1
|
Barbosa Méndez S, Salazar-Juárez A. Mirtazapine decreased induction and expression of cocaine + nicotine-induced locomotor sensitisation in rats. World J Biol Psychiatry 2020; 21:595-611. [PMID: 31104538 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2019.1620967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Concurrent abuse of cocaine and nicotine is considered a public health problem. To date, no effective therapy has been known to reduce the reinforcing effects of concurrent use of cocaine and nicotine. Mirtazapine, an antagonist of the α2-adrenoceptor and the 5-HT2A/C and the 5-HT3 receptors has proven effective in reducing the cocaine, nicotine and methamphetamine behavioural effects in humans and animals. Our study evaluated the effect of mirtazapine on enhancing locomotor activity during the induction and expression of locomotor sensitisation induced by a cocaine + nicotine mixture.Methods: Wistar rats were dosed with cocaine, nicotine or cocaine + nicotine combination. Mirtazapine (30 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered during the extinction phase.Results: Mirtazapine decreased cocaine + nicotine-induced locomotor activity and induction and expression of locomotor sensitisation. In addition, we found that co-administration of mecamylamine and mirtazapine significantly enhanced the effect of mirtazapine on cocaine + nicotine-induced locomotor activity during induction and expression of behavioural sensitisation.Conclusions: Our results suggest that mirtazapine demonstrated efficacy in decreasing the psycho-stimulant effects of concurrent use of cocaine and nicotine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susana Barbosa Méndez
- Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Conductual, Microcirugía, y Terapéutica Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría, Ciudad de México, 14370, México
| | - Alberto Salazar-Juárez
- Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Conductual, Microcirugía, y Terapéutica Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría, Ciudad de México, 14370, México
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Miller CN, Kamens HM. The role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in alcohol-related behaviors. Brain Res Bull 2020; 163:135-142. [PMID: 32707263 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2020.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) causes an alarming economic and health burden in the United States. Unfortunately, this disease does not exist in isolation; AUD is highly comorbid with nicotine use. Results from both human and animal models demonstrate a genetic correlation between alcohol and nicotine behaviors. These data support the idea of shared genetic and neural mechanisms underlying these behaviors. Nicotine acts directly at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) to have its pharmacological effect. Interestingly, alcohol also acts both directly and indirectly at these receptors. Research utilizing genetically engineered rodents and pharmacological manipulations suggest a role for nAChR in several ethanol behaviors. The current manuscript collates this literature and discusses findings that implicate specific nAChR subunits in ethanol phenotypes. These data suggest future directions for targeting nAChR as novel therapeutics for AUD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C N Miller
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, United States
| | - H M Kamens
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Miller CN, Kamens HM. Reduced expression of ethanol sensitization by α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in DBA/2J mice. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol 2020; 28:348-354. [PMID: 31580099 PMCID: PMC7117981 DOI: 10.1037/pha0000324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a leading cause of preventable death in the United States, however existing treatments are ineffective and produce aversive side effects such as nausea and fatigue. One potential therapeutic for AUD is the α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonist 18-methoxycoronaridine (18-MC). Prior work has shown that 18-MC reduces ethanol consumption in rodent models. The present study sought to further examine the therapeutic potential of 18-MC by testing its effects on nonconsummatory behaviors. We examined 2 behavioral measures: ethanol-induced locomotor stimulation, which measures euphoric properties of the drug, and the expression of locomotor sensitization which models neuroadaptations in response to repeated exposure. We tested dose-dependent effects of 18-MC (0, 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg) administration on ethanol stimulation and locomotor sensitization in female and male DBA/2J mice. 18-MC had no effect on acute ethanol-induced stimulation, but the highest dose (30 mg/kg) significantly decreased the expression of locomotor sensitization. Our results support the involvement of α3β4 nAChR in the expression of ethanol-induced locomotor sensitization and suggest that 18-MC may be a therapeutic for AUD. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Helen M Kamens
- Corresponding Author: Helen M Kamens, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA 16802, , Phone: 814-865-1269, Fax: 814-863-7525
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Regional Analysis of the Brain Transcriptome in Mice Bred for High and Low Methamphetamine Consumption. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9070155. [PMID: 31262025 PMCID: PMC6681006 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9070155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptome profiling can broadly characterize drug effects and risk for addiction in the absence of drug exposure. Modern large-scale molecular methods, including RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq), have been extensively applied to alcohol-related disease traits, but rarely to risk for methamphetamine (MA) addiction. We used RNA-Seq data from selectively bred mice with high or low risk for voluntary MA intake to construct coexpression and cosplicing networks for differential risk. Three brain reward circuitry regions were explored, the nucleus accumbens (NAc), prefrontal cortex (PFC), and ventral midbrain (VMB). With respect to differential gene expression and wiring, the VMB was more strongly affected than either the PFC or NAc. Coexpression network connectivity was higher in the low MA drinking line than in the high MA drinking line in the VMB, oppositely affected in the NAc, and little impacted in the PFC. Gene modules protected from the effects of selection may help to eliminate certain mechanisms from significant involvement in risk for MA intake. One such module was enriched in genes with dopamine-associated annotations. Overall, the data suggest that mitochondrial function and glutamate-mediated synaptic plasticity have key roles in the outcomes of selective breeding for high versus low levels of MA intake.
Collapse
|
5
|
Touchette JC, Maertens JJ, Mason MM, O'Rourke KY, Lee AM. The nicotinic receptor drug sazetidine-A reduces alcohol consumption in mice without affecting concurrent nicotine consumption. Neuropharmacology 2018; 133:63-74. [PMID: 29355641 PMCID: PMC5858984 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol and nicotine addiction are frequently co-morbid. The nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are critical for both alcohol and nicotine addiction mechanisms, since nAChR drugs that reduce nicotine consumption have been shown to also reduce alcohol consumption. Sazetidine-A, a pre-clinical nAChR drug with agonist and desensitizing effects at α4β2 and α7 nAChRs, has been reported to reduce alcohol consumption and nicotine self-administration in rats when administered at high doses. However, this effect has not been replicated in mice. In this study, we examined the effect of sazetidine-A on alcohol and nicotine consumption in male and female mice utilizing voluntary oral consumption procedures previously developed in our lab. We found that sazetidine-A (1 mg/kg, i.p) reduced overnight alcohol consumption, but did not affect nicotine consumption when presented either alone or concurrently with alcohol. Sazetidine-A did not reduce water or saccharin consumption at any dose tested. In a chronic co-consumption experiment in which either alcohol or nicotine was re-introduced after one week of forced abstinence, sazetidine-A attenuated post-abstinence consumption of alcohol but not nicotine. Sazetidine-A also significantly reduced alcohol consumption in an acute, binge drinking-in-the-dark procedure. Finally, we tested the effect of sazetidine-A on alcohol withdrawal, and found that sazetidine-A significantly reduced handling-induced convulsions during alcohol withdrawal. Collectively, these data suggest a novel role for the nAChR targets of sazetidine-A in specifically mediating alcohol consumption, separate from the involvement of nAChRs in mediating nicotine consumption. Delineation of this pathway may provide insight into novel therapies for the treatment of alcohol use disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jamie J Maertens
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Margaret M Mason
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Kyu Y O'Rourke
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Anna M Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
α6β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors influence locomotor activity and ethanol consumption. Alcohol 2017; 61:43-49. [PMID: 28457669 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2017.02.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the mesolimbic dopamine system have been implicated in ethanol behaviors. In particular, work in genetically engineered mice has demonstrated that α6-containing nAChRs are involved in ethanol consumption and sedation. A limitation of these studies is that the alteration in the receptor was present throughout development. The recently described α6β2 antagonist, N,N-decane-1,10-diyl-bis-3-picolinium diiodide (bPiDI), now makes it possible to test for the involvement of these receptors using a pharmacological approach. The aim of this study was to examine the role of α6β2 nAChRs in ethanol behaviors using a pharmacological approach. Adolescent C57BL/6J mice were treated with bPiDI 30 min prior to testing the mice for binge-like ethanol consumption in the drinking-in-the-dark (DID) test, ethanol-induced motor incoordination using the balance beam, and ethanol-induced sedation using the Loss of Righting Reflex (LORR) paradigm. Adolescent animals were chosen because they express a high amount of α6 mRNA relative to adult animals. Control studies were also performed to determine the effect of bPiDI on locomotor activity and ethanol metabolism. Female mice treated with 20 mg/kg bPiDI had reduced locomotor activity compared to saline-treated animals during the first 30 min following an acute injection. Pretreatment with the α6β2 antagonist reduced adolescent ethanol consumption but also reduced saccharin consumption. No significant effects were observed on ethanol-induced ataxia, sedation, or metabolism. This study provides evidence that α6β2 nAChRs are involved in locomotor activity as well as ethanol and saccharin consumption in adolescent animals.
Collapse
|
7
|
Yardley MM, Ray LA. Medications development for the treatment of alcohol use disorder: insights into the predictive value of animal and human laboratory models. Addict Biol 2017; 22:581-615. [PMID: 26833803 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Development of effective treatments for alcohol use disorder (AUD) represents an important public health goal. This review provides a summary of completed preclinical and clinical studies testing pharmacotherapies for the treatment of AUD. We discuss opportunities for improving the translation from preclinical findings to clinical trial outcomes, focusing on the validity and predictive value of animal and human laboratory models of AUD. Specifically, while preclinical studies of medications development have offered important insights into the neurobiology of the disorder and alcohol's molecular targets, limitations include the lack of standardized methods and streamlined processes whereby animal studies can readily inform human studies. Behavioral pharmacology studies provide a less expensive and valuable opportunity to assess the feasibility of a pharmacotherapy prior to initiating larger scale clinical trials by providing insights into the mechanism of the drug, which can then inform recruitment, analyses, and assessments. Summary tables are provided to illustrate the wide range of preclinical, human laboratory, and clinical studies of medications development for alcoholism. Taken together, this review highlights the challenges associated with animal paradigms, human laboratory studies, and clinical trials with the overarching goal of advancing treatment development and highlighting opportunities to bridge the gap between preclinical and clinical research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan M. Yardley
- Department of Psychology; University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles CA USA
| | - Lara A. Ray
- Department of Psychology; University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles CA USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences; University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles CA USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kamens HM, Silva C, McCarthy R, Cox RJ, Ehringer MA. No evidence of a role of the β4 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in alcohol-related behaviors. BMC Res Notes 2017; 10:151. [PMID: 28381286 PMCID: PMC5382442 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-017-2470-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors have gained attention in the last several years as mediators of alcohol-related behaviors. The genes that code for the α5, α3, and β4 subunits (Chrna5, Chrna3, and Chrnb4, respectively) map adjacent to each other on human chromosome 15/mouse chromosome 9. Genetic variants in this region have been associated with alcohol phenotypes and mice that overexpress these three subunits have reduced ethanol intake. In the present experiments, we examined the role of the Chrnb4 gene in three ethanol behaviors: consumption, ataxia, and sedation. Wildtype, heterozygous, and knockout mice were tested for ethanol consumption with a 2-bottle choice procedure and the drinking-in-the-dark paradigm. Ethanol-induced ataxia was measured with the balance beam and dowel test. Finally, the sedative effects of ethanol were measured with the loss of righting reflex paradigm. Results We observed no significant genotypic effects on any of the ethanol behaviors examined, suggesting that the β4 subunit is not involved in mediating these responses. Conclusions While we found no evidence for the involvement of the β4 subunit in ethanol responses, it is possible that this subunit modulates other behaviors not tested and further work should address this before completely ruling out its involvement. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13104-017-2470-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Kamens
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA. .,Center for Brain, Behavior, and Cognition, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Constanza Silva
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Riley McCarthy
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Ryan J Cox
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Marissa A Ehringer
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA.,Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gubner NR, Phillips TJ. Effects of nicotine on ethanol-induced locomotor sensitization: A model of neuroadaptation. Behav Brain Res 2015; 288:26-32. [PMID: 25857831 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.03.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Revised: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Co-morbid use of nicotine-containing tobacco products and alcohol (ethanol) is prevalent in young adults initiating use and in alcohol dependent adults, suggesting that these drugs in combination may increase risk to develop dependence on one or both drugs. Neuroadaptations caused by repeated drug exposure are related to the development of drug dependence and vulnerability to relapse. Locomotor sensitization has been used as a behavioral measure used to detect changes in neural drug sensitivity that are thought to contribute to drug dependence and relapse. Locomotor sensitization was measured in the current studies to examine potential differences in the effects of nicotine and ethanol given alone and in combination. Baseline activity levels of DBA/2J mice were assessed on 2 days, then mice were treated for 10 days with saline, nicotine (1 or 2mg/kg of nicotine tartrate), ethanol (1 or 2g/kg), or nicotine plus ethanol and locomotor activity was assessed every third day. On the following day, all mice were challenged with ethanol to measure the expression of sensitization. Mice treated with both nicotine and ethanol exhibited greater stimulation than predicted from the combined independent effects of these drugs, consistent with our previously published results. The combined effects of nicotine and ethanol on locomotor sensitization were dependent on the dose of ethanol and whether testing was performed after the drugs were given together, or after challenge with ethanol alone. These results suggest that nicotine and ethanol in combination can have neuroadaptive effects that differ from the independent effects of these drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noah R Gubner
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Tamara J Phillips
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Portland Alcohol Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gubner NR, McKinnon CS, Phillips TJ. Effects of varenicline on ethanol-induced conditioned place preference, locomotor stimulation, and sensitization. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2014; 38:3033-42. [PMID: 25581658 PMCID: PMC4293040 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varenicline, a partial nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist, is a promising new drug for the treatment of alcohol (ethanol [EtOH]) dependence. Varenicline has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a smoking cessation therapeutic and has also been found to reduce EtOH consumption in humans and animal models of alcohol use. These studies examined the hypotheses that varenicline attenuates the stimulant and sensitizing effects of EtOH and reduces the motivational effects of EtOH-associated cues. The goal was to determine whether these effects of varenicline contribute to its pharmacotherapeutic effects for alcohol dependence. In addition, effects of varenicline on acute stimulation and/or on the acquisition of sensitization would suggest a role for nAChR involvement in these effects of EtOH. METHODS Dose-dependent effects of varenicline on the expression of EtOH-induced conditioned place preference (CPP), locomotor activation, and behavioral sensitization were examined. These measures model motivational effects of EtOH-associated cues, euphoric or stimulatory effects of EtOH, and EtOH-induced neuroadaptation. All studies used DBA/2J mice, an inbred strain with high sensitivity to these EtOH-related effects. RESULTS Varenicline did not significantly attenuate the expression of EtOH-induced CPP. Varenicline reduced locomotor activity and had the most pronounced effect in the presence of EtOH, with the largest effect on acute EtOH-induced locomotor stimulation and a trend for varenicline to attenuate the expression of EtOH-induced sensitization. CONCLUSIONS Because varenicline did not attenuate the expression of EtOH-induced CPP, it may not be effective at reducing the motivational effects of EtOH-associated cues. This outcome suggests that reductions in the motivational effects of EtOH-associated cues may not be involved in how varenicline reduces EtOH consumption. However, varenicline did have effects on locomotor behavior and significantly attenuated acute EtOH-induced locomotor stimulation. In humans who drink while taking varenicline, it might similarly reduce stimulant responses and have an impact on continued drinking. General sedative effects in such individuals should be carefully considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noah R. Gubner
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Portland Alcohol Research Center,
Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Carrie S. McKinnon
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Portland Alcohol Research Center,
Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Tamara J. Phillips
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Portland Alcohol Research Center,
Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- VA Medical Center, Portland, OR, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lead Intoxication Synergies of the Ethanol-Induced Toxic Responses in Neuronal Cells--PC12. Mol Neurobiol 2014; 52:1504-1520. [PMID: 25367877 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-8928-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb)-induced neurodegeneration and its link with widespread neurobehavioral changes are well documented. Experimental evidences suggest that ethanol could enhance the absorption of metals in the body, and alcohol consumption may increase the susceptibility to metal intoxication in the brain. However, the underlying mechanism of ethanol action in affecting metal toxicity in brain cells is poorly understood. Thus, an attempt was made to investigate the modulatory effect of ethanol on Pb intoxication in PC12 cells, a rat pheochromocytoma. Cells were co-exposed to biological safe doses of Pb (10 μM) and ethanol (200 mM), and data were compared to the response of cells which received independent exposure to these chemicals at similar doses. Ethanol (200 mM) exposure significantly aggravated the Pb-induced alterations in the end points associated with oxidative stress and apoptosis. The finding confirms the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative stress, and impairment of mitochondrial membrane potential, which subsequently facilitate the translocation of triggering proteins between cytoplasm and mitochondria. We further confirmed the apoptotic changes due to induction of mitochondria-mediated caspase cascade. These cellular changes were found to recover significantly, if the cells are exposed to N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a known antioxidant. Our data suggest that ethanol may potentiate Pb-induced cellular damage in brain cells, but such damaging effects could be recovered by inhibition of ROS generation. These results open up further possibilities for the design of new therapeutics based on antioxidants to prevent neurodegeneration and associated health problems.
Collapse
|
12
|
A novel cholinergic action of alcohol and the development of tolerance to that effect in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 2014; 199:135-49. [PMID: 25342716 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.114.171884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the genes and mechanisms involved in acute alcohol responses has the potential to allow us to predict an individual's predisposition to developing an alcohol use disorder. To better understand the molecular pathways involved in the activating effects of alcohol and the acute functional tolerance that can develop to such effects, we characterized a novel ethanol-induced hypercontraction response displayed by Caenorhabditis elegans. We compared body size of animals prior to and during ethanol treatment and showed that acute exposure to ethanol produced a concentration-dependent decrease in size followed by recovery to their untreated size by 40 min despite continuous treatment. An increase in cholinergic signaling, leading to muscle hypercontraction, is implicated in this effect because pretreatment with mecamylamine, a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonist, blocked ethanol-induced hypercontraction, as did mutations causing defects in cholinergic signaling (cha-1 and unc-17). Analysis of mutations affecting specific subunits of nAChRs excluded a role for the ACR-2R, the ACR-16R, and the levamisole-sensitive AChR and indicated that this excitation effect is dependent on an uncharacterized nAChR that contains the UNC-63 α-subunit. We performed a forward genetic screen and identified eg200, a mutation that affects a conserved glycine in EAT-6, the α-subunit of the Na(+)/K(+) ATPase. The eat-6(eg200) mutant fails to develop tolerance to ethanol-induced hypercontraction and remains contracted for at least 3 hr of continuous ethanol exposure. These data suggest that cholinergic signaling through a specific α-subunit-containing nAChR is involved in ethanol-induced excitation and that tolerance to this ethanol effect is modulated by Na(+)/K(+) ATPase function.
Collapse
|
13
|
Evaluation of mutagenic and genotoxic activities of lobeline and its modulation on genomic instability induced by ethanol. Life Sci 2014; 103:73-8. [PMID: 24727238 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2014.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 03/01/2014] [Accepted: 03/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AIM Lobeline is a natural alkaloid derived from Lobelia inflata that has been investigated as a clinical candidate for the treatment of alcoholism. In a pre-clinical trial, lobeline decreased the preference for and consumption of ethanol, due to the modulation of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. However, the interaction between lobeline and ethanol is poorly known and thus there are safety concerns. The present study was conducted to evaluate the mutagenic and genotoxic effects of lobeline and assess its modulation of ethanol-induced toxicological effects. MAIN METHODS CF-1 male mice were divided into five groups. Groups received an intraperitoneal injection of saline solution, lobeline (5 or 10mg/kg), ethanol (2.5 g/kg), or lobeline plus ethanol, once a day for three consecutive days. Genotoxicity was evaluated in peripheral blood using the alkaline comet assay. The mutagenicity was evaluated using both Salmonella/microsome assay in TA1535, TA97a, TA98, TA100, and TA102 Salmonella typhimurium strains and the micronucleus test in bone marrow. Possible liver and kidney injuries were evaluated using biochemical analysis. KEY FINDINGS Lobeline did not show genotoxic or mutagenic effects and did not increase the ethanol-induced genotoxic effects in blood. Lobeline also protected blood cells against oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide. Biochemical parameters were not altered, indicating no liver or kidney injuries or alterations in lipid and carbohydrate metabolisms. SIGNIFICANCE These findings suggest that lobeline does not induce gene or chromosomal mutations, and that this lack of genetic toxicity is maintained in the presence of ethanol, providing further evidence of the safety of this drug to treat alcohol dependence.
Collapse
|
14
|
Gubner NR, Reed C, McKinnon CS, Phillips TJ. Unique genetic factors influence sensitivity to the rewarding and aversive effects of methamphetamine versus cocaine. Behav Brain Res 2013; 256:420-7. [PMID: 23994231 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2013.08.035] [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: 04/18/2013] [Revised: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Genetic factors significantly influence addiction-related phenotypes. This is supported by the successful bidirectional selective breeding of two replicate sets of mouse lines for amount of methamphetamine consumed. Some of the same genetic factors that influence methamphetamine consumption have been previously found also to influence sensitivity to the conditioned rewarding and aversive effects of methamphetamine. The goal of the current studies was to determine if some of the same genetic factors influence sensitivity to the conditioned rewarding and aversive effects of cocaine. Cocaine conditioned reward was examined in methamphetamine high drinking and low drinking line mice using a conditioned place preference procedure and cocaine conditioned aversion was measured using a conditioned taste aversion procedure. In addition, a general sensitivity measure, locomotor stimulant response to cocaine, was assessed in these lines; previous data indicated no difference between the selected lines in sensitivity to methamphetamine-induced stimulation. In contrast to robust differences for methamphetamine, the methamphetamine high and low drinking lines did not differ in sensitivity to either the rewarding or aversive effects of cocaine. They also exhibited comparable sensitivity to cocaine-induced locomotor stimulation. These data suggest that the genetic factors that influence sensitivity to the conditioned rewarding and aversive effects of methamphetamine in these lines of mice do not influence sensitivity to these effects of cocaine. Thus, different genetic factors may influence risk for methamphetamine versus cocaine use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noah R Gubner
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Methamphetamine Abuse Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Setiawan E, Pihl RO, Dagher A, Schlagintweit H, Casey KF, Benkelfat C, Leyton M. Differential Striatal Dopamine Responses Following Oral Alcohol in Individuals at Varying Risk for Dependence. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2013; 38:126-34. [DOI: 10.1111/acer.12218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Setiawan
- Department of Psychiatry; McGill University; Montréal Québec Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery; McGill University; Montréal Québec Canada
| | - Robert O. Pihl
- Department of Psychiatry; McGill University; Montréal Québec Canada
- Department of Psychology; McGill University; Montréal Québec Canada
| | - Alain Dagher
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery; McGill University; Montréal Québec Canada
| | | | - Kevin F. Casey
- Department of Psychiatry; McGill University; Montréal Québec Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery; McGill University; Montréal Québec Canada
| | - Chawki Benkelfat
- Department of Psychiatry; McGill University; Montréal Québec Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery; McGill University; Montréal Québec Canada
| | - Marco Leyton
- Department of Psychiatry; McGill University; Montréal Québec Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery; McGill University; Montréal Québec Canada
- Department of Psychology; McGill University; Montréal Québec Canada
- Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology; Concordia University; Montréal Québec Canada
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Nickell JR, Grinevich VP, Siripurapu KB, Smith AM, Dwoskin LP. Potential therapeutic uses of mecamylamine and its stereoisomers. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2013; 108:28-43. [PMID: 23603417 PMCID: PMC3690754 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2013.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Revised: 04/01/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mecamylamine (3-methylaminoisocamphane hydrochloride) is a nicotinic parasympathetic ganglionic blocker, originally utilized as a therapeutic agent to treat hypertension. Mecamylamine administration produces several deleterious side effects at therapeutically relevant doses. As such, mecamylamine's use as an antihypertensive agent was phased out, except in severe hypertension. Mecamylamine easily traverses the blood-brain barrier to reach the central nervous system (CNS), where it acts as a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonist, inhibiting all known nAChR subtypes. Since nAChRs play a major role in numerous physiological and pathological processes, it is not surprising that mecamylamine has been evaluated for its potential therapeutic effects in a wide variety of CNS disorders, including addiction. Importantly, mecamylamine produces its therapeutic effects on the CNS at doses 3-fold lower than those used to treat hypertension, which diminishes the probability of peripheral side effects. This review focuses on the pharmacological properties of mecamylamine, the differential effects of its stereoisomers, S(+)- and R(-)-mecamylamine, and the potential for effectiveness in treating CNS disorders, including nicotine and alcohol addiction, mood disorders, cognitive impairment and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin R Nickell
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Dawson A, Miles MF, Damaj MI. The β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit differentially influences ethanol behavioral effects in the mouse. Alcohol 2013; 47:85-94. [PMID: 23419392 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2012.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2012] [Revised: 11/15/2012] [Accepted: 12/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The high co-morbidity between alcohol (ethanol) and nicotine abuse suggests that nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), thought to underlie nicotine dependence, may also be involved in alcohol dependence. The β2* nAChR subtype serves as a potential interface for these interactions since they are the principle mediators of nicotine dependence and have recently been shown to modulate some acute responses to ethanol. Therefore, the aim of this study was to more fully characterize the role of β2* nAChRs in ethanol-responsive behaviors in mice after acute exposure to the drug. We conducted a battery of tests in mice lacking the β2* coding gene (Chrnb2) or pretreated with a selective β2* nAChR antagonist for a range of ethanol-induced behaviors including locomotor depression, hypothermia, hypnosis, and anxiolysis. We also tested the effect of deletion on voluntary escalated ethanol consumption in an intermittent access two-bottle choice paradigm to determine the extent of these effects on drinking behavior. Our results showed that antagonism of β2* nAChRs modulated some acute behaviors, namely by reducing recovery time from hypnosis and enhancing the anxiolytic-like response produced by acute ethanol in mice. Chrnb2 deletion had no effect on ethanol drinking behavior, however. We provide further evidence that β2* nAChRs have a measurable role in mediating specific behavioral effects induced by acute ethanol exposure without affecting drinking behavior directly. We conclude that these receptors, along with being key components in nicotine dependence, may also present viable candidates in the discovery of the molecular underpinnings of alcohol dependence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anton Dawson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, MCV Campus, Box 980613, Richmond, VA 23298-0613, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wright MJ, Vandewater SA, Taffe MA. The influence of acute and chronic alcohol consumption on response time distribution in adolescent rhesus macaques. Neuropharmacology 2013; 70:12-8. [PMID: 23321688 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2012] [Revised: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 01/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Analysis of the distribution of reaction times (RTs) in behavioral tasks can illustrate differences attributable to changes in attention, even when no change in mean RT is observed. Detrimental attentional effects of both acute and chronic exposure to alcohol may therefore be revealed by fitting RT data to an ex-Gaussian probability density function which identifies the proportion of long-RT responses. METHODS Adolescent male rhesus macaques completed a 5-choice serial reaction time task (5CSRT) after acute alcohol consumption (up to 0.0, 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg). Monkeys were next divided into chronic alcohol (N = 5) and control groups (N = 5); the experimental group consumed 1.5-3.0 g/kg alcohol for 200 drinking sessions. Unintoxicated performance in the 5CSRT task was determined systematically across the study period and the effect of acute alcohol was redetermined after the 180th drinking session. The effect of extended abstinence from chronic alcohol was determined across 90 days. RESULTS Acute alcohol exposure dose-dependently reduced the probability of longer RT responses without changing the mean or the standard deviation of the RT distribution. The RT distribution of control monkeys tightened across 10 months whereas that of the chronic alcohol group was unchanged. Discontinuation from chronic alcohol increased the probability of long RT responses with a difference from control animals observed after 30 days of discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol consumption selectively affected attention as reflected in the probability of long RT responses. Acute alcohol consumption focused attention, chronic alcohol consumption impaired the maturation of attention across the study period and alcohol discontinuation impaired attention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Jerry Wright
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, SP30-2400; 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Gubner NR, McKinnon CS, Reed C, Phillips TJ. Accentuating effects of nicotine on ethanol response in mice with high genetic predisposition to ethanol-induced locomotor stimulation. Drug Alcohol Depend 2013; 127:108-14. [PMID: 22795175 PMCID: PMC3505243 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2012.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2012] [Revised: 06/12/2012] [Accepted: 06/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Co-morbid use of nicotine-containing tobacco products and alcohol is prevalent in alcohol dependent individuals. Common genetic factors could influence initial sensitivity to the independent or interactive effects of these drugs and play a role in their co-abuse. METHODS Locomotor sensitivity to nicotine and ethanol, alone and in combination, was assessed in mice bred for high (FAST) and low (SLOW) sensitivity to the locomotor stimulant effects of ethanol and in an inbred strain of mouse (DBA/2J) that has been shown to have extreme sensitivity to ethanol-induced stimulation in comparison to other strains. RESULTS The effects of nicotine and ethanol, alone and in combination, were dependent on genotype. In FAST and DBA/2J mice that show high sensitivity to ethanol-induced stimulation, nicotine accentuated the locomotor stimulant response to ethanol. This effect was not found in SLOW mice that are not stimulated by ethanol alone. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that genes underlying differential sensitivity to the stimulant effects of ethanol alone also influence sensitivity to nicotine in combination with ethanol. Sensitivity to the stimulant effects of nicotine alone does not appear to predict the response to the drug combination, as FAST mice are sensitive to nicotine-induced stimulation, whereas SLOW and DBA/2J mice are not. The combination of nicotine and ethanol may have genotype-dependent effects that could impact co-abuse liability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N R Gubner
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Portland Alcohol Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Hendrickson LM, Guildford MJ, Tapper AR. Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: common molecular substrates of nicotine and alcohol dependence. Front Psychiatry 2013; 4:29. [PMID: 23641218 PMCID: PMC3639424 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2013.00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol and nicotine are often co-abused. As many as 80-95% of alcoholics are also smokers, suggesting that ethanol and nicotine, the primary addictive component of tobacco smoke, may functionally interact in the central nervous system and/or share a common mechanism of action. While nicotine initiates dependence by binding to and activating neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), ligand-gated cation channels normally activated by endogenous acetylcholine (ACh), ethanol is much less specific with the ability to modulate multiple gene products including those encoding voltage-gated ion channels, and excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors. However, emerging data indicate that ethanol interacts with nAChRs, both directly and indirectly, in the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic (DAergic) reward circuitry to affect brain reward systems. Like nicotine, ethanol activates DAergic neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) which project to the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Blockade of VTA nAChRs reduces ethanol-mediated activation of DAergic neurons, NAc DA release, consumption, and operant responding for ethanol in rodents. Thus, ethanol may increase ACh release into the VTA driving activation of DAergic neurons through nAChRs. In addition, ethanol potentiates distinct nAChR subtype responses to ACh and nicotine in vitro and in DAergic neurons. The smoking cessation therapeutic and nAChR partial agonist, varenicline, reduces alcohol consumption in heavy drinking smokers and rodent models of alcohol consumption. Finally, single nucleotide polymorphisms in nAChR subunit genes are associated with alcohol dependence phenotypes and smoking behaviors in human populations. Together, results from pre-clinical, clinical, and genetic studies indicate that nAChRs may have an inherent role in the abusive properties of ethanol, as well as in nicotine and alcohol co-dependence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linzy M Hendrickson
- Department of Psychiatry, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
The α6 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit influences ethanol-induced sedation. Alcohol 2012; 46:463-71. [PMID: 22572056 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2012.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2011] [Revised: 03/20/2012] [Accepted: 03/22/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol and nicotine are often co-used and data from human and animals studies have demonstrated that common genes underlie responses to these two drugs. Recently, the genes that code for the subunits of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors have been implicated as a common genetic mediator for alcohol and nicotine responses. The mammalian genes that code for the α6 and β3 subunits of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (Chrna6 and Chrnb3, respectively) are located adjacent to each other on human and mouse chromosome 8. These subunits have gained attention as potential regulators of drug behaviors because of their expression in the striatum where they have been shown to modulate dopamine release. Human genetic studies have shown that variation in these genes is associated with alcohol phenotypes. In the current experiments, mice lacking the Chrna6 or Chrnb3 gene were tested for three ethanol behaviors: choice ethanol consumption, ataxia, and sedation. Wildtype (WT), heterozygous (HET), and knockout (KO) mice of each strain went through a standard 2-bottle choice drinking paradigm, the balance beam, and the Loss of Righting Reflex (LORR) paradigm. No genotypic effects on any of the 3 behavioral tasks were observed in Chrnb3 animals. While the Chrna6 gene did not significantly influence ethanol consumption (g/kg) or ataxia, mice lacking the α6 subunit took significantly longer to recover their righting reflex than WT animals. These data provide evidence that receptors containing this subunit modulate the sedative effects of ethanol. Further work examining other models of ethanol consumption and behavioral responses to ethanol is needed to fully characterize the role of these receptor subunits in modulating ethanol responses.
Collapse
|
22
|
Ros-Simó C, Ruiz-Medina J, Valverde O. Behavioural and neuroinflammatory effects of the combination of binge ethanol and MDMA in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2012; 221:511-25. [PMID: 22139453 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-011-2598-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2011] [Accepted: 11/21/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Binge drinking is a common pattern of alcohol consumption among young people. Binge drinkers are especially susceptible to brain damage when other substances are co-administered, in particular, 3,4-methylendioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). OBJECTIVE To evaluate the behavioural consequences of voluntary binge ethanol consumption, alone and in combination to MDMA. Also, to elucidate the effects of the combined consumption of these two drugs on neuroinflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Adolescent mice received MDMA (MDMA-treated mice), ethanol (ethanol-treated mice group) or both (ethanol plus MDMA-treated mice). Drinking in the dark (DID) procedure was used as a model of binge. Body temperature, locomotor activity, motor coordination, anxiety-like and despair behaviour in adolescent mice were evaluated 48 h, 72 h, and 7 days after the treatments. Also, neuroinflammatory response to these treatments was measured in the striatum. RESULTS The hyperthermia observed in MDMA-treated mice was abolished by pre-exposition to ethanol. Ethanol plus MDMA-treated mice showed lower locomotor activity. Ethanol-treated mice showed motor coordination impairment and increased despair behaviour. Anxiety-like behaviour was only seen in animals that were treated with both drugs. Contrarily, neuroinflammation was mostly seen in animals treated only with MDMA. CONCLUSIONS Ethanol and MDMA co-administration increases the neurobehavioural changes induced by the consumption of each one of these drugs. However, as ethanol consumption did not increase neuroinflammatory responses induced by MDMA, other mechanisms, mediated by ethanol, are likely to account for this effect and need to be evaluated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clara Ros-Simó
- Grup de Recerca en Neurobiologia del Comportament, Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona, Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Gallego X, Ruiz J, Valverde O, Molas S, Robles N, Sabrià J, Crabbe JC, Dierssen M. Transgenic over expression of nicotinic receptor alpha 5, alpha 3, and beta 4 subunit genes reduces ethanol intake in mice. Alcohol 2012; 46:205-15. [PMID: 22459873 PMCID: PMC3340912 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2011.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2010] [Revised: 11/28/2011] [Accepted: 11/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Abuse of alcohol and smoking are extensively co-morbid. Some studies suggest partial commonality of action of alcohol and nicotine mediated through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). We tested mice with transgenic over expression of the alpha 5, alpha 3, beta 4 receptor subunit genes, which lie in a cluster on human chromosome 15, that were previously shown to have increased nicotine self-administration, for several responses to ethanol. Transgenic and wild-type mice did not differ in sensitivity to several acute behavioral responses to ethanol. However, transgenic mice drank less ethanol than wild-type in a two-bottle (ethanol vs. water) preference test. These results suggest a complex role for this receptor subunit gene cluster in the modulation of ethanol's as well as nicotine's effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Gallego
- Genes and Disease Program, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), UPF, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), CRG-UPF, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jessica Ruiz
- Neurobiology of Behavior Research Group. Department of Health and Life Experimental Sciences. Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga Valverde
- Neurobiology of Behavior Research Group. Department of Health and Life Experimental Sciences. Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susanna Molas
- Genes and Disease Program, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), UPF, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), CRG-UPF, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Noemí Robles
- Department of Biochemistry, Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josefa Sabrià
- Department of Biochemistry, Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - John C. Crabbe
- Portland Alcohol Research Center, Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, VA Medical Center, Portland, Oregon 97239 USA
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Genes and Disease Program, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), UPF, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), CRG-UPF, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Fish EW, Robinson JE, Krouse MC, Hodge CW, Reed C, Phillips TJ, Malanga CJ. Intracranial self-stimulation in FAST and SLOW mice: effects of alcohol and cocaine. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2012; 220:719-30. [PMID: 21983918 PMCID: PMC3289728 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-011-2523-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2011] [Accepted: 09/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Sensitivity to the stimulant and rewarding effects of alcohol may be genetically correlated traits that predispose individuals to develop an alcohol use disorder. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the effects of alcohol and cocaine on intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) in FAST and SLOW mice, which were selectively bred for extremes in alcohol stimulation. METHODS Male FAST and SLOW mice were conditioned to respond for reinforcement by direct electrical stimulation of the medial forebrain bundle (i.e., brain stimulation reward). ICSS responses were determined immediately before and after oral gavage with water or alcohol (0.3-2.4 g/kg) or intraperitoneal injection with saline or cocaine (1.0-30.0 mg/kg). In separate FAST and SLOW mice, the locomotor effects of these treatments were measured in activity chambers. RESULTS Alcohol dose-dependently lowered the threshold for self-stimulation (θ (0)) and the frequency that maintained 50% of maximal responding (EF50) in FAST mice but did not significantly affect these parameters in SLOW mice. The largest effects of alcohol were after the 1.7- and 2.4-g/kg doses and were about 40% compared to water injection. Alcohol did not affect MAX response rates, but dose-dependently stimulated locomotor activity in FAST mice. Cocaine lowered thresholds equally in FAST and SLOW mice, although cocaine-stimulated locomotor activity was higher in the FAST than in the SLOW mice. CONCLUSIONS Selective breeding for alcohol locomotor stimulation also renders the mice more sensitive to the effects of alcohol, but not cocaine, on ICSS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric W Fish
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Dickson S, Hrabovszky E, Hansson C, Jerlhag E, Alvarez-Crespo M, Skibicka K, Molnar C, Liposits Z, Engel J, Egecioglu E. Blockade of central nicotine acetylcholine receptor signaling attenuate ghrelin-induced food intake in rodents. Neuroscience 2010; 171:1180-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2010] [Revised: 09/19/2010] [Accepted: 10/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
26
|
Rezvani AH, Slade S, Wells C, Petro A, Lumeng L, Li TK, Xiao Y, Brown ML, Paige MA, McDowell BE, Rose JE, Kellar KJ, Levin ED. Effects of sazetidine-A, a selective alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor desensitizing agent on alcohol and nicotine self-administration in selectively bred alcohol-preferring (P) rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2010; 211:161-74. [PMID: 20535453 PMCID: PMC3695635 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-010-1878-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2009] [Accepted: 04/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Manipulations of nicotinic cholinergic receptors have been shown to influence both alcohol and nicotine intake. Sazetidine-A [6-(5(((S)-azetidine-2-yl)methoxy)pyridine-3-yl)hex-5-yn-1-ol] is a novel compound that potently and selectively desensitizes alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptors with only modest receptor activation. OBJECTIVES The goal of the present study was to examine the effects of sazetidine-A on alcohol and nicotine self-administration in alcohol-preferring (P) rats. METHODS P rats were given the choice of water or alcohol. Once stable baselines were established, the acute (0, 0.1, 0.3, 1, and 3 mg/kg, s.c.) and chronic (3 mg/kg for 10 days) effects of sazetidine-A on alcohol intake were assessed. Naltrexone (2.5 mg/kg) served as a positive control. The effect of sazetidine-A (3 mg/kg) and naltrexone (4 mg/kg) on saccharin (0.2%) preference was also assessed. In addition, the acute effects of sazetidine-A (3 mg/kg) and naltrexone (4 mg/kg) on alcohol intake after alcohol deprivation were evaluated. In another experiment, the effects of sazetidine-A (0, 1, or 3 mg/kg) on i.v. nicotine self-administration in P and NP rats were assessed. RESULTS Sazetidine-A caused a dose-dependent reduction in alcohol intake. Chronic sazetidine-A also effectively reduced alcohol intake until the seventh day of treatment, when partial tolerance appeared to develop. In the post-deprivation study, sazetidine-A significantly reduced alcohol intake and preference. Sazetidine-A at 3 mg/kg significantly reduced nicotine self-administration in both lines. CONCLUSIONS Sazetidine-A significantly reduced alcohol and nicotine intake in P rats that self-administer higher levels of both drugs. Sazetidine-A may hold promise for the treatment of alcohol and nicotine addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amir H. Rezvani
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Box 104790, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Susan Slade
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Box 104790, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Cori Wells
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Box 104790, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Ann Petro
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Box 104790, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Lawrence Lumeng
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Indiana, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Ting-Kai Li
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Box 104790, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Yingxian Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Milton L. Brown
- Department of Drug Discovery Program, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mikell A. Paige
- Department of Drug Discovery Program, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Brian E. McDowell
- Department of Drug Discovery Program, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jed E. Rose
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Box 104790, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Kenneth J. Kellar
- Department of Pharmacology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Edward D. Levin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Box 104790, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Inhibitory influence of mecamylamine on ethanol withdrawal-induced symptoms in C57BL/6J mice. Behav Pharmacol 2010; 21:90-5. [PMID: 20168214 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0b013e328337be54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Several reports show the involvement of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the behavioral effects of ethanol, including ethanol drinking and relapse. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of mecamylamine, a nAChR antagonist, on ethanol withdrawal signs. Ethanol dependence was induced in C57BL/6J mice by ethanol liquid diet administration. Animals were provided with nutritionally balanced control liquid diet (600 kcal/l) as their sole nutrient source on day 0; from days 1 to 4, 3% v/v of ethanol, followed by 6% v/v of ethanol (from days 5 to 7), and 10% v/v of ethanol (from days 8 to 10) were incorporated into the liquid diet. On day 11, ethanol liquid diet was replaced with nutritionally balanced control liquid diet, and ethanol withdrawal-induced physical signs were recorded. Results showed that acute administration of mecamylamine (1-4 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) dose-dependently attenuated ethanol withdrawal-induced signs, and these effects were comparable with those of diazepam (1-2 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). In addition, chronic administration of mecamylamine into ethanol diet-fed mice markedly attenuated the ethanol withdrawal sign scores, thus supporting the contention that nAChR is involved in ethanol dependence. In conclusion, our results suggest that mecamylamine exhibited inhibitory effects on ethanol withdrawal signs which could be mediated through nAChR.
Collapse
|
28
|
Bhutada PS, Mundhada YR, Bansod KU, Dixit PV, Umathe SN, Mundhada DR. Inhibitory influence of mecamylamine on the development and the expression of ethanol-induced locomotor sensitization in mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2010; 96:266-73. [PMID: 20580908 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2010.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2009] [Revised: 04/20/2010] [Accepted: 05/13/2010] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Several evidences have indicated the involvement of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) in behavioral effects of drugs of abuse, including ethanol. nAChRs are implicated in ethanol-induced behaviors as well as neurochemical responses to ethanol. Recently, it is demonstrated that mecamylamine, a nAChR antagonist blocks cocaine-, d-amphetamine-, ephedrine-, nicotine-, and methylphenidate-induced psychomotor sensitization. However, no reports are available on its role in ethanol-induced psychomotor sensitization. Therefore, an attempt was made to evaluate its effect on ethanol-induced locomotor sensitization using a model previously described by us. The results revealed that acute administration of mecamylamine (1 and 2mg/kg, i.p.) blocked the acute stimulant effect of ethanol (2.0g/kg, i.p.). In addition, treatment with mecamylamine (0.5-2.0mg/kg, i.p.), 30min prior to the challenge dose of ethanol (2.0g/kg, i.p.) dose dependently attenuated expression of sensitization to locomotor stimulant effect of ethanol. Moreover, administration of mecamylamine (1 and 2mg/kg, i.p.) during development (prior to each ethanol injection on days 1, 4, 7, and 10) blocked acquisition as well as expression (day 15) of sensitization to locomotor stimulant effect of ethanol. Mecamylamine per se did not affect locomotor activity. Further, it also did not influence blood ethanol levels and rotarod performance in mice. These results support the hypothesis that neuroadaptive changes in nAChRs may participate in the development and the expression of ethanol-induced locomotor sensitization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pravinkumar S Bhutada
- Agnihotri College of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Division, Bapuji Wadi, Sindhi (Meghe), Wardha-442 001, Maharashtra, India.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Crunelle CL, Miller ML, Booij J, van den Brink W. The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist varenicline and the treatment of drug dependence: a review. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2010; 20:69-79. [PMID: 19959340 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2009.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2009] [Revised: 09/30/2009] [Accepted: 11/09/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Drug dependence is a chronic brain disease characterized by recurrent episodes of relapse, even when the person is motivated to quit. Relapse is a major problem and new pharmacotherapies are needed to prevent relapse episodes. The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) plays an important role in nicotine dependence, alcohol consumption and cue-induced cocaine craving. Stimulation of the nAChR has been found to alter and modulate cell firing in brain areas important for the maintenance of drug dependence. Varenicline, an alpha4beta2 nAChR partial agonist and an alpha7 nAChR full agonist registered for the treatment of nicotine dependence, significantly reduces nicotine craving and prevents relapse. In addition, varenicline reduces alcohol consumption in rats. Based on a review of the available literature, we hypothesize a potential role for varenicline in the prevention of relapse in patients recovering from drug dependence other than nicotine dependence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cleo L Crunelle
- Amsterdam Institute for Addiction Research and Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Bell RL, Eiler BJ, Cook JB, Rahman S. Nicotinic receptor ligands reduce ethanol intake by high alcohol-drinking HAD-2 rats. Alcohol 2009; 43:581-92. [PMID: 20004336 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2009.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2009] [Revised: 08/24/2009] [Accepted: 09/07/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are implicated in the reinforcing effects of many drugs of abuse, including ethanol. The present study examined the efficacy of cytisine, a nAChR partial agonist, and lobeline, a putative nAChR antagonist, on the maintenance of ethanol drinking by HAD-2 rats. Adult male HAD-2 rats were given access to ethanol (15 and 30%, with ad libitum access to water and food) 22 h/day for 12 weeks, beginning at 60 days of age, after which cytisine (0.0, 0.5, and 1.5 mg/kg) was tested for 3 consecutive days. The rats were given an 18-day washout period and were then tested with lobeline (0.0, 1.0, and 5.0 mg/kg) for 3 consecutive days. Ethanol intake was measured at 1, 4, and 22 h postinjection. Rats were injected intraperitoneally just before lights out (1200 h). There was a significant main effect of cytisine treatment on the second test day, with the 1.5 mg/kg dose significantly reducing ethanol intake at the 1- and 4-h time-points, relative to saline, and the 0.5 mg/kg dose inducing a significant reduction at the 4-h time-point. Conversely, lobeline treatment resulted in significant main effects of treatment for all three time-points within each test day, with the 5.0 mg/kg dose significantly reducing ethanol intake, relative to saline, at each time-point within each test day. These findings provide further evidence that activity at the nAChR influences ethanol intake and is a promising target for pharmacotherapy development for the treatment of alcohol dependence and relapse.
Collapse
|
31
|
Bell RL, Eiler BJ, Cook JB, Rahman S. Nicotinic receptor ligands reduce ethanol intake by high alcohol–drinking HAD-2 rats. Alcohol 2009. [DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.alcohol.2009.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
32
|
Ford MM, Fretwell AM, Nickel JD, Mark GP, Strong MN, Yoneyama N, Finn DA. The influence of mecamylamine on ethanol and sucrose self-administration. Neuropharmacology 2009; 57:250-8. [PMID: 19501109 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2009.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2008] [Revised: 05/28/2009] [Accepted: 05/29/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are believed to be critically involved in ethanol-related behaviors as well as in neurochemical responses to ethanol. However, discernment of nAChR contribution to ethanol reinforcement and consumption remains incomplete. The current studies examined the influence of the nAChR antagonist mecamylamine (MEC) on operant ethanol self-administration using a procedure that independently assessed appetitive and consumptive processes, and compared these findings to effects of MEC on sucrose self-administration. Male C57BL/6J (B6) mice were trained to respond for 30-min access to a retractable drinking tube containing either 10% v/v ethanol (10E) or 5% w/v sucrose (5S). Once trained, mice were habituated to saline injection and then treated with a series of MEC doses (0-8 mg/kg; i.p.) in a within-subject design. In a separate cohort, MEC was evaluated for its influence on locomotor activity. MEC dose-dependently reduced 10E and 5S self-administration. The suppression in ethanol intake was attributable to a reduction in bout frequency, whereas the attenuation in sucrose intake was due to a decrease in bout size. Doses of MEC (6-8 mg/kg) that altered drinking patterns were also found to impair locomotor activity. Although MEC non-selectively reduced 10E and 5S intakes in mice, there was some specificity in alterations of the underlying drinking pattern for each reinforcer. Assessment of drinking topography within an operant self-administration procedure may provide useful insights regarding the role of nAChR function in the regulation of ethanol consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Ford
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience (L-470), Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Irons TD, MacPhail RC, Hunter DL, Padilla S. Acute neuroactive drug exposures alter locomotor activity in larval zebrafish. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2009; 32:84-90. [PMID: 19465114 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2009.04.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2008] [Revised: 03/15/2009] [Accepted: 04/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
As part of the development of a rapid in vivo screen for prioritization of toxic chemicals, we have begun to characterize the locomotor activity of zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae by assessing the acute effects of prototypic drugs that act on the central nervous system. Initially, we chose ethanol, d-amphetamine, and cocaine, which are known, in mammals, to increase locomotion at low doses and decrease locomotion at higher doses. Wild-type larvae were individually maintained in 96-well microtiter plates at 26 degrees C, under a 14:10 h light:dark cycle, with lights on at 0830 h. At 6 days post-fertilization, ethanol (1-4% v/v), d-amphetamine sulfate (0.1-20.0 microM) or cocaine hydrochloride (0.2-50.0 microM) were administered to the larvae by immersion. Beginning 20 min into the exposure, locomotion was assessed for each animal for 70 min using 10-minute, alternating light (visible light) and dark (infrared light) periods. Low concentrations of ethanol and d-amphetamine increased activity, while higher concentrations of all three drugs decreased activity. Because ethanol effects occurred predominately during the light periods, whereas the d-amphetamine and cocaine effects occurred during the dark periods, alternating lighting conditions proved to be advantageous. These results indicate that zebrafish larvae are sensitive to neuroactive drugs, and their locomotor response is similar to that of mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T D Irons
- Curriculum in Toxicology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Hoft NR, Corley RP, McQueen MB, Huizinga D, Menard S, Ehringer MA. SNPs in CHRNA6 and CHRNB3 are associated with alcohol consumption in a nationally representative sample. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2009; 8:631-7. [PMID: 19500157 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-183x.2009.00495.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The CHRNA6 and CHRNB3 genes have been associated with nicotine dependence and early subjective response to nicotine. Here we present evidence, using a nationally representative sample of adults, that this region is also associated with alcohol behaviors. Six SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) spanning the CHRNB3/A6 genes were analyzed using the statistical genetics software FBAT-PC, which allows one to examine a collection of multiple phenotypes to generate a maximally heritable composite phenotype for each SNP. The six SNPs were tested using FBAT-PC including four alcohol phenotypes: average number of drinks, blackouts, total number of DSM-IV abuse and dependence symptoms endorsed, and quit attempts. Three SNPs in CHRNA6 (rs1072003, P = 0.015; rs892413, P = 0.0033 and rs2304297, P = 0.012) and one SNP in CHRNB3 (rs13280604, P = 0.0053) were associated with a composite of the alcohol phenotypes. The association was primarily driven by the average number of drinks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N R Hoft
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Meyer PJ, Meshul CK, Phillips TJ. Ethanol- and cocaine-induced locomotion are genetically related to increases in accumbal dopamine. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2009; 8:346-55. [PMID: 19220481 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-183x.2009.00481.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Neuroanatomical research suggests that interactions between dopamine and glutamate within the mesolimbic dopamine system are involved in both drug-induced locomotor stimulation and addiction. Therefore, genetically determined differences in the locomotor responses to ethanol and cocaine may be related to differences in the effects of these drugs on this system. To test this, we measured drug-induced changes in dopamine and glutamate within the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), a major target of mesolimbic dopamine neurons, using in vivo microdialysis in selectively bred FAST and SLOW mouse lines, which were bred for extreme sensitivity (FAST) and insensitivity (SLOW) to the locomotor stimulant effects of ethanol. These mice also show a genetically correlated difference in stimulant response to cocaine (FAST > SLOW). Single injections of ethanol (2 g/kg) or cocaine (40 mg/kg) resulted in larger increases in dopamine within the NAcc in FAST compared with SLOW mice. There was no effect of either drug on NAcc glutamate levels. These experiments indicate that response of the mesolimbic dopamine system is genetically correlated with sensitivity to ethanol- and cocaine-induced locomotion. Because increased sensitivity to the stimulating effects of ethanol appears to be associated with greater risk for alcohol abuse, genetically determined differences in the mesolimbic dopamine response to ethanol may represent a critical underlying mechanism for increased genetic risk for alcoholism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Meyer
- Portland Alcohol Research Center, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Ericson M, Löf E, Stomberg R, Söderpalm B. The smoking cessation medication varenicline attenuates alcohol and nicotine interactions in the rat mesolimbic dopamine system. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2009; 329:225-30. [PMID: 19126781 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.108.147058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Varenicline was recently approved as an aid for smoking cessation. Patients treated with varenicline have reported a concomitant reduction in their alcohol consumption. This compound has also been demonstrated to reduce alcohol seeking and consumption in alcohol high-preferring rats. Based on the extensive coabuse of nicotine and alcohol, the aim of the present study was to explore whether interactions among varenicline, nicotine, and ethanol in the brain reward system could indicate the use of varenicline also for alcohol dependence. Using the in vivo microdialysis method, we investigated the effects of systemic injections of varenicline on the extracellular accumbal dopamine levels in response to a systemic challenge of ethanol, nicotine, or the combination of nicotine and ethanol in the experimental rat. Acute systemic coadministration of varenicline and ethanol counteracted each others' respective enhancing effect on dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens. However, after 5 days of varenicline pretreatment, acute combined varenicline and ethanol administration raised dopamine levels to the same extent as either drug alone. Furthermore, after varenicline pretreatment an acute injection of varenicline antagonized the dopamine stimulatory effect of acute nicotine as well as that of systemic coadministration of ethanol and nicotine. In contrast, a pronounced additive dopamine increase was observed when nicotine and ethanol were coadministered in vehicle-pretreated rats. The antismoking agent varenicline exhibits properties with respect to its interaction with ethanol and nicotine in the brain reward system that may be beneficial for treating patients with alcohol dependence with (and possibly also without) concomitant nicotine dependence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mia Ericson
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Kamens HM, McKinnon CS, Li N, Helms ML, Belknap JK, Phillips TJ. The alpha 3 subunit gene of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is a candidate gene for ethanol stimulation. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2008; 8:600-9. [PMID: 18826434 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-183x.2008.00444.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol and nicotine are coabused, and preclinical and clinical data suggest that common genes may influence responses to both drugs. A gene in a region of mouse chromosome 9 that includes a cluster of three nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunit genes influences the locomotor stimulant response to ethanol. The current studies first used congenic mice to confirm the influential gene on chromosome 9. Congenic F(2) mice were then used to more finely map the location. Gene expression of the three subunit genes was quantified in strains of mice that differ in response to ethanol. Finally, the locomotor response to ethanol was examined in mice heterozygous for a null mutation of the alpha 3 nAChR subunit gene (Chrna3). Congenic data indicate that a gene on chromosome 9, within a 46 cM region that contains the cluster of nAChR subunit genes, accounts for 41% of the genetic variation in the stimulant response to ethanol. Greater expression of Chrna3 was found in whole brain and dissected brain regions relevant to locomotor behavior in mice that were less sensitive to ethanol-induced stimulation compared to mice that were robustly stimulated; the other two nAChR subunit genes in the gene cluster (alpha 5 and beta 4) were not differentially expressed. Locomotor stimulation was not expressed on the genetic background of Chrna3 heterozygous (+/-) and wild-type (+/+) mice; +/- mice were more sensitive than +/+ mice to the locomotor depressant effects of ethanol. Chrna3 is a candidate gene for the acute locomotor stimulant response to ethanol that deserves further examination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H M Kamens
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Portland Alcohol Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, VA Medical Center, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Comparison of systemic and local methamphetamine treatment on acetylcholine and dopamine levels in the ventral tegmental area in the mouse. Neuroscience 2008; 156:700-11. [PMID: 18760336 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2008.07.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2008] [Revised: 07/08/2008] [Accepted: 07/22/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Acetylcholine (ACh) is an important mediator of dopamine (DA) release and the behavioral reinforcing characteristics of drugs of abuse in the mesocorticolimbic pathway. Within the ventral tegmental area (VTA), the interaction of DA with ACh appears to be integral in mediating motivated behaviors. However, the effects of methamphetamine on VTA ACh and DA release remain poorly characterized. The current investigation performed microdialysis to evaluate the effects of methamphetamine on extracellular levels of ACh and DA. Male C57BL/6J mice received an i.p. injection (saline, 2 mg/kg, or 5 mg/kg) and an intra-VTA infusion (vehicle, 100 microM or 1 mM) of methamphetamine. Locally perfused methamphetamine resulted in no change in extracellular ACh compared with vehicle, but caused a strong, immediate and dose-dependent increase in extrasynaptic DA levels (1240% and 2473% of baseline, respectively) during the 20-min pulse perfusion. An i.p. injection of methamphetamine increased extrasynaptic DA to 275% and 941% of baseline (2 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg, respectively). Systemic methamphetamine significantly increased ACh levels up to 275% of baseline for 40-60 min (2 mg/kg) and 397% of baseline for 40-160 min (5 mg/kg) after injection. ACh remained elevated above baseline for 2-3 h post injection, depending on the methamphetamine dose. Methamphetamine-induced locomotor activity was dose-dependently correlated with extrasynaptic VTA ACh, but not DA levels. These data suggest that methamphetamine acts in the VTA to induce a robust and short-lived increase in extracellular DA release but acts in an area upstream from the VTA to produce a prolonged increase in ACh release in the VTA. We conclude that methamphetamine may activate a recurrent loop in the mesocorticolimbic DA system to stimulate pontine cholinergic nuclei and produce a prolonged ACh release in the VTA.
Collapse
|