1
|
Rahamim N, Liran M, Aronovici C, Flumin H, Gordon T, Urshansky N, Barak S. Inhibition of ERK1/2 or CRMP2 Disrupts Alcohol Memory Reconsolidation and Prevents Relapse in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5478. [PMID: 38791516 PMCID: PMC11122309 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Relapse to alcohol abuse, often caused by cue-induced alcohol craving, is a major challenge in alcohol addiction treatment. Therefore, disrupting the cue-alcohol memories can suppress relapse. Upon retrieval, memories transiently destabilize before they reconsolidate in a process that requires protein synthesis. Evidence suggests that the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), governing the translation of a subset of dendritic proteins, is crucial for memory reconsolidation. Here, we explored the involvement of two regulatory pathways of mTORC1, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT and extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), in the reconsolidation process in a rat (Wistar) model of alcohol self-administration. We found that retrieval of alcohol memories using an odor-taste cue increased ERK1/2 activation in the amygdala, while the PI3K-AKT pathway remained unaffected. Importantly, ERK1/2 inhibition after alcohol memory retrieval impaired alcohol-memory reconsolidation and led to long-lasting relapse suppression. Attenuation of relapse was also induced by post-retrieval administration of lacosamide, an inhibitor of collapsin response mediator protein-2 (CRMP2)-a translational product of mTORC1. Together, our findings indicate the crucial role of ERK1/2 and CRMP2 in the reconsolidation of alcohol memories, with their inhibition as potential treatment targets for relapse prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nofar Rahamim
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (N.R.)
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel (N.U.)
| | - Mirit Liran
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel (N.U.)
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Neurobiology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Coral Aronovici
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (N.R.)
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel (N.U.)
| | - Hila Flumin
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (N.R.)
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel (N.U.)
| | - Tamar Gordon
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (N.R.)
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel (N.U.)
| | - Nataly Urshansky
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel (N.U.)
| | - Segev Barak
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (N.R.)
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel (N.U.)
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Neurobiology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Renu K, Myakala H, Chakraborty R, Bhattacharya S, Abuwani A, Lokhandwala M, Vellingiri B, Gopalakrishnan AV. Molecular mechanisms of alcohol's effects on the human body: A review and update. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023; 37:e23502. [PMID: 37578200 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol consumption has been linked to numerous negative health outcomes although it has some beneficial effects on moderate dosages, the most severe of which being alcohol-induced hepatitis. The number of people dying from this liver illness has been shown to climb steadily over time, and its prevalence has been increasing. Researchers have found that alcohol consumption primarily affects the brain, leading to a wide range of neurological and psychological diseases. High-alcohol-consumption addicts not only experienced seizures, but also ataxia, aggression, social anxiety, and variceal hemorrhage that ultimately resulted in death, ascites, and schizophrenia. Drugs treating this liver condition are limited and can cause serious side effects like depression. Serine-threonine kinases, cAMP protein kinases, protein kinase C, ERK, RACK 1, Homer 2, and more have all been observed to have their signaling pathways disrupted by alcohol, and alcohol has also been linked to epigenetic changes. In addition, alcohol consumption induces dysbiosis by changing the composition of the microbiome found in the gastrointestinal tract. Although more studies are needed, those that have been done suggest that probiotics aid in keeping the various microbiota concentrations stable. It has been argued that reducing one's alcohol intake may seem less harmful because excessive drinking is a lifestyle disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaviyarasi Renu
- Department of Biochemistry, Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Haritha Myakala
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rituraj Chakraborty
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sharmishtha Bhattacharya
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Asmita Abuwani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mariyam Lokhandwala
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Balachandar Vellingiri
- Department of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine/Translational Research, School of Basic Sciences, Central University of Punjab (CUPB), Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hoffman JL, Faccidomo SP, Taylor SM, DeMiceli KG, May AM, Smith EN, Whindleton CM, Hodge CW. Negative modulation of AMPA receptors bound to transmembrane AMPA receptor regulatory protein γ-8 blunts the positive reinforcing properties of alcohol and sucrose in a brain region-dependent manner in male mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:1261-1273. [PMID: 37055596 PMCID: PMC10698495 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06365-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The development and progression of alcohol use disorder (AUD) are widely viewed as maladaptive neuroplasticity. The transmembrane alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptor (AMPAR) regulatory protein γ8 (TARP γ-8) is a molecular mechanism of neuroplasticity that has not been evaluated in AUD or other addictions. OBJECTIVE To address this gap in knowledge, we evaluated the mechanistic role of TARP γ-8 bound AMPAR activity in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and ventral hippocampus (vHPC) in the positive reinforcing effects of alcohol, which drive repetitive alcohol use throughout the course of AUD, in male C57BL/6 J mice. These brain regions were selected because they exhibit high levels of TARP γ-8 expression and send glutamate projections to the nucleus accumbens (NAc), which is a key nucleus in the brain reward pathway. METHODS AND RESULTS Site-specific pharmacological inhibition of AMPARs bound to TARP γ-8 in the BLA via bilateral infusion of the selective negative modulator JNJ-55511118 (0-2 µg/µl/side) significantly decreased operant alcohol self-administration with no effect on sucrose self-administration in behavior-matched controls. Temporal analysis showed that reductions in alcohol-reinforced response rate occurred > 25 min after the onset of responding, consistent with a blunting of the positive reinforcing effects of alcohol in the absence of nonspecific behavioral effects. In contrast, inhibition of TARP γ-8 bound AMPARs in the vHPC selectively decreased sucrose self-administration with no effect on alcohol. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals a novel brain region-specific role of TARP γ-8 bound AMPARs as a molecular mechanism of the positive reinforcing effects of alcohol and non-drug rewards.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Hoffman
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Thurston-Bowles Building, CB#7178, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Sara P Faccidomo
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Thurston-Bowles Building, CB#7178, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Seth M Taylor
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Thurston-Bowles Building, CB#7178, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Kristina G DeMiceli
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Thurston-Bowles Building, CB#7178, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Ashley M May
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Thurston-Bowles Building, CB#7178, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Evan N Smith
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Thurston-Bowles Building, CB#7178, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Ciarra M Whindleton
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Thurston-Bowles Building, CB#7178, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Clyde W Hodge
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Thurston-Bowles Building, CB#7178, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Inactivation of the cholinergic M4 receptor results in a disinhibited endophenotype predicting alcohol use. Behav Brain Res 2022; 430:113921. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
5
|
Morella I, Pohořalá V, Calpe-López C, Brambilla R, Spanagel R, Bernardi RE. Nicotine self-administration and ERK signaling are altered in RasGRF2 knockout mice. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:986566. [PMID: 36120353 PMCID: PMC9479000 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.986566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK (Ras-ERK) signaling has been demonstrated to play a role in the effects of drugs of abuse such as cocaine and alcohol, but has not been extensively examined in nicotine-related reward behaviors. We examined the role of Ras Guanine Nucleotide Releasing Factor 2 (RasGRF2), an upstream mediator of the Ras-ERK signaling pathway, on nicotine self-administration (SA) in RasGRF2 KO and WT mice. We first demonstrated that acute nicotine exposure (0.4 mg/kg) resulted in an increase in phosphorylated ERK1/2 (pERK1/2) in the striatum, consistent with previous reports. We also demonstrated that increases in pERK1/2 resulting from acute (0.4 mg/kg) and repeated (0.4 mg/kg, 10 daily injections) exposure to nicotine in WT mice were not present in RasGRF2 KO mice, confirming that RasGRF2 at least partly regulates the activity of the Ras-ERK signaling pathway following nicotine exposure. We then performed intravenous nicotine SA (0.03 mg/kg/infusion for 10 days) in RasGRF2 KO and WT mice. Consistent with a previous report using cocaine SA, RasGRF2 KO mice demonstrated an increase in nicotine SA relative to WT controls. These findings suggest a role for RasGRF2 in the reinforcing effects of nicotine, and implicate the Ras-ERK signaling pathway as a common mediator of the response to drugs of abuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Morella
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.,Division of Neuroscience, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Veronika Pohořalá
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Claudia Calpe-López
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Riccardo Brambilla
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.,Division of Neuroscience, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Rainer Spanagel
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rick E Bernardi
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Faccidomo S, Cogan ES, Hon OJ, Hoffman JL, Saunders BL, Eastman VR, Kim M, Taylor SM, McElligott ZA, Hodge CW. Calcium-permeable AMPA receptor activity and GluA1 trafficking in the basolateral amygdala regulate operant alcohol self-administration. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e13049. [PMID: 33955100 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Addiction is viewed as maladaptive glutamate-mediated neuroplasticity that is regulated, in part, by calcium-permeable AMPA receptor (CP-AMPAR) activity. However, the contribution of CP-AMPARs to alcohol-seeking behavior remains to be elucidated. We evaluated CP-AMPAR activity in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) as a potential target of alcohol that also regulates alcohol self-administration in C57BL/6J mice. Operant self-administration of sweetened alcohol increased spontaneous EPSC frequency in BLA neurons that project to the nucleus accumbens as compared with behavior-matched sucrose controls indicating an alcohol-specific upregulation of synaptic activity. Bath application of the CP-AMPAR antagonist NASPM decreased evoked EPSC amplitude only in alcohol self-administering mice indicating alcohol-induced synaptic insertion of CP-AMPARs in BLA projection neurons. Moreover, NASPM infusion in the BLA dose-dependently decreased the rate of operant alcohol self-administration providing direct evidence for CP-AMPAR regulation of alcohol reinforcement. As most CP-AMPARs are GluA1-containing, we asked if alcohol alters the activation state of GluA1-containing AMPARs. Immunocytochemistry results showed elevated GluA1-S831 phosphorylation in the BLA of alcohol as compared with sucrose mice. To investigate mechanistic regulation of alcohol self-administration by GluA1-containing AMPARs, we evaluated the necessity of GluA1 trafficking using a TET-ON AAV encoding a dominant-negative GluA1 c-terminus (GluA1ct) that blocks activity-dependent synaptic delivery of native GluA1-containing AMPARs. GluA1ct expression in the BLA reduced alcohol self-administration with no effect on sucrose controls. These results show that CP-AMPAR activity and GluA1 trafficking in the BLA mechanistically regulate the reinforcing effects of sweetened alcohol. Pharmacotherapeutic targeting these mechanisms of maladaptive neuroplasticity may aid medical management of alcohol use disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Faccidomo
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
- Department of Psychiatry The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
| | - Elizabeth S. Cogan
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
| | - Olivia J. Hon
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
- Neuroscience Curriculum The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
| | - Jessica L. Hoffman
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
| | - Briana L. Saunders
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
| | - Vallari R. Eastman
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
| | - Michelle Kim
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
| | - Seth M. Taylor
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
| | - Zoe A. McElligott
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
- Department of Psychiatry The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
- Department of Pharmacology The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
| | - Clyde W. Hodge
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
- Department of Psychiatry The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
- Department of Pharmacology The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hoffman JL, Faccidomo S, Saunders BL, Taylor SM, Kim M, Hodge CW. Inhibition of AMPA receptors (AMPARs) containing transmembrane AMPAR regulatory protein γ-8 with JNJ-55511118 shows preclinical efficacy in reducing chronic repetitive alcohol self-administration. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2021; 45:1424-1435. [PMID: 34086361 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A prominent therapeutic indication for alcohol use disorder (AUD) is reduction in chronic repetitive alcohol use. Glutamate α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptors (AMPARs) regulate chronic alcohol self-administration in preclinical models. Recent evidence indicates that the expression and function of AMPARs require the transmembrane AMPAR regulatory protein γ-8 (TARP γ-8). This study evaluated the preclinical efficacy of JNJ-55511118, a novel, selective, high-affinity inhibitor of TARP γ-8-bound AMPARs, in reducing chronic operant alcohol self-administration. METHODS Separate groups of male and female C57BL/6J mice (n = 8/sex/group) were trained to lever press for sweetened alcohol (9% v/v + sucrose 2% w/v) or sucrose only (2% w/v) in operant conditioning chambers using an FR-4 schedule of reinforcement. After a 40-day baseline, JNJ-55511118 (0, 1, and 10 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered in randomized order 1 h before self-administration sessions. Parameters of operant behavior including response rate, total reinforcers, and head entries in the drinking troughs were computer recorded. RESULTS During baseline, responding to alcohol, but not sucrose, was greater in female than male mice. In male mice, both doses of JNJ-55511118 decreased multiple parameters of alcohol self-administration but did not reduce behavior-matched sucrose-only self-administration. JNJ-55511118 had no effect on sweetened alcohol or sucrose self-administration in female mice. Subsequent tests of motor function showed that the lowest effective dose of JNJ-55511118 (1 mg/kg) had no effect on open-field activity in male mice. CONCLUSIONS This study shows for the first time that TARP γ-8-bound AMPARs regulate a behavioral pathology associated with addiction. The preclinical efficacy of JNJ-55511118 in reducing alcohol self-administration in male mice suggests that inhibition of TARP γ-8-bound AMPARs is a novel and highly significant neural target for developing medications to treat AUD and other forms of addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Hoffman
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sara Faccidomo
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Briana L Saunders
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Seth M Taylor
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michelle Kim
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Clyde W Hodge
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Holstein SE, Barkell GA, Young MR. Caffeine increases alcohol self-administration, an effect that is independent of dopamine D 2 receptor function. Alcohol 2021; 91:61-73. [PMID: 33429015 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2020.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The rising popularity of alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmEDs) has become a significant public health concern, with AmED users reporting higher levels of alcohol intake than non-AmED users. One mechanism proposed to explain this heightened level of alcohol intake in AmED users is that the high levels of caffeine found in energy drinks may increase the positive reinforcing properties of alcohol, an effect that may be dependent on interactions between adenosine receptor signaling pathways and the dopamine D2 receptor. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to confirm whether caffeine does increase the positive reinforcing effects of alcohol using both fixed ratio (FR) and progressive ratio (PR) designs, and to investigate a potential role of the dopamine D2 receptor to caffeine-induced increases in alcohol self-administration. Male Long-Evans rats were trained to self-administer a sweetened alcohol solution (10% v/v alcohol + 2% w/v sucrose) on an FR2 schedule of reinforcement, and the effects of caffeine (0, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, i. p. [intraperitoneally]) on the maintenance of alcohol self-administration and alcohol break point were examined. Parallel experiments in rats trained to self-administer sucrose (0.8% w/v) were conducted to determine whether caffeine's reinforcement-enhancing effects extended to a non-drug reinforcer. Caffeine pretreatment (5-10 mg/kg) significantly increased sweetened alcohol self-administration and motivation for a sweetened alcohol reinforcer. However, similar increases in self-administration of a non-drug reinforcer were not observed. Contrary to our hypothesis, the D2 receptor antagonist eticlopride did not block a caffeine-induced increase in sweetened alcohol self-administration, nor did it alter caffeine-induced increases in motivation for a sweetened alcohol reinforcer. Taken together, these results support the hypothesis that caffeine increases the positive reinforcing effects of alcohol, which may explain caffeine-induced increases in alcohol intake. However, the reinforcement-enhancing effects of caffeine appear to be independent of D2 receptor function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Holstein
- Department of Psychology, Lycoming College, One College Place, Williamsport, PA, 17701, United States.
| | - Gillian A Barkell
- Department of Psychology, Lycoming College, One College Place, Williamsport, PA, 17701, United States
| | - Megan R Young
- Department of Psychology, Lycoming College, One College Place, Williamsport, PA, 17701, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Thompson SL, Gianessi CA, O'Malley SS, Cavallo DA, Shi JM, Tetrault JM, DeMartini KS, Gueorguieva R, Pittman B, Krystal JH, Taylor JR, Krishnan-Sarin S. Saracatinib Fails to Reduce Alcohol-Seeking and Consumption in Mice and Human Participants. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:709559. [PMID: 34531767 PMCID: PMC8438169 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.709559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
More effective treatments to reduce pathological alcohol drinking are needed. The glutamatergic system and the NMDA receptor (NMDAR), in particular, are implicated in behavioral and molecular consequences of chronic alcohol use, making the NMDAR a promising target for novel pharmacotherapeutics. Ethanol exposure upregulates Fyn, a protein tyrosine kinase that indirectly modulates NMDAR signaling by phosphorylating the NR2B subunit. The Src/Fyn kinase inhibitor saracatinib (AZD0530) reduces ethanol self-administration and enhances extinction of goal-directed ethanol-seeking in mice. However, less is known regarding how saracatinib affects habitual ethanol-seeking. Moreover, no prior studies have assessed the effects of Src/Fyn kinase inhibitors on alcohol-seeking or consumption in human participants. Here, we tested the effects of saracatinib on alcohol consumption and craving/seeking in two species, including the first trial of an Src/Fyn kinase inhibitor to reduce drinking in humans. Eighteen male C57BL/6NCrl mice underwent operant conditioning on a variable interval schedule to induce habitual responding for 10% ethanol/0.1% saccharin. Next, mice received 5 mg/kg saracatinib or vehicle 2 h or 30 min prior to contingency degradation to measure habitual responding. In the human study, 50 non-treatment seeking human participants who drank heavily and met DSM-IV criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence were randomized to receive 125 mg/day saracatinib (n = 33) or placebo (n = 17). Alcohol Drinking Paradigms (ADP) were completed in a controlled research setting: before and after 7-8 days of treatment. Each ADP involved consumption of a priming drink of alcohol (0.03 mg%) followed by ad libitum access (3 h) to 12 additional drinks (0.015 g%); the number of drinks consumed and craving (Alcohol Urge Questionnaire) were recorded. In mice, saracatinib did not affect habitual ethanol seeking or consumption at either time point. In human participants, no significant effects of saracatinib on alcohol craving or consumption were identified. These results in mice and humans suggest that Fyn kinase inhibition using saracatinib, at the doses tested here, may not reduce alcohol consumption or craving/seeking among those habitually consuming alcohol, in contrast to reports of positive effects of saracatinib in individuals that seek ethanol in a goal-directed manner. Nevertheless, future studies should confirm these negative findings using additional doses and schedules of saracatinib administration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Summer L Thompson
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Carol A Gianessi
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Stephanie S O'Malley
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Dana A Cavallo
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Julia M Shi
- Program in Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Jeanette M Tetrault
- Program in Addiction Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Kelly S DeMartini
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Ralitza Gueorguieva
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Brian Pittman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - John H Krystal
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Jane R Taylor
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pharmacological inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3 increases operant alcohol self-administration in a manner associated with altered pGSK-3β, protein interacting with C kinase and GluA2 protein expression in the reward pathway of male C57BL/6J mice. Behav Pharmacol 2020; 31:15-26. [PMID: 31503067 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) is a constitutively active serine-threonine kinase that regulates numerous signaling pathways and has been implicated in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. Alcohol exposure increases GSK-3β (ser9) phosphorylation (pGSK-3β); however, few studies have investigated whether GSK-3 regulates the positive reinforcing effects of alcohol, which drive repetitive drug use. To address this goal, male C57BL/6J mice were trained to lever press on a fixed-ratio 4 schedule of sweetened alcohol or sucrose-only reinforcement in operant conditioning chambers. The GSK-3 inhibitor CHIR 99021 (0-10 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected 45 minutes prior to self-administration sessions. After completion of the self-administration dose-effect curve, potential locomotor effects of the GSK-3 inhibitor were assessed. To determine molecular efficacy, CHIR 99021 (10 mg/kg, i.p.) was evaluated on pGSK-3β, GSK-3β, protein interacting with C kinase (PICK1), and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor GluA2 subunit protein expression in amygdala, nucleus accumbens (NAcb), and frontal cortex. Results showed that CHIR 99021 (10 mg/kg) dose-dependently increased alcohol reinforced responding with no effect on sucrose self-administration or locomotor activity. CHIR 99021 (10 mg/kg) significantly decreased pGSK-3β expression in all brain regions tested, reduced PICK1 and increased GluA2 total expression only in the NAcb. We conclude that GSK-3 inhibition increased the reinforcing effects of alcohol in mice. This was associated with reduced pGSK-3β and PICK1, and increased GluA2 expression. Given prior results showing that AMPA receptor activity regulates alcohol self-administration, we propose that signaling through the GSK-3/PICK1/GluA2 molecular pathway drives the positive reinforcing effects of the drug, which are required for abuse liability.
Collapse
|
11
|
Prud'hon S, Bekadar S, Rastetter A, Guégan J, Cormier-Dequaire F, Lacomblez L, Mangone G, You H, Daniau M, Marie Y, Bertrand H, Lesage S, Tezenas Du Montcel S, Anheim M, Brice A, Danjou F, Corvol JC. Exome Sequencing Reveals Signal Transduction Genes Involved in Impulse Control Disorders in Parkinson's Disease. Front Neurol 2020; 11:641. [PMID: 32793093 PMCID: PMC7385236 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Impulse control disorders (ICDs) frequently complicate dopamine agonist (DA) therapy in Parkinson's disease (PD). There is growing evidence of a high heritability for ICDs in the general population and in PD. Variants on genes belonging to the reward pathway have been shown to account for part of this heritability. We aimed to identify new pathways associated with ICDs in PD. Methods: Thirty-six Parkinsonian patients on DA therapy with (n = 18) and without ICDs (n = 18) matched on age at PD's onset, and gender was selected to represent the most extreme phenotypes of their category. Exome sequencing was performed, and variants with a strong functional impact in brain-expressed genes were selected. Allele frequencies and their distribution in genes and pathways were analyzed with single variant and SKAT-O tests. The 10 most associated variants, genes, and pathways were retained for replication in the Parkinson's progression markers initiative (PPMI) cohort. Results: None of markers tested passed the significance threshold adjusted for multiple comparisons. However, the “Adenylate cyclase activating” pathway, one of the top associated pathways in the discovery data set (p = 1.6 × 10−3) was replicated in the PPMI cohort and was significantly associated with ICDs in a post hoc pooled analysis (combined p-value 3.3 × 10−5). Two of the 10 most associated variants belonged to genes implicated in cAMP and ERK signaling (rs34193571 in RasGRF2, p = 5 × 10−4; rs1877652 in PDE2A, p = 8 × 10−4) although non-significant after Bonferroni correction. Conclusion: Our results suggest that genes implicated in the signaling pathways linked to G protein-coupled receptors participate to genetic susceptibility to ICDs in PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Prud'hon
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle, ICM, Paris, France.,Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre d'Investigation Clinique neurosciences, Department of Neurology, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Samir Bekadar
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle, ICM, Paris, France.,Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre d'Investigation Clinique neurosciences, Department of Neurology, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Agnès Rastetter
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle, ICM, Paris, France
| | - Justine Guégan
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle, ICM, Paris, France
| | - Florence Cormier-Dequaire
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle, ICM, Paris, France.,Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre d'Investigation Clinique neurosciences, Department of Neurology, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Lucette Lacomblez
- Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre d'Investigation Clinique neurosciences, Department of Neurology, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Department of Pharmacology, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Graziella Mangone
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle, ICM, Paris, France.,Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre d'Investigation Clinique neurosciences, Department of Neurology, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Hana You
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle, ICM, Paris, France.,Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre d'Investigation Clinique neurosciences, Department of Neurology, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Mailys Daniau
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle, ICM, Paris, France
| | - Yannick Marie
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle, ICM, Paris, France
| | - Hélène Bertrand
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle, ICM, Paris, France
| | - Suzanne Lesage
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle, ICM, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Tezenas Du Montcel
- Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Mathieu Anheim
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Department of Neurology, Strasbourg, France.,Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), UMR 7104 CNRS/Unistra, Inserm U1258, Illkirch, France.,Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Alexis Brice
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle, ICM, Paris, France.,Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Department of Genetics, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Fabrice Danjou
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle, ICM, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Corvol
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM UMRS 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle, ICM, Paris, France.,Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre d'Investigation Clinique neurosciences, Department of Neurology, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Almeida L, Andreu-Fernández V, Navarro-Tapia E, Aras-López R, Serra-Delgado M, Martínez L, García-Algar O, Gómez-Roig MD. Murine Models for the Study of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: An Overview. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:359. [PMID: 32760684 PMCID: PMC7373736 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.00359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [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: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure is associated to different physical, behavioral, cognitive, and neurological impairments collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. The underlying mechanisms of ethanol toxicity are not completely understood. Experimental studies during human pregnancy to identify new diagnostic biomarkers are difficult to carry out beyond genetic or epigenetic analyses in biological matrices. Therefore, animal models are a useful tool to study the teratogenic effects of alcohol on the central nervous system and analyze the benefits of promising therapies. Animal models of alcohol spectrum disorder allow the analysis of key variables such as amount, timing and frequency of ethanol consumption to describe the harmful effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. In this review, we aim to synthetize neurodevelopmental disabilities in rodent fetal alcohol spectrum disorder phenotypes, considering facial dysmorphology and fetal growth restriction. We examine the different neurodevelopmental stages based on the most consistently implicated epigenetic mechanisms, cell types and molecular pathways, and assess the advantages and disadvantages of murine models in the study of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, the different routes of alcohol administration, and alcohol consumption patterns applied to rodents. Finally, we analyze a wide range of phenotypic features to identify fetal alcohol spectrum disorder phenotypes in murine models, exploring facial dysmorphology, neurodevelopmental deficits, and growth restriction, as well as the methodologies used to evaluate behavioral and anatomical alterations produced by prenatal alcohol exposure in rodents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Almeida
- Maternal and Child Health and Development Network II (SAMID II), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Barcelona, Spain
- Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- BCNatal Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicente Andreu-Fernández
- Maternal and Child Health and Development Network II (SAMID II), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Barcelona, Spain
- Nutrition and Health Deparment, Valencian International University (VIU), Valencia, Spain
- Grup de Recerca Infancia i Entorn (GRIE), Institut D'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisabet Navarro-Tapia
- Maternal and Child Health and Development Network II (SAMID II), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Barcelona, Spain
- BCNatal Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Recerca Infancia i Entorn (GRIE), Institut D'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa Aras-López
- Maternal and Child Health and Development Network II (SAMID II), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Barcelona, Spain
- Congenital Malformations Lab, Institute of Medicine and Molecular Genetic (INGEMM), Institute for Health Research of La Paz Universitary Hospital (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariona Serra-Delgado
- BCNatal Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leopoldo Martínez
- Maternal and Child Health and Development Network II (SAMID II), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Barcelona, Spain
- Congenital Malformations Lab, Institute of Medicine and Molecular Genetic (INGEMM), Institute for Health Research of La Paz Universitary Hospital (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar García-Algar
- Maternal and Child Health and Development Network II (SAMID II), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Recerca Infancia i Entorn (GRIE), Institut D'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Neonatology, Hospital Clínic-Maternitat, ICGON, IDIBAPS, BCNatal, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Dolores Gómez-Roig
- Maternal and Child Health and Development Network II (SAMID II), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Barcelona, Spain
- Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
- BCNatal Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bernardi RE, Olevska A, Morella I, Fasano S, Santos E, Brambilla R, Spanagel R. The Inhibition of RasGRF2, But Not RasGRF1, Alters Cocaine Reward in Mice. J Neurosci 2019; 39:6325-6338. [PMID: 31182637 PMCID: PMC6687905 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1120-18.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK (Ras-ERK) signaling has been implicated in the effects of drugs of abuse. Inhibitors of MEK1/2, the kinases upstream of ERK1/2, have been critical in defining the role of the Ras-ERK cascade in drug-dependent alterations in behavioral plasticity, but the Ras family of small GTPases has not been extensively examined in drug-related behaviors. We examined the role of Ras Guanine Nucleotide Releasing Factor 1 (RasGRF1) and 2 (RasGRF2), upstream regulators of the Ras-ERK signaling cascade, on cocaine self-administration (SA) in male mice. We first established a role for Ras-ERK signaling in cocaine SA, demonstrating that pERK1/2 is upregulated following SA in C57BL/6N mice in striatum. We then compared RasGRF1 and RasGRF2 KO mouse lines, demonstrating that cocaine SA in RasGRF2 KO mice was increased relative to WT controls, whereas RasGRF1 KO and WT mice did not differ. This effect in RasGRF2 mice is likely mediated by the Ras-ERK signaling pathway, as pERK1/2 upregulation following cocaine SA was absent in RasGRF2 KO mice. Interestingly, the lentiviral knockdown of RasGRF2 in the NAc had the opposite effect to that in RasGRF2 KO mice, reducing cocaine SA. We subsequently demonstrated that the MEK inhibitor PD325901 administered peripherally prior to cocaine SA increased cocaine intake, replicating the increase seen in RasGRF2 KO mice, whereas PD325901 administered into the NAc decreased cocaine intake, similar to the effect seen following lentiviral knockdown of RasGRF2. These data indicate a role for RasGRF2 in cocaine SA in mice that is ERK-dependent, and suggest a differential effect of global versus site-specific RasGRF2 inhibition.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Exposure to drugs of abuse activates a variety of intracellular pathways, and following repeated exposure, persistent changes in these pathways contribute to drug dependence. Downstream components of the Ras-ERK signaling cascade are involved in the acute and chronic effects of drugs of abuse, but their upstream mediators have not been extensively characterized. Here we show, using a combination of molecular, pharmacological, and lentiviral techniques, that the guanine nucleotide exchange factor RasGRF2 mediates cocaine self-administration via an ERK-dependent mechanism, whereas RasGRF1 has no effect on responding for cocaine. These data indicate dissociative effects of mediators of Ras activity on cocaine reward and expand the understanding of the contribution of Ras-ERK signaling to drug-taking behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rick E Bernardi
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim 68159, Germany,
| | - Anastasia Olevska
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim 68159, Germany
| | - Ilaria Morella
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom
- Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Division of Neuroscience, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom, and
| | - Stefania Fasano
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom
- Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Division of Neuroscience, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom, and
| | - Eugenio Santos
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer-Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca) and CIBERONC, Salamanca, Spain, 37007
| | - Riccardo Brambilla
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom
- Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Division of Neuroscience, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom, and
| | - Rainer Spanagel
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim 68159, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Campbell RR, Domingo RD, Williams AR, Wroten MG, McGregor HA, Waltermire RS, Greentree DI, Goulding SP, Thompson AB, Lee KM, Quadir SG, Jimenez Chavez CL, Coelho MA, Gould AT, von Jonquieres G, Klugmann M, Worley PF, Kippin TE, Szumlinski KK. Increased Alcohol-Drinking Induced by Manipulations of mGlu5 Phosphorylation within the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis. J Neurosci 2019; 39:2745-2761. [PMID: 30737312 PMCID: PMC6445984 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1909-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is part of the limbic-hypothalamic system important for behavioral responses to stress, and glutamate transmission within this region has been implicated in the neurobiology of alcoholism. Herein, we used a combination of immunoblotting, neuropharmacological and transgenic procedures to investigate the role for metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5) signaling within the BNST in excessive drinking. We discovered that mGlu5 signaling in the BNST is linked to excessive alcohol consumption in a manner distinct from behavioral or neuropharmacological endophenotypes that have been previously implicated as triggers for heavy drinking. Our studies demonstrate that, in male mice, a history of chronic binge alcohol-drinking elevates BNST levels of the mGlu5-scaffolding protein Homer2 and activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in an adaptive response to limit alcohol consumption. Male and female transgenic mice expressing a point mutation of mGlu5 that cannot be phosphorylated by ERK exhibit excessive alcohol-drinking, despite greater behavioral signs of alcohol intoxication and reduced anxiety, and are insensitive to local manipulations of signaling in the BNST. These transgenic mice also show selective insensitivity to alcohol-aversion and increased novelty-seeking, which may be relevant to excessive drinking. Further, the insensitivity to alcohol-aversion exhibited by male mice can be mimicked by the local inhibition of ERK signaling within the BNST. Our findings elucidate a novel mGluR5-linked signaling state within BNST that plays a central and unanticipated role in excessive alcohol consumption.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is part of the limbic-hypothalamic system important for behavioral responses to stress and alcohol, and glutamate transmission within BNST is implicated in the neurobiology of alcoholism. The present study provides evidence that a history of excessive alcohol drinking increases signaling through the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5) receptor within the BNST in an adaptive response to limit alcohol consumption. In particular, disruption of mGlu5 phosphorylation by extracellular signal-regulated kinase within this brain region induces excessive alcohol-drinking, which reflects a selective insensitivity to the aversive properties of alcohol intoxication. These data indicate that a specific signaling state of mGlu5 within BNST plays a central and unanticipated role in excessive alcohol consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rianne R Campbell
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, the Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9660
| | - Racquel D Domingo
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, the Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9660
| | - Amy R Williams
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, the Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9660
| | - Melissa G Wroten
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, the Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9660
| | - Hadley A McGregor
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, the Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9660
| | - Ryan S Waltermire
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, the Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9660
| | - Daniel I Greentree
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, the Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9660
| | - Scott P Goulding
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, the Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9660
| | - Andrew B Thompson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, the Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9660
| | - Kaziya M Lee
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, the Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9660
| | - Sema G Quadir
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, the Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9660
| | - C Leonardo Jimenez Chavez
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, the Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9660
| | - Michal A Coelho
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, the Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9660
| | - Adam T Gould
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, the Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9660
| | - Georg von Jonquieres
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, New South Wales 2052, Australia, and
| | - Matthias Klugmann
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, New South Wales 2052, Australia, and
| | - Paul F Worley
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Tod E Kippin
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, the Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9660
| | - Karen K Szumlinski
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, the Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106-9660,
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Stevenson RA, Hoffman JL, Maldonado-Devincci AM, Faccidomo S, Hodge CW. MGluR5 activity is required for the induction of ethanol behavioral sensitization and associated changes in ERK MAP kinase phosphorylation in the nucleus accumbens shell and lateral habenula. Behav Brain Res 2019; 367:19-27. [PMID: 30914307 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype-5 (mGluR5) activity regulates a variety of behavioral pathologies associated with alcohol addiction. The main goal of this study was to determine if mGluR5 regulates the induction of ethanol-induced locomotor sensitization, which is a model of experience-dependent plasticity following initial exposure to drugs of abuse. The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) pathway is downstream of mGluR5 and implicated in alcohol addiction; however, its role in sensitization remains unexplored. We sought to determine if mGluR5-mediated changes in ethanol-induced sensitization are associated with changes in ERK1/2 phosphorylation (pERK1/2) in specific brain regions. Adult male DBA/2 J mice were tested for acute locomotor response to ethanol (0 or 2 g/kg, IP) followed by a 9-day induction period in which the mGluR5 antagonist MPEP (0 or 30 mg/kg, IP) was administered prior to ethanol (0 or 2.5 g/kg, IP). One day later, ethanol (2 g/kg) produced a robust within- and between-group increase in locomotor activity, indicating sensitization in mice that received MPEP (0 mg/kg) during induction. MPEP (30 mg/kg) treatment during induction resulted in locomotor response to ethanol (2 g/kg) challenge that was equivalent to an acute response, indicating full blockade of sensitization. Sensitization was associated with increased pERK1/2 immunoreactivity (IR) in nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh) and a reduction in lateral habenula (LHb), both of which were blocked by MPEP treatment during induction. Sensitization was also associated with mGluR5-independent increases in pERK1/2 IR in the nucleus accumbens core and decreases in the dentate gyrus and lateral septum. These data indicate that mGluR5 activity is required for the induction of ethanol locomotor sensitization and associated changes in ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the AcbSh and LHb, which raises the hypothesis that mGluR5-mediated cell signaling in these brain regions may mediate the induction of sensitization. Elucidating mechanisms of sensitization may increase understanding of how ethanol hijacks behavioral functions during the development of addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah A Stevenson
- Center for Alcohol Studies, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States; Department of Biology, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA, 17837, United States
| | - Jessica L Hoffman
- Center for Alcohol Studies, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States
| | - Antoniette M Maldonado-Devincci
- Center for Alcohol Studies, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States; Department of Psychology, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC, 27411, United States
| | - Sara Faccidomo
- Center for Alcohol Studies, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States
| | - Clyde W Hodge
- Center for Alcohol Studies, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Faccidomo S, Swaim KS, Saunders BL, Santanam TS, Taylor SM, Kim M, Reid GT, Eastman VR, Hodge CW. Mining the nucleus accumbens proteome for novel targets of alcohol self-administration in male C57BL/6J mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:1681-1696. [PMID: 29502276 PMCID: PMC5949261 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4870-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE There is a clear need for discovery of effective medications to treat behavioral pathologies associated with alcohol addiction, such as chronic drinking. OBJECTIVE The goal of this preclinical study was to assess effects of chronic alcohol drinking on the nucleus accumbens (NAcb) proteome to identify and validate novel targets for medications development. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two-dimensional difference in-gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization tandem time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF/TOF) was used to assess effects of chronic voluntary home-cage (24-h access) alcohol drinking on the NAcb proteome of C57BL/6J mice. To extend these findings to a model of alcohol self-administration and reinforcement, we investigated potential regulation of the positive reinforcing effects of alcohol by the target protein glutathione S-transferase Pi 1 (GSTP1) using a pharmacological inhibition strategy in mice trained to self-administer alcohol or sucrose. RESULTS Expression of 52 unique proteins in the NAcb was changed by chronic alcohol drinking relative to water control (23 upregulated, 29 downregulated). Ingenuity Pathway Analysis showed that alcohol drinking altered an array of protein networks associated with neurological and psychological disorders, molecular and cellular functions, and physiological systems and development. DAVID functional annotation analysis identified 9 proteins (SNCA, GSTP1, PRDX3, PPP3R1, EIF5A, PHB, PEBP1/RKIP, GAPDH, AND SOD1) that were significantly overrepresented in a functional cluster that included the Gene Ontology categories "response to alcohol" and "aging." Immunoblots confirmed changes in Pebp1 (RKIP) and GSTP1 in NAcb with no change in amygdala or frontal cortex, suggesting anatomical specificity. Systemic inhibition of GSTP1 with Ezatiostat (0-30 mg/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently reduced the reinforcing effects of alcohol as measured by operant self-administration, in the absence of motor effects. Sucrose self-administration was also reduced but in a manner associated with nonspecific motor inhibition. CONCLUSIONS Protein expression profiling identified an array of proteins and networks in the NAcb, including GSTP1, that are novel molecular targets of chronic alcohol drinking. Pharmacological inhibition of GSTP1 significantly reduced the positive reinforcing effects of alcohol, which regulate repetitive use and abuse liability. The observation that this protein was both upregulated after chronic drinking and that its inhibition could modulate the reinforcing properties of alcohol suggests that it is a key target for alcohol-related pathologies. Proteomic strategies combined with specific preclinical models has potential to identify and validate novel targets of alcohol that may be useful in the medical management of alcohol addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Faccidomo
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Katarina S Swaim
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Briana L Saunders
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Taruni S Santanam
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Seth M. Taylor
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Michelle Kim
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Grant T Reid
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Vallari R Eastman
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Clyde W Hodge
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB #7178, Thurston Bowles Building, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Grissom NM, McKee SE, Schoch H, Bowman N, Havekes R, O'Brien WT, Mahrt E, Siegel S, Commons K, Portfors C, Nickl-Jockschat T, Reyes TM, Abel T. Male-specific deficits in natural reward learning in a mouse model of neurodevelopmental disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2018; 23:544-555. [PMID: 29038598 PMCID: PMC5822461 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2017.184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, are highly male biased, but the underpinnings of this are unknown. Striatal dysfunction has been strongly implicated in the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, raising the question of whether there are sex differences in how the striatum is impacted by genetic risk factors linked to neurodevelopmental disorders. Here we report male-specific deficits in striatal function important to reward learning in a mouse model of 16p11.2 hemideletion, a genetic mutation that is strongly associated with the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. We find that male, but not female, 16p11.2 deletion animals show impairments in reward-directed learning and maintaining motivation to work for rewards. Male, but not female, deletion animals overexpress mRNA for dopamine receptor 2 and adenosine receptor 2a in the striatum, markers of medium spiny neurons signaling via the indirect pathway, associated with behavioral inhibition. Both sexes show a 50% reduction of mRNA levels of the genes located within the 16p11.2 region in the striatum, including the kinase extracellular-signal related kinase 1 (ERK1). However, hemideletion males show increased activation in the striatum for ERK1, both at baseline and in response to sucrose, a signaling change associated with decreased striatal plasticity. This increase in ERK1 phosphorylation is coupled with a decrease in the abundance of the ERK phosphatase striatum-enriched protein-tyrosine phosphatase in hemideletion males. In contrast, females do not show activation of ERK1 in response to sucrose, but notably hemideletion females show elevated protein levels for ERK1 as well as the related kinase ERK2 over what would be predicted by mRNA levels. These data indicate profound sex differences in the impact of a genetic lesion linked with neurodevelopmental disorders, including mechanisms of male-specific vulnerability and female-specific resilience impacting intracellular signaling in the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N M Grissom
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - S E McKee
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - H Schoch
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - N Bowman
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - R Havekes
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - W T O'Brien
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - E Mahrt
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University Vancouver, Vancouver, WA, USA
| | - S Siegel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - K Commons
- Department of Anesthesia, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - C Portfors
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University Vancouver, Vancouver, WA, USA
| | - T Nickl-Jockschat
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany,Jülich Aachen Research Alliance—Translational Brain Medicine, Aachen, Germany
| | - T M Reyes
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - T Abel
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, 2312 Pappajohn Biomedical Discovery Building, 162 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Salling MC, Hodge CJ, Psilos KE, Eastman VR, Faccidomo SP, Hodge CW. Cue-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking behavior is associated with increased CaMKII T286 phosphorylation in the reward pathway of mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2017; 163:20-29. [PMID: 29100991 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2017.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cue-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking is a hallmark behavioral pathology of addiction. Evidence suggests that reinstatement (e.g., relapse), may be regulated by cell signaling systems that underlie neuroplasticity. A variety of plasticity events require activation of calcium calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) in components of the reward pathway, such as the nucleus accumbens and amygdala. We sought to determine if cue-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking behavior is associated with changes in the activation state (e.g., phosphorylation) of CaMKII-T286. Male C57BL/6J mice (n=14) were trained to lever press on a fixed-ratio-4 schedule of sweetened alcohol (2% sucrose+9% EtOH) reinforcement. After 14-d of extinction (no cues or reinforcers), mice underwent a response-contingent reinstatement (n=7) vs. an additional day of extinction (n=7). Brains were removed immediately after the test and processed for evaluation of pCaMKII-T286 immunoreactivity (IR). Number of pCaMKII-T286 positive cells/mm2 was quantified from coronal brain sections using Bioquant Image Analysis software. Mice emitted significantly more responses on the alcohol vs. the inactive lever throughout the baseline phase with average alcohol intake of 1.1±0.03g/kg/1-h. During extinction, responses on the alcohol lever decreased to inactive lever levels by day 7. Significant cue-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking was observed during a single test with no effects on the inactive lever. Reinstatement was associated with increased pCaMKII-T286 IR specifically in amygdala (LA and BLA), nucleus accumbens (AcbSh), lateral septum, mediodorsal thalamus, and piriform cortex as compared to extinction control. Brain regions showing no change included the dorsal striatum, medial septum, cingulate cortex, habenula, paraventricular thalamus, and ventral hypothalamus. These results show response contingent cue-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking behavior is associated with selective increases in pCaMKII-T286 in specific reward- and memory-related brain regions of male C57BL/6J mice. Primary molecular mechanisms of associative learning and memory may regulate relapse in alcohol addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Salling
- Curriculum in Neurobiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Thurston-Bowles Building; CB #7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Christopher J Hodge
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Thurston-Bowles Building; CB #7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Kelly E Psilos
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Thurston-Bowles Building; CB #7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Vallari R Eastman
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Thurston-Bowles Building; CB #7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Sara P Faccidomo
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Thurston-Bowles Building; CB #7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Clyde W Hodge
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Thurston-Bowles Building; CB #7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States; Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Thurston-Bowles Building; CB #7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States; Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Thurston-Bowles Building; CB #7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States; Curriculum in Neurobiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Thurston-Bowles Building; CB #7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Oliveros A, Cho CH, Cui A, Choi S, Lindberg D, Hinton D, Jang MH, Choi DS. Adenosine A 2A receptor and ERK-driven impulsivity potentiates hippocampal neuroblast proliferation. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:e1095. [PMID: 28418405 PMCID: PMC5416704 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2017.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Dampened adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) function has been implicated in addiction through enhancement of goal-directed behaviors. However, the contribution of the A2AR to the control of impulsive reward seeking remains unknown. Using mice that were exposed to differential reward of low rate (DRL) schedules during Pavlovian-conditioning, second-order schedule discrimination, and the 5-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT), we demonstrate that deficits of A2AR function promote impulsive responses. Antagonism of the A2AR lowered ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation in the dorsal hippocampus (dHip) and potentiated impulsivity during Pavlovian-conditioning and the 5-CSRTT. Remarkably, inhibition of ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation by U0126 in the dHip prior to Pavlovian-conditioning exacerbated impulsive reward seeking. Moreover, we found decreased A2AR expression, and reduced ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation in the dHip of equilibrative nucleoside transporter type 1 (ENT1-/-) null mice, which displayed exacerbated impulsivity. To determine whether impulsive response behavior is associated with hippocampal neuroblast development, we investigated expression of BrdU+ and doublecortin (DCX+) following 5-CSRTT testing. These studies revealed that impulsive behavior driven by inhibition of the A2AR is accompanied by increased neuroblast proliferation in the hippocampus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Oliveros
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - C H Cho
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - A Cui
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - S Choi
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - D Lindberg
- Neurobiology of Disease Program, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - D Hinton
- Neurobiology of Disease Program, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - M-H Jang
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - D-S Choi
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA,Neurobiology of Disease Program, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA,Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Hwa L, Besheer J, Kash T. Glutamate plasticity woven through the progression to alcohol use disorder: a multi-circuit perspective. F1000Res 2017; 6:298. [PMID: 28413623 PMCID: PMC5365217 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.9609.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate signaling in the brain is one of the most studied targets in the alcohol research field. Here, we report the current understanding of how the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, its receptors, and its transporters are involved in low, episodic, and heavy alcohol use. Specific animal behavior protocols can be used to assess these different drinking levels, including two-bottle choice, operant self-administration, drinking in the dark, the alcohol deprivation effect, intermittent access to alcohol, and chronic intermittent ethanol vapor inhalation. Importantly, these methods are not limited to a specific category, since they can be interchanged to assess different states in the development from low to heavy drinking. We encourage a circuit-based perspective beyond the classic mesolimbic-centric view, as multiple structures are dynamically engaged during the transition from positive- to negative-related reinforcement to drive alcohol drinking. During this shift from lower-level alcohol drinking to heavy alcohol use, there appears to be a shift from metabotropic glutamate receptor-dependent behaviors to N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-related processes. Despite high efficacy of the glutamate-related pharmaceutical acamprosate in animal models of drinking, it is ineffective as treatment in the clinic. Therefore, research needs to focus on other promising glutamatergic compounds to reduce heavy drinking or mediate withdrawal symptoms or both.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lara Hwa
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Joyce Besheer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Thomas Kash
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Rosas M, Porru S, Longoni R, Spina L, Peana AT, Collu M, Acquas E. Differential effects of the MEK inhibitor SL327 on the acquisition and expression of ethanol-elicited conditioned place preference and aversion in mice. J Psychopharmacol 2017; 31:105-114. [PMID: 28072036 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116675514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The involvement of mitogen-activating extracellular kinase (MEK) in place conditioning may vary depending on the motivational sign (positive or negative) and nature (pharmacological or nociceptive) of the unconditioned stimulus (US) and on the phase (acquisition or expression) of the learning process. This study investigated the role of MEK on the acquisition and expression of ethanol-elicited (given 2 g/kg) backward (preference, CPP) and forward (aversion, CPA) place conditioning. The MEK inhibitor SL327 (50 mg/kg for CPP, and 50 and 100 mg/kg for CPA) was administered to CD-1 mice 60 minutes before an ethanol dose (acquisition) or 60 minutes before the post-conditioning tests (expression). Ethanol significantly elicited CPP and CPA; SL327 (50 mg/kg) significantly blocked the acquisition of ethanol-elicited CPP, but not that of CPA. Moreover, SL327 (50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly reduced the expression of ethanol-elicited CPP, but not that of CPA. Finally, SL327 also prevented ethanol-elicited (given 2 g/kg) increases of phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase (pERK)-positive neurons in the nucleus accumbens and other nuclei of the extended amygdala. Overall, these results confirmed the differential involvement of MEK in the acquisition and expression of drug-elicited place conditioning and suggested its differential involvement in distinct behavioral outcomes, depending on the motivational sign of the (same) US and on the significance of the experimental phase of the learning process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michela Rosas
- 1 Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Simona Porru
- 1 Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rosanna Longoni
- 1 Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Liliana Spina
- 1 Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra T Peana
- 2 Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria Collu
- 3 Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,4 Centre of Excellence in the Neurobiology of Addiction, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elio Acquas
- 1 Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,4 Centre of Excellence in the Neurobiology of Addiction, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Novo-Veleiro I, Cieza-Borrella C, Pastor I, Chamorro AJ, Laso FJ, González-Sarmiento R, Marcos M. A Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in the RASGRF2 Gene Is Associated with Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis in Men. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0168685. [PMID: 27992614 PMCID: PMC5167392 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Genetic polymorphisms in the RAS gene family are associated with different diseases, which may include alcohol-related disorders. Previous studies showed an association of the allelic variant rs26907 in RASGRF2 gene with higher alcohol intake. Additionally, the rs61764370 polymorphism in the KRAS gene is located in a binding site for the let-7 micro-RNA family, which is potentially involved in alcohol-induced inflammation. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the association between these two polymorphisms and susceptibility to alcoholism or alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Methods We enrolled 301 male alcoholic patients and 156 healthy male volunteers in this study. Polymorphisms were genotyped by using TaqMan® PCR assays for allelic discrimination. Allelic and genotypic frequencies were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the inheritance model. Results The A allele of the RASGRF2 polymorphism (rs26907) was significantly more prevalent among alcoholic patients with cirrhosis (23.2%) compared to alcoholic patients without ALD (14.2%). This difference remained significant in the group of patients with alcohol dependence (28.8% vs. 14.3%) but not in those with alcohol abuse (15.1% vs. 14.4%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the A allele of this polymorphism (AA or GA genotype) was associated with alcoholic cirrhosis both in the total group of alcoholics (odds ratio [OR]: 2.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.32–4.11; P = 0.002) and in the group of patients with alcohol dependence (OR: 3.1, 95% CI: 1.50–6.20; P = 0.001). Allelic distributions of the KRAS polymorphism (rs61764370) did not differ between the groups. Conclusions To our knowledge, this genetic association study represents the first to show an association of the RASGRF2 G>A (rs26907) polymorphism with ALD in men, particularly in the subgroup of patients with AD. The findings suggest the potential relevance of the RAS gene family in alcoholism and ALD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Novo-Veleiro
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Clara Cieza-Borrella
- Molecular Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca-IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Isabel Pastor
- Molecular Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca-IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain
- Alcoholism Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Antonio-Javier Chamorro
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca-IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain
- Alcoholism Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Francisco-Javier Laso
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca-IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain
- Alcoholism Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rogelio González-Sarmiento
- Molecular Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca-IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Miguel Marcos
- Molecular Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca-IBSAL, Salamanca, Spain
- Alcoholism Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
The main characteristic of alcohol use disorder is the consumption of large quantities of alcohol despite the negative consequences. The transition from the moderate use of alcohol to excessive, uncontrolled alcohol consumption results from neuroadaptations that cause aberrant motivational learning and memory processes. Here, we examine studies that have combined molecular and behavioural approaches in rodents to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that keep the social intake of alcohol in check, which we term 'stop pathways', and the neuroadaptations that underlie the transition from moderate to uncontrolled, excessive alcohol intake, which we term 'go pathways'. We also discuss post-transcriptional, genetic and epigenetic alterations that underlie both types of pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorit Ron
- Corresponding author: Dorit Ron, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, BOX 0663, San Francisco, CA 94143-0663,
| | - Segev Barak
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- School of Psychological Sciences and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Quadir SG, Santos JRBD, Campbell RR, Wroten MG, Singh N, Holloway JJ, Bal SK, Camarini R, Szumlinski KK. Homer2 regulates alcohol and stress cross-sensitization. Addict Biol 2016; 21:613-33. [PMID: 25916683 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
An interaction exists between stress and alcohol in the etiology and chronicity of alcohol use disorders, yet a knowledge gap exists regarding the neurobiological underpinnings of this interaction. In this regard, we employed an 11-day unpredictable, chronic, mild stress (UCMS) procedure to examine for stress-alcohol cross-sensitization of motor activity as well as alcohol consumption/preference and intoxication. We also employed immunoblotting to relate the expression of glutamate receptor-related proteins within subregions of the nucleus accumbens (NAC) to the manifestation of behavioral cross-sensitization. UCMS mice exhibited a greater locomotor response to an acute injection of 2 g/kg alcohol than unstressed controls and this cross-sensitization extended to alcohol intake (0-20 percent), as well as to the intoxicating and sedative properties of 3 and 5 g/kg alcohol, respectively. Regardless of prior alcohol injection (2 g/kg), UCMS mice exhibited elevated NAC shell levels of mGlu1α, GluN2b and Homer2, as well as lower phospholipase Cβ within this subregion. GluN2b levels were also lower within the NAC core of UCMS mice. The expression of stress-alcohol locomotor cross-sensitization was associated with lower mGlu1α within the NAC core and lower extracellular signal-regulated kinase activity within both NAC subregions. As Homer2 regulates alcohol sensitization, we assayed also for locomotor cross-sensitization in Homer2 wild-type (WT) and knock-out (KO) mice. WT mice exhibited a very robust cross-sensitization that was absent in KO animals. These results indicate that a history of mild stress renders an animal more sensitive to the psychomotor and rewarding properties of alcohol, which may depend on neuroplasticity within NAC glutamate transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sema G. Quadir
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Neuroscience Research Institute; University of California Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara CA USA
| | | | - Rianne R. Campbell
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Neuroscience Research Institute; University of California Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - Melissa G. Wroten
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Neuroscience Research Institute; University of California Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - Nimrita Singh
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Neuroscience Research Institute; University of California Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - John J. Holloway
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Neuroscience Research Institute; University of California Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - Sukhmani K. Bal
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Neuroscience Research Institute; University of California Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - Rosana Camarini
- Department of Pharmacology; Institute of Biomedical Sciences; Universidade de São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Karen K. Szumlinski
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Neuroscience Research Institute; University of California Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara CA USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Renteria R, Jeanes ZM, Mangieri RA, Maier EY, Kircher DM, Buske TR, Morrisett RA. Using In Vitro Electrophysiology to Screen Medications: Accumbal Plasticity as an Engram of Alcohol Dependence. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2016; 126:441-65. [PMID: 27055622 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2016.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is a central component of the mesocorticolimbic reward system. Increasing evidence strongly implicates long-term synaptic neuroadaptations in glutamatergic excitatory activity of the NAc shell and/or core medium spiny neurons in response to chronic drug and alcohol exposure. Such neuroadaptations likely play a critical role in the development and expression of drug-seeking behaviors. We have observed unique cell-type-specific bidirectional changes in NAc synaptic plasticity (metaplasticity) following acute and chronic intermittent ethanol exposure. Other investigators have also previously observed similar metaplasticity in the NAc following exposure to psychostimulants, opiates, and amazingly, even following an anhedonia-inducing experience. Considering that the proteome of the postsynaptic density likely contains hundreds of biochemicals, proteins and other components and regulators, we believe that there is a large number of potential molecular sites through which accumbal metaplasticity may be involved in chronic alcohol abuse. Many of our companion laboratories are now engaged in identifying and screening medications targeting candidate genes and its products previously linked to maladaptive alcohol phenotypes. We hypothesize that if manipulation of such target genes and their products change NAc plasticity, then that observation constitutes an important validation step for the development of novel therapeutics to treat alcohol dependence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Renteria
- University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Z M Jeanes
- University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - R A Mangieri
- University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - E Y Maier
- University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - D M Kircher
- University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - T R Buske
- University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - R A Morrisett
- University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Salling MC, Faccidomo SP, Li C, Psilos K, Galunas C, Spanos M, Agoglia AE, Kash TL, Hodge CW. Moderate Alcohol Drinking and the Amygdala Proteome: Identification and Validation of Calcium/Calmodulin Dependent Kinase II and AMPA Receptor Activity as Novel Molecular Mechanisms of the Positive Reinforcing Effects of Alcohol. Biol Psychiatry 2016; 79:430-42. [PMID: 25579851 PMCID: PMC4417085 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2014.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Revised: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite worldwide consumption of moderate amounts of alcohol, the neural mechanisms that mediate the transition from use to abuse are not fully understood. METHODS Here, we conducted a high-throughput screen of the amygdala proteome in mice after moderate alcohol drinking (n = 12/group) followed by behavioral studies (n = 6-8/group) to uncover novel molecular mechanisms of the positive reinforcing properties of alcohol that strongly influence the development of addiction. RESULTS Two-dimensional difference in-gel electrophoresis with matrix assisted laser desorption ionization tandem time-of-flight identified 29 differentially expressed proteins in the amygdala of nondependent C57BL/6J mice following 24 days of alcohol drinking. Alcohol-sensitive proteins included calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II alpha (CaMKIIα) and a network of functionally linked proteins that regulate neural plasticity and glutamate-mediated synaptic activity. Accordingly, alcohol drinking increased α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isooxazole receptor (AMPAR) in central amygdala (CeA) and phosphorylation of AMPAR GluA1 subunit at a CaMKII locus (GluA1-Ser831) in CeA and lateral amygdala. Further, CaMKIIα-Thr286 and GluA1-Ser831 phosphorylation was increased in CeA and lateral amygdala of mice that lever-pressed for alcohol versus the nondrug reinforcer sucrose. Mechanistic studies showed that targeted pharmacologic inhibition of amygdala CaMKII or AMPAR activity specifically inhibited the positive reinforcing properties of alcohol but not sucrose. CONCLUSIONS Moderate alcohol drinking increases the activity and function of plasticity-linked protein networks in the amygdala that regulate the positive reinforcing effects of the drug. Given the prominence of positive reinforcement in the etiology of addiction, we propose that alcohol-induced adaptations in CaMKIIα and AMPAR signaling in the amygdala may serve as a molecular gateway from use to abuse.
Collapse
|
27
|
Schweitzer P, Cates-Gatto C, Varodayan FP, Nadav T, Roberto M, Lasek AW, Roberts AJ. Dependence-induced ethanol drinking and GABA neurotransmission are altered in Alk deficient mice. Neuropharmacology 2016; 107:1-8. [PMID: 26946429 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Revised: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is expressed in the brain and implicated in alcohol abuse in humans and behavioral responses to ethanol in mice. Previous studies have shown an association of human ALK with acute responses to alcohol and alcohol dependence. In addition, Alk knockout (Alk -/-) mice consume more ethanol in a binge-drinking test and show increased sensitivity to ethanol sedation. However, the function of ALK in excessive drinking following the establishment of ethanol dependence has not been examined. In this study, we tested Alk -/- mice for dependence-induced drinking using the chronic intermittent ethanol-two bottle choice drinking (CIE-2BC) protocol. We found that Alk -/- mice initially consume more ethanol prior to CIE exposure, but do not escalate ethanol consumption after exposure, suggesting that ALK may promote the escalation of drinking after ethanol dependence. To determine the mechanism(s) responsible for this behavioral phenotype we used an electrophysiological approach to examine GABA neurotransmission in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), a brain region that regulates alcohol consumption and shows increased GABA signaling after chronic ethanol exposure. GABA transmission in ethanol-naïve Alk -/- mice was enhanced at baseline and potentiated in response to acute ethanol application when compared to wild-type (Alk +/+) mice. Moreover, basal GABA transmission was not elevated by CIE exposure in Alk -/- mice as it was in Alk +/+ mice. These data suggest that ALK plays a role in dependence-induced drinking and the regulation of presynaptic GABA release in the CeA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Schweitzer
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, SP30-2400, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Chelsea Cates-Gatto
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, MB-18, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Florence P Varodayan
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, SP30-2400, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Tali Nadav
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, MB-18, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Marisa Roberto
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, SP30-2400, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Amy W Lasek
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 West Taylor Street, M/C 912, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | - Amanda J Roberts
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, MB-18, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
CaMKII inhibition in the prefrontal cortex specifically increases the positive reinforcing effects of sweetened alcohol in C57BL/6J mice. Behav Brain Res 2015; 298:286-90. [PMID: 26608538 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Revised: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is a multifunctional enzyme that is required for synaptic plasticity and has been proposed to be a primary molecular component of the etiology of alcohol addiction. Chronic alcohol intake upregulates CaMKIIα protein expression in reward-related brain regions including the amygdala and nucleus accumbens, and CaMKIIα activity in the amygdala is required for the positive reinforcing effects of alcohol, suggesting this system promotes consumption in the early stages of alcohol addiction. Alternatively, the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is known to inhibit limbic activity via CaMKII-dependent excitatory projections and may, therefore, enable top-down regulation of motivation. Here we sought to remove that regulatory control by site-specifically inhibiting CaMKII activity in the mPFC, and measured effects on the positive reinforcing effects of sweetened alcohol in C57BL/6J mice. Infusion of the CAMKII inhibitor KN-93 (0-10.0 μg) in the mPFC primarily increased alcohol+sucrose reinforced response rate in a dose- and time-dependent manner. KN-93 infusion reduced response rate in behavior-matched sucrose-only controls. Importantly, potentiation of operant responding for sweetened alcohol occurred immediately after infusion, at a time during which effects on sucrose responding were not observed, and persisted through the session. These results suggest that endogenous CaMKII activity in the mPFC exerts inhibitory control over the positive reinforcing effects of alcohol. Downregulation of CaMKII signaling in the mPFC might contribute to escalated alcohol use.
Collapse
|
29
|
Sun WL, Quizon PM, Zhu J. Molecular Mechanism: ERK Signaling, Drug Addiction, and Behavioral Effects. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2015; 137:1-40. [PMID: 26809997 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Addiction to psychostimulants has been considered as a chronic psychiatric disorder characterized by craving and compulsive drug seeking and use. Over the past two decades, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that repeated drug exposure causes long-lasting neurochemical and cellular changes that result in enduring neuroadaptation in brain circuitry and underlie compulsive drug consumption and relapse. Through intercellular signaling cascades, drugs of abuse induce remodeling in the rewarding circuitry that contributes to the neuroplasticity of learning and memory associated with addiction. Here, we review the role of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase, and its related intracellular signaling pathways in drug-induced neuroadaptive changes that are associated with drug-mediated psychomotor activity, rewarding properties and relapse of drug seeking behaviors. We also discuss the neurobiological and behavioral effects of pharmacological and genetic interferences with ERK-associated molecular cascades in response to abused substances. Understanding the dynamic modulation of ERK signaling in response to drugs may provide novel molecular targets for therapeutic strategies to drug addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Lun Sun
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Pamela M Quizon
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jun Zhu
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Metten P, Iancu OD, Spence SE, Walter NAR, Oberbeck D, Harrington CA, Colville A, McWeeney S, Phillips TJ, Buck KJ, Crabbe JC, Belknap JK, Hitzemann RJ. Dual-trait selection for ethanol consumption and withdrawal: genetic and transcriptional network effects. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2015; 38:2915-24. [PMID: 25581648 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data from C57BL/6J (B6) × DBA/2J (D2) F2 intercrosses (B6xD2 F2 ), standard and recombinant inbred strains, and heterogeneous stock mice indicate that a reciprocal (or inverse) genetic relationship exists between alcohol consumption and withdrawal severity. Furthermore, some genetic studies have detected reciprocal quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for these traits. We used a novel mouse model developed by simultaneous selection for both high alcohol consumption/low withdrawal and low alcohol consumption/high withdrawal and analyzed the gene expression and genome-wide genotypic differences. METHODS Randomly chosen third selected generation (S3 ) mice (N = 24/sex/line), bred from a B6xD2 F2 , were genotyped using the Mouse Universal Genotyping Array, which provided 2,760 informative markers. QTL analysis used a marker-by-marker strategy with the threshold for a significant log of the odds (LOD) set at 10. Gene expression in the ventral striatum was measured using the Illumina Mouse 8.2 array. Differential gene expression and the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were implemented. RESULTS Significant QTLs for consumption/withdrawal were detected on chromosomes (Chr) 2, 4, 9, and 12. A suggestive QTL mapped to Chr 6. Some of the QTLs overlapped with known QTLs mapped for 1 of the traits individually. One thousand seven hundred and forty-five transcripts were detected as being differentially expressed between the lines; there was some overlap with known withdrawal genes (e.g., Mpdz) located within QTL regions. WGCNA revealed several modules of co-expressed genes showing significant effects in both differential expression and intramodular connectivity; a module richly annotated with kinase-related annotations was most affected. CONCLUSIONS Marked effects of selection on expression and network structure were detected. QTLs overlapping with differentially expressed genes on Chr 2 (distal) and 4 suggest that these are cis-eQTLs (Chr 2: Kif3b, Kcnq2; Chr 4: Mpdz, Snapc3). Other QTLs identified were on Chr 2 (proximal), 9, and 12. Network results point to involvement of kinase-related mechanisms and outline the need for further efforts such as interrogation of noncoding RNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Metten
- Portland Alcohol Research Center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, Oregon; Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Faccidomo S, Salling MC, Galunas C, Hodge CW. Operant ethanol self-administration increases extracellular-signal regulated protein kinase (ERK) phosphorylation in reward-related brain regions: selective regulation of positive reinforcement in the prefrontal cortex of C57BL/6J mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:3417-30. [PMID: 26123321 PMCID: PMC4537834 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-3993-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Extracellular-signal regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) is activated by ethanol in reward-related brain regions. Accordingly, systemic inhibition of ERK1/2 potentiates ethanol reinforcement. However, the brain region(s) that mediate this effect are unknown. OBJECTIVE This study aims to pharmacologically inhibit ERK1/2 in the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (NAC), and amygdala (AMY) prior to ethanol or sucrose self-administration, and evaluate effects of operant ethanol self-administration on ERK1/2 phosphorylation (pERK1/2). METHODS Male C57BL/6J mice were trained to lever press on a fixed-ratio-4 schedule of 9% ethanol + 2% sucrose (ethanol) or 2% sucrose (sucrose) reinforcement. Mice were sacrificed immediately after the 30th self-administration session and pERK1/2 immunoreactivity was quantified in targeted brain regions. Additional groups of mice were injected with SL 327 (0-1.7 μg/side) in PFC, NAC, or AMY prior to self-administration. RESULTS pERK1/2 immunoreactivity was significantly increased by operant ethanol (g/kg = 1.21 g/kg; BAC = 54.9 mg/dl) in the PFC, NAC (core and shell), and AMY (central nucleus) as compared to sucrose. Microinjection of SL 327 (1.7 μg) into the PFC selectively increased ethanol self-administration. Intra-NAC injection of SL 327 had no effect on ethanol- but suppressed sucrose-reinforced responding. Intra-AMY microinjection of SL 327 had no effect on either ethanol- or sucrose-reinforced responding. Locomotor activity was unaffected under all conditions. CONCLUSIONS Operant ethanol self-administration increases pERK1/2 activation in the PFC, NAC, and AMY. However, ERK1/2 activity only in the PFC mechanistically regulates ethanol self-administration. These data suggest that ethanol-induced activation of ERK1/2 in the PFC is a critical pharmacological effect that mediates the reinforcing properties of the drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Faccidomo
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Michael C Salling
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Christina Galunas
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Clyde W Hodge
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599,Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel
Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
He D, Chen H, Muramatsu H, Lasek AW. Ethanol activates midkine and anaplastic lymphoma kinase signaling in neuroblastoma cells and in the brain. J Neurochem 2015. [PMID: 26206265 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol engages signaling pathways in the brain. Midkine (MDK) is a neurotrophic factor that is over-expressed in the prefrontal cortex of alcoholics. MDK and one of its receptors, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), also regulate behavioral responses to ethanol in mice. The goal of this study was to determine whether MDK and ALK expression and signaling are activated by ethanol. We found that ethanol treatment of neuroblastoma cells increased MDK and ALK expression. We also assessed activation of ALK by ethanol in cells and found that ALK and ALK-dependent extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation increased rapidly with ethanol exposure. Similarly, treatment of cells with recombinant MDK protein increased ALK, ERK and STAT3 phosphorylation, suggesting that ethanol may utilize MDK to activate ALK signaling. In support of this, transfection of cells with MDK siRNAs attenuated ALK signaling in response to ethanol. Ethanol also activates ERK signaling in the brain. We found that inhibition of ALK or knockout of MDK attenuated ethanol-induced ERK phosphorylation in mouse amygdala. These results demonstrate that ethanol engages MDK and ALK signaling, which has important consequences for alcohol-induced neurotoxicity and the regulation of behaviors related to alcohol abuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donghong He
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Hu Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Hisako Muramatsu
- Faculty of Psychological and Physical Sciences, Aichi Gakuin University, Nisshin, Aichi, Japan
| | - Amy W Lasek
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Nuutinen S, Mäki T, Rozov S, Bäckström P, Hyytiä P, Piepponen P, Panula P. Histamine H3 receptor antagonist decreases cue-induced alcohol reinstatement in mice. Neuropharmacology 2015; 106:156-63. [PMID: 26107118 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We have earlier found that the histamine H3 receptor (H3R) antagonism diminishes motivational aspects of alcohol reinforcement in mice. Here we studied the role of H3Rs in cue-induced reinstatement of alcohol seeking in C57BL/6J mice using two different H3R antagonists. Systemic administration of H3R antagonists attenuated cue-induced alcohol seeking suggesting that H3R antagonists may reduce alcohol craving. To understand how alcohol affects dopamine and histamine release, a microdialysis study was performed on C57BL/6J mice and the levels of histamine, dopamine and dopamine metabolites were measured in the nucleus accumbens. Alcohol administration was combined with an H3R antagonist pretreatment to reveal whether modulation of H3R affects the effects of alcohol on neurotransmitter release. Alcohol significantly increased the release of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens but did not affect histamine release. Pretreatment with H3R antagonist ciproxifan did not modify the effect of alcohol on dopamine release. However, histamine release was markedly increased with ciproxifan. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that H3R antagonism attenuates cue-induced reinstatement of alcohol seeking in mice. Alcohol alone does not affect histamine release in the nucleus accumbens but H3R antagonist instead increases histamine release significantly suggesting that the mechanism by which H3R antagonist inhibits alcohol seeking found in the present study and the decreased alcohol reinforcement, reward and consumption found earlier might include alterations in the histaminergic neurotransmission in the nucleus accumbens. These findings imply that selective antagonists of H3Rs could be a therapeutic strategy to prevent relapse and possibly diminish craving to alcohol use. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Histamine Receptors'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saara Nuutinen
- Department of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, Finland; Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Finland; Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tiia Mäki
- Department of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, Finland; Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Stanislav Rozov
- Department of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, Finland; Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pia Bäckström
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petri Hyytiä
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petteri Piepponen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pertti Panula
- Department of Anatomy, University of Helsinki, Finland; Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Agoglia AE, Sharko AC, Psilos KE, Holstein SE, Reid GT, Hodge CW. Alcohol alters the activation of ERK1/2, a functional regulator of binge alcohol drinking in adult C57BL/6J mice. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2015; 39:463-75. [PMID: 25703719 PMCID: PMC4348173 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Binge alcohol drinking is a particularly risky pattern of alcohol consumption that often precedes alcohol dependence and addiction. The transition from binge alcohol drinking to alcohol addiction likely involves mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and learning in the brain. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascades have been shown to be involved in learning and memory, as well as the response to drugs of abuse, but their role in binge alcohol drinking remains unclear. The present experiments were designed to determine the effects of acute alcohol on extracellular signaling-related kinases (ERK1/2) expression and activity and to determine whether ERK1/2 activity functionally regulates binge-like alcohol drinking. METHODS Adult male C57BL/6J mice were injected with ethanol (EtOH) (3.0 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) 10, 30, or 90 minutes prior to brain tissue collection. Next, mice that were brought to freely consume unsweetened EtOH in a binge-like access procedure were pretreated with the MEK1/2 inhibitor SL327 or the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB239063. RESULTS Acute EtOH increased pERK1/2 immunoreactivity relative to vehicle in brain regions known to be involved in drug reward and addiction, including the central amygdala and prefrontal cortex. However, EtOH decreased pERK1/2 immunoreactivity relative to vehicle in the nucleus accumbens core. SB239063 pretreatment significantly decreased EtOH consumption only at doses that also produced nonspecific locomotor effects. SL327 pretreatment significantly increased EtOH, but not sucrose, consumption without inducing generalized locomotor effects. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that ERK1/2 MAPK signaling regulates binge-like alcohol drinking. As alcohol increased pERK1/2 immunoreactivity relative to vehicle in brain regions known to regulate drug self-administration, SL327 may have blocked this direct pharmacological effect of alcohol and thereby inhibited the termination of binge-like drinking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail E. Agoglia
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
- Curriculum in Neurobiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Amanda C. Sharko
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
- Department of Pharmacology School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Kelly E. Psilos
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Sarah E. Holstein
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Grant T. Reid
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Clyde W. Hodge
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
- Curriculum in Neurobiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
- Department of Pharmacology School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
de la Cour C, Sørensen G, Wortwein G, Weikop P, Dencker D, Fink-Jensen A, Molander A. Enhanced self-administration of alcohol in muscarinic acetylcholine M4 receptor knockout mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 746:1-5. [PMID: 25445043 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.10.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Revised: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Modulation of cholinergic neurotransmission via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors is known to alter alcohol-drinking behavior. It is not known if muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes have similar effects. The muscarinic M4 receptor is highly expressed in the brain reinforcement system and involved in regulation of cholinergic and dopaminergic transmission. Here we investigate, for the first time, the role of the M4 receptor in alcohol consumption using M4 knockout (M4(-/-)) and wild-type (M4(+/+)) mice. Experimentally naïve M4(-/-) and M4(+/+) mice were trained to orally self-administer 5%, 8% and 10% alcohol in 60min sessions, 6 days/week, after having undergone a standard sucrose fading training procedure on a fixed ratio schedule. The mice were further subjected to an extinction period followed by a 1 day reinstatement trial. M4(-/-) mice consumed more alcohol at 5% and 8% compared to their M4(+/+) littermates. The highest alcohol concentration used (10%) did not immediately result in divergent drinking patterns, but after 4 weeks of 10% alcohol self-administration, baseline levels as well as a pattern of M4(-/-) mice consuming more alcohol than their M4(+/+) controls were re-established. Moreover, the M4(-/-) mice displayed a reduced capacity to extinguish their alcohol-seeking behavior. Taken together, alcohol consumption is elevated in M4(-/-) mice, indicating that the M4 receptor is involved in mediating the reinforcing effects of alcohol. The M4 receptor should be further explored as a potential target for pharmacological (positive allosteric modulators or future agonists) treatment of alcohol use disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie de la Cour
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen and Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Gunnar Sørensen
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen and Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Gitta Wortwein
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen and Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Pia Weikop
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen and Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Ditte Dencker
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen and Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Anders Fink-Jensen
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen and Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Anna Molander
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen and Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
The dual role of MAPK pathway in the regulation of intestinal barrier: the role of the commensal bacterium Faecalibacterium prausnitzii on this regulation. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2014; 20:E17-8. [PMID: 24859300 DOI: 10.1097/mib.0000000000000070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
37
|
Zamora-Martinez ER, Edwards S. Neuronal extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity as marker and mediator of alcohol and opioid dependence. Front Integr Neurosci 2014; 8:24. [PMID: 24653683 PMCID: PMC3949304 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2014.00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Early pioneering work in the field of biochemistry identified phosphorylation as a crucial post-translational modification of proteins with the ability to both indicate and arbitrate complex physiological processes. More recent investigations have functionally linked phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) to a variety of neurophysiological mechanisms ranging from acute neurotransmitter action to long-term gene expression. ERK phosphorylation serves as an intracellular bridging mechanism that facilitates neuronal communication and plasticity. Drugs of abuse, including alcohol and opioids, act as artificial yet powerful rewards that impinge upon natural reinforcement processes critical for survival. The graded progression from initial exposure to addiction (or substance dependence) is believed to result from drug- and drug context-induced adaptations in neuronal signaling processes across brain reward and stress circuits following excessive drug use. In this regard, commonly abused drugs as well as drug-associated experiences are capable of modifying the phosphorylation of ERK within central reinforcement systems. In addition, chronic drug and alcohol exposure may drive ERK-regulated epigenetic and structural alterations that underlie a long-term propensity for escalating drug use. Under the influence of such a neurobiological vulnerability, encountering drug-associated cues and contexts can produce subsequent alterations in ERK signaling that drive relapse to drug and alcohol seeking. Current studies are determining precisely which molecular and regional ERK phosphorylation-associated events contribute to the addiction process, as well as which neuroadaptations need to be targeted in order to return dependent individuals to a healthy state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva R Zamora-Martinez
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Scott Edwards
- Department of Physiology and Alcohol and Drug Abuse Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, LA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Kim T, Hinton DJ, Johng S, Wang JB, Choi DS. Levo-tetrahydropalmatine decreases ethanol drinking and antagonizes dopamine D2 receptor-mediated signaling in the mouse dorsal striatum. Behav Brain Res 2013; 244:58-65. [PMID: 23376703 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2013.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2012] [Revised: 01/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
An herb derived compound, levo-tetrahydropalmatine (L-THP), attenuates self-administration of cocaine and opiates in rodents. Since L-THP mainly antagonizes dopamine D2 receptors (D2R) in the brain, it is likely to regulate other addictive behaviors as well. Here, we examined whether L-THP regulates ethanol drinking in C57BL/6J mice using a two-bottle choice drinking experiment. L-THP treated mice consumed less ethanol compared to vehicle-treated mice during the 15% ethanol drinking session while water consumption remained similar between each group. We then examined the molecular basis underlying the pharmacological effect of L-THP in mice. Our results indicated that a single injection of L-THP increased active phosphorylated forms of PKA, AKT and ERK in the caudate-putamen (CPu), but not in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), of alcohol naïve mice. Interestingly, we found that systematic treatment with L-THP for 4 consecutive days while mice were drinking 15% ethanol increased pPKA levels in the CPu, but not in the NAc. In contrast to the effect of acute L-THP treatment, no differences were detected for pAKT or pERK in either striatal regions. Together, our findings suggest that reduction of ethanol drinking by L-THP treatment is possibly correlated with D2R-mediated PKA signaling in the CPu.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taehyun Kim
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
Ethanol's effects on intracellular signaling pathways contribute to acute effects of ethanol as well as to neuroadaptive responses to repeated ethanol exposure. In this chapter we review recent discoveries that demonstrate how ethanol alters signaling pathways involving several receptor tyrosine kinases and intracellular tyrosine and serine-threonine kinases, with consequences for regulation of cell surface receptor function, gene expression, protein translation, neuronal excitability and animal behavior. We also describe recent work that demonstrates a key role for ethanol in regulating the function of scaffolding proteins that organize signaling complexes into functional units. Finally, we review recent exciting studies demonstrating ethanol modulation of DNA and histone modification and the expression of microRNAs, indicating epigenetic mechanisms by which ethanol regulates neuronal gene expression and addictive behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorit Ron
- Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California San Francisco, 5858 Horton Street, Suite 200, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| | - Robert O. Messing
- Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California San Francisco, 5858 Horton Street, Suite 200, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Kapfhamer D, King I, Zou ME, Lim JP, Heberlein U, Wolf FW. JNK pathway activation is controlled by Tao/TAOK3 to modulate ethanol sensitivity. PLoS One 2012; 7:e50594. [PMID: 23227189 PMCID: PMC3515618 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2012] [Accepted: 10/25/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal signal transduction by the JNK MAP kinase pathway is altered by a broad array of stimuli including exposure to the widely abused drug ethanol, but the behavioral relevance and the regulation of JNK signaling is unclear. Here we demonstrate that JNK signaling functions downstream of the Sterile20 kinase family gene tao/Taok3 to regulate the behavioral effects of acute ethanol exposure in both the fruit fly Drosophila and mice. In flies tao is required in neurons to promote sensitivity to the locomotor stimulant effects of acute ethanol exposure and to establish specific brain structures. Reduced expression of key JNK pathway genes substantially rescued the structural and behavioral phenotypes of tao mutants. Decreasing and increasing JNK pathway activity resulted in increased and decreased sensitivity to the locomotor stimulant properties of acute ethanol exposure, respectively. Further, JNK expression in a limited pattern of neurons that included brain regions implicated in ethanol responses was sufficient to restore normal behavior. Mice heterozygous for a disrupted allele of the homologous Taok3 gene (Taok3Gt) were resistant to the acute sedative effects of ethanol. JNK activity was constitutively increased in brains of Taok3Gt/+ mice, and acute induction of phospho-JNK in brain tissue by ethanol was occluded in Taok3Gt/+ mice. Finally, acute administration of a JNK inhibitor conferred resistance to the sedative effects of ethanol in wild-type but not Taok3Gt/+ mice. Taken together, these data support a role of a TAO/TAOK3-JNK neuronal signaling pathway in regulating sensitivity to acute ethanol exposure in flies and in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Kapfhamer
- The Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California San Francisco, Emeryville, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DK); (FWW)
| | - Ian King
- Department of Anatomy, Program in Neuroscience, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Mimi E. Zou
- The Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California San Francisco, Emeryville, California, United States of America
| | - Jana P. Lim
- The Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California San Francisco, Emeryville, California, United States of America
| | - Ulrike Heberlein
- The Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California San Francisco, Emeryville, California, United States of America
- Department of Anatomy, Program in Neuroscience, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Fred W. Wolf
- The Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California San Francisco, Emeryville, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DK); (FWW)
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
RASGRF2 regulates alcohol-induced reinforcement by influencing mesolimbic dopamine neuron activity and dopamine release. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:21128-33. [PMID: 23223532 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1211844110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The firing of mesolimbic dopamine neurons is important for drug-induced reinforcement, although underlying genetic factors remain poorly understood. In a recent genome-wide association metaanalysis of alcohol intake, we identified a suggestive association of SNP rs26907 in the ras-specific guanine-nucleotide releasing factor 2 (RASGRF2) gene, encoding a protein that mediates Ca(2+)-dependent activation of the ERK pathway. We performed functional characterization of this gene in relation to alcohol-related phenotypes and mesolimbic dopamine function in both mice and adolescent humans. Ethanol intake and preference were decreased in Rasgrf2(-/-) mice relative to WT controls. Accordingly, ethanol-induced dopamine release in the ventral striatum was blunted in Rasgrf2(-/-) mice. Recording of dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area revealed reduced excitability in the absence of Ras-GRF2, likely because of lack of inhibition of the I(A) potassium current by ERK. This deficit provided an explanation for the altered dopamine release, presumably linked to impaired activation of dopamine neurons firing. Functional neuroimaging analysis of a monetary incentive-delay task in 663 adolescent boys revealed significant association of ventral striatal activity during reward anticipation with a RASGRF2 haplotype containing rs26907, the SNP associated with alcohol intake in our previous metaanalysis. This finding suggests a link between the RASGRF2 haplotype and reward sensitivity, a known risk factor for alcohol and drug addiction. Indeed, follow-up of these same boys at age 16 y revealed an association between this haplotype and number of drinking episodes. Together, these combined animal and human data indicate a role for RASGRF2 in the regulation of mesolimbic dopamine neuron activity, reward response, and alcohol use and abuse.
Collapse
|
42
|
Orrù A, Fujani D, Cassina C, Conti M, Di Clemente A, Cervo L. Operant, oral alcoholic beer self-administration by C57BL/6J mice: effect of BHF177, a positive allosteric modulator of GABA(B) receptors. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2012; 222:685-700. [PMID: 22411427 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-012-2672-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2011] [Accepted: 02/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE With its high palatability, near-beer has been successfully used in rats as a vehicle to induce ethanol oral self-administration. OBJECTIVES The study aimed to develop an operant model of oral alcoholic beer self-administration promoting a stable intake of pharmacologically relevant amounts of ethanol in free-feeding C57BL/6J mice. It also aimed to assess the model's predictive validity by evaluating the influence of baclofen, a GABA(B) agonist, and BHF177, a GABA(B) positive allosteric modulator, on alcoholic beer self-administration. METHODS Mice were trained to self-administer, under a fixed ratio three schedule of reinforcement, 10 μl of beer containing increasing ethanol concentrations (0-18% v/v) in daily 30-min sessions. The effects on motor coordination (rotarod), locomotor activity (open field, automated cages) and anxiety-like behavior (elevated plus maze, EPM) were examined. Baclofen (1.25-5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal, i.p.) and BHF177 (3.75-30 mg/kg, i.p.) were used to see the effects on 9% alcoholic beer and near-beer self-administration. RESULTS Near-beer stably maintained operant oral self-administration in mice. Adding ethanol to near-beer reduced the number of active lever presses, while the corresponding amount of ethanol self-administration increased (0.8-1.0 g/kg/session). Motor impairment was observed when more than 1.3 g/kg/session of ethanol was self-administered with beer and slight but consistent hyperlocomotion with more than 0.9-1.0 g/kg/session. BHF177 (15 mg/kg) preferentially reduced 9% alcoholic beer self-administration, while the higher dose (30 mg/kg)-like baclofen 5 mg/kg-also reduced near-beer self-administration. CONCLUSIONS The operant model of oral alcoholic beer self-administration in C57BL/6J mice should prove useful for studying ethanol-reinforced behaviors and to identify candidate compounds for the pharmacological management of alcohol addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Orrù
- Experimental Psychopharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, "Mario Negri" Institute for Pharmacological Research, Via La Masa 19, 20156 Milan, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Spanos M, Besheer J, Hodge CW. Increased sensitivity to alcohol induced changes in ERK Map kinase phosphorylation and memory disruption in adolescent as compared to adult C57BL/6J mice. Behav Brain Res 2012; 230:158-66. [PMID: 22348893 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2010] [Revised: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is a critical period of brain development that is accompanied by increased probability of risky behavior, such as alcohol use. Emerging research indicates that adolescents are differentially sensitive to the behavioral effects of acute ethanol as compared to adults but the neurobiological mechanisms of this effect remain to be fully elucidated. This study was designed to evaluate effects of acute ethanol on extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation (p-ERK1/2) in mesocorticolimbic brain regions. We also sought to determine if age-specific effects of ethanol on p-ERK1/2 are associated with ethanol-induced behavioral deficits on acquisition of the hippocampal-dependent novel object recognition (NOR) test. Adolescent and adult C57BL/6J mice were administered acute ethanol (0 0.5, 1, or 3g/kg, i.p.). Brains were removed 30-min post injection and processed for analysis of p-ERK1/2 immunoreactivity (IR). Additional groups of mice were administered ethanol (0 or 1g/kg) prior to the NOR test. Analysis of p-ERK1/2 IR showed that untreated adolescent mice had significantly higher levels of p-ERK1/2 IR in the nucleus accumbens shell, basolateral amygdala (BLA), central amygdala (CeA), and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) as compared to adults. Ethanol (1g/kg) selectively reduced p-ERK1/2 IR in the dentate gyrus and increased p-ERK1/2 IR in the BLA only in adolescent mice. Ethanol (3g/kg) produced the same effects on p-ERK1/2 IR in both age groups with increases in CeA and mPFC, but a decrease in the dentate gyrus, as compared to age-matched saline controls. Pretreatment with ethanol (1g/kg) disrupted performance on the NOR test specifically in adolescents, which corresponds with the ethanol-induced inhibition of p-ERK1/2 IR in the hippocampus. These data show that adolescent mice have differential expression of basal p-ERK1/2 IR in mesocorticolimbic brain regions. Acute ethanol produces a unique set of changes in ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the adolescent brain that are associated with disruption of hippocampal-dependent memory acquisition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Spanos
- Neurobiology Curriculum, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Thurston-Bowles Building, CB #7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Besheer J, Fisher KR, Cannady R, Grondin JJM, Hodge CW. Intra-amygdala inhibition of ERK(1/2) potentiates the discriminative stimulus effects of alcohol. Behav Brain Res 2011; 228:398-405. [PMID: 22209853 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2011.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2011] [Revised: 12/08/2011] [Accepted: 12/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK(1/2)) has been implicated in modulating drug seeking behavior and is a target of alcohol and other drugs of abuse. Given that the discriminative stimulus (subjective/interoceptive) effects of drugs are determinants of abuse liability and can influence drug seeking behavior, we examined the role of ERK(1/2) in modulating the discriminative stimulus effects of alcohol. Using drug discrimination procedures, rats were trained to discriminate a moderate intragastric (IG) alcohol dose (1g/kg) versus water (IG). Following an alcohol (1g/kg) discrimination session phosphorylated ERK(1/2) (pERK(1/2)) immunoreactivity (IR) was significantly elevated in the amygdala, but not the nucleus accumbens. Therefore, we hypothesized that intra-amygdala inhibition of ERK(1/2) would disrupt expression of the discriminative stimulus effects of alcohol. However, intra-amygdala or accumbens administration of the MEK/ERK(1/2) inhibitor U0126 (1 and 3μg) had no effect on the discriminative stimulus effects of the training dose of alcohol (1g/kg). Contrary to our hypothesis, intra-amygdala infusion of U0126 (3μg) potentiated the discriminative stimulus effects of a low alcohol dose (0.5g/kg) and had no effect following nucleus accumbens infusion. Importantly, site-specific inhibition of pERK(1/2) in each brain region was confirmed. Therefore, the increase in pERK(1/2) IR in the amygdala following systemic alcohol administration may be reflective of the widespread effects of alcohol on the brain (activation/inhibition of brain circuits), whereas the site specific microinjection studies confirmed functional involvement of intra-amygdala ERK(1/2). These findings show that activity of the ERK signaling pathway in the amygdala can influence the discriminative stimulus effects of alcohol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Besheer
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Peana AT, Muggironi G, Fois GR, Zinellu M, Vinci S, Acquas E. Effect of opioid receptor blockade on acetaldehyde self-administration and ERK phosphorylation in the rat nucleus accumbens. Alcohol 2011; 45:773-83. [PMID: 21803531 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2011.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2011] [Revised: 06/09/2011] [Accepted: 06/09/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that acetaldehyde (ACD), the first metabolite of ethanol, regulates its motivational properties and possesses reinforcing effects by itself. A large and still growing body of evidence indicates that the endogenous opioidergic system plays a critical role in the motivational effects of ethanol and suggests a role for extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in these effects of both ethanol and ACD. The present study was undertaken to examine if opioid-mediated mechanisms are involved in the reinforcing properties of ACD and in ACD-elicited ERK activation. To this end, Wistar rats were trained to orally self-administer ACD (0.2%) by nose poking. Responses on active nose poke caused delivery of ACD solution, whereas responses on inactive nose poke had no consequences. The effect of pretreatment with a nonselective opioid receptor antagonist, naltrexone (NTX), was evaluated during (1) maintenance of ACD self-administration, (2) deprivation effect after ACD extinction, and (3) ACD self-administration under a progressive-ratio schedule of reinforcement. Additionally, we tested the effect of NTX on saccharin (0.05%) reinforcement, as assessed by oral self-administration, and on ACD-elicited ERK phosphorylation in the nucleus accumbens (Acb), as assessed by immunohistochemistry. Finally, we examined the effect of a μ(1)-selective opioid receptor antagonist, naloxonazine (NLZ), on the maintenance phase of ACD and saccharin self-administration. The results indicate that NTX (0.4-0.8mg/kg) reduced the maintenance, the deprivation effect, and the break points of ACD self-administration without suppressing saccharin self-administration. Moreover, NTX decreased ACD-elicited ERK activation in the Acb shell and core. NLZ (10-15mg/kg) reduced the maintenance phase of ACD self-administration without interfering with saccharin self-administration, whereas both NTX and NLZ failed to modify responses on inactive nose poke indicating the lack of a nonspecific behavioral activation. Overall, these results indicate that the opioid system is implicated in the reinforcing properties of ACD and suggest an involvement of ERK. The finding that NTX and NLZ reduce ACD but not saccharin self-administration indicates that these effects are specific to ACD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra T Peana
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Sassari, Via Muroni 23, Sassari, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Lasek AW, Lim J, Kliethermes CL, Berger KH, Joslyn G, Brush G, Xue L, Robertson M, Moore MS, Vranizan K, Morris SW, Schuckit MA, White RL, Heberlein U. An evolutionary conserved role for anaplastic lymphoma kinase in behavioral responses to ethanol. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22636. [PMID: 21799923 PMCID: PMC3142173 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2010] [Accepted: 06/30/2011] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (Alk) is a gene expressed in the nervous system that encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase commonly known for its oncogenic function in various human cancers. We have determined that Alk is associated with altered behavioral responses to ethanol in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, in mice, and in humans. Mutant flies containing transposon insertions in dAlk demonstrate increased resistance to the sedating effect of ethanol. Database analyses revealed that Alk expression levels in the brains of recombinant inbred mice are negatively correlated with ethanol-induced ataxia and ethanol consumption. We therefore tested Alk gene knockout mice and found that they sedate longer in response to high doses of ethanol and consume more ethanol than wild-type mice. Finally, sequencing of human ALK led to the discovery of four polymorphisms associated with a low level of response to ethanol, an intermediate phenotype that is predictive of future alcohol use disorders (AUDs). These results suggest that Alk plays an evolutionary conserved role in ethanol-related behaviors. Moreover, ALK may be a novel candidate gene conferring risk for AUDs as well as a potential target for pharmacological intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy W. Lasek
- Department of Neurology, Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California San Francisco, Emeryville, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (UH); (AL)
| | - Jana Lim
- Department of Neurology, Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California San Francisco, Emeryville, California, United States of America
| | - Christopher L. Kliethermes
- Department of Neurology, Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California San Francisco, Emeryville, California, United States of America
| | - Karen H. Berger
- Department of Neurology, Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California San Francisco, Emeryville, California, United States of America
| | - Geoff Joslyn
- Department of Neurology, Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California San Francisco, Emeryville, California, United States of America
| | - Gerry Brush
- Department of Neurology, Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California San Francisco, Emeryville, California, United States of America
| | - Liquan Xue
- Departments of Pathology and Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Margaret Robertson
- Department of Neurology, Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California San Francisco, Emeryville, California, United States of America
| | - Monica S. Moore
- Department of Neurology, Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California San Francisco, Emeryville, California, United States of America
| | - Karen Vranizan
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Stephan W. Morris
- Departments of Pathology and Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Marc A. Schuckit
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Raymond L. White
- Department of Neurology, Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California San Francisco, Emeryville, California, United States of America
| | - Ulrike Heberlein
- Department of Neurology, Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California San Francisco, Emeryville, California, United States of America
- Department of Anatomy and Program in Neuroscience, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (UH); (AL)
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Holstein SE, Spanos M, Hodge CW. Adolescent C57BL/6J mice show elevated alcohol intake, but reduced taste aversion, as compared to adult mice: a potential behavioral mechanism for binge drinking. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2011; 35:1842-51. [PMID: 21575017 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2011.01528.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Binge alcohol drinking during adolescence is a serious health problem that may increase future risk of an alcohol use disorder. Although there are several different procedures by which to preclinically model binge-like alcohol intake, limited-access procedures offer the advantage of achieving high voluntary alcohol intake and pharmacologically relevant blood alcohol concentrations (BACs). Therefore, in the current study, developmental differences in binge-like alcohol drinking using a limited-access cycling procedure were examined. In addition, as alcohol drinking has been negatively correlated with sensitivity to the aversive properties of alcohol, we examined developmental differences in sensitivity to an alcohol-induced conditioned taste aversion (CTA). METHODS Binge-like alcohol consumption was investigated in adolescent (4 weeks) and adult (10 weeks) male C57BL/6J mice for 2 to 4 h/d for 16 days. Developmental differences in sensitivity to an alcohol-induced CTA were examined in adolescent and adult mice, with saline or alcohol (3 or 4 g/kg) repeatedly paired with the intake of a novel tastant (NaCl). RESULTS Adolescent mice showed a significant increase in alcohol intake as compared to adults, with adolescents achieving higher BACs and increasing alcohol consumption over successive cycles of the binge procedure. Conversely, adolescent mice exhibited a dose-dependent reduction in sensitivity to the aversive properties of alcohol, as compared to adult mice, with adolescent mice failing to develop a CTA to 3 g/kg alcohol. Finally, extinction of an alcohol CTA was observed following conditioning with a higher dose of alcohol in adolescent, versus adult, mice. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that adolescent mice consume more alcohol, per kilogram body weight, than adults in a binge-like model of alcohol drinking and demonstrate a blunted sensitivity to the conditioned aversive effects of alcohol. Overall, this supports a behavioral framework by which heightened binge alcohol intake during adolescence occurs, in part, via a reduced sensitivity to the aversive properties of alcohol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Holstein
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7178, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity with SL327 does not prevent acquisition, expression, and extinction of ethanol-seeking behavior in mice. Behav Brain Res 2010; 217:399-407. [PMID: 21074569 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2010.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2010] [Revised: 11/03/2010] [Accepted: 11/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Although extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity is essential for the acquisition of a variety of associative learning tasks, its involvement in the acquisition and extinction of ethanol (EtOH)-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) remains unknown. Therefore, in these experiments we examined the effects of the ERK-kinase (MEK)-inhibitor SL327 on acquisition and expression of EtOH-CPP as well as the dose- and time-dependent effects of SL327 on CPP extinction. The parametric findings of Experiment 1 showed that three 30-min (but not 15- or 5-min) non-reinforced trials were required to completely extinguish EtOH-CPP in male, DBA/2J mice. In Experiments 2 and 3, SL327 (30 and 50mg/kg), administered 30 or 90min prior to extinction trials, was unable to impair EtOH-CPP extinction. Experiment 4 showed that SL327 (50mg/kg) had no effect on acquisition of EtOH-CPP or the development of EtOH-induced sensitization during conditioning. When administered prior to testing in Experiments 5 and 6, SL327 did not alter expression of EtOH-CPP but did reduce test activity. Importantly, SL327 significantly reduced pERK protein levels when assessed in the dorsal striatum and motor cortex (Experiment 7). Together, these data suggest that EtOH-related learning and EtOH reward in mice, as assessed with CPP, are not impaired by the systemically administered MEK-inhibitor SL327.
Collapse
|
49
|
Fish EW, Riday TT, McGuigan MM, Faccidomo S, Hodge CW, Malanga CJ. Alcohol, cocaine, and brain stimulation-reward in C57Bl6/J and DBA2/J mice. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2009; 34:81-9. [PMID: 19860803 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2009.01069.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pleasure and reward are critical features of alcohol drinking that are difficult to measure in animal studies. Intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) is a behavioral method for studying the effects of drugs directly on the neural circuitry that underlies brain reward. These experiments had 2 objectives: first, to establish the effects of alcohol on ICSS responding in the C57Bl6/J (C57) and DBA2/J (DBA) mouse strains; and second, to compare these effects to those of the psychostimulant cocaine. METHODS Male C57 and DBA mice were implanted with unipolar stimulating electrodes in the lateral hypothalamus and conditioned to spin a wheel for reinforcement by the delivery of rewarding electrical stimulation (i.e., brain stimulation-reward or BSR). Using the curve-shift method, the BSR threshold (theta(0)) was determined immediately before and after oral gavage with alcohol (0.3, 0.6, 1.0, 1.7 g/kg) or water. Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was measured to determine the influence of alcohol metabolism on BSR threshold. Separately, mice were administered cocaine (1.0, 3.0, 10.0, 30.0 mg/kg) or saline intraperitoneally. RESULTS In C57 mice, the 0.6 g/kg dose of alcohol lowered BSR thresholds by about 20%, during the rising (up to 40 mg/dl), but not falling, phase of BAC. When given to the DBA mice, alcohol lowered BSR thresholds over the entire dose range; the largest reduction was by about 50%. Cocaine lowered BSR thresholds in both strains. However, cocaine was more potent in DBA mice than in C57 mice as revealed by a leftward shift in the cocaine dose-response curve. For both alcohol and cocaine, effects on BSR threshold were dissociable from effects on operant response rates. CONCLUSIONS In C57 and DBA mice, reductions in BSR threshold reflect the ability of alcohol to potentiate the neural mechanisms of brain reward. The DBA mice are more sensitive to the reward-potentiating effects of both alcohol and cocaine, suggesting that there are mouse strain differences in the neural mechanisms of brain reward that can be measured with the ICSS technique.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric W Fish
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Ethanol-modulated camouflage response screen in zebrafish uncovers a novel role for cAMP and extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling in behavioral sensitivity to ethanol. J Neurosci 2009; 29:8408-18. [PMID: 19571131 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0714-09.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ethanol, a widely abused substance, elicits evolutionarily conserved behavioral responses in a concentration-dependent manner in vivo. The molecular mechanisms underlying such behavioral sensitivity to ethanol are poorly understood. While locomotor-based behavioral genetic screening is successful in identifying genes in invertebrate models, such complex behavior-based screening has proven difficult for recovering genes in vertebrates. Here we report a novel and tractable ethanol response in zebrafish. Using this ethanol-modulated camouflage response as a screening assay, we have identified a zebrafish mutant named fantasma (fan), which displays reduced behavioral sensitivity to ethanol. Positional cloning reveals that fan encodes type 5 adenylyl cyclase (AC5). fan/ac5 is required to maintain the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in the forebrain structures, including the telencephalon and hypothalamus. Partial inhibition of phosphorylation of ERK in wild-type zebrafish mimics the reduction in sensitivity to stimulatory effects of ethanol observed in the fan mutant, whereas, strikingly, strong inhibition of phosphorylation of ERK renders a stimulatory dose of ethanol sedating. Since previous studies in Drosophila and mice show a role of cAMP signaling in suppressing behavioral sensitivity to ethanol, our findings reveal a novel, isoform-specific role of AC signaling in promoting ethanol sensitivity, and suggest that the phosphorylation level of the downstream effector ERK is a critical "gatekeeper" of behavioral sensitivity to ethanol.
Collapse
|