg
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | | | - Erik Roj Larsen
- Department Psychiatry Odense, Psychiatry in the Region of Southern Denmark, Denmark,Department of Psychiatry, Institute for Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
| | - Birgitte Saima Kousholt
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark,Department of Clinical Medicine, AUGUST Centre, Aarhus University, Risskov, Denmark
| | - Vitor Silva Pereira
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Christina Weide Fischer
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Gregers Wegener
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark,Department of Clinical Medicine, AUGUST Centre, Aarhus University, Risskov, Denmark,Centre for Pharmaceutical Excellence, School of Pharmacy, North-West University, South Africa,Correspondence: Gregers Wegener, Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Aarhus University Hospital, Skovagervej 2, 8240 Risskov, Denmark ()
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4
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Brodnik ZD, Double M, España RA, Jaskiw GE. L-Tyrosine availability affects basal and stimulated catecholamine indices in prefrontal cortex and striatum of the rat. Neuropharmacology 2017; 123:159-174. [PMID: 28571714 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We previously found that L-tyrosine (L-TYR) but not D-TYR administered by reverse dialysis elevated catecholamine synthesis in vivo in medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and striatum of the rat (Brodnik et al., 2012). We now report L-TYR effects on extracellular levels of catecholamines and their metabolites. In MPFC, reverse dialysis of L-TYR elevated in vivo levels of dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) (L-TYR 250-1000 μM), homovanillic acid (HVA) (L-TYR 1000 μM) and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) (L-TYR 500-1000 μM). In striatum L-TYR 250 μM elevated DOPAC. We also examined L-TYR effects on extracellular dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) levels during two 30 min pulses (P2 and P1) of K+ (37.5 mM) separated by t = 2.0 h. L-TYR significantly elevated the ratio P2/P1 for DA (L-TYR 125 μM) and NE (L-TYR 125-250 μM) in MPFC but lowered P2/P1 for DA (L-TYR 250 μM) in striatum. Finally, we measured DA levels in brain slices using ex-vivo voltammetry. Perfusion with L-TYR (12.5-50 μM) dose-dependently elevated stimulated DA levels in striatum. In all the above studies, D-TYR had no effect. We conclude that acute increases within the physiological range of L-TYR levels can increase catecholamine metabolism and efflux in MPFC and striatum. Chronically, such repeated increases in L-TYR availability could induce adaptive changes in catecholamine transmission while amplifying the metabolic cost of catecholamine synthesis and degradation. This has implications for neuropsychiatric conditions in which neurotoxicity and/or disordered L-TYR transport have been implicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary D Brodnik
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, 2900 W. Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129, United States
| | - Manda Double
- Medical Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland DVAMC, 10701 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106, United States
| | - Rodrigo A España
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, 2900 W. Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129, United States
| | - George E Jaskiw
- Medical Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland DVAMC, 10701 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106, United States; Dept. of Psychiatry, Case Western University Medical Center at W.O. Walker 10524 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44133, United States.
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5
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Qi Z, Yu GP, Tretter F, Pogarell O, Grace AA, Voit EO. A heuristic model for working memory deficit in schizophrenia. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2016; 1860:2696-705. [PMID: 27177811 PMCID: PMC5018429 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 03/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The life of schizophrenia patients is severely affected by deficits in working memory. In various brain regions, the reciprocal interactions between excitatory glutamatergic neurons and inhibitory GABAergic neurons are crucial. Other neurotransmitters, in particular dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, and norepinephrine, modulate the local balance between glutamate and GABA and therefore regulate the function of brain regions. Persistent alterations in the balances between the neurotransmitters can result in working memory deficits. METHODS Here we present a heuristic computational model that accounts for interactions among neurotransmitters across various brain regions. The model is based on the concept of a neurochemical interaction matrix at the biochemical level and combines this matrix with a mobile model representing physiological dynamic balances among neurotransmitter systems associated with working memory. RESULTS The comparison of clinical and simulation results demonstrates that the model output is qualitatively very consistent with the available data. In addition, the model captured how perturbations migrated through different neurotransmitters and brain regions. Results showed that chronic administration of ketamine can cause a variety of imbalances, and application of an antagonist of the D2 receptor in PFC can also induce imbalances but in a very different manner. CONCLUSIONS The heuristic computational model permits a variety of assessments of genetic, biochemical, and pharmacological perturbations and serves as an intuitive tool for explaining clinical and biological observations. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE The heuristic model is more intuitive than biophysically detailed models. It can serve as an important tool for interdisciplinary communication and even for psychiatric education of patients and relatives. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "System Genetics" Guest Editor: Dr. Yudong Cai and Dr. Tao Huang.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Qi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; Integrative BioSystems Institute, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
| | - Gina P Yu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Felix Tretter
- Bertalanffy Center for the Study of Systems Science, 1040 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Anthony A Grace
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, 456 Langley Hall, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Eberhard O Voit
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; Integrative BioSystems Institute, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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6
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Shnitko TA, Taylor SC, Stringfield SJ, Zandy SL, Cofresí RU, Doherty JM, Lynch WB, Boettiger CA, Gonzales RA, Robinson DL. Acute phenylalanine/tyrosine depletion of phasic dopamine in the rat brain. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:2045-2054. [PMID: 26944052 PMCID: PMC4864125 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4259-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Dopamine plays a critical role in striatal and cortical function, and depletion of the dopamine precursors phenylalanine and tyrosine is used in humans to temporarily reduce dopamine and probe the role of dopamine in behavior. This method has been shown to alter addiction-related behaviors and cognitive functioning presumably by reducing dopamine transmission, but it is unclear what specific aspects of dopamine transmission are altered. OBJECTIVES We performed this study to confirm that administration of an amino acid mixture omitting phenylalanine and tyrosine (Phe/Tyr[-]) reduces tyrosine tissue content in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc), and to test the hypothesis that Phe/Tyr[-] administration reduces phasic dopamine release in the NAc. METHODS Rats were injected with a Phe/Tyr[-] amino acid mixture, a control amino acid mixture, or saline. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the concentration of tyrosine, dopamine, or norepinephrine in tissue punches from the PFC and ventral striatum. In a separate group of rats, phasic dopamine release was measured with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry in the NAc core after injection with either the Phe/Tyr[-] mixture or the control amino acid solution. RESULTS Phe/Tyr[-] reduced tyrosine content in the PFC and NAc, but dopamine and norepinephrine tissue content were not reduced. Moreover, Phe/Tyr[-] decreased the frequency of dopamine transients, but not their amplitude, in freely moving rats. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that depletion of tyrosine via Phe/Tyr[-] decreases phasic dopamine transmission, providing insight into the mechanism by which this method modifies dopamine-dependent behaviors in human imaging studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana A. Shnitko
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sarah C. Taylor
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sierra J. Stringfield
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA,Neurobiology Curriculum, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Shannon L. Zandy
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Roberto U. Cofresí
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - James M. Doherty
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - William B. Lynch
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Charlotte A. Boettiger
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA,Neurobiology Curriculum, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA,Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rueben A. Gonzales
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Donita L. Robinson
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA,Neurobiology Curriculum, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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7
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Le Masurier M, Zetterström T, Cowen P, Sharp T. Tyrosine-free amino acid mixtures reduce physiologically-evoked release of dopamine in a selective and activity-dependent manner. J Psychopharmacol 2014; 28:561-9. [PMID: 24108408 DOI: 10.1177/0269881113507642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Depletion of the catecholamine precursor tyrosine using tyrosine-free amino acid mixtures is an important tool in neuropsychological studies, and often considered dopamine selective on the basis of neuropharmacological studies. However, little is known of the effects of tyrosine depletion when catecholamine neurons are activated physiologically. Here we investigated the effect of tyrosine-free amino acid mixtures on catecholamine release evoked in vivo using a stimulation paradigm aimed to approximate the phasic firing pattern of these neurons that accompanies cognitive and behavioural change. Dopamine and noradrenaline release was monitored by microdialysis in rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and striatum (chloral hydrate anaesthesia, perfusion medium containing 1 µM cocaine). Electrical stimulation of the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) caused a short-lasting, frequency-dependent increase in dopamine and noradrenaline. A full tyrosine-free amino acid mixture reduced the release of dopamine in mPFC and striatum, across a range of stimulation frequencies, and the effect was greater as stimulation frequency increased. Similar results were obtained using a smaller tyrosine-free amino acid mixture. In the same experiments showing decreased dopamine, neither tyrosine-free mixture of amino acids significantly altered stimulation-evoked release of noradrenaline. These results show that tyrosine depletion using tyrosine-free amino acid mixtures causes a selective, activity-dependent decrease in dopamine release when dopamine neurons are driven physiologically.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Philip Cowen
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Trevor Sharp
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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8
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Presynaptic regulation of extracellular dopamine levels in the medial prefrontal cortex and striatum during tyrosine depletion. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2013; 227:363-71. [PMID: 23371490 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-013-2977-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Accepted: 12/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Available neurochemical probes that lower brain dopamine (DA) levels in man are limited by their tolerability and efficacy. For instance, the acute lowering of brain tyrosine is well tolerated, but only modestly lowers brain DA levels. Modification of tyrosine depletion to robustly lower DA levels would provide a superior research probe. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to determine whether the subthreshold stimulation of presynaptic DA receptors would potentiate tyrosine depletion-induced effects on extracellular DA levels in the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and striatum of the rat. METHODS We administered quinpirole, a predominantly DA type 2 (D2R) receptor agonist, into the MPFC and striatum by reverse dialysis. A tyrosine- and phenylalanine-free neutral amino acid mixture [NAA(-)] IP was used to lower brain tyrosine levels. DA levels in the microdialysate were measured by HPLC with electrochemical detection. RESULTS Quinpirole dose-dependently lowered DA levels in MPFC as well as in the striatum. NAA(-) alone transiently lowered DA levels (80 % baseline) in the striatum, but had no effect in MPFC. The co-administration of NAA(-) and a subthreshold concentration of quinpirole (6.25 nM) lowered DA levels (50 % baseline) in both the MPFC and striatum. This effect was blocked by the mixed D2R/D3R antagonist haloperidol at IP doses that on their own did not affect DA levels (10.0 nmol/kg in the MPFC and 0.10 nmol/kg in the striatum). CONCLUSIONS Pharmacological stimulation of inhibitory D2R receptors during tyrosine depletion markedly lowers the extracellular DA levels in the MPFC and striatum. The data suggest that combining tyrosine depletion with a low dose of a DA agonist should robustly lower brain regional DA levels in man.
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Bongiovanni R, Kyser AN, Jaskiw GE. Tyrosine depletion lowers in vivo DOPA synthesis in ventral hippocampus. Eur J Pharmacol 2012; 696:70-6. [PMID: 23022716 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2012.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2012] [Revised: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 09/17/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In vivo dopamine synthesis in the medial prefrontal cortex of the rat is sensitive to the availability of tyrosine. Whether other limbic cortical dopamine terminal regions are similarly tyrosine-dependent is not known. In this study we examined the effects of tyrosine depletion on dopamine synthesis and catecholamine levels in the ventral hippocampus. A tyrosine- and phenylalanine-free neutral amino acid mixture was used to lower brain tyrosine levels in rats undergoing in vivo microdialysis. In one group, NSD-1015 was included in perfusate to permit measurement of DOPA levels. In a second group, NSD-1015 was not included in perfusate so that catecholamine levels could be assayed. Tyrosine depletion significantly lowered DOPA levels in the NSD-1015 treated group and lowered DOPAC but not dopamine or noradrenaline levels in the group not exposed to NSD-1015. We conclude that while catecholamine synthesis in the ventral hippocampus declines when tyrosine availability is lowered, under basal conditions, compensatory mechanisms are able to maintain stable extracellular catecholamine levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Bongiovanni
- Psychiatry Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, 10701 East Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA.
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10
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Jaskiw GE, Newbould E, Bongiovanni R. Tyrosine availability modulates potassium-induced striatal catecholamine efflux in vivo. Brain Res 2008; 1209:74-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2008.02.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2007] [Revised: 02/14/2008] [Accepted: 02/15/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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11
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Bongiovanni R, Newbould E, Jaskiw GE. Tyrosine depletion lowers dopamine synthesis and desipramine-induced prefrontal cortex catecholamine levels. Brain Res 2007; 1190:39-48. [PMID: 18082673 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2007.10.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2007] [Revised: 10/20/2007] [Accepted: 10/28/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between limited tyrosine availability, DA (dopamine) synthesis and DA levels in the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) of the rat was examined by in vivo microdialysis. We administered a tyrosine- and phenylalanine-free mixture of large neutral amino acids (LNAA-) IP to lower brain tyrosine, and the norepinephrine transporter inhibitor desipramine (DMI) 10 mg/kg IP to raise MPFC DA levels without affecting DA synthesis. For examination of DOPA levels, NSD-1015 20 microM was included in perfusate. Neither NSD-1015 nor DMI affected tyrosine levels. LNAA- lowered tyrosine levels by 45%, and lowered DOPA levels as well; this was not additionally affected by concurrent DMI 10 mg/kg IP. In parallel studies DMI markedly increased extracellular levels of DA (420% baseline) and norepinephrine (NE) (864% baseline). LNAA- had no effect on baseline levels of DA or NE but robustly lowered DMI-induced DA (176% baseline) as well as NE (237% baseline) levels. Even when DMI (20 microM) was administered in perfusate, LNAA- still lowered DMI-induced DA and NE levels. We conclude that while baseline mesocortical DA synthesis is indeed dependent on tyrosine availability, the MPFC maintains normal extracellular DA and NA levels in the face of moderately lower DA synthesis. During other than baseline conditions, however, tyrosine depletion can lower ECF DA and NE levels in MPFC. These data offer a potential mechanism linking dysregulation of tyrosine transport and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Bongiovanni
- Psychiatry Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Brecksville, OH 44141, USA
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12
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Fernstrom JD, Fernstrom MH. Tyrosine, phenylalanine, and catecholamine synthesis and function in the brain. J Nutr 2007; 137:1539S-1547S; discussion 1548S. [PMID: 17513421 DOI: 10.1093/jn/137.6.1539s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 394] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aromatic amino acids in the brain function as precursors for the monoamine neurotransmitters serotonin (substrate tryptophan) and the catecholamines [dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine; substrate tyrosine (Tyr)]. Unlike almost all other neurotransmitter biosynthetic pathways, the rates of synthesis of serotonin and catecholamines in the brain are sensitive to local substrate concentrations, particularly in the ranges normally found in vivo. As a consequence, physiologic factors that influence brain pools of these amino acids, notably diet, influence their rates of conversion to neurotransmitter products, with functional consequences. This review focuses on Tyr and phenylalanine (Phe). Elevating brain Tyr concentrations stimulates catecholamine production, an effect exclusive to actively firing neurons. Increasing the amount of protein ingested, acutely (single meal) or chronically (intake over several days), raises brain Tyr concentrations and stimulates catecholamine synthesis. Phe, like Tyr, is a substrate for Tyr hydroxylase, the enzyme catalyzing the rate-limiting step in catecholamine synthesis. Tyr is the preferred substrate; consequently, unless Tyr concentrations are abnormally low, variations in Phe concentration do not affect catecholamine synthesis. Unlike Tyr, Phe does not demonstrate substrate inhibition. Hence, high concentrations of Phe do not inhibit catecholamine synthesis and probably are not responsible for the low production of catecholamines in subjects with phenylketonuria. Whereas neuronal catecholamine release varies directly with Tyr-induced changes in catecholamine synthesis, and brain functions linked pharmacologically to catecholamine neurons are predictably altered, the physiologic functions that utilize the link between Tyr supply and catecholamine synthesis/release are presently unknown. An attractive candidate is the passive monitoring of protein intake to influence protein-seeking behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Fernstrom
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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13
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Bongiovanni R, Young D, Newbould E, Jaskiw GE. Increased striatal dopamine synthesis is associated with decreased tissue levels of tyrosine. Brain Res 2006; 1115:26-36. [PMID: 16934236 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.07.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2006] [Revised: 07/20/2006] [Accepted: 07/24/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Tyrosine levels do not generally affect indices of dopamine (DA) synthesis or efflux under basal conditions, but can do so when DA synthesis is increased. One possibility is that a high rate of DA synthesis depletes the normally adequate pool of endogenous tyrosine. To study this, we administered drugs known to preferentially increase striatal DA synthesis and examined DOPA levels in striatal microdialysate during perfusion with NSD-1015. In additional groups, we also measured DA, tyrosine and large neutral amino acids in striatal microdialysate, as well as in tissue from striatum and medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC). gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) (750 mg/kg i.p.) increased DOPA levels in striatal microdialysate, increased tissue DA levels in the MPFC and striatum, but lowered tissue tyrosine levels only in striatum. In striatal microdialysate, GBL markedly lowered DA levels; tyrosine levels were only marginally lower. Haloperidol (HAL) (1.0 mg/kg s.c.)+/-amfonelic acid (AFA) (5 mg/kg i.p.) increased striatal DOPA accumulation, increased striatal DA efflux, lowered striatal tissue tyrosine levels, but did not affect microdialysate tyrosine levels. There were no consistent changes in levels of other large neutral amino acids. We conclude that increased tyrosine hydroxylation can significantly deplete the endogenous pool of tyrosine. Under such conditions, near normal extracellular tyrosine levels are maintained despite lower tissue levels. The data are consistent with a net transfer of tyrosine from non-DAergic cells to DA terminals in support of DA synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Bongiovanni
- Psychiatry Service, Louis Stokes Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44141, USA
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