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Hahn A, Reed MB, Murgaš M, Vraka C, Klug S, Schmidt C, Godbersen GM, Eggerstorfer B, Gomola D, Silberbauer LR, Nics L, Philippe C, Hacker M, Lanzenberger R. Dynamics of human serotonin synthesis differentially link to reward anticipation and feedback. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02696-1. [PMID: 39179904 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02696-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) plays an essential role in reward processing, however, the possibilities to investigate 5-HT action in humans during emotional stimulation are particularly limited. Here we demonstrate the feasibility of assessing reward-specific dynamics in 5-HT synthesis using functional PET (fPET), combining its molecular specificity with the high temporal resolution of blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) fMRI. Sixteen healthy volunteers underwent simultaneous fPET/fMRI with the radioligand [11C]AMT, a substrate for tryptophan hydroxylase. During the scan, participants completed the monetary incentive delay task and arterial blood samples were acquired for quantifying 5-HT synthesis rates. BOLD fMRI was recorded as a proxy of neuronal activation, allowing differentiation of reward anticipation and feedback. Monetary gain and loss resulted in substantial increases in 5-HT synthesis in the ventral striatum (VStr, +21% from baseline) and the anterior insula (+41%). In the VStr, task-specific 5-HT synthesis was further correlated with BOLD signal changes during reward feedback (ρ = -0.65), but not anticipation. Conversely, 5-HT synthesis in the anterior insula correlated with BOLD reward anticipation (ρ = -0.61), but not feedback. In sum, we provide a robust tool to identify task-induced changes in 5-HT action in humans, linking the dynamics of 5-HT synthesis to distinct phases of reward processing in a regionally specific manner. Given the relevance of altered reward processing in psychiatric disorders such as addiction, depression and schizophrenia, our approach offers a tailored assessment of impaired 5-HT signaling during cognitive and emotional processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Hahn
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Murray B Reed
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matej Murgaš
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Chrysoula Vraka
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sebastian Klug
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Clemens Schmidt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Godber M Godbersen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benjamin Eggerstorfer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Gomola
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leo R Silberbauer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Nics
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cécile Philippe
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marcus Hacker
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rupert Lanzenberger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Lu F, Zhang J, Zhong Y, Hong L, Wang J, Du H, Fang J, Fan Y, Wang X, Yang Y, He Z, Jia C, Wang W, Lv X. Neural signatures of default mode network subsystems in first-episode, drug-naive patients with major depressive disorder after 6-week thought induction psychotherapy treatment. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae263. [PMID: 39171204 PMCID: PMC11337011 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Evidence indicates that the default mode network (DMN) plays a crucial role in the neuropathology of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the neural signatures of DMN subsystems in MDD after low resistance Thought Induction Psychotherapy (TIP) remain incompletely understood. We collected functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 20 first-episode, drug-naive MDD and 20 healthy controls (HCs). The DMN was segmented into three subsystems and seed-based functional connectivity (FC) was computed. After 6-week treatment, the significantly reduced FCs with the medial temporal lobe memory subsystem in MDD at baseline were enhanced and were comparable to that in HCs. Changed Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores were significantly related with changed FC between the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and the right precuneus (PCUN). Further, changed serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine levels were significantly correlated with changed FCs between the PCC and the left PCUN, between the posterior inferior parietal lobule and the left inferior temporal gyrus, and between the retrosplenial cortex and the right inferior frontal gyrus, opercular part. Finally, the support vector machine obtained an accuracy of 67.5% to distinguish between MDD at baseline and HCs. These findings may deepen our understanding of the neural basis of the effects of TIP on DMN subsystems in MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengmei Lu
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Jinhua Zhang
- Psychology Department of Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Yihua Zhong
- Teaching Department, The Open University of Chengdu, Chengdu 610213, China
| | - Lan Hong
- Psychology Department of Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Psychology Department of Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Hui Du
- Psychology Department of Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Jiliang Fang
- Psychology Department of Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Yangyang Fan
- Psychology Department of Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Xiaoling Wang
- Psychology Department of Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Psychology Department of Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Zongling He
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Chen Jia
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Weidong Wang
- Psychology Department of Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Xueyu Lv
- Psychology Department of Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
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Stoliker D, Novelli L, Vollenweider FX, Egan GF, Preller KH, Razi A. Neural Mechanisms of Resting-State Networks and the Amygdala Underlying the Cognitive and Emotional Effects of Psilocybin. Biol Psychiatry 2024; 96:57-66. [PMID: 38185235 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serotonergic psychedelics, such as psilocybin, alter perceptual and cognitive systems that are functionally integrated with the amygdala. These changes can alter cognition and emotions that are hypothesized to contribute to their therapeutic utility. However, the neural mechanisms of cognitive and subcortical systems altered by psychedelics are not well understood. METHODS We used resting-state functional magnetic resonance images collected during a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of 24 healthy adults under 0.2 mg/kg psilocybin to estimate the directed (i.e., effective) changes between the amygdala and 3 large-scale resting-state networks involved in cognition. These networks are the default mode network, the salience network, and the central executive network. RESULTS We found a pattern of decreased top-down effective connectivity from these resting-state networks to the amygdala. Effective connectivity decreased within the default mode network and salience network but increased within the central executive network. These changes in effective connectivity were statistically associated with behavioral measures of altered cognition and emotion under the influence of psilocybin. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that temporary amygdala signal attenuation is associated with mechanistic changes to resting-state network connectivity. These changes are significant for altered cognition and perception and suggest targets for research investigating the efficacy of psychedelic therapy for internalizing psychiatric disorders. More broadly, our study suggests the value of quantifying the brain's hierarchical organization using effective connectivity to identify important mechanisms for basic cognitive function and how they are integrated to give rise to subjective experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon Stoliker
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leonardo Novelli
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Franz X Vollenweider
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy & Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gary F Egan
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katrin H Preller
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy & Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Adeel Razi
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, London, United Kingdom; CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program, CIFAR, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Ozols AB, Wei J, Campbell JM, Hu C, Qiu S, Gallitano AL. Activity of prefrontal cortex serotonin 2A receptor expressing neurons is necessary for the head-twitch response of mice to psychedelic drug DOI in a sex-dependent manner. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.21.595211. [PMID: 38826361 PMCID: PMC11142205 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.21.595211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Serotonin 2A receptors (5-HT 2A Rs) mediate the effects of psychedelic drugs. 5-HT 2A R agonists, such as (-)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine hydrochloride (DOI), that produce a psychedelic experience in humans induce a head-twitch response (HTR) behavior in rodents. However, it is unknown whether the activity of 5-HT 2A R expressing neurons is sufficient to produce the HTR in the absence of an agonist, or in which brain region 5-HT 2A Rs control the HTR. Here, we use an optogenetic approach to examine whether activation of 5-HT 2A R expressing neurons in the mouse prefrontal cortex (PFC) is sufficient to induce HTRs alone, or may augment the HTR produced by DOI, and if inhibition of these neurons prevents DOI-induced HTRs in mice. We crossed Htr2a -Cre mice to Cre-dependent optogenetic lines Ai32 (channelrhodopsin) and Ai39 (halorhodopsin) to selectively activate and inhibit (respectively) 5-HT 2A R-expressing neurons in the PFC of adult mice. We found that optogenetic stimulation of PFC 5-HT 2A R expressing neurons in the absence of an agonist does not increase HTRs in mice. In both male and female Ai32 mice that received vehicle, there was no difference in HTRs in mice that expressed Htr2a -Cre compared with control mice, indicating that optogenetic activation of 5-HT 2A R+ cells in the PFC was not sufficient to produce HTRs in the absence of an agonist. In female mice, activation of PFC 5-HT 2A R expressing neurons augmented the HTR produced by DOI. However, this result was not seen in male mice. In contrast, inhibition of 5-HT 2A R expressing neurons in the PFC prevented the increase in HTR produced by DOI in male, but not in female, mice. Together, these findings suggest that activation of 5-HT 2A Rs in the PFC is not sufficient to induce HTRs in the absence of a 5-HT 2A R agonist but is necessary for induction of HTRs by a 5-HT 2A R agonist in a sex-dependent manner.
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Karagöl T, Karagöl A, Zhang S. Structural bioinformatics studies of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine transporters and their AlphaFold2 predicted water-soluble QTY variants and uncovering the natural mutations of L->Q, I->T, F->Y and Q->L, T->I and Y->F. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300340. [PMID: 38517879 PMCID: PMC10959339 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Monoamine transporters including transporters for serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine play key roles in monoaminergic synaptic signaling, involving in the molecular etiology of a wide range of neurological and physiological disorders. Despite being crucial drug targets, the study of transmembrane proteins remains challenging due to their localization within the cell membrane. To address this, we present the structural bioinformatics studies of 7 monoamine transporters and their water-soluble variants designed using the QTY code, by systematically replacing the hydrophobic amino acids leucine (L), valine (V), isoleucine (I) and phenylalanine (F) with hydrophilic amino acids (glutamine (Q), threonine (T) and tyrosine (Y). The resulting QTY variants, despite significant protein transmembrane sequence differences (44.27%-51.85%), showed similar isoelectric points (pI) and molecular weights. While their hydrophobic surfaces significantly reduced, this change resulted in a minimal structural alteration. Quantitatively, Alphafold2 predicted QTY variant structures displayed remarkable similarity with RMSD 0.492Å-1.619Å. Accompanied by the structural similarities of substituted amino acids in the context of 1.5Å electron density maps, our study revealed multiple QTY and reverse QTY variations in genomic databases. We further analyzed their phenotypical and topological characteristics. By extending evolutionary game theory to the molecular foundations of biology, we provided insights into the evolutionary dynamics of chemically distinct alpha-helices, their usage in different chemotherapeutic applications, and open possibilities of diagnostic medicine. Our study rationalizes that QTY variants of monoamine transporters may not only become distinct tools for medical, structural, and evolutionary research, but these transporters may also emerge as contemporary therapeutic targets, providing a new approach to treatment for several conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taner Karagöl
- Istanbul University Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alper Karagöl
- Istanbul University Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Shuguang Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Architecture, Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
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Bremshey S, Groß J, Renken K, Masseck OA. The role of serotonin in depression-A historical roundup and future directions. J Neurochem 2024. [PMID: 38477031 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders worldwide, affecting approximately 280 million people, with probably much higher unrecorded cases. Depression is associated with symptoms such as anhedonia, feelings of hopelessness, sleep disturbances, and even suicidal thoughts. Tragically, more than 700 000 people commit suicide each year. Although depression has been studied for many decades, the exact mechanisms that lead to depression are still unknown, and available treatments only help a fraction of patients. In the late 1960s, the serotonin hypothesis was published, suggesting that serotonin is the key player in depressive disorders. However, this hypothesis is being increasingly doubted as there is evidence for the influence of other neurotransmitters, such as noradrenaline, glutamate, and dopamine, as well as larger systemic causes such as altered activity in the limbic network or inflammatory processes. In this narrative review, we aim to contribute to the ongoing debate on the involvement of serotonin in depression. We will review the evolution of antidepressant treatments, systemic research on depression over the years, and future research applications that will help to bridge the gap between systemic research and neurotransmitter dynamics using biosensors. These new tools in combination with systemic applications, will in the future provide a deeper understanding of the serotonergic dynamics in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Bremshey
- Synthetic Biology, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Neuropharmacology, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Juliana Groß
- Synthetic Biology, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Kim Renken
- Synthetic Biology, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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Luppi AI, Girn M, Rosas FE, Timmermann C, Roseman L, Erritzoe D, Nutt DJ, Stamatakis EA, Spreng RN, Xing L, Huttner WB, Carhart-Harris RL. A role for the serotonin 2A receptor in the expansion and functioning of human transmodal cortex. Brain 2024; 147:56-80. [PMID: 37703310 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad311] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrating independent but converging lines of research on brain function and neurodevelopment across scales, this article proposes that serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) signalling is an evolutionary and developmental driver and potent modulator of the macroscale functional organization of the human cerebral cortex. A wealth of evidence indicates that the anatomical and functional organization of the cortex follows a unimodal-to-transmodal gradient. Situated at the apex of this processing hierarchy-where it plays a central role in the integrative processes underpinning complex, human-defining cognition-the transmodal cortex has disproportionately expanded across human development and evolution. Notably, the adult human transmodal cortex is especially rich in 5-HT2AR expression and recent evidence suggests that, during early brain development, 5-HT2AR signalling on neural progenitor cells stimulates their proliferation-a critical process for evolutionarily-relevant cortical expansion. Drawing on multimodal neuroimaging and cross-species investigations, we argue that, by contributing to the expansion of the human cortex and being prevalent at the apex of its hierarchy in the adult brain, 5-HT2AR signalling plays a major role in both human cortical expansion and functioning. Owing to its unique excitatory and downstream cellular effects, neuronal 5-HT2AR agonism promotes neuroplasticity, learning and cognitive and psychological flexibility in a context-(hyper)sensitive manner with therapeutic potential. Overall, we delineate a dual role of 5-HT2ARs in enabling both the expansion and modulation of the human transmodal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea I Luppi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Division of Anaesthesia, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1SB, UK
- The Alan Turing Institute, London, NW1 2DB, UK
| | - Manesh Girn
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, H3A 2B4, Canada
- Psychedelics Division-Neuroscape, Department of Neurology, University of California SanFrancisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Fernando E Rosas
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
- Data Science Institute, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
- Centre for Complexity Science, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Christopher Timmermann
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Leor Roseman
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - David Erritzoe
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - David J Nutt
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Emmanuel A Stamatakis
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Division of Anaesthesia, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - R Nathan Spreng
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Lei Xing
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, 01307, Germany
| | - Wieland B Huttner
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, 01307, Germany
| | - Robin L Carhart-Harris
- Psychedelics Division-Neuroscape, Department of Neurology, University of California SanFrancisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
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Holas P, Kamińska J. Mindfulness meditation and psychedelics: potential synergies and commonalities. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:1398-1409. [PMID: 37926796 PMCID: PMC10661803 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00551-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
There has been increasing scientific and clinical interest in studying psychedelic and meditation-based interventions in recent years, both in the context of improving mental health and as tools for understanding the mind. Several authors suggest neurophysiological and phenomenological parallels and overlaps between psychedelic and meditative states and suggest synergistic effects of both methods. Both psychedelic-assisted therapy and meditation training in the form of mindfulness-based interventions have been experimentally validated with moderate to large effects as alternative treatments for a variety of mental health problems, including depression, addictions, and anxiety disorders. Both demonstrated significant post-acute and long-term decreases in clinical symptoms and enhancements in well-being in healthy participants, in addition. Postulated shared salutogenic mechanisms, include, among others the ability to alter self-consciousness, present-moment awareness and antidepressant action via corresponding neuromodulatory effects. These shared mechanisms between mindfulness training and psychedelic intervention have led to scientists theorizing, and recently demonstrating, positive synergistic effects when both are used in combination. Research findings suggest that these two approaches can complement each other, enhancing the positive effects of both interventions. However, more theoretical accounts and methodologically sound research are needed before they can be extended into clinical practice. The current review aims to discuss the theoretical rationale of combining psychedelics with mindfulness training, including the predictive coding framework as well as research findings regarding synergies and commonalities between mindfulness training and psychedelic intervention. In addition, suggestions how to combine the two modalities are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Holas
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
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9
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Banushi B, Polito V. A Comprehensive Review of the Current Status of the Cellular Neurobiology of Psychedelics. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1380. [PMID: 37997979 PMCID: PMC10669348 DOI: 10.3390/biology12111380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Psychedelic substances have gained significant attention in recent years for their potential therapeutic effects on various psychiatric disorders. This review delves into the intricate cellular neurobiology of psychedelics, emphasizing their potential therapeutic applications in addressing the global burden of mental illness. It focuses on contemporary research into the pharmacological and molecular mechanisms underlying these substances, particularly the role of 5-HT2A receptor signaling and the promotion of plasticity through the TrkB-BDNF pathway. The review also discusses how psychedelics affect various receptors and pathways and explores their potential as anti-inflammatory agents. Overall, this research represents a significant development in biomedical sciences with the potential to transform mental health treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blerida Banushi
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Vince Polito
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia;
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10
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Saldanha BC, Silva PA, Maximino C, Cardoso GC, Trigo S, Soares MC. The role of serotonin in modulating common waxbill behaviour. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-023-03316-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a monoaminergic neurotransmitter that is known to influence behaviour in various animal species. Its actions, however, are complex and not well-understood yet. Here, we tested whether and how two 5-HT receptor agonists and a 5-HT receptor antagonist influence behaviour in common waxbills (Estrilda astrild), focusing on aggression, movement and feeding. We applied acute administration of either 8-OH-DPAT (a 5-HT1A receptor agonist), fluoxetine (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; SSRI) or WAY 100,635 (a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist), and then quantified behaviour in the context of competition for food. Waxbills treated with the SSRI fluoxetine showed an overall decrease of aggressive behaviour, activity and feeding, while we found no significant effects of treatment with the other serotonergic enhancer (8-OH-DPAT) or with the antagonist WAY 100,635. Since both 8-OH-DPAT and WAY 100,635 act mainly on 5-HT1A receptor pathways, while fluoxetine more generally affects 5-HT pathways, our results suggest that receptors other than 5-HT1A are important for serotonergic modulation of waxbill behaviour.
Significance statement
The serotonergic system is of interest for current behavioural research due to its influence on a range of behaviours, including aggression, affiliative behaviour, feeding and locomotion in various species. There are, however, numerous discrepancies regarding the behavioural effects of serotonin across studies. We used acute pharmacological manipulations of the serotonergic system in common waxbills, using two serotonin enhancers (8-OH-DPAT and fluoxetine) and a serotonin blocker (WAY 100,635). Behavioural effects of these pharmacological manipulations on aggressiveness, movement and feeding, during tests of competition over food, indicated an anxiogenic-like effect of fluoxetine, but not of 8-OH-DPAT and WAY 100,635. This suggests a distinct role for different serotonergic pathways on waxbill behaviour.
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11
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Aqil M, Roseman L. More than meets the eye: The role of sensory dimensions in psychedelic brain dynamics, experience, and therapeutics. Neuropharmacology 2023; 223:109300. [PMID: 36334767 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Psychedelics are undergoing a major resurgence of scientific and clinical interest. While multiple theories and frameworks have been proposed, there is yet no universal agreement on the mechanisms underlying the complex effects of psychedelics on subjective experience and brain dynamics, nor their therapeutic benefits. Despite being prominent in psychedelic phenomenology and distinct from those elicited by other classes of hallucinogens, the effects of psychedelics on low-level sensory - particularly visual - dimensions of experience, and corresponding brain dynamics, have often been disregarded by contemporary research as 'epiphenomenal byproducts'. Here, we review available evidence from neuroimaging, pharmacology, questionnaires, and clinical studies; we propose extensions to existing models, provide testable hypotheses for the potential therapeutic roles of psychedelic-induced visual hallucinations, and simulations of visual phenomena relying on low-level cortical dynamics. In sum, we show that psychedelic-induced alterations in low-level sensory dimensions 1) are unlikely to be entirely causally reconducible to high-level alterations, but rather co-occur with them in a dialogical interplay, and 2) are likely to play a causally relevant role in determining high-level alterations and therapeutic outcomes. We conclude that reevaluating the currently underappreciated role of sensory dimensions in psychedelic states will be highly valuable for neuroscience and clinical practice, and that integrating low-level and domain-specific aspects of psychedelic effects into existing nonspecific models is a necessary step to further understand how these substances effect both acute and long-term change in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Aqil
- Spinoza Centre for Neuroimaging, the Netherlands; Computational Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Institute for Neuroscience, the Netherlands; Experimental and Applied Psychology, Vrije University Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Leor Roseman
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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12
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Scholkmann F, Vollenweider FX. Psychedelics and fNIRS neuroimaging: exploring new opportunities. NEUROPHOTONICS 2023; 10:013506. [PMID: 36474478 PMCID: PMC9717437 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.10.1.013506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In this Outlook paper, we explain to the optical neuroimaging community as well as the psychedelic research community the great potential of using optical neuroimaging with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to further explore the changes in brain activity induced by psychedelics. We explain why we believe now is the time to exploit the momentum of the current resurgence of research on the effects of psychedelics and the momentum of the increasing progress and popularity of the fNIRS technique to establish fNIRS in psychedelic research. With this article, we hope to contribute to this development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Scholkmann
- University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Biomedical Optics Research Laboratory, Department of Neonatology, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Bern, Institute of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Franz X. Vollenweider
- University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Neuropsychopharmacology and Brain Imaging, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Zurich, Switzerland
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13
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Klein-Flügge MC, Jensen DEA, Takagi Y, Priestley L, Verhagen L, Smith SM, Rushworth MFS. Relationship between nuclei-specific amygdala connectivity and mental health dimensions in humans. Nat Hum Behav 2022; 6:1705-1722. [PMID: 36138220 PMCID: PMC7613949 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-022-01434-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
There has been increasing interest in using neuroimaging measures to predict psychiatric disorders. However, predictions usually rely on large brain networks and large disorder heterogeneity. Thus, they lack both anatomical and behavioural specificity, preventing the advancement of targeted interventions. Here we address both challenges. First, using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, we parcellated the amygdala, a region implicated in mood disorders, into seven nuclei. Next, a questionnaire factor analysis provided subclinical mental health dimensions frequently altered in anxious-depressive individuals, such as negative emotions and sleep problems. Finally, for each behavioural dimension, we identified the most predictive resting-state functional connectivity between individual amygdala nuclei and highly specific regions of interest, such as the dorsal raphe nucleus in the brainstem or medial frontal cortical regions. Connectivity in circumscribed amygdala networks predicted behaviours in an independent dataset. Our results reveal specific relations between mental health dimensions and connectivity in precise subcortical networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam C Klein-Flügge
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (WIN), Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (WIN), Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain (FMRIB) and Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Daria E A Jensen
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (WIN), Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Yu Takagi
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (WIN), Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain (FMRIB) and Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Luke Priestley
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (WIN), Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (WIN), Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain (FMRIB) and Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lennart Verhagen
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (WIN), Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (WIN), Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain (FMRIB) and Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Stephen M Smith
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (WIN), Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain (FMRIB) and Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Matthew F S Rushworth
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (WIN), Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (WIN), Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain (FMRIB) and Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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14
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Stoliker D, Egan GF, Friston KJ, Razi A. Neural Mechanisms and Psychology of Psychedelic Ego Dissolution. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:876-917. [PMID: 36786290 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroimaging studies of psychedelics have advanced our understanding of hierarchical brain organization and the mechanisms underlying their subjective and therapeutic effects. The primary mechanism of action of classic psychedelics is binding to serotonergic 5-HT2A receptors. Agonist activity at these receptors leads to neuromodulatory changes in synaptic efficacy that can have a profound effect on hierarchical message-passing in the brain. Here, we review the cognitive and neuroimaging evidence for the effects of psychedelics: in particular, their influence on selfhood and subject-object boundaries-known as ego dissolution-surmised to underwrite their subjective and therapeutic effects. Agonism of 5-HT2A receptors, located at the apex of the cortical hierarchy, may have a particularly powerful effect on sentience and consciousness. These effects can endure well after the pharmacological half-life, suggesting that psychedelics may have effects on neural plasticity that may play a role in their therapeutic efficacy. Psychologically, this may be accompanied by a disarming of ego resistance that increases the repertoire of perceptual hypotheses and affords alternate pathways for thought and behavior, including those that undergird selfhood. We consider the interaction between serotonergic neuromodulation and sentience through the lens of hierarchical predictive coding, which speaks to the value of psychedelics in understanding how we make sense of the world and specific predictions about effective connectivity in cortical hierarchies that can be tested using functional neuroimaging. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Classic psychedelics bind to serotonergic 5-HT2A receptors. Their agonist activity at these receptors leads to neuromodulatory changes in synaptic efficacy, resulting in a profound effect on information processing in the brain. Here, we synthesize an abundance of brain imaging research with pharmacological and psychological interpretations informed by the framework of predictive coding. Moreover, predictive coding is suggested to offer more sophisticated interpretations of neuroimaging findings by bridging the role between the 5-HT2A receptors and large-scale brain networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon Stoliker
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health (D.S., G.F.E., A.R.) and Monash Biomedical Imaging (G.F.E., A.R.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL, London, United Kingdom (K.J.F., A.R.); and CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar, CIFAR, Toronto, Canada (A.R.)
| | - Gary F Egan
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health (D.S., G.F.E., A.R.) and Monash Biomedical Imaging (G.F.E., A.R.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL, London, United Kingdom (K.J.F., A.R.); and CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar, CIFAR, Toronto, Canada (A.R.)
| | - Karl J Friston
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health (D.S., G.F.E., A.R.) and Monash Biomedical Imaging (G.F.E., A.R.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL, London, United Kingdom (K.J.F., A.R.); and CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar, CIFAR, Toronto, Canada (A.R.)
| | - Adeel Razi
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health (D.S., G.F.E., A.R.) and Monash Biomedical Imaging (G.F.E., A.R.), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL, London, United Kingdom (K.J.F., A.R.); and CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar, CIFAR, Toronto, Canada (A.R.)
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15
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Barthel H, Villemagne VL, Drzezga A. Future Directions in Molecular Imaging of Neurodegenerative Disorders. J Nucl Med 2022; 63:68S-74S. [PMID: 35649650 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.121.263202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The improvement of existing techniques and the development of new molecular imaging methods are an exciting and rapidly developing field in clinical care and research of neurodegenerative disorders. In the clinic, molecular imaging has the potential to improve early and differential diagnosis and to stratify and monitor therapy in these disorders. Meanwhile, in research, these techniques improve our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and pathobiochemistry of these disorders and allow for drug testing. This article is an overview on our perspective on future developments in neurodegeneration tracers and the associated imaging technologies. For example, we predict that the current portfolio of β-amyloid and tau aggregate tracers will be improved and supplemented by tracers allowing imaging of other protein aggregation pathologies, such as α-synuclein and transactive response DNA binding protein 43 kDa. Future developments will likely also be observed in imaging neurotransmitter systems. This refers to both offering imaging to a broader population in cases involving the dopaminergic, cholinergic, and serotonergic systems and making possible the imaging of systems not yet explored, such as the glutamate and opioid systems. Tracers will be complemented by improved tracers of neuroinflammation and synaptic density. Technologywise, the use of hybrid PET/MRI, dedicated brain PET, and total-body PET scanners, as well as advanced image acquisition and processing protocols, will open doors toward broader and more efficient clinical use and novel research applications. Molecular imaging has the potential of becoming a standard and essential clinical and research tool to diagnose and study neurodegenerative disorders and to guide treatments. On that road, we will need to redefine the role of molecular imaging in relation to that of emerging blood-based biomarkers. Taken together, the unique features of molecular imaging-that is, the potential to provide direct noninvasive information on the presence, extent, localization, and quantity of molecular pathologic processes in the living body-together with the predicted novel tracer and imaging technology developments, provide optimism about a bright future for this approach to improved care and research on neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henryk Barthel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Victor L Villemagne
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and
| | - Alexander Drzezga
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Bonn, Germany, and Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Molecular Organization of the Brain, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
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16
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Tagliazucchi E. Language as a Window Into the Altered State of Consciousness Elicited by Psychedelic Drugs. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:812227. [PMID: 35392561 PMCID: PMC8980225 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.812227] [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: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychedelics are drugs capable of eliciting profound alterations in the subjective experience of the users, sometimes with long-lasting consequences. Because of this, psychedelic research tends to focus on human subjects, given their capacity to construct detailed narratives about the contents of their consciousness experiences. In spite of its relevance, the interaction between serotonergic psychedelics and language production is comparatively understudied in the recent literature. This review is focused on two aspects of this interaction: how the acute effects of psychedelic drugs impact on speech organization regardless of its semantic content, and how to characterize the subjective effects of psychedelic drugs by analyzing the semantic content of written retrospective reports. We show that the computational characterization of language production is capable of partially predicting the therapeutic outcome of individual experiences, relate the effects elicited by psychedelics with those associated with other altered states of consciousness, draw comparisons between the psychedelic state and the symptomatology of certain psychiatric disorders, and investigate the neurochemical profile and mechanism of action of different psychedelic drugs. We conclude that researchers studying psychedelics can considerably expand the range of their potential scientific conclusions by analyzing brief interviews obtained before, during and after the acute effects. Finally, we list a series of questions and open problems that should be addressed to further consolidate this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enzo Tagliazucchi
- Latin American Brain Health Institute (BrainLat), Universidad Adolfo Ibanez, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Física, Universidad de Buenos Aires and Instituto de Física de Buenos Aires (IFIBA, CONICET), Pabellón I, Ciudad Universitaria (1428), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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17
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Stoliker D, Egan GF, Razi A. Reduced Precision Underwrites Ego Dissolution and Therapeutic Outcomes Under Psychedelics. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:827400. [PMID: 35368271 PMCID: PMC8968396 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.827400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests classic psychedelics reduce the precision of belief updating and enable access to a range of alternate hypotheses that underwrite how we make sense of the world. This process, in the higher cortices, has been postulated to explain the therapeutic efficacy of psychedelics for the treatment of internalizing disorders. We argue reduced precision also underpins change to consciousness, known as "ego dissolution," and that alterations to consciousness and attention under psychedelics have a common mechanism of reduced precision of Bayesian belief updating. Evidence, connecting the role of serotonergic receptors to large-scale connectivity changes in the cortex, suggests the precision of Bayesian belief updating may be a mechanism to modify and investigate consciousness and attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon Stoliker
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Gary F Egan
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Adeel Razi
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
- CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Programs, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), Toronto, ON, Canada
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18
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Thomas CW, Blanco-Duque C, Bréant BJ, Goodwin GM, Sharp T, Bannerman DM, Vyazovskiy VV. Psilocin acutely alters sleep-wake architecture and cortical brain activity in laboratory mice. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:77. [PMID: 35197453 PMCID: PMC8866416 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01846-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelic drugs, such as psilocin (4-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine), profoundly alter the quality of consciousness through mechanisms which are incompletely understood. Growing evidence suggests that a single psychedelic experience can positively impact long-term psychological well-being, with relevance for the treatment of psychiatric disorders, including depression. A prominent factor associated with psychiatric disorders is disturbed sleep, and the sleep-wake cycle is implicated in the homeostatic regulation of neuronal activity and synaptic plasticity. However, it remains largely unknown to what extent psychedelic agents directly affect sleep, in terms of both acute arousal and homeostatic sleep regulation. Here, chronic electrophysiological recordings were obtained in mice to track sleep-wake architecture and cortical activity after psilocin injection. Administration of psilocin led to delayed REM sleep onset and reduced NREM sleep maintenance for up to approximately 3 h after dosing, and the acute EEG response was associated primarily with an enhanced oscillation around 4 Hz. No long-term changes in sleep-wake quantity were found. When combined with sleep deprivation, psilocin did not alter the dynamics of homeostatic sleep rebound during the subsequent recovery period, as reflected in both sleep amount and EEG slow-wave activity. However, psilocin decreased the recovery rate of sleep slow-wave activity following sleep deprivation in the local field potentials of electrodes targeting the medial prefrontal and surrounding cortex. It is concluded that psilocin affects both global vigilance state control and local sleep homeostasis, an effect which may be relevant for its antidepressant efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W. Thomas
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Cristina Blanco-Duque
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Benjamin J. Bréant
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Guy M. Goodwin
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Trevor Sharp
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David M. Bannerman
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Vladyslav V. Vyazovskiy
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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19
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Aripiprazole Offsets Mutant ATXN3-Induced Motor Dysfunction by Targeting Dopamine D2 and Serotonin 1A and 2A Receptors in C. elegans. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020370. [PMID: 35203579 PMCID: PMC8962381 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The atypical antipsychotic aripiprazole is a Food and Drug Administration-approved drug for the treatment of psychotic, mood, and other psychiatric disorders. Previous drug discovery efforts pinpointed aripiprazole as an effective suppressor of Machado–Joseph disease (MJD) pathogenesis, as its administration resulted in a reduced abundance and aggregation of mutant Ataxin-3 (ATXN3) proteins. Dopamine partial agonism and functional selectivity have been proposed as the main pharmacological mechanism of action of aripiprazole in the treatment of psychosis; however, this mechanism remains to be determined in the context of MJD. Here, we focus on confirming the efficacy of aripiprazole to reduce motor dysfunction in vivo, using a Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model of MJD, and on unveiling the drug targets required for its positive action against mutant ATXN3 pathogenesis. We employed pharmacogenetics and pharmacological approaches to identify which dopamine and serotonin receptors are critical for aripiprazole-mediated improvements in motor function. We demonstrated that dopamine D2-like and serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors play important roles in this process. Our findings strengthen the relevance of dopaminergic and serotoninergic signaling modulation against mutant ATXN3-mediated pathogenesis. The identification of aripiprazole’s cellular targets, relevant for MJD and perhaps other neurodegenerative diseases, may pave the way for prospective drug discovery and development campaigns aiming to improve the features of this prototypical compound and reduce side effects not negligible in the case of aripiprazole.
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20
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Vollenweider FX, Smallridge JW. Classic Psychedelic Drugs: Update on Biological
Mechanisms. PHARMACOPSYCHIATRY 2022; 55:121-138. [PMID: 35079988 PMCID: PMC9110100 DOI: 10.1055/a-1721-2914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Renewed interest in the effects of psychedelics in the treatment of psychiatric
disorders warrants a better understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms
underlying the effects of these substances. During the past two decades,
state-of-the-art studies of animals and humans have yielded new important
insights into the molecular, cellular, and systems-level actions of psychedelic
drugs. These efforts have revealed that psychedelics affect primarily
serotonergic receptor subtypes located in cortico-thalamic and cortico-cortical
feedback circuits of information processing. Psychedelic drugs modulate
excitatory-inhibitory balance in these circuits and can participate in
neuroplasticity within brain structures critical for the integration of
information relevant to sensation, cognition, emotions, and the narrative of
self. Neuroimaging studies showed that characteristic dimensions of the
psychedelic experience obtained through subjective questionnaires as well as
alterations in self-referential processing and emotion regulation obtained
through neuropsychological tasks are associated with distinct changes in brain
activity and connectivity patterns at multiple-system levels. These recent
results suggest that changes in self-experience, emotional processing, and
social cognition may contribute to the potential therapeutic effects of
psychedelics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz X. Vollenweider
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Brain Imaging, Department of Psychiatry,
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital for Psychiatry Zurich,
Zurich, Switzerland
| | - John W. Smallridge
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Brain Imaging, Department of Psychiatry,
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital for Psychiatry Zurich,
Zurich, Switzerland
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21
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Cui J, Wang Y, Liu R, Chen X, Zhang Z, Feng Y, Zhou J, Zhou Y, Wang G. Effects of escitalopram therapy on resting-state functional connectivity of subsystems of the default mode network in unmedicated patients with major depressive disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:634. [PMID: 34903712 PMCID: PMC8668990 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01754-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Antidepressants are often the first-line medications prescribed for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Given the critical role of the default mode network (DMN) in the physiopathology of MDD, the current study aimed to investigate the effects of antidepressants on the resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) within and between the DMN subsystems. We collected resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data from 36 unmedicated MDD patients at baseline and after escitalopram treatment for 12 weeks. The rs-fMRI data were also collected from 61 matched healthy controls at the time point with the same interval. Then, we decomposed the DMN into three subsystems based on a template from previous studies and computed the rsFC within and between the three subsystems. Finally, repeated measures analysis of covariance was conducted to identify the main effect of group and time and their interaction effect. We found that the significantly reduced within-subsystem rsFC in the DMN core subsystem in patients with MDD at baseline was increased after escitalopram treatment and became comparable with that in the healthy controls, whereas the reduced within-subsystem rsFC persisted in the DMN dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (dMPFC) and medial temporal subsystems in patients with MDD following escitalopram treatment. In addition, the reduced between-subsystem rsFC between the core and dMPFC subsystem showed a similar trend of change after treatment in patients with MDD. Moreover, our main results were confirmed using the DMN regions from another brain atlas. In the current study, we found different effects of escitalopram on the rsFC of the DMN subsystems. These findings deepened our understanding of the neuronal basis of antidepressants' effect on brain function in patients with MDD. The trial name: appropriate technology study of MDD diagnosis and treatment based on objective indicators and measurement. URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=21377 . Registration number: ChiCTR-OOC-17012566.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Cui
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Yun Wang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Rui Liu
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Xiongying Chen
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Zhifang Zhang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Yuan Feng
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100088, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Jingjing Zhou
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100088, China.
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Gang Wang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100088, China.
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
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22
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Abstract
This review examines the role of trauma in psychiatric morbidity and analogous psychoneurobiological changes. Trauma is a necessary criterion for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), however, trauma history is highly correlated with a variety of psychiatric conditions. Some evidence suggests that Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is the most common psychiatric condition that arises following trauma. Approximately 50% of PTSD cases present with co-morbid MDD. Overlapping symptomatology and neurobiology between these conditions underlie the debate over whether these phenomena result from problematic nosology or whether comorbid MDD + PTSD is a distinct phenotype of trauma-related psychopathology. Regardless, similar treatment approaches have been employed historically, with varying success. The drug-assisted psychotherapy treatment model, which combines pharmacological and psychotherapeutic approaches, is currently being trialled as a novel treatment approach in psychiatry. Both psilocybin- and 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy have received Food and Drug Administration 'breakthrough therapy' designation for the treatment of resistant MDD and PTSD, respectively. This paper reviews the therapeutic rationale of both psilocybin and MDMA for treating both trauma-related MDD and PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine I V Bird
- The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Nadav L Modlin
- The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - James J H Rucker
- The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Research progress of 18F labeled small molecule positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agents. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 205:112629. [PMID: 32956956 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
With the development of positron emission tomography (PET) technology, a variety of PET imaging agents labeled with radionuclide 18F have been developed and widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of various clinical diseases in recent years. For example, they have showed a great value of study in the field of tumor detection, tumor treatment and evaluation of tumor therapy in a non-invasive, qualitative and quantitative way. In this review, we highlight the recent development in chemical synthesis, structure and characterization, imaging characterization, and potential applications of these 18F labeled small molecule PET imaging agents for the past five years. The development and application of 18F labeled small molecules will expand our knowledge of the function and distribution of diseases-related molecular targets and shed light on the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases including tumors.
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24
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Psychedelic drugs: neurobiology and potential for treatment of psychiatric disorders. Nat Rev Neurosci 2020; 21:611-624. [PMID: 32929261 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-020-0367-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Renewed interest in the use of psychedelics in the treatment of psychiatric disorders warrants a better understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the effects of these substances. After a hiatus of about 50 years, state-of-the art studies have recently begun to close important knowledge gaps by elucidating the mechanisms of action of psychedelics with regard to their effects on receptor subsystems, systems-level brain activity and connectivity, and cognitive and emotional processing. In addition, functional studies have shown that changes in self-experience, emotional processing and social cognition may contribute to the potential therapeutic effects of psychedelics. These discoveries provide a scientific road map for the investigation and application of psychedelic substances in psychiatry.
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25
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Conio B, Martino M, Magioncalda P, Escelsior A, Inglese M, Amore M, Northoff G. Opposite effects of dopamine and serotonin on resting-state networks: review and implications for psychiatric disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2020; 25:82-93. [PMID: 30953003 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-019-0406-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in brain intrinsic activity-as organized in resting-state networks (RSNs) such as sensorimotor network (SMN), salience network (SN), and default-mode network (DMN)-and in neurotransmitters signaling-such as dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT)-have been independently detected in psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Thus, the aim of this work was to investigate the relationship between such neurotransmitters and RSNs in healthy, by reviewing the relevant work on this topic and performing complementary analyses, in order to better understand their physiological link, as well as their alterations in psychiatric disorders. According to the reviewed data, neurotransmitters nuclei diffusively project to subcortical and cortical regions of RSNs. In particular, the dopaminergic substantia nigra (SNc)-related nigrostriatal pathway is structurally and functionally connected with core regions of the SMN, whereas the ventral tegmental area (VTA)-related mesocorticolimbic pathway with core regions of the SN. The serotonergic raphe nuclei (RNi) connections involve regions of the SMN and DMN. Coherently, changes in neurotransmitters activity impact the functional configuration and level of activity of RSNs, as measured by functional connectivity (FC) and amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations/temporal variability of BOLD signal. Specifically, DA signaling is associated with increase in FC and activity in the SMN (hypothetically via the SNc-related nigrostriatal pathway) and SN (hypothetically via the VTA-related mesocorticolimbic pathway), as well as concurrent decrease in FC and activity in the DMN. By contrast, 5-HT signaling (via the RNi-related pathways) is associated with decrease in SMN activity along with increase in DMN activity. Complementally, our empirical data showed a positive correlation between SNc-related FC and SMN activity, whereas a negative correlation between RNi-related FC and SMN activity (along with tilting of networks balance toward the DMN). According to these data, we hypothesize that the activity of neurotransmitter-related neurons synchronize the low-frequency oscillations within different RSNs regions, thus affecting the baseline level of RSNs activity and their balancing. In our model, DA signaling favors the predominance of SMN-SN activity, whereas 5-HT signaling favors the predominance of DMN activity, manifesting in distinct behavioral patterns. In turn, alterations in neurotransmitters signaling (or its disconnection) may favor a correspondent functional reorganization of RSNs, manifesting in distinct psychopathological states. The here suggested model carries important implications for psychiatric disorders, providing novel and well testable hypotheses especially on bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Conio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Martino
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Paola Magioncalda
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy. .,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy. .,Brain and Consciousness Research Center, Taipei Medical University - Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan. .,Graduate Institute of Mind Brain and Consciousness, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Andrea Escelsior
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matilde Inglese
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Neurology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurology, Radiology and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mario Amore
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Georg Northoff
- University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, and Mind Brain Imaging and Neuroethics Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada. .,Centre for Cognition and Brain Disorders, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China. .,Mental Health Centre, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
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26
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Edes AE, McKie S, Szabo E, Kokonyei G, Pap D, Zsombok T, Hullam G, Gonda X, Kozak LR, McFarquhar M, Anderson IM, Deakin JFW, Bagdy G, Juhasz G. Spatiotemporal brain activation pattern following acute citalopram challenge is dose dependent and associated with neuroticism: A human phMRI study. Neuropharmacology 2019; 170:107807. [PMID: 31593709 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The initial effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the human living brain are poorly understood. We carried out a 3T resting state fMRI study with pharmacological challenge to determine the brain activation changes over time following different dosages of citalopram. METHODS During the study, 7.5 mg i.v. citalopram was administered to 32 healthy subjects. In addition, 11.25 mg citalopram was administered to a subset of 9 subjects to investigate the dose-response. Associations with neuroticism (assessed by the NEO PI-R) of the emerging brain activation to citalopram was also investigated. RESULTS Citalopram challenge evoked significant activation in brain regions that are part of the default mode network, the visual network and the sensorimotor network, extending to the thalamus, and midbrain. Most effects appeared to be dose-dependent and this was statistically significant in the middle cingulate gyrus. Individual citalopram-induced brain responses were positively correlated with neuroticism scores and its subscales in specific brain areas; anxiety subscale scores in thalamus and midbrain and self-consciousness scores in middle cingulate gyrus. There were no sex differences. LIMITATIONS We investigated only healthy subjects and we used a relatively low sample size in the 11.25 mg citalopram analysis. DISCUSSION Our results suggest that SSRIs acutely induce an increased arousal-like state of distributed cortical and subcortical systems that is mediated by enhanced serotonin neurotransmission according to levels of neuroticism and underpins trait sensitivity to environmental stimuli and stressors. Studies in depression are needed to determine how therapeutic effects eventually emerge. This article is part of the special issue entitled 'Serotonin Research: Crossing Scales and Boundaries'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Edit Edes
- SE-NAP2 Genetic Brain Imaging Migraine Research Group, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Shane McKie
- Faculty of Biological, Medical and Human Sciences Platform Sciences, Enabling Technologies & Infrastructure, Faculty of Biological, Medical and Human Sciences Research and Innovation, The University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Edina Szabo
- SE-NAP2 Genetic Brain Imaging Migraine Research Group, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eotvos Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eotvos Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gyongyi Kokonyei
- SE-NAP2 Genetic Brain Imaging Migraine Research Group, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eotvos Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dorottya Pap
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Terezia Zsombok
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gabor Hullam
- Department of Measurement and Information Systems, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Xenia Gonda
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; MTA-SE Neuropsychopharmacology and Neurochemistry Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lajos R Kozak
- MR Research Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Martyn McFarquhar
- Neuroscience and Psychiatry Unit, Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biological, Medical and Human Sciences, The University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ian M Anderson
- Neuroscience and Psychiatry Unit, Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biological, Medical and Human Sciences, The University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - J F William Deakin
- Neuroscience and Psychiatry Unit, Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biological, Medical and Human Sciences, The University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Gyorgy Bagdy
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; MTA-SE Neuropsychopharmacology and Neurochemistry Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gabriella Juhasz
- SE-NAP2 Genetic Brain Imaging Migraine Research Group, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Neuroscience and Psychiatry Unit, Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biological, Medical and Human Sciences, The University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom.
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27
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Deza-Araujo YI, Neukam PT, Marxen M, Müller DK, Henle T, Smolka MN. Acute tryptophan loading decreases functional connectivity between the default mode network and emotion-related brain regions. Hum Brain Mapp 2018; 40:1844-1855. [PMID: 30585373 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been shown that the functional architecture of the default mode network (DMN) can be affected by serotonergic challenges and these effects may provide insights on the neurobiological bases of depressive symptomatology. To deepen our understanding of this possible interplay, we used a double-blind, randomized, cross-over design, with a control condition and two interventions to decrease (tryptophan depletion) and increase (tryptophan loading) brain serotonin synthesis. Resting-state fMRI from 85 healthy subjects was acquired for all conditions 3 hr after the ingestion of an amino acid mixture containing different amounts of tryptophan, the dietary precursor of serotonin. The DMN was derived for each participant and session. Permutation testing was performed to detect connectivity changes within the DMN as well as between the DMN and other brain regions elicited by the interventions. We found that tryptophan loading increased tryptophan plasma levels and decreased DMN connectivity with visual cortices and several brain regions involved in emotion and affect regulation (i.e., putamen, subcallosal cortex, thalamus, and frontal cortex). Tryptophan depletion significantly reduced tryptophan levels but did not affect brain connectivity. Subjective ratings of mood, anxiety, sleepiness, and impulsive choice were not strongly affected by any intervention. Our data indicate that connectivity between the DMN and emotion-related brain regions might be modulated by changes in the serotonergic system. These results suggest that functional changes in the brain associated with different brain serotonin levels may be relevant to understand the neural bases of depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yacila I Deza-Araujo
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroimaging Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Philipp T Neukam
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroimaging Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Marxen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroimaging Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Dirk K Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroimaging Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Henle
- Institute of Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael N Smolka
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroimaging Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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28
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Franco Machado J, Silva RD, Melo R, G Correia JD. Less Exploited GPCRs in Precision Medicine: Targets for Molecular Imaging and Theranostics. Molecules 2018; 24:E49. [PMID: 30583594 PMCID: PMC6337414 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Precision medicine relies on individually tailored therapeutic intervention taking into account individual variability. It is strongly dependent on the availability of target-specific drugs and/or imaging agents that recognize molecular targets and patient-specific disease mechanisms. The most sensitive molecular imaging modalities, Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), rely on the interaction between an imaging radioprobe and a target. Moreover, the use of target-specific molecular tools for both diagnostics and therapy, theranostic agents, represent an established methodology in nuclear medicine that is assuming an increasingly important role in precision medicine. The design of innovative imaging and/or theranostic agents is key for further accomplishments in the field. G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), apart from being highly relevant drug targets, have also been largely exploited as molecular targets for non-invasive imaging and/or systemic radiotherapy of various diseases. Herein, we will discuss recent efforts towards the development of innovative imaging and/or theranostic agents targeting selected emergent GPCRs, namely the Frizzled receptor (FZD), Ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a), G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), and Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1PR). The pharmacological and clinical relevance will be highlighted, giving particular attention to the studies on the synthesis and characterization of targeted molecular imaging agents, biological evaluation, and potential clinical applications in oncology and non-oncology diseases. Whenever relevant, supporting computational studies will be also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Franco Machado
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal.
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Rúben D Silva
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal.
| | - Rita Melo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal.
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology; Rua Larga, Faculdade de Medicina, Polo I, 1ºandar, Universidade de Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - João D G Correia
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal.
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29
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Jalal B. The neuropharmacology of sleep paralysis hallucinations: serotonin 2A activation and a novel therapeutic drug. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:3083-3091. [PMID: 30288594 PMCID: PMC6208952 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5042-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Sleep paralysis is a state of involuntary immobility occurring at sleep onset or offset, often accompanied by uncanny "ghost-like" hallucinations and extreme fear reactions. I provide here a neuropharmacological account for these hallucinatory experiences by evoking the role of the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR). Research has shown that 5-HT2AR activation can induce visual hallucinations, "mystical" subjective states, and out-of-body experiences (OBEs), and modulate fear circuits. Hallucinatory experiences triggered by serotonin-serotonergic ("pseudo") hallucinations, induced by hallucinogenic drugs-tend to be "dream-like" with the experiencer having insight ("meta-awareness") that he is hallucinating, unlike dopaminergic ("psychotic" and "life-like") hallucinations where such insight is lost. Indeed, hallucinatory experiences during sleep paralysis have the classic features of serotonergic hallucinations, and are strikingly similar to perceptual and subjective states induced by hallucinogenic drugs (e.g., lysergic acid diethylamide [LSD] and psilocybin), i.e., they entail visual hallucinations, mystical experiences, OBEs, and extreme fear reactions. I propose a possible mechanism whereby serotonin could be functionally implicated in generating sleep paralysis hallucinations and fear reactions through 5-HT2AR activity. Moreover, I speculate on the role of 5-HT2C receptors vis-à-vis anxiety and panic during sleep paralysis, and the orbitofrontal cortex-rich with 5-HT2A receptors-in influencing visual pathways during sleep paralysis, and, in effect, hallucinations. Finally, I propose, for the first time, a drug to target sleep paralysis hallucinations and fear reactions, namely the selective 5-HT2AR inverse agonist, pimavanserin. This account implicates gene HTR2A on chromosome 13q as the underlying cause of sleep paralysis hallucinations and could be explored using positron emission tomography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baland Jalal
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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30
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Preller KH, Burt JB, Ji JL, Schleifer CH, Adkinson BD, Stämpfli P, Seifritz E, Repovs G, Krystal JH, Murray JD, Vollenweider FX, Anticevic A. Changes in global and thalamic brain connectivity in LSD-induced altered states of consciousness are attributable to the 5-HT2A receptor. eLife 2018; 7:35082. [PMID: 30355445 PMCID: PMC6202055 DOI: 10.7554/elife.35082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) has agonist activity at various serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine receptors. Despite the therapeutic and scientific interest in LSD, specific receptor contributions to its neurobiological effects remain unknown. Methods: We therefore conducted a double-blind, randomized, counterbalanced, cross-over studyduring which 24 healthy human participants received either (i) placebo+placebo, (ii) placebo+LSD (100 µg po), or (iii) Ketanserin, a selective 5-HT2A receptor antagonist,+LSD. We quantified resting-state functional connectivity via a data-driven global brain connectivity method and compared it to cortical gene expression maps. Results: LSD reduced associative, but concurrently increased sensory-somatomotor brain-wide and thalamic connectivity. Ketanserin fully blocked the subjective and neural LSD effects. Whole-brain spatial patterns of LSD effects matched 5-HT2A receptor cortical gene expression in humans. Conclusions: Together, these results strongly implicate the 5-HT2A receptor in LSD’s neuropharmacology. This study therefore pinpoints the critical role of 5-HT2A in LSD’s mechanism, which informs its neurobiology and guides rational development of psychedelic-based therapeutics. Funding: Funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, the Swiss Neuromatrix Foundation, the Usona Institute, the NIH, the NIAA, the NARSAD Independent Investigator Grant, the Yale CTSA grant, and the Slovenian Research Agency. Clinical trial number: NCT02451072. The psychedelic drug LSD alters thinking and perception. Users can experience hallucinations, in which they, for example, see things that are not there. Colors, sounds and objects can appear distorted, and time can seem to speed up or slow down. These changes bear some resemblance to the changes in thinking and perception that occur in certain psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia. Studying how LSD affects the brain could thus offer insights into the mechanisms underlying these conditions. There is also evidence that LSD itself could help to reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders. Preller et al. have now used brain imaging to explore the effects of LSD on the brains of healthy volunteers. This revealed that LSD reduced communication among brain areas involved in planning and decision-making, but it increased communication between areas involved in sensation and movement. Volunteers whose brains showed the most communication between sensory and movement areas also reported the strongest effects of LSD on their thinking and perception. Preller et al. also found that another drug called Ketanserin prevented LSD from altering how different brain regions communicate. It also prevented LSD from inducing changes in thinking and perception. Ketanserin blocks a protein called the serotonin 2A receptor, which is activated by a brain chemical called serotonin that, amongst other roles, helps to regulate mood. By mapping the location of the gene that produces the serotonin 2A receptor, Preller et al. showed that the receptor is present in brain regions that show altered communication after LSD intake, therefore pinpointing the importance of this receptor in the effects of LSD. Psychiatric disorders that produce psychotic symptoms affect vast numbers of people worldwide. Further research into how LSD affects the brain could help us to better understand how such symptoms arise, and may also lead to the development of more effective treatments for a range of mental health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin H Preller
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Brain Imaging, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital for Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
| | - Joshua B Burt
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, United States.,Department of Physics, Yale University, New Haven, United States
| | - Jie Lisa Ji
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
| | - Charles H Schleifer
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
| | - Brendan D Adkinson
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
| | - Philipp Stämpfli
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital for Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital for Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Grega Repovs
- Mind and Brain Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - John H Krystal
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
| | - John D Murray
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, United States.,Department of Physics, Yale University, New Haven, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
| | - Franz X Vollenweider
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Brain Imaging, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital for Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alan Anticevic
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
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Striatal dopaminergic alterations in Tourette's syndrome: a meta-analysis based on 16 PET and SPECT neuroimaging studies. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:143. [PMID: 30072700 PMCID: PMC6072751 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0202-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite intense research, the underlying mechanisms and the etiology of Tourette's syndrome (TS) remain unknown. Data from molecular imaging studies targeting the dopamine system in Tourette patients are inconclusive. For a better understanding of the striatal dopamine function in adult dopamine-antagonist-free patients we performed a systematic review in August 2017 identifying 49 PET and SPECT studies on the topic of TS. A total of 8 studies appraised the dopamine transporter (DAT) with 111 Tourette patients and 93 healthy controls, and could be included in a meta-analytic approach. We found a significantly increased striatal DAT binding in Tourette patients (Hedges' g = 0.49; 95% CI: (0.01-0.98)), although this effect did not remain significant after correcting for age differences between cohorts. A second meta-analysis was performed for the striatal dopamine receptor including 8 studies with a total of 72 Tourette patients and 71 controls. This analysis revealed a nonsignificant trend toward lower dopamine 2/3 receptor binding in striatum of Tourette patients. Other analyses regarding study population characteristics in both the DAT and receptor meta-analysis did not show any meaningful results. Our results indicate that dopaminergic alterations in TS are likely and thereby this data would be in line with the current pathophysiological hypotheses of a dysfunction in the dopamine system, e.g., the hypothesis of tonic-phasic dysfunction. However, these analyses suffer from low effect sizes probably due to the heterogeneity of TS and highlight the need for further large-scaled neuroimaging studies.
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32
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Zeng F, Nye JA, Voll RJ, Howell L, Goodman MM. Synthesis and Evaluation of Pyridyloxypyridyl Indole Carboxamides as Potential PET Imaging Agents for 5-HT 2C Receptors. ACS Med Chem Lett 2018. [PMID: 29541358 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.7b00443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nine pyridyloxypyridyl indole carboxamides were synthesized and displayed high affinities for 5-HT2C receptors and high selectivity over 5-HT2A and 5-HT2B. Among them, 6-methyl-N-[6-[(2-methyl-3-pyridinyl)oxy]-3-pyridinyl]1H-indole-3-carboxamide (8) exhibits the highest 5-HT2C binding affinity (Ki = 1.3 nM) and high selectivity over 5-HT2A (∼1000 times) and 5-HT2B (∼140 times). [11C]8 was synthesized by palladium-catalyzed coupling reaction between pinacolboranate 16 and [11C]CH3I with an average radiochemical yield of 27 ± 4% (n = 8, decay-corrected from end of [11C]CH3I synthesis). MicroPET imaging studies in rhesus monkeys showed regional uptake of [11C]8 in the choroid plexus, whereas the bindings in all other brain regions were low. The specific binding in the choroid plexus was confirmed by administration of a blocking dose of 0.1 mg/kg of the 5-HT2C antagonist SB-242084.
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Sanz C, Zamberlan F, Erowid E, Erowid F, Tagliazucchi E. The Experience Elicited by Hallucinogens Presents the Highest Similarity to Dreaming within a Large Database of Psychoactive Substance Reports. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:7. [PMID: 29403350 PMCID: PMC5786560 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Ever since the modern rediscovery of psychedelic substances by Western society, several authors have independently proposed that their effects bear a high resemblance to the dreams and dreamlike experiences occurring naturally during the sleep-wake cycle. Recent studies in humans have provided neurophysiological evidence supporting this hypothesis. However, a rigorous comparative analysis of the phenomenology (“what it feels like” to experience these states) is currently lacking. We investigated the semantic similarity between a large number of subjective reports of psychoactive substances and reports of high/low lucidity dreams, and found that the highest-ranking substance in terms of the similarity to high lucidity dreams was the serotonergic psychedelic lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), whereas the highest-ranking in terms of the similarity to dreams of low lucidity were plants of the Datura genus, rich in deliriant tropane alkaloids. Conversely, sedatives, stimulants, antipsychotics, and antidepressants comprised most of the lowest-ranking substances. An analysis of the most frequent words in the subjective reports of dreams and hallucinogens revealed that terms associated with perception (“see,” “visual,” “face,” “reality,” “color”), emotion (“fear”), setting (“outside,” “inside,” “street,” “front,” “behind”) and relatives (“mom,” “dad,” “brother,” “parent,” “family”) were the most prevalent across both experiences. In summary, we applied novel quantitative analyses to a large volume of empirical data to confirm the hypothesis that, among all psychoactive substances, hallucinogen drugs elicit experiences with the highest semantic similarity to those of dreams. Our results and the associated methodological developments open the way to study the comparative phenomenology of different altered states of consciousness and its relationship with non-invasive measurements of brain physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Sanz
- Departamento de Física, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | - Enzo Tagliazucchi
- Departamento de Física, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Brain and Spine Institute, Paris, France
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Komorowski A, James GM, Philippe C, Gryglewski G, Bauer A, Hienert M, Spies M, Kautzky A, Vanicek T, Hahn A, Traub-Weidinger T, Winkler D, Wadsak W, Mitterhauser M, Hacker M, Kasper S, Lanzenberger R. Association of Protein Distribution and Gene Expression Revealed by PET and Post-Mortem Quantification in the Serotonergic System of the Human Brain. Cereb Cortex 2018; 27:117-130. [PMID: 27909009 PMCID: PMC5939202 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhw355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Regional differences in posttranscriptional mechanisms may influence in vivo protein densities. The association of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging data from 112 healthy controls and gene expression values from the Allen Human Brain Atlas, based on post-mortem brains, was investigated for key serotonergic proteins. PET binding values and gene expression intensities were correlated for the main inhibitory (5-HT1A) and excitatory (5-HT2A) serotonin receptor, the serotonin transporter (SERT) as well as monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A), using Spearman's correlation coefficients (rs) in a voxel-wise and region-wise analysis. Correlations indicated a strong linear relationship between gene and protein expression for both the 5-HT1A (voxel-wise rs = 0.71; region-wise rs = 0.93) and the 5-HT2A receptor (rs = 0.66; 0.75), but only a weak association for MAO-A (rs = 0.26; 0.66) and no clear correlation for SERT (rs = 0.17; 0.29). Additionally, region-wise correlations were performed using mRNA expression from the HBT, yielding comparable results (5-HT1Ars = 0.82; 5-HT2Ars = 0.88; MAO-A rs = 0.50; SERT rs = -0.01). The SERT and MAO-A appear to be regulated in a region-specific manner across the whole brain. In contrast, the serotonin-1A and -2A receptors are presumably targeted by common posttranscriptional processes similar in all brain areas suggesting the applicability of mRNA expression as surrogate parameter for density of these proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Komorowski
- Department of Psychiatry and Pychotherapy, Division of Biological Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - G M James
- Department of Psychiatry and Pychotherapy, Division of Biological Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - C Philippe
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - G Gryglewski
- Department of Psychiatry and Pychotherapy, Division of Biological Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - A Bauer
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-2), Research Centre Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - M Hienert
- Department of Psychiatry and Pychotherapy, Division of Biological Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - M Spies
- Department of Psychiatry and Pychotherapy, Division of Biological Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - A Kautzky
- Department of Psychiatry and Pychotherapy, Division of Biological Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - T Vanicek
- Department of Psychiatry and Pychotherapy, Division of Biological Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - A Hahn
- Department of Psychiatry and Pychotherapy, Division of Biological Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - T Traub-Weidinger
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - D Winkler
- Department of Psychiatry and Pychotherapy, Division of Biological Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - W Wadsak
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - M Mitterhauser
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - M Hacker
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - S Kasper
- Department of Psychiatry and Pychotherapy, Division of Biological Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - R Lanzenberger
- Department of Psychiatry and Pychotherapy, Division of Biological Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Kim YK, Yoon HK. Common and distinct brain networks underlying panic and social anxiety disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018. [PMID: 28642079 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Although panic disorder (PD) and phobic disorders are independent anxiety disorders with distinct sets of diagnostic criteria, there is a high level of overlap between them in terms of pathogenesis and neural underpinnings. Functional connectivity research using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) shows great potential in identifying the similarities and differences between PD and phobias. Understanding common and distinct networks between PD and phobic disorders is critical for identifying both specific and general neural characteristics of these disorders. We review recent rsfMRI studies and explore the clinical relevance of resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) in PD and phobias. Although findings differ between studies, there are some meaningful, consistent findings. Social anxiety disorder (SAD) and PD share common default mode network alterations. Alterations within the sensorimotor network are observed primarily in PD. Increased connectivity in the salience network is consistently reported in SAD. This review supports hypotheses that PD and phobic disorders share common rsFC abnormalities and that the different clinical phenotypes between the disorders come from distinct brain functional network alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Ku Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Kyoung Yoon
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Republic of Korea.
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Riga MS, Lladó-Pelfort L, Artigas F, Celada P. The serotonin hallucinogen 5-MeO-DMT alters cortico-thalamic activity in freely moving mice: Regionally-selective involvement of 5-HT 1A and 5-HT 2A receptors. Neuropharmacology 2017; 142:219-230. [PMID: 29221792 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.11.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
5-MeO-DMT is a natural hallucinogen acting as serotonin 5-HT1A/5-HT2A receptor agonist. Its ability to evoke hallucinations could be used to study the neurobiology of psychotic symptoms and to identify new treatment targets. Moreover, recent studies revealed the therapeutic potential of serotonin hallucinogens in treating mood and anxiety disorders. Our previous results in anesthetized animals show that 5-MeO-DMT alters cortical activity via 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors. Here, we examined 5-MeO-DMT effects on oscillatory activity in prefrontal (PFC) and visual (V1) cortices, and in mediodorsal thalamus (MD) of freely-moving wild-type (WT) and 5-HT2A-R knockout (KO2A) mice. We performed local field potential multi-recordings evaluating the power at different frequency bands and coherence between areas. We also examined the prevention of 5-MeO-DMT effects by the 5-HT1A-R antagonist WAY-100635. 5-MeO-DMT affected oscillatory activity more in cortical than in thalamic areas. More marked effects were observed in delta power in V1 of KO2A mice. 5-MeO-DMT increased beta band coherence between all examined areas. In KO2A mice, WAY100635 prevented most of 5-MeO-DMT effects on oscillatory activity. The present results indicate that hallucinatory activity of 5-MeO-DMT is likely mediated by simultaneous alteration of prefrontal and visual activities. The prevention of these effects by WAY-100635 in KO2A mice supports the potential usefulness of 5-HT1A receptor antagonists to treat visual hallucinations. 5-MeO-DMT effects on PFC theta activity and cortico-thalamic coherence may be related to its antidepressant activity. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Psychedelics: New Doors, Altered Perceptions'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio S Riga
- Department of Neurochemistry and Neuropharmacology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona, CSIC-IDIBAPS, Spain; CIBERSAM (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental), Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Spain
| | - Laia Lladó-Pelfort
- Department of Neurochemistry and Neuropharmacology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona, CSIC-IDIBAPS, Spain; CIBERSAM (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental), Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Spain
| | - Francesc Artigas
- Department of Neurochemistry and Neuropharmacology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona, CSIC-IDIBAPS, Spain; CIBERSAM (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental), Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Spain
| | - Pau Celada
- Department of Neurochemistry and Neuropharmacology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona, CSIC-IDIBAPS, Spain; CIBERSAM (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental), Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Spain.
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Gasparini CF, Smith RA, Griffiths LR. Genetic and biochemical changes of the serotonergic system in migraine pathobiology. J Headache Pain 2017; 18:20. [PMID: 28194570 PMCID: PMC5307402 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-016-0711-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Migraine is a brain disorder characterized by a piercing headache which affects one side of the head, located mainly at the temples and in the area around the eye. Migraine imparts substantial suffering to the family in addition to the sufferer, particularly as it affects three times more women than men and is most prevalent between the ages of 25 and 45, the years of child rearing. Migraine typically occurs in individuals with a genetic predisposition and is aggravated by specific environmental triggers. Attempts to study the biochemistry of migraine began as early as the 1960s and were primarily directed at serotonin metabolism after an increase of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), the main metabolite of serotonin was observed in urine of migraineurs. Genetic and biochemical studies have primarily focused on the neurotransmitter serotonin, considering receptor binding, transport and synthesis of serotonin and have investigated serotonergic mediators including enzymes, receptors as well as intermediary metabolites. These studies have been mainly assayed in blood, CSF and urine as the most accessible fluids. More recently PET imaging technology integrated with a metabolomics and a systems biology platform are being applied to study serotonergic biology. The general trend observed is that migraine patients have alterations of neurotransmitter metabolism detected in biological fluids with different biochemistry from controls, however the interpretation of the biological significance of these peripheral changes is unresolved. In this review we present the biology of the serotonergic system and metabolic routes for serotonin and discuss results of biochemical studies with regard to alterations in serotonin in brain, cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, platelets, plasma and urine of migraine patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Francesca Gasparini
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University Gold Coast, Parklands Drive, Southport, QLD, 4222, Australia
| | - Robert Anthony Smith
- Genomics Research Centre, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Lyn Robyn Griffiths
- Genomics Research Centre, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia.
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Long H, Liu B, Wang C, Zhang X, Li J, Yu C, Jiang T. Interaction effect between 5-HTTLPR and HTR1A rs6295 polymorphisms on the frontoparietal network. Neuroscience 2017; 362:239-247. [PMID: 28793232 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown a close relationship between the serotonin system and working memory (WM), but the neural mechanism for the role of the serotonin system on the WM is unclear. The frontoparietal network is involved in WM and is associated with the serotonin system. Therefore, this study investigated the interaction effect of the serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) and the polymorphism in the serotonin 1A receptor gene (rs6295) on the frontoparietal network obtained from the independent component analysis in a large, young Chinese sample population. The current study found a significant interaction effect of 5-HTTLPR and rs6295 on the connectivity within the right frontoparietal network, specifically in the middle frontal gyrus and inferior parietal lobule. Moreover, the mean connectivity in the right inferior parietal lobule was positively correlated with WM performance. These brain network analysis findings could provide a new perspective on the neural mechanisms of gene-gene interactions and on individual differences in cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Long
- College of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310023, China; Brainnetome Center, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; National Laboratory of Pattern Recognition, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Bing Liu
- Brainnetome Center, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; National Laboratory of Pattern Recognition, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Xiaolong Zhang
- Brainnetome Center, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; National Laboratory of Pattern Recognition, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Jin Li
- Brainnetome Center, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; National Laboratory of Pattern Recognition, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Chunshui Yu
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China.
| | - Tianzi Jiang
- Brainnetome Center, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; National Laboratory of Pattern Recognition, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China; Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Spies M, James GM, Berroterán-Infante N, Ibeschitz H, Kranz GS, Unterholzner J, Godbersen M, Gryglewski G, Hienert M, Jungwirth J, Pichler V, Reiter B, Silberbauer L, Winkler D, Mitterhauser M, Stimpfl T, Hacker M, Kasper S, Lanzenberger R. Assessment of Ketamine Binding of the Serotonin Transporter in Humans with Positron Emission Tomography. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2017; 21:145-153. [PMID: 29045739 PMCID: PMC5793827 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyx085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comprehensive description of ketamine's molecular binding profile becomes increasingly pressing as use in real-life patient cohorts widens. Animal studies attribute a significant role in the substance's antidepressant effects to the serotonergic system. The serotonin transporter is a highly relevant target in this context, because it is central to depressive pathophysiology and treatment. This is, to our knowledge, the first study investigating ketamine's serotonin transporter binding in vivo in humans. METHODS Twelve healthy subjects were assessed twice using [11C]DASB positron emission tomography. A total of 0.50 mg/kg bodyweight ketamine was administered once i.v. prior to the second positron emission tomography scan. Ketamine plasma levels were determined during positron emission tomography. Serotonin transporter nondisplaceable binding potential was computed using a reference region model, and occupancy was calculated for 4 serotonin transporter-rich regions (caudate, putamen, thalamus, midbrain) and a whole-brain region of interest. RESULTS After administration of the routine antidepressant dose, ketamine showed <10% occupancy of the serotonin transporter, which is within the test-retest variability of [11C]DASB. A positive correlation between ketamine plasma levels and occupancy was shown. CONCLUSIONS Measurable occupancy of the serotonin transporter was not detectable after administration of an antidepressant dose of ketamine. This might suggest that ketamine binding of the serotonin transporter is unlikely to be a primary antidepressant mechanism at routine antidepressant doses, as substances that facilitate antidepressant effects via serotonin transporter binding (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) show 70% to 80% occupancy. Administration of high-dose ketamine is widening. Based on the positive relationship we find between ketamine plasma levels and occupancy, there is a need for investigation of ketamine's serotonin transporter binding at higher doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Spies
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Neydher Berroterán-Infante
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Harald Ibeschitz
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg S Kranz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | | | - Marius Hienert
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Verena Pichler
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | | | - Markus Mitterhauser
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Vienna, Austria,Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Applied Diagnostics, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Marcus Hacker
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Rupert Lanzenberger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Vienna, Austria,Correspondence: Rupert Lanzenberger, MD, PD, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Wien ()
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40
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Frameworking memory and serotonergic markers. Rev Neurosci 2017; 28:455-497. [DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2016-0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:The evidence for neural markers and memory is continuously being revised, and as evidence continues to accumulate, herein, we frame earlier and new evidence. Hence, in this work, the aim is to provide an appropriate conceptual framework of serotonergic markers associated with neural activity and memory. Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) has multiple pharmacological tools, well-characterized downstream signaling in mammals’ species, and established 5-HT neural markers showing new insights about memory functions and dysfunctions, including receptors (5-HT1A/1B/1D, 5-HT2A/2B/2C, and 5-HT3-7), transporter (serotonin transporter [SERT]) and volume transmission present in brain areas involved in memory. Bidirectional influence occurs between 5-HT markers and memory/amnesia. A growing number of researchers report that memory, amnesia, or forgetting modifies neural markers. Diverse approaches support the translatability of using neural markers and cerebral functions/dysfunctions, including memory formation and amnesia. At least, 5-HT1A, 5-HT4, 5-HT6, and 5-HT7receptors and SERT seem to be useful neural markers and therapeutic targets. Hence, several mechanisms cooperate to achieve synaptic plasticity or memory, including changes in the expression of neurotransmitter receptors and transporters.
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41
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Yang KC, Stepanov V, Martinsson S, Ettrup A, Takano A, Knudsen GM, Halldin C, Farde L, Finnema SJ. Fenfluramine Reduces [11C]Cimbi-36 Binding to the 5-HT2A Receptor in the Nonhuman Primate Brain. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2017; 20:683-691. [PMID: 28911007 PMCID: PMC5581490 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyx051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND [11C]Cimbi-36 is a serotonin 2A receptor agonist positron emission tomography radioligand that has recently been examined in humans. The binding of agonist radioligand is expected to be more sensitive to endogenous neurotransmitter concentrations than antagonist radioligands. In the current study, we compared the effect of serotonin releaser fenfluramine on the binding of [11C]Cimbi-36, [11C]MDL 100907 (a serotonin 2A receptor antagonist radioligand), and [11C]AZ10419369 (a serotonin 1B receptor partial agonist radioligand with established serotonin sensitivity) in the monkey brain. METHODS Eighteen positron emission tomography measurements, 6 for each radioligand, were performed in 3 rhesus monkeys before or after administration of 5.0 mg/kg fenfluramine. Binding potential values were determined with the simplified reference tissue model using cerebellum as the reference region. RESULTS Fenfluramine significantly decreased [11C]Cimbi-36 (26-62%) and [11C]AZ10419369 (35-58%) binding potential values in most regions (P < 0.05). Fenfluramine-induced decreases in [11C]MDL 100907 binding potential were 8% to 30% and statistically significant in 3 regions. Decreases in [11C]Cimbi-36 binding potential were larger than for [11C]AZ10419369 in neocortical and limbic regions (~35%) but smaller in striatum and thalamus (~40%). Decreases in [11C]Cimbi-36 binding potential were 0.9 to 2.8 times larger than for [11C]MDL 100907, and the fraction of serotonin 2A receptor in the high-affinity state was estimated as 54% in the neocortex. CONCLUSIONS The serotonin sensitivity of serotonin 2A receptor agonist radioligand [11C]Cimbi-36 was higher than for antagonist radioligand [11C]MDL 100907. The serotonin sensitivity of [11C]Cimbi-36 was similar to [11C]AZ10419369, which is one of the most sensitive radioligands. [11C]Cimbi-36 is a promising radioligand to examine serotonin release in the primate brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Chun Yang
- Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatric Research, Stockholm, Sweden (Drs Yang and Stepanov, Mr Martinsson, and Drs Takano, Halldin, Farde, and Finnema); Rigshospitalet, Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Copenhagen, Denmark and University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medicine Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark (Drs Ettrup and Knudsen); AstraZeneca, PET Science Center at Karolinska Institutet, Personalized Health Care and Biomarkers, Stockholm, Sweden (Dr Farde).,Correspondence: Kai-Chun Yang, MD, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatric Research, Karolinska University Hospital, Building R5:02, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden ()
| | - Vladimir Stepanov
- Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatric Research, Stockholm, Sweden (Drs Yang and Stepanov, Mr Martinsson, and Drs Takano, Halldin, Farde, and Finnema); Rigshospitalet, Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Copenhagen, Denmark and University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medicine Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark (Drs Ettrup and Knudsen); AstraZeneca, PET Science Center at Karolinska Institutet, Personalized Health Care and Biomarkers, Stockholm, Sweden (Dr Farde)
| | - Stefan Martinsson
- Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatric Research, Stockholm, Sweden (Drs Yang and Stepanov, Mr Martinsson, and Drs Takano, Halldin, Farde, and Finnema); Rigshospitalet, Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Copenhagen, Denmark and University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medicine Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark (Drs Ettrup and Knudsen); AstraZeneca, PET Science Center at Karolinska Institutet, Personalized Health Care and Biomarkers, Stockholm, Sweden (Dr Farde)
| | - Anders Ettrup
- Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatric Research, Stockholm, Sweden (Drs Yang and Stepanov, Mr Martinsson, and Drs Takano, Halldin, Farde, and Finnema); Rigshospitalet, Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Copenhagen, Denmark and University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medicine Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark (Drs Ettrup and Knudsen); AstraZeneca, PET Science Center at Karolinska Institutet, Personalized Health Care and Biomarkers, Stockholm, Sweden (Dr Farde)
| | - Akihiro Takano
- Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatric Research, Stockholm, Sweden (Drs Yang and Stepanov, Mr Martinsson, and Drs Takano, Halldin, Farde, and Finnema); Rigshospitalet, Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Copenhagen, Denmark and University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medicine Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark (Drs Ettrup and Knudsen); AstraZeneca, PET Science Center at Karolinska Institutet, Personalized Health Care and Biomarkers, Stockholm, Sweden (Dr Farde)
| | - Gitte M Knudsen
- Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatric Research, Stockholm, Sweden (Drs Yang and Stepanov, Mr Martinsson, and Drs Takano, Halldin, Farde, and Finnema); Rigshospitalet, Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Copenhagen, Denmark and University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medicine Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark (Drs Ettrup and Knudsen); AstraZeneca, PET Science Center at Karolinska Institutet, Personalized Health Care and Biomarkers, Stockholm, Sweden (Dr Farde)
| | - Christer Halldin
- Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatric Research, Stockholm, Sweden (Drs Yang and Stepanov, Mr Martinsson, and Drs Takano, Halldin, Farde, and Finnema); Rigshospitalet, Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Copenhagen, Denmark and University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medicine Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark (Drs Ettrup and Knudsen); AstraZeneca, PET Science Center at Karolinska Institutet, Personalized Health Care and Biomarkers, Stockholm, Sweden (Dr Farde)
| | - Lars Farde
- Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatric Research, Stockholm, Sweden (Drs Yang and Stepanov, Mr Martinsson, and Drs Takano, Halldin, Farde, and Finnema); Rigshospitalet, Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Copenhagen, Denmark and University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medicine Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark (Drs Ettrup and Knudsen); AstraZeneca, PET Science Center at Karolinska Institutet, Personalized Health Care and Biomarkers, Stockholm, Sweden (Dr Farde)
| | - Sjoerd J Finnema
- Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatric Research, Stockholm, Sweden (Drs Yang and Stepanov, Mr Martinsson, and Drs Takano, Halldin, Farde, and Finnema); Rigshospitalet, Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Copenhagen, Denmark and University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medicine Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark (Drs Ettrup and Knudsen); AstraZeneca, PET Science Center at Karolinska Institutet, Personalized Health Care and Biomarkers, Stockholm, Sweden (Dr Farde)
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Kautzky A, James GM, Philippe C, Baldinger-Melich P, Kraus C, Kranz GS, Vanicek T, Gryglewski G, Wadsak W, Mitterhauser M, Rujescu D, Kasper S, Lanzenberger R. The influence of the rs6295 gene polymorphism on serotonin-1A receptor distribution investigated with PET in patients with major depression applying machine learning. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:e1150. [PMID: 28608854 PMCID: PMC5537636 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2017.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2016] [Revised: 04/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most common neuropsychiatric disease and despite extensive research, its genetic substrate is still not sufficiently understood. The common polymorphism rs6295 of the serotonin-1A receptor gene (HTR1A) is affecting the transcriptional regulation of the 5-HT1A receptor and has been closely linked to MDD. Here, we used positron emission tomography (PET) exploiting advances in data mining and statistics by using machine learning in 62 healthy subjects and 19 patients with MDD, which were scanned with PET using the radioligand [carbonyl-11C]WAY-100635. All the subjects were genotyped for rs6295 and genotype was grouped in GG vs C allele carriers. Mixed model was applied in a ROI-based (region of interest) approach. ROI binding potential (BPND) was divided by dorsal raphe BPND as a specific measure to highlight rs6295 effects (BPDiv). Mixed model produced an interaction effect of ROI and genotype in the patients' group but no effects in healthy controls. Differences of BPDiv was demonstrated in seven ROIs; parahippocampus, hippocampus, fusiform gyrus, gyrus rectus, supplementary motor area, inferior frontal occipital gyrus and lingual gyrus. For classification of genotype, 'RandomForest' and Support Vector Machines were used, however, no model with sufficient predictive capability could be computed. Our results are in line with preclinical data, mouse model knockout studies as well as previous clinical analyses, demonstrating the two-pronged effect of the G allele on 5-HT1A BPND for, we believe, the first time. Future endeavors should address epigenetic effects and allosteric heteroreceptor complexes. Replication in larger samples of MDD patients is necessary to substantiate our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kautzky
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - G M James
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - C Philippe
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - P Baldinger-Melich
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - C Kraus
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - G S Kranz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - T Vanicek
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - G Gryglewski
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - W Wadsak
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria,Center for Biomarker Research in Medicine (CBmed), Graz, Austria
| | - M Mitterhauser
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Applied Diagnostics, Vienna, Austria
| | - D Rujescu
- University Clinic for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - S Kasper
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - R Lanzenberger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, Vienna A-1090, Austria. E-mail:
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43
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Bryson A, Carter O, Norman T, Kanaan R. 5-HT2A Agonists: A Novel Therapy for Functional Neurological Disorders? Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2017; 20:422-427. [PMID: 28177082 PMCID: PMC5417053 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyx011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional neurological disorders are frequently encountered in clinical practice. They have a poor prognosis and treatment options are limited. Their etiology is unknown, but leading theories propose a disturbance of somatic self-representation: the mind perceives dysfunction of a body region despite intact motor and sensory pathways. Central to this model is the concept of an abnormal top-down cognitive influence upon sensorimotor function. There is growing interest in the use of 5-HT2A agonists in the management of neuropsychiatric conditions. Recent studies have shown that these agents induce changes in neural activity that disrupt hierarchical brain dynamics and modulate networks subserving self-related processing. Converging evidence suggests they may hold unique therapeutic potential in functional neurological disorders. This is of importance given the considerable personal and societal burden of this condition and we argue a clinical trial to test this hypothesis is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Bryson
- Howard Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Australia (Dr Bryson); Department of Neurology, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Australia (Dr Bryson); Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Australia (Dr Carter); Department of Psychiatry, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Australia (Drs Norman and Kanaan); Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Australia (Drs Norman and Kanaan)
| | - Olivia Carter
- Howard Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Australia (Dr Bryson); Department of Neurology, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Australia (Dr Bryson); Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Australia (Dr Carter); Department of Psychiatry, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Australia (Drs Norman and Kanaan); Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Australia (Drs Norman and Kanaan)
| | - Trevor Norman
- Howard Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Australia (Dr Bryson); Department of Neurology, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Australia (Dr Bryson); Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Australia (Dr Carter); Department of Psychiatry, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Australia (Drs Norman and Kanaan); Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Australia (Drs Norman and Kanaan)
| | - Richard Kanaan
- Howard Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Australia (Dr Bryson); Department of Neurology, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Australia (Dr Bryson); Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Australia (Dr Carter); Department of Psychiatry, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Australia (Drs Norman and Kanaan); Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Australia (Drs Norman and Kanaan)
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44
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Preller KH, Herdener M, Pokorny T, Planzer A, Kraehenmann R, Stämpfli P, Liechti ME, Seifritz E, Vollenweider FX. The Fabric of Meaning and Subjective Effects in LSD-Induced States Depend on Serotonin 2A Receptor Activation. Curr Biol 2017; 27:451-457. [PMID: 28132813 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2016.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 237] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Revised: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
A core aspect of the human self is the attribution of personal relevance to everyday stimuli enabling us to experience our environment as meaningful [1]. However, abnormalities in the attribution of personal relevance to sensory experiences are also critical features of many psychiatric disorders [2, 3]. Despite their clinical relevance, the neurochemical and anatomical substrates enabling meaningful experiences are largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated the neuropharmacology of personal relevance processing in humans by combining fMRI and the administration of the mixed serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine receptor (R) agonist lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), well known to alter the subjective meaning of percepts, with and without pretreatment with the 5-HT2AR antagonist ketanserin. General subjective LSD effects were fully blocked by ketanserin. In addition, ketanserin inhibited the LSD-induced attribution of personal relevance to previously meaningless stimuli and modulated the processing of meaningful stimuli in cortical midline structures. These findings point to the crucial role of the 5-HT2AR subtype and cortical midline regions in the generation and attribution of personal relevance. Our results thus increase our mechanistic understanding of personal relevance processing and reveal potential targets for the treatment of psychiatric illnesses characterized by alterations in personal relevance attribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin H Preller
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Brain Imaging, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital for Psychiatry Zurich, Lenggstr. 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Marcus Herdener
- Center for Addictive Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital for Psychiatry Zurich, Lenggstr. 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Pokorny
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Brain Imaging, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital for Psychiatry Zurich, Lenggstr. 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Amanda Planzer
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Brain Imaging, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital for Psychiatry Zurich, Lenggstr. 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rainer Kraehenmann
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Brain Imaging, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital for Psychiatry Zurich, Lenggstr. 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Stämpfli
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital for Psychiatry Zurich, Lenggstr. 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland; MR Center of the Psychiatric University Hospital and the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Lenggstr. 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Psychopharmacology Research, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Hebelstrasse 2, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital for Psychiatry Zurich, Lenggstr. 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Franz X Vollenweider
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Brain Imaging, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital for Psychiatry Zurich, Lenggstr. 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
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45
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Prabhakaran J, Solingapuram Sai KK, Zanderigo F, Rubin-Falcone H, Jorgensen MJ, Kaplan JR, Tooke KI, Mintz A, Mann JJ, Kumar JSD. In vivo evaluation of [ 18F]FECIMBI-36, an agonist 5-HT 2A/2C receptor PET radioligand in nonhuman primate. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2017; 27:21-23. [PMID: 27889455 PMCID: PMC5348621 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.11.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We recently reported the radiosynthesis and in vitro evaluation of [18F]-2-(4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-(2-fluoroethoxy)benzyl)ethanamine, ([18F]FECIMBI-36) or ([18F]1), an agonist radioligand for 5HT2A/2C receptors in postmortem samples of human brain. Herein we describe the in vivo evaluation of [18F]FECIMBI-36 in vervet/African green monkeys by PET imaging. PET images show that [18F]FECIMBI-36 penetrates the blood-brain barrier and a low retention of radioactivity is observed in monkey brain. Although the time activity curves indicate a somehow heterogeneous distribution of the radioligand in the brain, the low level of [18F]FECIMBI-36 in brain may limit the use of this tracer for quantification of 5-HT2A/2C receptors by PET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaya Prabhakaran
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, USA; Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Division, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
| | | | - Francesca Zanderigo
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, USA; Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Division, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
| | | | - Matthew J Jorgensen
- Department of Pathology, Section on Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Jay R Kaplan
- Department of Pathology, Section on Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Katharine I Tooke
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Akiva Mintz
- Department of Radiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - J John Mann
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, USA; Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Division, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
| | - J S Dileep Kumar
- Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Division, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA.
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46
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Deen M, Christensen CE, Hougaard A, Hansen HD, Knudsen GM, Ashina M. Serotonergic mechanisms in the migraine brain - a systematic review. Cephalalgia 2016; 37:251-264. [PMID: 27013238 DOI: 10.1177/0333102416640501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background Migraine is one of the most common and disabling of all medical conditions, affecting 16% of the general population, causing huge socioeconomic costs globally. Current available treatment options are inadequate. Serotonin is a key molecule in the neurobiology of migraine, but the exact role of brain serotonergic mechanisms remains a matter of controversy. Methods We systematically searched PubMed for studies investigating the serotonergic system in the migraine brain by either molecular neuroimaging or electrophysiological methods. Results The literature search resulted in 59 papers, of which 13 were eligible for review. The reviewed papers collectively support the notion that migraine patients have alterations in serotonergic neurotransmission. Most likely, migraine patients have a low cerebral serotonin level between attacks, which elevates during a migraine attack. Conclusion This review suggests that novel methods of investigating the serotonergic system in the migraine brain are warranted. Uncovering the serotonergic mechanisms in migraine pathophysiology could prove useful for the development of future migraine drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Deen
- 1 Danish Headache Center, Department of Neurology, The Neuroscience Centre, Rigshospitalet, Denmark.,2 Neurobiology Research Unit and Center for Experimental Medicine Neuropharmacology, Department of Neurology, The Neuroscience Centre, Rigshospitalet, Denmark.,3 Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Casper Emil Christensen
- 1 Danish Headache Center, Department of Neurology, The Neuroscience Centre, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Anders Hougaard
- 1 Danish Headache Center, Department of Neurology, The Neuroscience Centre, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Hanne Demant Hansen
- 2 Neurobiology Research Unit and Center for Experimental Medicine Neuropharmacology, Department of Neurology, The Neuroscience Centre, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
| | - Gitte Moos Knudsen
- 2 Neurobiology Research Unit and Center for Experimental Medicine Neuropharmacology, Department of Neurology, The Neuroscience Centre, Rigshospitalet, Denmark.,3 Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Messoud Ashina
- 1 Danish Headache Center, Department of Neurology, The Neuroscience Centre, Rigshospitalet, Denmark.,3 Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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47
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Qiao H, Zhang Y, Wu Z, Zhu L, Choi SR, Ploessl K, Kung HF. One-step preparation of [(18)F]FPBM for PET imaging of serotonin transporter (SERT) in the brain. Nucl Med Biol 2016; 43:470-7. [PMID: 27236282 DOI: 10.1016/j.nucmedbio.2016.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Serotonin transporters (SERT) in the brain play an important role in normal brain function. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, escitalopram, etc., specifically target SERT binding in the brain. Development of SERT imaging agents may be useful for studying the function of SERT by in vivo imaging. A one-step preparation of [(18)F]FPBM, 2-(2'-(dimethylamino)methyl)-4'-(3-([(18)F]fluoropropoxy)phenylthio)benzenamine, for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of SERT binding in the brain was achieved. An active OTs intermediate, 9, was reacted with [(18)F]F(-)/K222 to produce [(18)F]FPBM in one step and in high radiochemical yield. This labeling reaction was evaluated and optimized under different temperatures, bases, solvents, and varying amounts of precursor 9. The radiolabeling reaction led to the desired [(18)F]FPBM in one step and the crude product was purified by HPLC purification to give no-carrier-added [(18)F]FPBM (radiochemical yield, 24-33%, decay corrected; radiochemical purity >99%). PET imaging studies in normal monkeys (n=4) showed fast, pronounced uptakes in the midbrain and thalamus, regions known to be rich in SERT binding sites. A displacement experiment with escitalopram (5mg/kg iv injection at 30min after [(18)F]FPBM injection) showed a rapid and complete reversal of SERT binding, suggesting that binding by [(18)F]FPBM was highly specific and reversible. A one-step radiolabeling method coupled with HPLC purification for preparation of [(18)F]FPBM was developed. Imaging studies suggest that it is feasible to use this method to prepare [(18)F]FPBM for in vivo PET imaging of SERT binding in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwen Qiao
- Department of Neurobiology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China; Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, Beijing Normal University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Zehui Wu
- Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Lin Zhu
- Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, Beijing Normal University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100875, China; Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Seok Rye Choi
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Karl Ploessl
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hank F Kung
- Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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48
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Tagliazucchi E, Roseman L, Kaelen M, Orban C, Muthukumaraswamy S, Murphy K, Laufs H, Leech R, McGonigle J, Crossley N, Bullmore E, Williams T, Bolstridge M, Feilding A, Nutt D, Carhart-Harris R. Increased Global Functional Connectivity Correlates with LSD-Induced Ego Dissolution. Curr Biol 2016; 26:1043-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2016.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Revised: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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49
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Pokorny T, Preller KH, Kraehenmann R, Vollenweider FX. Modulatory effect of the 5-HT1A agonist buspirone and the mixed non-hallucinogenic 5-HT1A/2A agonist ergotamine on psilocybin-induced psychedelic experience. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2016; 26:756-66. [PMID: 26875114 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2016.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Revised: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The mixed serotonin (5-HT) 1A/2A/2B/2C/6/7 receptor agonist psilocybin dose-dependently induces an altered state of consciousness (ASC) that is characterized by changes in sensory perception, mood, thought, and the sense of self. The psychological effects of psilocybin are primarily mediated by 5-HT2A receptor activation. However, accumulating evidence suggests that 5-HT1A or an interaction between 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors may contribute to the overall effects of psilocybin. Therefore, we used a double-blind, counterbalanced, within-subject design to investigate the modulatory effects of the partial 5-HT1A agonist buspirone (20mg p.o.) and the non-hallucinogenic 5-HT2A/1A agonist ergotamine (3mg p.o.) on psilocybin-induced (170 µg/kg p.o.) psychological effects in two groups (n=19, n=17) of healthy human subjects. Psychological effects were assessed using the Altered State of Consciousness (5D-ASC) rating scale. Buspirone significantly reduced the 5D-ASC main scale score for Visionary Restructuralization (VR) (p<0.001), which was mostly driven by a reduction of the VR item cluster scores for elementary and complex visual hallucinations. Further, buspirone also reduced the main scale score for Oceanic Boundlessness (OB) including derealisation and depersonalisation phenomena at a trend level (p=0.062), whereas ergotamine did not show any effects on the psilocybin-induced 5D-ASC main scale scores. The present finding demonstrates that buspirone exerts inhibitory effects on psilocybin-induced effects, presumably via 5-HT1A receptor activation, an interaction between 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors, or both. The data suggest that the modulation of 5-HT1A receptor activity may be a useful target in the treatment of visual hallucinations in different psychiatric and neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Pokorny
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Brain Imaging, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Heffter Research Center Zurich, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katrin H Preller
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Brain Imaging, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Heffter Research Center Zurich, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rainer Kraehenmann
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Brain Imaging, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Heffter Research Center Zurich, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Franz X Vollenweider
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Brain Imaging, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Heffter Research Center Zurich, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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50
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Declercq LD, Vandenberghe R, Van Laere K, Verbruggen A, Bormans G. Drug Development in Alzheimer's Disease: The Contribution of PET and SPECT. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:88. [PMID: 27065872 PMCID: PMC4814730 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical trials aiming to develop disease-altering drugs for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder with devastating consequences, are failing at an alarming rate. Poorly defined inclusion-and outcome criteria, due to a limited amount of objective biomarkers, is one of the major concerns. Non-invasive molecular imaging techniques, positron emission tomography and single photon emission (computed) tomography (PET and SPE(C)T), allow visualization and quantification of a wide variety of (patho)physiological processes and allow early (differential) diagnosis in many disorders. PET and SPECT have the ability to provide biomarkers that permit spatial assessment of pathophysiological molecular changes and therefore objectively evaluate and follow up therapeutic response, especially in the brain. A number of specific PET/SPECT biomarkers used in support of emerging clinical therapies in AD are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lieven D Declercq
- Laboratory for Radiopharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rik Vandenberghe
- Laboratory for Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium
| | - Koen Van Laere
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alfons Verbruggen
- Laboratory for Radiopharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guy Bormans
- Laboratory for Radiopharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium
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