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Cieslik-Starkiewicz A, Noworyta K, Solich J, Korlatowicz A, Faron-Górecka A, Rygula R. Identification of genes regulated by trait sensitivity to negative feedback and prolonged alcohol consumption in rats. Pharmacol Rep 2024; 76:207-215. [PMID: 38172401 PMCID: PMC10830829 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00563-4] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The results of our previous studies demonstrated that low sensitivity to negative feedback (NF) is associated with increased vulnerability to the development of compulsive alcohol-seeking in rats. In the present study, we investigated the molecular underpinnings of this relationship. METHODS Using TaqMan Gene Expression Array Cards, we analyzed the expression of the genes related to NF sensitivity and alcohol metabolism in three cortical regions (medial prefrontal cortex [mPFC], anterior cingulate cortex [ACC], orbitofrontal cortex [OFC]) and two subcortical regions (nucleus accumbens [Nacc], amygdala [Amy]). Gene expression differences were confirmed at the protein level with Western blot. RESULTS Sensitivity to NF was characterized by differences in Gad2, Drd2, and Slc6a4 expression in the ACC, Maoa in the mPFC, and Gria1, Htr3a, and Maoa in the OFC. Chronic alcohol consumption was associated with differences in the expression of Comt and Maoa in the ACC, Comt, Adh1, and Htr2b in the mPFC, Adh1, and Slc6a4 in the Nacc, Gad2, and Htr1a in the OFC, and Drd2 in the Amy. Interactions between the sensitivity to NF and alcohol consumption were observed in the expression of Gabra1, Gabbr2, Grin2a, Grin2b, and Grm3 in the ACC, and Grin2a in the OFC. The observed differences were confirmed at the protein level for MAO-A in the mPFC, and ADH1 in the mPFC and Nacc. CONCLUSIONS Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the relationship between trait sensitivity to NF and compulsive alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Cieslik-Starkiewicz
- Affective Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Karolina Noworyta
- Affective Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Joanna Solich
- Biochemical Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agata Korlatowicz
- Biochemical Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agata Faron-Górecka
- Biochemical Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Rafal Rygula
- Affective Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343, Kraków, Poland.
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Cieslik-Starkiewicz A, Noworyta K, Solich J, Korlatowicz A, Faron-Górecka A, Rygula R. Trait sensitivity to positive feedback is a predisposing factor for several aspects of compulsive alcohol drinking in male rats: behavioural, physiological, and molecular correlates. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:33-47. [PMID: 37682294 PMCID: PMC10774643 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06460-1] [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: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders and a leading cause of mortality worldwide. While the pathophysiology underlying AUD is relatively well known, the cognitive mechanisms of an individual's susceptibility to the development of alcohol dependence remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the theoretical claim that sensitivity to positive feedback (PF), as a stable and enduring behavioural trait, can predict individual susceptibility to the acquisition and maintenance of alcohol-seeking behaviour in rats. METHODS Trait sensitivity to PF was assessed using a series of probabilistic reversal learning tests. The escalation of alcohol intake in rats was achieved by applying a mix of intermittent free access and instrumental paradigms of alcohol drinking. The next steps included testing the influence of sensitivity to PF on the acquisition of compulsive alcohol-seeking behaviour in the seeking-taking punishment task, measuring motivation to seek alcohol, and comparing the speed of extinction and reinstatement of alcohol-seeking after a period of abstinence between rats expressing trait insensitivity and sensitivity to PF. Finally, trait differences in the level of stress hormones and in the expression of genes and proteins in several brain regions of interest were measured to identify potential physiological and neuromolecular mechanisms of the observed interactions. RESULTS We showed that trait sensitivity to PF in rats determines the level of motivation to seek alcohol following the experience of its negative consequences. They also revealed significant differences between animals classified as insensitive and sensitive to PF in their propensity to reinstate alcohol-seeking behaviours after a period of forced abstinence. The abovementioned effects were accompanied by differences in blood levels of stress hormones and differences in the cortical and subcortical expression of genes and proteins related to dopaminergic, serotonergic, and GABAergic neurotransmission. CONCLUSION Trait sensitivity to PF can determine the trajectory of alcohol addiction in rats. This effect is, at least partially, mediated via distributed physiological and molecular changes within cortical and subcortical regions of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Cieslik-Starkiewicz
- Department of Pharmacology, Affective Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smetna Street, 31-343, Krakow, Poland
| | - Karolina Noworyta
- Department of Pharmacology, Affective Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smetna Street, 31-343, Krakow, Poland
| | - Joanna Solich
- Department of Pharmacology, Biochemical Pharmacology Laboratory, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smetna Street, 31-343, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agata Korlatowicz
- Department of Pharmacology, Biochemical Pharmacology Laboratory, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smetna Street, 31-343, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agata Faron-Górecka
- Department of Pharmacology, Biochemical Pharmacology Laboratory, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smetna Street, 31-343, Krakow, Poland
| | - Rafal Rygula
- Department of Pharmacology, Affective Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smetna Street, 31-343, Krakow, Poland.
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Papp M, Gruca P, Faron-Górecka A, Kusmider M, Willner P. Genomic Screening of Wistar and Wistar-Kyoto Rats Exposed to Chronic Mild Stress and Deep Brain Stimulation of Prefrontal Cortex. Neuroscience 2019; 423:66-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Schindler EAD, Wallace RM, Sloshower JA, D'Souza DC. Neuroendocrine Associations Underlying the Persistent Therapeutic Effects of Classic Serotonergic Psychedelics. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:177. [PMID: 29545753 PMCID: PMC5838010 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent reports on the effects of psychedelic-assisted therapies for mood disorders and addiction, as well as the effects of psychedelics in the treatment of cluster headache, have demonstrated promising therapeutic results. In addition, the beneficial effects appear to persist well after limited exposure to the drugs, making them particularly appealing as treatments for chronic neuropsychiatric and headache disorders. Understanding the basis of the long-lasting effects, however, will be critical for the continued use and development of this drug class. Several mechanisms, including biological and psychological ones, have been suggested to explain the long-lasting effects of psychedelics. Actions on the neuroendocrine system are some such mechanisms that warrant further investigation in the study of persisting psychedelic effects. In this report, we review certain structural and functional neuroendocrinological pathologies associated with neuropsychiatric disorders and cluster headache. We then review the effects that psychedelic drugs have on those systems and provide preliminary support for potential long-term effects. The circadian biology of cluster headache is of particular relevance in this area. We also discuss methodologic considerations for future investigations of neuroendocrine system involvement in the therapeutic benefits of psychedelic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle A D Schindler
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,Department of Neurology, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - Ryan M Wallace
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Jordan A Sloshower
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - Deepak C D'Souza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States
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MicroRNA Profiling in the Medial and Lateral Habenula of Rats Exposed to the Learned Helplessness Paradigm: Candidate Biomarkers for Susceptibility and Resilience to Inescapable Shock. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160318. [PMID: 27494716 PMCID: PMC4975463 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is a highly heterogeneous disorder presumably caused by a combination of several factors ultimately causing the pathological condition. The genetic liability model of depression is likely to be of polygenic heterogeneity. miRNAs can regulate multiple genes simultaneously and therefore are candidates that align with this model. The habenula has been linked to depression in both clinical and animal studies, shifting interest towards this region as a neural substrate in depression. The goal of the present study was to search for alterations in miRNA expression levels in the medial and lateral habenula of rats exposed to the learned helplessness (LH) rat model of depression. Ten miRNAs showed significant alterations associating with their response to the LH paradigm. Of these, six and four miRNAs were significantly regulated in the MHb and LHb, respectively. In the MHb we identified miR-490, miR-291a-3p, MiR-467a, miR-216a, miR-18b, and miR-302a. In the LHb miR-543, miR-367, miR-467c, and miR-760-5p were significantly regulated. A target gene analysis showed that several of the target genes are involved in MAPK signaling, neutrophin signaling, and ErbB signaling, indicating that neurotransmission is affected in the habenula as a consequence of exposure to the LH paradigm.
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Fisher JR, Wallace CE, Tripoli DL, Sheline YI, Cirrito JR. Redundant Gs-coupled serotonin receptors regulate amyloid-β metabolism in vivo. Mol Neurodegener 2016; 11:45. [PMID: 27315796 PMCID: PMC4912779 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-016-0112-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ) into insoluble plaques is a hallmark pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Previous work has shown increasing serotonin levels with selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) compounds reduces Aβ in the brain interstitial fluid (ISF) in a mouse model of AD and in the cerebrospinal fluid of humans. We investigated which serotonin receptor (5-HTR) subtypes and downstream effectors were responsible for this reduction. RESULTS Agonists of 5-HT4R, 5-HT6R, and 5-HT7R significantly reduced ISF Aβ, but agonists of other receptor subtypes did not. Additionally, inhibition of Protein Kinase A (PKA) blocked the effects of citalopram, an SSRI, on ISF Aβ levels. Serotonin signaling does not appear to change gene expression to reduce Aβ levels in acute timeframes, but likely acts within the cytoplasm to increase α-secretase enzymatic activity. Broad pharmacological inhibition of putative α-secretases increased ISF Aβ and blocked the effects of citalopram. CONCLUSIONS In total, these studies map the major signaling components linking serotonin receptors to suppression of brain ISF Aβ. These results suggest the reduction in ISF Aβ is mediated by a select group of 5-HTRs and open future avenues for targeted therapy of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R Fisher
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Clare E Wallace
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Danielle L Tripoli
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yvette I Sheline
- Departments of Psychiatry, Radiology, and Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John R Cirrito
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. .,Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. .,Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. .,Present Address: Washington University, Neurology, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8111, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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Solich J, Kolasa M, Kusmider M, Pabian P, Faron-Gorecka A, Zurawek D, Szafran-Pilch K, Kedracka-Krok S, Jankowska U, Swiderska B, Dziedzicka-Wasylewska M. Life-long norepinephrine transporter (NET) knock-out leads to the increase in the NET mRNA in brain regions rich in norepinephrine terminals. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 25:1099-108. [PMID: 26002194 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2015.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
These studies aimed to identify the genes differentially expressed in the frontal cortex of mice bearing a life-long norepinephrine transporter knock-out (NET-KO) and wild-type animals (WT). Differences in gene expression in the mouse frontal cortex were studied using a whole-genome microarray approach. Using an alternative approach, i.e. RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) with primers complementary to various exons of the NET gene, as well as TaqMan arrays, the level of mRNA encoding the NET in other brain regions of the NET-KO mice was also examined. The analyses revealed a group of 92 transcripts (27 genes) that differentiated the NET-KO mice from the WT mice. Surprisingly, the studies have shown that the mRNA encoding NET accumulated in the brain regions rich in norepinephrine nerve endings in the NET-KO mice. Because there is no other source of NET mRNA besides the noradrenergic terminals in the brain regions studied, these results might speak in favor of the presence of mRNA in axon terminals. RNA-Binding Protein Immunoprecipitation approach indicated that mRNA encoding NET was detected in the Ago2 protein/mRNA complex. In addition, the amount of Ago2 protein in the frontal cortex was significantly higher in NET-KO mice as compared with that of the WT animals. These results are important for further characterization of the NET-KO mice, which - besides other merits - might serve as a good model to study the fate of truncated mRNA in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Solich
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12, 31-343 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Kolasa
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12, 31-343 Krakow, Poland
| | - Maciej Kusmider
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12, 31-343 Krakow, Poland
| | - Paulina Pabian
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12, 31-343 Krakow, Poland
| | - Agata Faron-Gorecka
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12, 31-343 Krakow, Poland
| | - Dariusz Zurawek
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12, 31-343 Krakow, Poland
| | - Kinga Szafran-Pilch
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12, 31-343 Krakow, Poland
| | - Sylwia Kedracka-Krok
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology of the Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Urszula Jankowska
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology of the Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Bianka Swiderska
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology of the Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Marta Dziedzicka-Wasylewska
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12, 31-343 Krakow, Poland
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Effect of desipramine on gene expression in the mouse frontal cortex – Microarray study. Pharmacol Rep 2015; 67:345-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2014.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Differential and converging molecular mechanisms of antidepressants' action in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. Neuropsychopharmacology 2015; 40:338-49. [PMID: 25035085 PMCID: PMC4443946 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2014.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Revised: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Major depression is a highly prevalent, multidimensional disorder. Although several classes of antidepressants (ADs) are currently available, treatment efficacy is limited, and relapse rates are high; thus, there is a need to find better therapeutic strategies. Neuroplastic changes in brain regions such as the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) accompany depression and its amelioration with ADs. In this study, the unpredictable chronic mild stress (uCMS) rat model of depression was used to determine the molecular mediators of chronic stress and the targets of four ADs with different pharmacological profiles (fluoxetine, imipramine, tianeptine, and agomelatine) in the hippocampal DG. All ADs, except agomelatine, reversed the depression-like behavior and neuroplastic changes produced by uCMS. Chronic stress induced significant molecular changes that were generally reversed by fluoxetine, imipramine, and tianeptine. Fluoxetine primarily acted on neurons to reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory response genes and increased a set of genes involved in cell metabolism. Similarities were found between the molecular actions and targets of imipramine and tianeptine that activated pathways related to cellular protection. Agomelatine presented a unique profile, with pronounced effects on genes related to Rho-GTPase-related pathways in oligodendrocytes and neurons. These differential molecular signatures of ADs studied contribute to our understanding of the processes implicated in the onset and treatment of depression-like symptoms.
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Faron-Górecka A, Kuśmider M, Kolasa M, Żurawek D, Gruca P, Papp M, Szafran K, Solich J, Pabian P, Romańska I, Antkiewicz-Michaluk L, Dziedzicka-Wasylewska M. Prolactin and its receptors in the chronic mild stress rat model of depression. Brain Res 2014; 1555:48-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Tsapakis EM, Fernandes C, Moran-Gates T, Basu A, Sugden K, Aitchison KJ, Tarazi FI. Effects of antidepressant drug exposure on gene expression in the developing cerebral cortex. Synapse 2014; 68:209-20. [PMID: 24458505 DOI: 10.1002/syn.21732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2013] [Revised: 12/27/2013] [Accepted: 01/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
To clarify the basis of limited responses in children and adolescents to antidepressant treatments considered standard in the treatment of adult major depressive disorder, juvenile Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 21-day treatment with dissimilar antidepressant drugs fluoxetine, imipramine, or vehicle control. Total RNA was extracted from brain frontal cortices and hybridized to the Affymetrix 230.2 chip. A total of 18 microarrays were analyzed (i.e., six biological replicates in three treatment groups). Transcripts identified were validated using Taqman real-time quantitative PCR methodology, and the relative expression of each gene was also determined. In both the imipramine- and fluoxetine-treated animals, expression of six genes was down-regulated (ANOVA-filtered gene expression data using dChip [version 2005]): Gpd1; Lrrn3; Sult1A1; Angptl4; Mt1a; Unknown. Furthermore, four genes were over-expressed: P4Ha1; RDG1311476; Rgc32; and SLC25A18-like by both imipramine and fluoxetine. These data demonstrate that antidepressant drugs interfere with the expression of genes involved in cell signaling, survival, and protein metabolism. Our results show that antidepressants regulate the induction of highly specific transcriptional programs in the developing frontal cortex. These findings provide novel insights into the long-term molecular actions of antidepressant drugs in the developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia M Tsapakis
- MRC Social Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Program, Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Abstract
A long-standing theory is that brain monoamine signalling is critically involved in the mechanisms of antidepressant drug treatment. Theories on the nature of these mechanisms commenced with ideas developed in the 1960s that the drugs act simply by increasing monoamine availability in the synapse. However, this thinking has advanced remarkably in the last decade to concepts which position that antidepressant drug action on monoamine signalling is just the starting point for a complex sequence of neuroadaptive molecular and cellular changes that bring about the therapeutic effect. These changes include activation of one or more programmes of gene expression that leads to the strengthening of synaptic efficacy and connectivity, and even switching neural networks into a more immature developmental state. It is thought that through this increase in plasticity, key neural circuits within the limbic system are more easily remodelled by incoming emotionally relevant stimuli. This article attempts to bring together previous and current knowledge of antidepressant drug action on monoamine signalling at molecular and cellular levels, and introduces current thinking that these changes interact with neuropsychological processes ultimately to elevate mood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Sharp
- University Department of Pharmacology, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT, UK.
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