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Lee MR, Moore CF, Weerts EM. Oxytocin decreases alcohol self-administration in male baboons. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:369. [PMID: 39261461 PMCID: PMC11390958 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-03076-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The neurohormone oxytocin (OT) has been proposed as a treatment for alcohol and nicotine use disorders. The aim of the present study was to examine whether intravenous (IV) OT decreases alcohol oral self-administration and consumption in nonhuman primates under a 6-h alcohol access procedure as well as alcohol and nicotine (IV) self-administration under 6-h concurrent access conditions. The subjects were five male baboons (Papio anubis) that self-administered oral alcohol (4% w/v) during 6-h sessions under a fixed ratio 3 (FR3) schedule per drink. Baseline levels of alcohol self-administration were established and then OT treatment was initiated. A single dose of OT (20, 40, 80, 120 IU, IV) or its vehicle (saline) was administered before and again in the middle of the 6-h drinking session for 5 consecutive days (total oxytocin dose of 40, 80, 160, 240 IU/day). After each 5-day treatment, baseline levels of alcohol self-administration were reestablished before the next 5-day OT treatment. In addition, the effect of OT on concurrent alcohol and IV nicotine self-administration was explored in 3 of the baboons where alcohol and nicotine were concurrently available during the 6-hr session each under an FR3 schedule for each drug. Establishment of baseline self-administration and 5-day OT treatments were completed as in the alcohol only study. There was a significant overall reduction in alcohol consumption with OT compared to placebo. On post-hoc analysis, after correcting for multiple comparisons, the 40 and 80 IU doses of OT significantly reduced alcohol consumption compared with vehicle, and consumption did not vary significantly within each 5-day treatment period. OT, qualitatively, also reduced the coadministration of both alcohol and nicotine in each baboon for at least one of the OT doses administered. These results underscore the therapeutic potential of oxytocin as a treatment of alcohol use disorder and possibly, co-use of nicotine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary R Lee
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Catherine F Moore
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elise M Weerts
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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2
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Masuda Y. Meta-model of Human Recognition-behavioral Adaptation System. Integr Psychol Behav Sci 2024; 58:149-159. [PMID: 37256480 PMCID: PMC10904557 DOI: 10.1007/s12124-023-09781-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Scientific modeling is a syllogistic system of definitive premise, sound inference and consistent explanation to understand, define, quantify, visualize or simulate feature of the target. Single-model is defined to an informative representation for identifying a property of a target object/phenomenon, and meta-model integrates the relevant single-models to explain phenomenological realities. Human recognition-behavioral adaptation is an information-metabolism system to maintain homeostasis of human-self, and that has been investigated in neurological, psychiatric and psychological aspects. I analyzed human recognition-behavioral adaptation-system via scientific modeling. Neurological meta-model of human recognition-behavioral adaptation system was synthesized as complex-network of the functional neuronal modules, and the meta-model was integrated to Mentality-model in the psychiatric aspect, and to Personality-model in the psychological aspect. The integrated meta-models successfully explained phenomenological realities in the aspects. From the above, I comprehended that the meta-model of human recognition-behavioral adaptation-system has been developed to Biopsychosocial model integrating the biological, psychological and socio-environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Masuda
- Psychosomatic Division, Luna Mental Clinic of Jinseikai Medical Corporation, Tsuchizaki-minato chu-ou 1-21-36, Akita, 011-0946, Japan.
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3
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Malewska-Kasprzak M, Jowik K, Tyszkiewicz-Nwafor M. The use of intranasal oxytocin in the treatment of eating disorders. Neuropeptides 2023; 102:102387. [PMID: 37837804 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2023.102387] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) is a hypothalamic peptide that plays a number of roles in the body, being involved in labor and lactation, as well as cognitive-emotional processes and social behavior. In recent years, knowledge of the physiology of OXT has been repeatedly used to explore its potential role in the treatment of numerous diseases, identifying a significant role for OXT in appetite regulation, eating behavior, weight regulation, and food-related beliefs. In this review we provide an overview of publications on this topic, but due to the wealth of research, we have limited our focus to studies based on the use of intranasal OXT in psychiatric diseases, with a particular focus on the role of oxytocin in eating disorders and obesity. Accumulating evidence that OXT intranasal supplementation may provide some therapeutic benefit seems promising. In individuals with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) and schizophrenia, OXT may affect core deficits, improving social cognition and reducing symptom severity in schizophrenia. Dysregulation of serum and CSF OXT levels, as well as polymorphisms of its genes, may affect emotion perception in patients with eating disorders and correlate with co-occurring depressive and anxiety disorders. Nevertheless, there are still many critical questions regarding the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intranasal OXT that can only be answered in larger randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katarzyna Jowik
- Department of Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
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Hersey M, Bacon AK, Bailey LG, Lee MR, Chen AY, Leggio L, Tanda G. Oxytocin receptors mediate oxytocin potentiation of methylphenidate-induced stimulation of accumbens dopamine in rats. J Neurochem 2023; 164:613-623. [PMID: 36420597 PMCID: PMC10766115 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15730] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
While the illicit use and misuse of stimulants like cocaine and methylphenidate (MP) has increased, there remains no FDA-approved treatments for psychostimulant use disorders (PSUD). Oxytocin (OT) has shown promise as a potential pharmacotherapy for PSUD. Dopamine (DA) neurotransmission plays a significant role in PSUD. We have recently shown that OT blunts the reinforcing effects of MP but, surprisingly, enhanced MP-induced stimulation of DA levels. Such effects have been suggested as a result of activation of OT receptors or, alternatively, could be mediated by direct actions of OT on MP blockade of the DA transporter. Here, we employed fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) to investigate the effects of systemic OT on MP-induced changes in the dynamics of DA, phasic release and uptake, in the nucleus accumbens shell (NAS) of Sprague-Dawley rats. We also tested the systemic effects of an antagonist of OT receptors, atosiban, to counteract the OT enhancement of dopaminergic effects of MP under microdialysis procedures in the NAS in rats. Administration of OT alone (2 mg/kg; i.p.) did not significantly modify evoked NAS DA dynamics measured by FSCV, and when administered 10 min before MP (0.1, 0.3, 1.0 mg/kg; i.v.), OT did not potentiate MP-induced increases in phasic DA release and did not alter DA clearance rate, suggesting no direct interactions of OT with the MP-induced blockade of DA uptake. Also, OT alone did not elicit significant changes in tonic, extracellular NAS DA levels measured by microdialysis. However, consistent with previous studies, we observed that OT pretreatments (2 mg/kg; i.p.) potentiated MP-induced (0.1, 0.3, 1.0 mg/kg; i.v.) efflux of extracellular NAS DA levels. This effect was abolished when rats were pretreated with atosiban (2 mg/kg; i.p.), suggesting that OT receptors mediate this OT action. Overall, our results suggest that OT receptors mediated OT potentiation of MP-induced stimulation of extracellular NAS DA levels, likely driven by modulation of DA receptor signaling pathways, without affecting MP blockade of DAT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mary R. Lee
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC
| | - Andy Y. Chen
- Medication Development Program, NIDA IRP, Baltimore, MD
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Medication Development Program, NIDA IRP, Baltimore, MD
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, NIDA/NIAAA IRP, Baltimore, MD
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Yaw AM, Glass JD, Prosser RA, Caldwell HK. Paternal Cocaine in Mice Alters Social Behavior and Brain Oxytocin Receptor Density in First Generation Offspring. Neuroscience 2022; 485:65-77. [PMID: 35063583 PMCID: PMC8866213 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that the damaging effects of drugs of abuse, such as cocaine, can extend beyond the user to their offspring. While most preclinical models of the generational effects of cocaine abuse have focused on maternal effects, we, and others, report distinct effects on offspring sired by fathers treated with cocaine prior to breeding. However, little is known about the effects of paternal cocaine use on first generation (F1) offspring's social behaviors. Here, we expand upon our model of oral self-administered paternal cocaine use to address the idea that paternal cocaine alters first generation offspring social behaviors through modulation of the oxytocin system. F1 cocaine-sired males displayed unaltered social recognition vs. non-cocaine sired controls but showed increased investigation times that were not related to altered olfaction. Paternal cocaine did not alter F1 male-aggression behavior or depression-like behaviors, but cocaine-sired males did display decreased anxiety-like behaviors. Female F1 behavior was similarly examined, but there were no effects of paternal cocaine. Cocaine-sired male mice also exhibited localized oxytocin receptor expression differences vs. controls in several brain regions regulating social behavior. These results provide evidence for effects of paternal cocaine exposure on social behaviors in male offspring with associated alterations in central oxytocin transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Yaw
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State Univ., Kent, OH 44242, United States; Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Behavior, Department of Biological Sciences, Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - J David Glass
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State Univ., Kent, OH 44242, United States
| | - Rebecca A Prosser
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, and the NeuroNET Research Center, Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States
| | - Heather K Caldwell
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State Univ., Kent, OH 44242, United States; Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Behavior, Department of Biological Sciences, Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States.
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Cid-Jofré V, Moreno M, Reyes-Parada M, Renard GM. Role of Oxytocin and Vasopressin in Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Therapeutic Potential of Agonists and Antagonists. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222112077. [PMID: 34769501 PMCID: PMC8584779 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222112077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) are hypothalamic neuropeptides classically associated with their regulatory role in reproduction, water homeostasis, and social behaviors. Interestingly, this role has expanded in recent years and has positioned these neuropeptides as therapeutic targets for various neuropsychiatric diseases such as autism, addiction, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety disorders. Due to the chemical-physical characteristics of these neuropeptides including short half-life, poor blood-brain barrier penetration, promiscuity for AVP and OT receptors (AVP-R, OT-R), novel ligands have been developed in recent decades. This review summarizes the role of OT and AVP in neuropsychiatric conditions, as well as the findings of different OT-R and AVP-R agonists and antagonists, used both at the preclinical and clinical level. Furthermore, we discuss their possible therapeutic potential for central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeska Cid-Jofré
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica y Aplicada (CIBAP), Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170022, Chile; (V.C.-J.); (M.M.)
| | - Macarena Moreno
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica y Aplicada (CIBAP), Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170022, Chile; (V.C.-J.); (M.M.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Bernardo OHiggins, Santiago 8370993, Chile
| | - Miguel Reyes-Parada
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica y Aplicada (CIBAP), Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170022, Chile; (V.C.-J.); (M.M.)
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Providencia 7500912, Chile
- Correspondence: (M.R.-P.); (G.M.R.)
| | - Georgina M. Renard
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica y Aplicada (CIBAP), Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170022, Chile; (V.C.-J.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence: (M.R.-P.); (G.M.R.)
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Rung JM, Horta M, Tammi EM, Perez E, Ojeda MC, Lin T, Harris G, Somerville J, Salmeron D, Beltz SE, Sandesara B, Feifel D, Ebner NC. Safety and tolerability of chronic intranasal oxytocin in older men: results from a randomized controlled trial. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:2405-2418. [PMID: 33982141 PMCID: PMC8115997 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05862-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Most studies evaluating the safety and tolerability of intranasal oxytocin (OT) have not reported consistent adverse events (AEs), but they have largely focused on young men and single-dose administration. Thus, it is unclear whether these findings translate to older individuals and with longer administration periods. OBJECTIVE Extending previous work, this study investigated the safety and tolerability of chronic intranasal OT in generally healthy older men. METHODS Data were from a randomized, placebo (P)-controlled, double-blind clinical trial evaluating the effects of 4 weeks of self-administered intranasal OT (24 IU twice daily) in older adults with no major physical or cognitive impairments. Heart rate, blood pressure, urine osmolality, and serum metabolic biomarkers were obtained before and at the end of the intervention. AEs were collected during the first 3 weeks and 1 week after cessation of treatment. RESULTS Of 103 participants recruited, 95 were randomized and received the intervention (OT = 49, P = 46). OT had no significant impact on cardiovascular, urine, or serum measures. The AEs reported for both treatments were generally mild and few in number, though one participant assigned to OT and two assigned to P dropped out due to AEs. Relative to P, OT did not significantly increase the likelihood of reporting AEs, nor the number or severity of AEs reported. CONCLUSION Chronic intranasal OT appears safe and well-tolerated in generally healthy older men. These findings provide support for continued human research on potential benefits of chronic OT in older adult populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian M Rung
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
| | - Marilyn Horta
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Erin M Tammi
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Eliany Perez
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Marite C Ojeda
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Tian Lin
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Griffin Harris
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Jessie Somerville
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Dinia Salmeron
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Susan E Beltz
- Investigational Drug Service, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Bhanuprasad Sandesara
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - David Feifel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - Natalie C Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Che X, Cai J, Liu Y, Xu T, Yang J, Wu C. Oxytocin signaling in the treatment of drug addiction: Therapeutic opportunities and challenges. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 223:107820. [PMID: 33600854 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Drug addiction is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Despite great advances were achieved in understanding the neurobiology of drug addiction, the therapeutic options are severely limited, with poor effectiveness and serious side effects. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) is well known for its effects on uterine contraction, sexual/maternal behaviors, social affiliation, stress and learning/memory by interacting with the OXT receptor and other neuromodulators. Emerging evidence suggests that the acute or chronic exposure to drugs can affect the OXT system. Additionally, OXT administration can ameliorate a wide range of abused drug-induced neurobehavioral changes. Overall, OXT not only suppresses drug reward in the binge stage of drug addiction, but also reduces stress responses and social impairments during the withdrawal stage and, finally, prevents drug/cue/stress-induced reinstatement. More importantly, clinical studies have also shown that OXT can exert beneficial effects on reducing substance use disorders of a series of drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, alcohol, cannabis and nicotine. Thus, the present review focuses on the role of OXT in treating drug addiction, including the preclinical and clinical therapeutic potential of OXT and its analogs on the neurobiological perspectives of drugs, to provide a better insight of the efficacy of OXT as a clinical addiction therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohang Che
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacodynamics Evaluation of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Jialing Cai
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Yueyang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacodynamics Evaluation of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Tianyu Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Jingyu Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacodynamics Evaluation of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China.
| | - Chunfu Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacodynamics Evaluation of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China.
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Patel D, Sundar M, Lorenz E, Leong KC. Oxytocin Attenuates Expression, but Not Acquisition, of Sucrose Conditioned Place Preference in Rats. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:603232. [PMID: 33384589 PMCID: PMC7769941 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.603232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Maladaptation of reward processing for natural rewards, such as sucrose or sugar, may play a role in the development of diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Furthermore, uncovering mechanisms to disrupt or reverse maladaptation of reward-seeking behaviors for natural reinforcers can provide insight into treatment of such diseases, as well as disorders such as addiction. As such, studying the effects of potential pharmacotherapeutics on maladaptive sugar-seeking behavior offers valuable clinical significance. Sucrose conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigms can offer insight into aspects of reward processes as it provides a way to assess acquisition and expression of context-reward associations. The present study examined the effect of peripheral oxytocin injections on sucrose CPP in rats. Oxytocin, when administered prior to CPP test, attenuated expression of sucrose CPP. However, oxytocin, when administered during sucrose conditioning, did not affect subsequent place preference. These findings suggest oxytocin sufficiently attenuates expression of sucrose-associated place preference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon Patel
- Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Megana Sundar
- Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Eva Lorenz
- Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Kah-Chung Leong
- Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX, United States
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10
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Abstract
AbstractI understand that phenomena are compatibly explained via synthetic reasoning-model inducted from the premise. This is my fundamental researching strategy. Now, some neuroscientists suggested that mammalian brains work via network of the neuronal modules, and I and my colleagues reported that the modules are followed by individual humoral stress-coping glycolipids. Here, I noticed that the module-network followed by the glycolipids could be symbolically structured as a model qualitative- and quantitative-reasoning mammalian recognition-behavioral stress-coping system. On the other hand, Evolutionary psychologists understand that human recognition-behaviors originate from animal recognition-behaviors, and philologists premise that human operates language and symbols semantically. I symbolized human recognition-behavioral stress-coping system as the self by using a mathematical logic Complex-network, developed the self to the world by using a mathematical logic Topology, and considered the self and the world as synthetic reasoning-model of human recognition-behavioral adaptation system. Furthermore, I explained human psychological realities: personality, neurotic symptoms, sympathy and empathy, social selection pressure, and nature of psychotherapy via the synthetic reasoning-model. I also analyzed psychotherapeutic strategies of the main psychological parties for clarifying the comprehensions for human recognition-behavioral adaptation system, and finally, I concluded that my fundamental researching strategy is valid for totally comprehending human adaptation recognition-behaviors.
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Van Hedger K, Bershad AK, Lee R, de Wit H. Effects of Intranasal Oxytocin on Stress-Induced Cigarette Craving in Daily Smokers. Nicotine Tob Res 2020; 22:89-95. [PMID: 30085292 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/nty159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cigarette smoking is a well-known public health concern, and there is an urgent need to develop new treatments to reduce smoking or facilitate abstinence. One factor that is known to contribute to relapse is stress, making the stress response an important target for treatment. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) is believed to have stress-reducing effects, and in addition there is evidence that it reduces drug craving. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of intranasal OT on stress-induced cigarette craving in regular smokers after 12 h of abstinence. METHOD Daily smokers (n = 48) completed a stress induction task and a nonstressful control task at two different sessions, receiving intranasal OT (40 IU) or placebo (PBO) before or after the task. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Group PP (n = 16) received PBO before and after the stress/control tasks, Group OP (n = 16) received OT before the tasks and PBO after, and Group PO (n = 16) received PBO before the tasks and OT shortly after completing the tasks. Cigarette craving as well as subjective and physiological responses to stress was assessed. RESULTS OT did not alter responses to stress, whether it was administered before or after the stressful task, on measures of cigarette craving, anxiety, heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels. CONCLUSIONS The current study findings do not support several previous reports that OT reduced either stress or drug craving. IMPLICATIONS This study finds a null result of the neuropeptide oxytocin on stress-induced cigarette craving. Reporting null findings is part of the process of identifying potential treatments for addictive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryne Van Hedger
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Anya K Bershad
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Royce Lee
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Harriet de Wit
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
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Off-label intranasal oxytocin use in adults is associated with increased amygdala-cingulate resting-state connectivity. Eur Psychiatry 2020; 30:542-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2015.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractIntranasally administered oxytocin gained popularity as a hormone facilitating trust, cooperation, and affiliation. However, the long-term consequences of oxytocin use are not known. Given that intensive media attention and advertisements of the “love hormone” might lead to a new form of misuse, we conducted an online survey and identified 41 individuals with oxytocin misuse. Misuse will be proposed throughout the manuscript instead of the more accurate “off-label use” for reasons of simplicity. We compared the social functions of oxytocin users with that of 41 matched control volunteers. We administered the “Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test” (RMET) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) Toolbox Adult Social Relationship Scales (NIH-ASRS) to delineate affective “theory of mind” and real-life social functions, respectively. Resting-state functional brain connectivity analyses were also carried out. Results revealed no significant differences between individuals with oxytocin misuse and control participants on the RMET and NIH-ASRS. However, individuals with oxytocin misuse showed an increased connectivity between the right amygdala and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex relative to the control group. Higher estimated cumulative doses of oxytocin were associated with enhanced amygdala-cingulate connectivity. These results show that individuals who have self-selected for and pursued oxytocin use have increased amygdala-cingulate resting connectivity, compared to individuals who have not used oxytocin, despite the lack of differences in RMET and NIH-ASRS scores. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to investigate the cause-effect relationship between oxytocin use and brain connectivity.
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Ferrer-Pérez C, Reguilón MD, Miñarro J, Rodríguez-Arias M. Endogenous oxytocin is essential for the buffering effects of pair housing against the increase in cocaine reward induced by social stress. Physiol Behav 2020; 221:112913. [PMID: 32298668 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.112913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Social factors have a dual influence on addictive disorders. While social defeat stress in rodents increases the response to drug reward, positive social conditions, such as pair housing, increase stress resilience. The objective of the present study was to confirm whether oxytocin (OT) mediates this social buffering. To this end, male mice were housed in pairs and administered the OT receptor antagonist atosiban prior to each stress episode or for ten days after the stress protocol. The response to cocaine was assessed using a conditioned place preference paradigm. Our results confirmed that OT activity mediates the protective effect of pair housing and highlights its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Ferrer-Pérez
- Department of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marina D Reguilón
- Department of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - José Miñarro
- Department of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Rodríguez-Arias
- Department of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
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14
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Choi MR, Cho H, Chun JW, Yoo JH, Kim DJ. Increase of orexin A in the peripheral blood of adolescents with Internet gaming disorder. J Behav Addict 2020; 9:93-104. [PMID: 31957460 PMCID: PMC8935190 DOI: 10.1556/2006.8.2019.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Overindulgence in Internet gaming, which is related to rapid development of the online game industry, can cause a psychiatric disorder known as Internet gaming disorder (IGD). The number of adolescents with IGD is on the rise in countries with developed Internet technologies, such as South Korea. Therefore, it is important to develop biomarkers to detect patients at high risk of IGD. This study investigated expression levels of proteins in the blood of adolescents to provide insight into the development of biomarkers. METHODS We collected blood samples from 73 subjects [40 healthy adolescents (Internet gaming control, IGC) and 33 adolescents with IGD] between 13:00 and 15:00. We analyzed the expression levels of orexin A, oxytocin, cortisol, melatonin, BDNF, sICAM-1, RANTES, and NCAM using multiplex assay kits. RESULTS Orexin A was significantly (p = .016) elevated in the IGD group and the expression levels of melatonin tended to be higher (p = .055) in the IGD group. On the other hand, increased Internet gaming time in the IGD group was negatively correlated (p = .041) with expression of BDNF. On the contrary, sICAM-1 associated with inflammation exhibited the tendency of the positive correlation (p = .073) with Internet gaming time in the IGD group. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS We identified elevation of orexin A in the peripheral blood of adolescents with IGD and a negative correlation between Internet gaming time and BDNF in adolescents with IGD. Our results provide useful information to understand the pathophysiology of IGD in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Ran Choi
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Cho
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Won Chun
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hyun Yoo
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dai-Jin Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea,Corresponding author: Dai-Jin Kim, MD, PhD; Department of Psychiatry, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; Phone: +82 2 2258 6086; Fax: +82 2 594 3870; E-mail:
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15
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King CE, Gano A, Becker HC. The role of oxytocin in alcohol and drug abuse. Brain Res 2020; 1736:146761. [PMID: 32142721 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.146761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) plays a key role in adaptive processes associated with reward, tolerance, memory and stress responses. Through interactions with brain reward and stress systems, OXT is known to play a role in several neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly those that involve altered social integration, such as alcohol and drug addiction (Heilig et al., 2016). As such, there is growing interest in the oxytocin system as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of alcohol and substance use disorders. Accumulating preclinical evidence suggests that administration of OXT influences the development of tolerance, sensitization and withdrawal symptoms, and modulates numerous alcohol/drug-seeking and alcohol/drug-taking behaviors. Further, there is some evidence to suggest that OXT may help to reverse neuroadaptations that occur as a result of chronic alcohol or drug exposure. To date, there have been only a handful of clinical studies conducted in alcohol and drug dependent populations. This review summarizes the preclinical and clinical literature on the effects of OXT administration on alcohol- and drug-related behaviors. In addition, we discuss OXT interactions with the hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal axis and multiple neurotransmitter systems within addiction circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney E King
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina & VAMC, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - Anny Gano
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina & VAMC, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - Howard C Becker
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina & VAMC, Charleston, SC 29425, United States.
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16
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Joseph JE, McRae-Clark A, Sherman BJ, Baker NL, Moran-Santa Maria M, Brady KT. Neural correlates of oxytocin and cue reactivity in cocaine-dependent men and women with and without childhood trauma. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019:10.1007/s00213-019-05360-7. [PMID: 31701163 PMCID: PMC8815182 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05360-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Women with cocaine use disorder have worse treatment outcomes compared with men. Sex differences in cocaine addiction may be driven by differences in neurobiology or stress reactivity. Oxytocin is a potential therapeutic for stress reduction in substance use disorders, but no studies have examined the effect of oxytocin on neural response to drug cues in individuals with cocaine use disorders or potential sex differences in this response. OBJECTIVES The goal of this study was to examine the effect of intranasal oxytocin on cocaine cue reactivity in cocaine dependence, modulated by gender and history of childhood trauma. METHODS Cocaine-dependent men with (n = 24) or without (n = 19) a history of childhood trauma and cocaine-dependent women with (n = 16) or without (n = 8) a history of childhood trauma completed an fMRI cocaine cue reactivity task under intranasal placebo or oxytocin (40 IU) on two different days. fMRI response was measured in the right amygdala and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC). RESULTS In the DMPFC, oxytocin reduced fMRI response to cocaine cues across all subject groups. However, in the amygdala, only men with a history of childhood trauma showed a significantly reduced fMRI response to cocaine cues on oxytocin versus placebo, while women with a history of childhood trauma showed an enhanced amygdala response to cocaine cues following oxytocin administration. Cocaine-dependent subjects with no history of childhood trauma showed no effect of oxytocin on amygdala response. CONCLUSIONS Oxytocin can reduce cue reactivity in cocaine dependence, but its effect is modified by sex and childhood trauma history. Whereas men with cocaine dependence may benefit from oxytocin administration, additional studies are needed to determine whether oxytocin can be an effective therapeutic for cocaine-dependent women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane E Joseph
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas St., Clinical Sciences Building Room 325E, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
| | - Aimee McRae-Clark
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas St., Clinical Sciences Building Room 325E, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Brian J Sherman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas St., Clinical Sciences Building Room 325E, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Nathaniel L Baker
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas St., Clinical Sciences Building Room 325E, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Megan Moran-Santa Maria
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas St., Clinical Sciences Building Room 325E, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Kathleen T Brady
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas St., Clinical Sciences Building Room 325E, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
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17
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Abstract
The neuropeptide Oxytocin (ΟΤ) is involved as a neurohormone, a neurotransmitter, or a neuromodulator in an extensive range of central and peripheral effects, complex emotional and social human behaviors, memory and learning processes. It is implicated in homeostatic, neuroadaptive processes associated with stress responses and substance use via interactions with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the dopamine mesolimbic reward stress system. This chapter reviews the preclinical and clinical literature on the complicated relationships between endogenous and exogenous opioids and ΟΤ systems and attempts to highlight key findings to date on the effectiveness of intranasal OT administration to treat opioid use disorders. OΤ seems to attenuate, even inhibit, the development of opioid use disorders in preclinical models but is still under clinical research as a promising pharmacological agent in the treatment of opioid use related behaviors. Evidence suggests a role for OT as an adjunctive or stand-alone treatment of behavioral, cognitive and emotional deficits associated with substance use, which may be responsible for seeking behavior and relapse. The mechanisms by which oxytocin acts to reverse the neural substrates of these deficits, partially due to substance induced alterations of the endogenous OT system, and thus modify the behavioral response to substance use are discussed. Other clinically relevant issues are also discussed.
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18
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Goncalves TM, Southey BR, Rodriguez-Zas SL. Interplay Between Amphetamine and Activity Level in Gene Networks of the Mouse Striatum. Bioinform Biol Insights 2018; 12:1177932218815152. [PMID: 30559594 PMCID: PMC6291885 DOI: 10.1177/1177932218815152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The psychostimulant amphetamine can be prescribed to ameliorate the symptoms of narcolepsy, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and to facilitate weight loss. This stimulant can also have negative effects including toxicity and addiction risk. The impact of amphetamine on gene networks is partially understood and this study addresses this gap in consideration of the physical activity. The striata of mice exposed to either amphetamine or saline treatment were compared in a mouse line selected for home cage physical overactivity, a phenotype that can be mitigated with amphetamine, and in a contemporary control line using RNA-seq. Genes presenting opposite expression patterns between treatments across lines included a pseudogene of coiled-coil-helix-coiled-coil-helix domain containing 2 gene (Chchd2), ribonuclease P RNA component H1 (Rpph1), short stature homeobox 2 (Shox2), transient receptor potential melastatin 6 (Trpm6), and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 9 (Tnfrsf9). Genes presenting consistent treatment patterns across lines, albeit at different levels of significance included cholecystokinin (Cck), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (Vip), arginine vasopressin (Avp), oxytocin/neurophysin (Oxt), thyrotropin releasing hormone (Trh), neurotensin (Nts), angiotensinogen (Agt), galanin (Gal), prolactin receptor (Prlr), and calcitonin receptor (Calcr). Potassium inwardly rectifying channel, subfamily J, member 6 (Kcnj6), and retinoic acid-related (RAR)-related orphan receptor alpha (Rora) were similarly differentially expressed between treatments across lines. Functional categories enriched among the genes presenting line-dependent amphetamine effect included genes coding for neuropeptides and associated with memory and neuroplasticity and synaptic signaling, energy, and redox processes. A line-dependent association between amphetamine exposure and the synaptic signaling genes neurogranin (Nrgn) and synaptic membrane exocytosis 1(Rims1) was highlighted in the gene networks. Our findings advance the understanding of molecular players and networks affected by amphetamine in support of the development of activity-targeted therapies that may capitalize on the benefits of this psychostimulant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tassia M Goncalves
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Bruce R Southey
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Sandra L Rodriguez-Zas
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Department of Statistics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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19
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Ferrer-Pérez C, Castro-Zavala A, Luján MÁ, Filarowska J, Ballestín R, Miñarro J, Valverde O, Rodríguez-Arias M. Oxytocin prevents the increase of cocaine-related responses produced by social defeat. Neuropharmacology 2018; 146:50-64. [PMID: 30448423 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) plays a critical role in the regulation of social and emotional behaviors. OXT plays a role in stress response and in drug reward, but to date no studies have evaluated its implication in the long-lasting increase of the motivational effects of cocaine induced by repeated social defeat (RSD). During the social defeat procedure, 1 mg/kg of OXT was administered 30 min before each episode of RSD. Three weeks after the last defeat, the effects of cocaine on the conditioned place preference (CPP), locomotor sensitization and the self-administration (SA) paradigms were evaluated. The influence of OXT on the levels of BDNF in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), striatum and hippocampus was also measured. Our results confirm that raising the levels of OXT during social defeat stress can block the long-lasting effects of this type of stress. OXT counteracts the anxiety induced by social defeat and modifies BDNF levels in all the structures we have studied. Moreover, OXT prevents RSD-induced increases in the motivational effects of cocaine. Administration of OXT before each social defeat blocked the social defeat-induced increment in the conditioned rewarding effects of cocaine in the CPP, favored the extinction of cocaine-associated memories in both the CPP and SA, and decreased reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behavior in the SA. In conclusion, the long-lasting effects of RSD are counteracted by administering OXT prior to stress, and changes in BDNF expression may underlie these protective effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Ferrer-Pérez
- Unit of Research on Psychobiology of Drug Dependence, Department of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Adriana Castro-Zavala
- Neurobiology of Behavior Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Health and Experimental Sciences, University Pompeu Fabra, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Luján
- Neurobiology of Behavior Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Health and Experimental Sciences, University Pompeu Fabra, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joanna Filarowska
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Raúl Ballestín
- Unit of Research on Psychobiology of Drug Dependence, Department of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - José Miñarro
- Unit of Research on Psychobiology of Drug Dependence, Department of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Olga Valverde
- Neurobiology of Behavior Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Health and Experimental Sciences, University Pompeu Fabra, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Rodríguez-Arias
- Unit of Research on Psychobiology of Drug Dependence, Department of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
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20
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Baracz SJ, Everett NA, Cornish JL. The impact of early life stress on the central oxytocin system and susceptibility for drug addiction: Applicability of oxytocin as a pharmacotherapy. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 110:114-132. [PMID: 30172802 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Early life trauma is strongly associated with an increased vulnerability to abuse illicit drugs and the impairment of neural development. This includes alterations to the development of the oxytocin system, which plays a pivotal role in the regulation of social behaviours and emotion. Dysregulation of this important system also contributes to increased susceptibility to develop drug addiction. In this review, we provide an overview of the animal models of early life stress that are widely used, and discuss the impact that early life stress has on drug-taking behaviour in adolescence and adulthood in both sexes. We link this to the changes that early life stress has on the endogenous oxytocin system, and how exogenously administered oxytocin may help to re-establish functioning of the system, and in turn, reduce drug-taking behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Baracz
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| | - Nicholas A Everett
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Cornish
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
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21
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Abstract
Interest for the use of oxytocin as a treatment for addiction began over 40years ago. Better known for its roles in parturition, lactation and pair bonding, oxytocin also has anxiolytic properties, reduces immune and inflammatory responses, and has a role in learning and memory. In this chapter, oxytocin effects on addiction processes are described by highlighting research findings that have used oxytocin within current preclinical animal models of addiction, relapse, or craving. First, we provide a brief background of the endogenous oxytocin system followed by descriptions of the behavioral models used to study addiction, including models of drug taking and seeking. Then we review recent preclinical studies that have used oxytocin as a therapeutic intervention throughout multiple stages of the addiction cycle from a behavioral and neurobiological perspective. These models encompass the entire range of the addiction cycle including acquisition and maintenance of drug taking, withdrawal and craving during periods of drug abstinence, and ultimately relapse. We then posit several theories about how oxytocin interacts with both drug and social reward, as well as presenting a mechanistic account of how specific oxytocin receptor localization may contribute to oxytocin's efficacy as an addiction therapeutic.
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22
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Walker LC, Lawrence AJ. Investigational drug therapies in phase I and phase II clinical trials for alcohol use disorders. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2018; 27:1-14. [PMID: 30019949 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2018.1502269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a complex psychiatric condition characterized by craving, compulsive seeking, loss of control of alcohol consumption as well as the emergence of negative emotional states during withdrawal. Despite the large socioeconomic burden of AUD, therapeutic treatment options lag behind. AREAS COVERED This review covers pharmacotherapies currently in phase I/II clinical trials for the treatment of AUDs listed on clinicaltrials.gov. We discuss drug therapies that modulate monoamine, GABA/Glutamate, neuropeptide and neuroimmune systems. We examine in depth preclinical and clinical evidence of a select range of these compounds and consider their utility in treating AUDs. EXPERT OPINION Current therapeutic options to treat AUD are inadequate at a population level. Currently there are 30 different compounds and one compound combination in phase I/II clinical trials for AUD. These compounds target various aspects of neurotransmitter signaling, neuroimmune modulation, and alcohol metabolism. Almost 75% of these compounds under trial are Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for other indications, which may save time and costs in treatment development. Further, development of therapeutics focused on genetic biomarkers and behavioral screening may improve how treatment decisions are made in the future on a case-by-case basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh C Walker
- a Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health , University of Melbourne , Parkville , VIC , Australia
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- a Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health , University of Melbourne , Parkville , VIC , Australia
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23
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Jurek B, Neumann ID. The Oxytocin Receptor: From Intracellular Signaling to Behavior. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:1805-1908. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00031.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 408] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The many facets of the oxytocin (OXT) system of the brain and periphery elicited nearly 25,000 publications since 1930 (see FIGURE 1 , as listed in PubMed), which revealed central roles for OXT and its receptor (OXTR) in reproduction, and social and emotional behaviors in animal and human studies focusing on mental and physical health and disease. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of OXT expression and release, expression and binding of the OXTR in brain and periphery, OXTR-coupled signaling cascades, and their involvement in behavioral outcomes to assemble a comprehensive picture of the central and peripheral OXT system. Traditionally known for its role in milk let-down and uterine contraction during labor, OXT also has implications in physiological, and also behavioral, aspects of reproduction, such as sexual and maternal behaviors and pair bonding, but also anxiety, trust, sociability, food intake, or even drug abuse. The many facets of OXT are, on a molecular basis, brought about by a single receptor. The OXTR, a 7-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor capable of binding to either Gαior Gαqproteins, activates a set of signaling cascades, such as the MAPK, PKC, PLC, or CaMK pathways, which converge on transcription factors like CREB or MEF-2. The cellular response to OXT includes regulation of neurite outgrowth, cellular viability, and increased survival. OXTergic projections in the brain represent anxiety and stress-regulating circuits connecting the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, or the medial prefrontal cortex. Which OXT-induced patterns finally alter the behavior of an animal or a human being is still poorly understood, and studying those OXTR-coupled signaling cascades is one initial step toward a better understanding of the molecular background of those behavioral effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Jurek
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Inga D. Neumann
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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24
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Kohtz AS, Lin B, Smith ME, Aston-Jones G. Attenuated cocaine-seeking after oxytocin administration in male and female rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:2051-2063. [PMID: 29671014 PMCID: PMC6015788 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4902-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Initial drug abstinence (modeled here as Extinction Day 1, ED1) is a critical time point in the progression of addiction that is strongly influenced by stress and sex. ED1 induces corticosterone release in both sexes, and cocaine-seeking during ED1 can be mitigated by corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) antagonists more effectively in female rats. Oxytocin (OXT) is a neuropeptide that has several biological functions, including regulation of stress pathways. METHODS To investigate a relationship between OXT, sex, and cocaine-seeking, we examined Fos on ED1 in OXT neurons of paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic nuclei (SON) compared to homecage (cocaine experienced) or naïve male and female rats. We also administered OXT 30 min prior to ED1 testing or cued reinstatement testing. RESULTS OXT neurons had decreased activity (as reflected by Fos protein) in PVN and SON on withdrawal day 1 (homecage) compared to naïve rats. Fos in OXT neurons was further decreased on ED1, compared to homecage controls, in both males and females even though in SON, cocaine exposure increased the number of OXT-expressing neurons. In addition, systemically administered OXT reduced cocaine-seeking during ED1 and cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine-seeking but delayed extinction, similarly among male and female rats. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that OXT neurons in PVN and SON may be involved in cocaine-seeking during ED1 and support OXT as a possible therapeutic to decrease cocaine-seeking during initial abstinence and in response to cocaine-associated cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy S. Kohtz
- Brain Health Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854
| | - Belle Lin
- Brain Health Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854
| | | | - Gary Aston-Jones
- Brain Health Institute, Rutgers University, RWJMS Research Building Rm. 259, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
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25
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Oxytocin Reduces Alcohol Cue-Reactivity in Alcohol-Dependent Rats and Humans. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:1235-1246. [PMID: 29090683 PMCID: PMC5916348 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 10/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Approved pharmacological treatments for alcohol use disorder are limited in their effectiveness, and new drugs that can easily be translated into the clinic are warranted. One of those candidates is oxytocin because of its interaction with several alcohol-induced effects. Alcohol-dependent rats as well as post-mortem brains of human alcoholics and controls were analyzed for the expression of the oxytocin system by qRT-PCR, in situ hybridization, receptor autoradiography ([125I]OVTA binding), and immunohistochemistry. Alcohol self-administration and cue-induced reinstatement behavior was measured after intracerebroventricular injection of 10 nM oxytocin in dependent rats. Here we show a pronounced upregulation of oxytocin receptors in brain tissues of alcohol-dependent rats and deceased alcoholics, primarily in frontal and striatal areas. This upregulation stems most likely from reduced oxytocin expression in hypothalamic nuclei. Pharmacological validation showed that oxytocin reduced cue-induced reinstatement response in dependent rats-an effect that was not observed in non-dependent rats. Finally, a clinical pilot study (German clinical trial number DRKS00009253) using functional magnetic resonance imaging in heavy social male drinkers showed that intranasal oxytocin (24 IU) decreased neural cue-reactivity in brain networks similar to those detected in dependent rats and humans with increased oxytocin receptor expression. These studies suggest that oxytocin might be used as an anticraving medication and thus may positively affect treatment outcomes in alcoholics.
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26
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Miller MA, Bershad A, King AC, Lee R, de Wit H. Intranasal oxytocin dampens cue-elicited cigarette craving in daily smokers: a pilot study. Behav Pharmacol 2018; 27:697-703. [PMID: 27661192 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Despite moderate success with pharmacological and behavioral treatments, smoking relapse rates remain high, and many smokers report that smoking cues lead to relapse. Therefore, treatments that target cue reactivity are needed. One candidate for reducing craving is the neuropeptide oxytocin (OT). Here, we investigated the effects of intranasal OT on two types of craving for cigarettes: craving following overnight abstinence and craving elicited by smoking-related cues. In this within-subject, placebo-controlled pilot study, smokers (N=17) abstained from smoking for 12 h before attending two sessions randomized to intranasal OT or placebo (i.e. saline nasal spray). On each session, participants received two doses of OT (20 IU) or placebo at 1-h intervals, and rated craving before and after each dose. Spontaneous cigarette craving was assessed after the first spray, and cue-elicited craving was assessed following the second spray. OT did not reduce levels of spontaneous craving after the first spray, but significantly dampened cue-induced smoking craving. These results provide preliminary evidence that OT can reduce cue-induced smoking craving in smokers. These findings provide an important link between preclinical and clinical studies aimed at examining the effectiveness of OT as a novel treatment for drug craving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Miller
- aDepartment of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience bInterdisciplinary Scientist Training Program, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Abstract
There is growing interest in the use of oxytocin (OT) as a potential treatment for alcohol and other substance-use disorders. OT is a neuropeptide that modulates adaptive processes associated with addiction including reward, tolerance, associative learning, memory, and stress responses. OT exerts its effects through interactions with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and multiple neurotransmitter systems including the dopamine mesolimbic reward and corticotrophin-releasing factor stress systems. The effects of OT on stress systems are of high interest, given the strong link between stress, drug use and relapse, and known dysregulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis activity associated with substance-use disorders. At the same time, the OT system is itself altered by acute or chronic drug exposure. This review summarizes the preclinical and clinical literature on the OT system and its relevance to drug and alcohol addiction. In addition, findings from recent clinical trials conducted in participants with cocaine, cannabis, or alcohol use disorder are included and evidence that OT may help to normalize blunted stress responses, and attenuate withdrawal-associated hypercortisolism, negative mood, and withdrawal symptoms is summarized.
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Lin SH, Chen PS, Lee LT, Lee SY, Tsai HC, Chen WT, Chen KC, Lee IH, Lu RB, Yang YK. The Association between the Level of Plasma Oxytocin and Craving among Former Heroin Users. Eur Addict Res 2018; 24:71-78. [PMID: 29902803 DOI: 10.1159/000485563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal studies have demonstrated that oxytocin can influence addiction behaviors and might interact with the dopaminergic system, which is a key component of addiction behaviors. However, related evidence from clinical studies is scarce. The aim of our study was to explore the relationship between plasma oxytocin level and heroin craving among patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment, and to ascertain whether this relationship is moderated by novelty-seeking. METHODS The study was conducted in a methadone maintenance therapy clinic of a medical center in Taiwan. Seventy-seven patients with heroin addiction were enrolled. Plasma oxytocin was measured using an ELISA kit. Craving was assessed using an established instrument, the Chinese Craving Scale. RESULTS A significant negative association was found between the plasma oxytocin level and craving score, which remained robust after controlling the effects of social support and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. An interaction between oxytocin and novelty-seeking indicated that this relationship was stronger among patients with a lower level of novelty-seeking. CONCLUSION This finding may be taken into account in future studies and may provide a basis for the development of potential treatment for addiction. The effect of oxytocin for the treatment of opioid dependence might be modulated by some psychological factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Hsien Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Po See Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Lan-Ting Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Yu Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hsin Chun Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Dou-Liou Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Wei Tseng Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Kao Chin Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - I Hui Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ru-Band Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yen Kuang Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Dou-Liou Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
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29
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Pedersen CA. Oxytocin, Tolerance, and the Dark Side of Addiction. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2017; 136:239-274. [PMID: 29056153 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Substance use disorders blight the lives of millions of people and inflict a heavy financial burden on society. There is a compelling need for new pharmacological treatments as current drugs have limited efficacy and other major drawbacks. A substantial number of animal and recent clinical studies indicate that the neuropeptide, oxytocin, is a particularly promising therapeutic agent for human addictions, especially alcohol use disorders. In preliminary trials, we found that oxytocin administered by the intranasal route, which produces some neuropeptide penetration into the CNS, potently blocked withdrawal and reduced alcohol consumption in heavy drinkers. A considerable body of earlier animal studies demonstrated that oxytocin inhibits tolerance to alcohol, opioids, and stimulants as well as withdrawal from alcohol and opioids. Based on these preclinical findings and our clinical results, we hypothesize that oxytocin may exert therapeutic effects in substance dependence by the novel mechanism of diminishing established tolerance. A newer wave of studies has almost unanimously found that oxytocin decreases self-administration of a number of addictive substances in several animal models of addiction. Reduction of established tolerance should be included among the potential explanations of oxytocin effects in these studies and changes in tolerance should be examined in future studies in relationship to oxytocin influences on acquisition and reinstatement of self-administration as well as extinction of drug seeking. Oxytocin efficacy in reducing anxiety and stress responses as well as established tolerance suggests it may be uniquely effective in reducing negative reinforcement (Koob's "dark side" of addiction) that maintains chronic substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cort A Pedersen
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
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Leong KC, Freeman LR, Berini CR, Ghee SM, See RE, Reichel CM. Oxytocin Reduces Cocaine Cued Fos Activation in a Regionally Specific Manner. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2017; 20:844-854. [PMID: 28977525 PMCID: PMC5737335 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyx058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxytocin may be a possible treatment for multiple neuropsychiatric disorders, including cocaine addiction. Little is known about the site-specific effects of oxytocin on various drug addiction-related brain regions. Furthermore, sexually dimorphic effects of oxytocin on neural function in the addiction circuit have not been established. Here, we studied Fos expression following cocaine-cued reinstatement in both male and female rats. METHODS Male and female rats underwent self-administration, extinction, and reinstatement tests. On test days, rats were given oxytocin or vehicle, and lever pressing was measured in response to conditioned cocaine cues. Rats were perfused and Fos staining measured in the central amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens core, and subthalamic nucleus. Fos/oxytocin double labeling occurred in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. RESULTS Rats reinstated to cocaine cues relative to extinction responding and oxytocin reduced cocaine seeking. Oxytocin combined with contingent cue presentations increased Fos+ oxytocin cell bodies within the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus relative to vehicle. Fos expression robustly increased in the central amygdala following oxytocin administration. Oxytocin reversed cue-induced Fos expression in the medial prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens core, and subthalamic nucleus. Central oxytocin infusion also attenuated reinstated cocaine seeking. CONCLUSIONS Oxytocin decreased reinstated cocaine seeking, increased Fos activation in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and central amygdala, but normalized cue-induced Fos activation in the medial prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens core, and subthalamic nucleus, thereby demonstrating regionally specific activation patterns. No sex differences were seen for the effects of oxytocin on cocaine seeking and Fos activation, indicating that oxytocin acts on similar central neural circuits critical to reinstated cocaine seeking in both males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kah-Chung Leong
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of
Neurosciences, Charleston, South
Carolina (Dr Leong, Ms Berini, Ms Ghee, and Dr Reichel); Furman
University, Department of Biology, Greenville, South Carolina (Dr Freeman);
Westmont College, Department of Psychology, Santa Barbara,
California (Dr See)
| | - Linnea R Freeman
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of
Neurosciences, Charleston, South
Carolina (Dr Leong, Ms Berini, Ms Ghee, and Dr Reichel); Furman
University, Department of Biology, Greenville, South Carolina (Dr Freeman);
Westmont College, Department of Psychology, Santa Barbara,
California (Dr See)
| | - Carole R Berini
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of
Neurosciences, Charleston, South
Carolina (Dr Leong, Ms Berini, Ms Ghee, and Dr Reichel); Furman
University, Department of Biology, Greenville, South Carolina (Dr Freeman);
Westmont College, Department of Psychology, Santa Barbara,
California (Dr See)
| | - Shannon M Ghee
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of
Neurosciences, Charleston, South
Carolina (Dr Leong, Ms Berini, Ms Ghee, and Dr Reichel); Furman
University, Department of Biology, Greenville, South Carolina (Dr Freeman);
Westmont College, Department of Psychology, Santa Barbara,
California (Dr See)
| | - Ronald E See
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of
Neurosciences, Charleston, South
Carolina (Dr Leong, Ms Berini, Ms Ghee, and Dr Reichel); Furman
University, Department of Biology, Greenville, South Carolina (Dr Freeman);
Westmont College, Department of Psychology, Santa Barbara,
California (Dr See)
| | - Carmela M Reichel
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of
Neurosciences, Charleston, South
Carolina (Dr Leong, Ms Berini, Ms Ghee, and Dr Reichel); Furman
University, Department of Biology, Greenville, South Carolina (Dr Freeman);
Westmont College, Department of Psychology, Santa Barbara,
California (Dr See).,Correspondence: Carmela M. Reichel, PhD, Department of Neurosciences,
Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425
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Oxytocin Acts in Nucleus Accumbens to Attenuate Methamphetamine Seeking and Demand. Biol Psychiatry 2017; 81:949-958. [PMID: 28110822 PMCID: PMC5432412 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence indicates that oxytocin, an endogenous peptide well known for its role in social behaviors, childbirth, and lactation, is a promising addiction pharmacotherapy. We employed a within-session behavioral-economic (BE) procedure in rats to examine oxytocin as a pharmacotherapy for methamphetamine (meth) addiction. The BE paradigm was modeled after BE procedures used to assess motivation for drugs in humans with addiction. The same BE variables assessed across species have been shown to predict later relapse behavior. Thus, the translational potential of preclinical BE studies is particularly strong. METHODS We tested the effects of systemic and microinfused oxytocin on demand for self-administered intravenous meth and reinstatement of extinguished meth seeking in male and female rats using a BE paradigm. Correlations between meth demand and meth seeking were assessed. RESULTS Female rats showed greater demand (i.e., motivation) for meth compared with male rats. In both male and female rats, meth demand predicted reinstatement of meth seeking, and systemic oxytocin decreased demand for meth and attenuated reinstatement to meth seeking. Oxytocin was most effective at decreasing meth demand and seeking in rats with the strongest motivation for drug. Finally, these effects of systemic oxytocin were mediated by actions in the nucleus accumbens. CONCLUSIONS Oxytocin decreases meth demand and seeking in both sexes, and these effects depend on oxytocin signaling in the nucleus accumbens. Overall, these data indicate that development of oxytocin-based therapies may be a promising treatment approach for meth addiction in humans.
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Nikolaou K, Kapoukranidou D, Ndungu S, Floros G, Kovatsi L. Severity of Withdrawal Symptoms, Plasma Oxytocin Levels, and Treatment Outcome in Heroin Users Undergoing Acute Withdrawal. J Psychoactive Drugs 2017; 49:233-241. [PMID: 28443705 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2017.1312644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Pre-clinical studies show that, following chronic opioid exposure, oxytocin neurons exhibit over-excitation upon withdrawal, causing an increase in oxytocin brain and plasma levels. Relevant clinical data on humans are scarce. This study investigates the opioid withdrawal stress effect on oxytocin plasma levels in humans. We evaluated 57 male chronic heroin users in a residential detoxification program. We determined plasma oxytocin levels by ELISA and measured the stress effects of withdrawal using the COWS scale for opioid withdrawal, the VAS scale for craving, and the Hamilton scales for anxiety and depression on the second day of admission. Out of the 57 patients enrolled in the study, 27 completed the 21-day program, while the remaining 30 dropped out prior to completion. Plasma oxytocin levels were significantly higher in those individuals who dropped out than in those who completed the program. Participants who dropped out at some stage scored higher in the COWS, VAS-Craving, and Hamilton-anxiety scales, indicating a higher stress and explaining the higher oxytocin levels. In addition, plasma oxytocin levels correlated positively with the scores achieved in the COWS and Hamilton-anxiety scales. Higher withdrawal stress levels are associated with higher plasma oxytocin levels and early treatment discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kakia Nikolaou
- a Consultant Psychiatrist, Head of the Addictions Department IANOS , Papanikolaou General Hospital of Thessaloniki-Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki , Thessaloniki , Greece
| | - Dorothea Kapoukranidou
- b Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine , Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Thessaloniki , Greece
| | - Samuel Ndungu
- c Emeritus Professor, Laboratory of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine , Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Thessaloniki , Greece
| | - Georgios Floros
- d Scientific Associate, Second Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine , Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Thessaloniki , Greece
| | - Leda Kovatsi
- e Assistant Professor, Laboratory of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine , Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Thessaloniki , Greece
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33
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Fang QQ, Wang JL, Tai FD. Effects of cocaine on aggression and associated central ERα and oxytocin expression in ovariectomized and intact mandarin voles. THE EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/11250003.2017.1281354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Q. Q. Fang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
- College of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Beifang University of Nationalities, Yinchuan, China
| | - J. L. Wang
- College of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Beifang University of Nationalities, Yinchuan, China
| | - F. D. Tai
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
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34
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Vaht M, Kurrikoff T, Laas K, Veidebaum T, Harro J. Oxytocin receptor gene variation rs53576 and alcohol abuse in a longitudinal population representative study. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 74:333-341. [PMID: 27716573 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxytocin is an important regulator of social relationships and has been implicated in development of substance use and addiction. We examined the association of a variance in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR rs53576 polymorphism) with alcohol use in a population-representative sample, and potential moderation by social functioning. METHODS The analysis was carried out on the older birth cohort of the longitudinal Estonian Children Personality Behaviour and Health Study (ECPBHS), a cohort of initially 15 years old children (original n=593) recalled at ages 18 and 25. In all data collection waves the participants reported the frequency of consuming alcoholic beverages. Psychiatric interview was carried out at age 25 to assess the lifetime prevalence of substance use disorders. Adverse social interactions with teachers, classmates and family members were self-reported at ages 15 and 18. The minor (A) allele frequency was 0.37. RESULTS Males homozygous for the A allele (suggested to be associated with less efficient oxytocinergic functioning) were more frequent alcohol consumers at ages 15 and 18 and also more likely to have had alcohol abuse or addiction by age 25 compared to male G allele carriers. Alcohol use was not associated with the OXTR genotype in females. Both male and female AA homozygotes who had reported less favourable relations with their teachers at age 15 more likely had alcohol use disorder. CONCLUSIONS OXTR rs53576 polymorphism is associated with alcohol use and prevalence of alcohol use disorders in males, and this may be moderated by inferior interpersonal relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariliis Vaht
- Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychology, Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences, University of Tartu, Estonia
| | - Triin Kurrikoff
- Division of Sociology, Department of Social Studies, University of Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kariina Laas
- Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychology, Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences, University of Tartu, Estonia
| | - Toomas Veidebaum
- National Institute for Health Development, Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Jaanus Harro
- Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychology, Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences, University of Tartu, Estonia.
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35
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Georgiou P, Zanos P, Hourani S, Kitchen I, Bailey A. Cocaine abstinence induces emotional impairment and brain region-specific upregulation of the oxytocin receptor binding. Eur J Neurosci 2016; 44:2446-2454. [PMID: 27453431 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The key problem in treating cocaine addiction is the maintenance of a drug-free state as negative emotional symptoms during abstinence often trigger relapse. The mechanisms underpinning the emotional dysregulation during abstinence are currently not well-understood. There is evidence suggesting a role of the neuropeptide oxytocin in the modulation of drug addiction processes. However, its involvement during long-term abstinence from cocaine use remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to behaviourally characterize a mouse model of long-term cocaine withdrawal and assess the effect of chronic cocaine administration and long-term cocaine abstinence on the central oxytocinergic system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Fourteen-day escalating-dose cocaine administration (3 × 15-30 mg/kg/day) and 14-day withdrawal increased plasma corticosterone levels and oxytocin receptor (OTR) binding in piriform cortex, lateral septum and amygdala. A specific cocaine withdrawal-induced increase in OTR binding was observed in the medial septum. These biochemical alterations occurred concomitantly with the emergence of memory impairment, contextual psychomotor sensitization and an anhedonic and anxiogenic phenotype during withdrawal. Our study established a clear relationship between cocaine abstinence and emotional impairment in a novel translationally relevant model of cocaine withdrawal and demonstrated for the first time brain region-specific neuroadaptations of the oxytocin system, which may contribute to abstinence-induced negative emotional state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polymnia Georgiou
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Panos Zanos
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Susanna Hourani
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK
| | - Ian Kitchen
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK
| | - Alexis Bailey
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK.
- Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education, St George's University of London, London, SW17 0R, UK.
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Baracz SJ, Cornish JL. The neurocircuitry involved in oxytocin modulation of methamphetamine addiction. Front Neuroendocrinol 2016; 43:1-18. [PMID: 27546878 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The role of oxytocin in attenuating the abuse of licit and illicit drugs, including the psychostimulant methamphetamine, has been examined with increased ferocity in recent years. This is largely driven by the potential application of oxytocin as a pharmacotherapy. However, the neural mechanisms by which oxytocin modulates methamphetamine abuse are not well understood. Recent research identified an important role for the accumbens core and subthalamic nucleus in this process, which likely involves an interaction with dopamine, glutamate, GABA, and vasopressin. In addition to providing an overview of methamphetamine, the endogenous oxytocin system, and the effects of exogenous oxytocin on drug abuse, we propose a neural circuit through which exogenous oxytocin modulates methamphetamine abuse, focusing on its interaction with neurochemicals within the accumbens core and subthalamic nucleus. A growing understanding of exogenous oxytocin effects at a neurochemical and neurobiological level will assist in its evaluation as a pharmacotherapy for drug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Baracz
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Jennifer L Cornish
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia.
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Koob GF, Volkow ND. Neurobiology of addiction: a neurocircuitry analysis. Lancet Psychiatry 2016; 3:760-773. [PMID: 27475769 PMCID: PMC6135092 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(16)00104-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1867] [Impact Index Per Article: 233.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Drug addiction represents a dramatic dysregulation of motivational circuits that is caused by a combination of exaggerated incentive salience and habit formation, reward deficits and stress surfeits, and compromised executive function in three stages. The rewarding effects of drugs of abuse, development of incentive salience, and development of drug-seeking habits in the binge/intoxication stage involve changes in dopamine and opioid peptides in the basal ganglia. The increases in negative emotional states and dysphoric and stress-like responses in the withdrawal/negative affect stage involve decreases in the function of the dopamine component of the reward system and recruitment of brain stress neurotransmitters, such as corticotropin-releasing factor and dynorphin, in the neurocircuitry of the extended amygdala. The craving and deficits in executive function in the so-called preoccupation/anticipation stage involve the dysregulation of key afferent projections from the prefrontal cortex and insula, including glutamate, to the basal ganglia and extended amygdala. Molecular genetic studies have identified transduction and transcription factors that act in neurocircuitry associated with the development and maintenance of addiction that might mediate initial vulnerability, maintenance, and relapse associated with addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- George F Koob
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA.
| | - Nora D Volkow
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
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38
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The effects of intranasal oxytocin in opioid-dependent individuals and healthy control subjects: a pilot study. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:2571-80. [PMID: 27137199 PMCID: PMC7452038 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4308-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE There has been an explosion of research on the potential benefits of the social neuropeptide oxytocin for a number of mental disorders including substance use disorders. Recent evidence suggests that intranasal oxytocin has both direct anti-addiction effects and pro-social effects that may facilitate engagement in psychosocial treatment for substance use disorders. OBJECTIVES We aimed to assess the tolerability of intranasal oxytocin and its effects on heroin craving, implicit association with heroin and social perceptual ability in opioid-dependent patients receiving opioid replacement therapy (ORT) and healthy control participants. METHODS We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, within- and between-subjects, crossover, proof-of-concept trial to examine the effects of oxytocin (40 international units) on a cue-induced craving task (ORT patients only), an Implicit Association Task (IAT), and two social perception tasks: the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Task (RMET) and The Awareness of Social Inference Test (TASIT). RESULTS Oxytocin was well tolerated by patients receiving ORT but had no significant effects on craving or IAT scores. There was a significant reduction in RMET performance after oxytocin administration versus placebo in the patient group only, and a significant reduction in TASIT performance after oxytocin in both the patient and healthy control groups. CONCLUSIONS A single dose of intranasal oxytocin is well tolerated by patients receiving ORT, paving the way for future investigations. Despite no significant improvement in craving or IAT scores after a single dose of oxytocin and some evidence that social perception was worsened, further investigation is required to determine the role oxytocin may play in the treatment of opioid use disorder. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Methadone Oxytocin Option. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01728909.
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39
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Etiological theories of addiction: A comprehensive update on neurobiological, genetic and behavioural vulnerability. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2016; 148:59-68. [PMID: 27306332 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Revised: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Currently, about 246 million people around the world have used an illicit drug. The reasons for this use are multiple: e.g. to augment the sensation of pleasure or to reduce the withdrawal and other aversive effects of a given substance. This raises the problem of addiction, which remains a disease of modern society. This review offers a comprehensive update of the different theories about the etiology of addictive behaviors with emphasis on the neurobiological, environmental, psychopathological, behavioural and genetic aspects of addictions, discussed from an evolutionary perspective. The main conclusion of this review is that vulnerability to drug addiction suggests an interaction between many brain systems (including the reward, decision-making, serotonergic, oxytocin, interoceptive insula, CRF, norepinephrine, dynorphin/KOR, orexin and vasopressin systems), genetic predisposition, sociocultural context, impulsivity and drugs types. Further advances in biological and psychological science are needed to address the problems of addiction at its roots.
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Georgiou P, Zanos P, Garcia-Carmona JA, Hourani S, Kitchen I, Laorden ML, Bailey A. Methamphetamine abstinence induces changes in μ-opioid receptor, oxytocin and CRF systems: Association with an anxiogenic phenotype. Neuropharmacology 2016; 105:520-532. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Hicks C, Cornish JL, Baracz SJ, Suraev A, McGregor IS. Adolescent pre-treatment with oxytocin protects against adult methamphetamine-seeking behavior in female rats. Addict Biol 2016; 21:304-15. [PMID: 25402719 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT), given acutely, reduces self-administration of the psychostimulant drug methamphetamine (METH). Additionally, chronic OT administration to adolescent rats reduces levels of alcohol consumption in adulthood, suggesting developmental neuroplasticity in the OT system relevant to addiction-related behaviors. Here, we examined whether OT exposure during adolescence might subsequently inhibit METH self-administration in adulthood. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were administered vehicle or OT (1 mg/kg, i.p.) once daily from postnatal days (PND) 28 to 37 (adolescence). At PND 62 (adulthood), rats were trained to self-administer METH (intravenous, i.v.) in daily 2-hour sessions for 10 days under a fixed ratio 1 (FR1) reinforcement schedule, followed by determination of dose-response functions (0.01-0.3 mg/kg/infusion, i.v.) under both FR1 and progressive ratio (PR) schedules of reinforcement. Responding was then extinguished, and relapse to METH-seeking behavior assessed following priming doses of non-contingent METH (0.1-1 mg/kg, i.p.). Finally, plasma was collected to determine pre-treatment effects on OT and corticosterone levels. Results showed that OT pre-treatment did not significantly inhibit the acquisition of METH self-administration or FR1 responding. However, rats pre-treated with OT responded significantly less for METH under a PR reinforcement schedule, and showed reduced METH-primed reinstatement with the 1 mg/kg prime. Plasma OT levels were also significantly higher in OT pre-treated rats. These results confirm earlier observations that adolescent OT exposure can subtly, yet significantly, inhibit addiction-relevant behaviors in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callum Hicks
- School of Psychology; University of Sydney; Australia
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Rothwell PE. Autism Spectrum Disorders and Drug Addiction: Common Pathways, Common Molecules, Distinct Disorders? Front Neurosci 2016; 10:20. [PMID: 26903789 PMCID: PMC4742554 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and drug addiction do not share substantial comorbidity or obvious similarities in etiology or symptomatology. It is thus surprising that a number of recent studies implicate overlapping neural circuits and molecular signaling pathways in both disorders. The purpose of this review is to highlight this emerging intersection and consider implications for understanding the pathophysiology of these seemingly distinct disorders. One area of overlap involves neural circuits and neuromodulatory systems in the striatum and basal ganglia, which play an established role in addiction and reward but are increasingly implicated in clinical and preclinical studies of ASDs. A second area of overlap relates to molecules like Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) and methyl CpG-binding protein-2 (MECP2), which are best known for their contribution to the pathogenesis of syndromic ASDs, but have recently been shown to regulate behavioral and neurobiological responses to addictive drug exposure. These shared pathways and molecules point to common dimensions of behavioral dysfunction, including the repetition of behavioral patterns and aberrant reward processing. The synthesis of knowledge gained through parallel investigations of ASDs and addiction may inspire the design of new therapeutic interventions to correct common elements of striatal dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick E Rothwell
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin plays a role in reward, stress, social affiliation, learning, and memory processes. As such, there is increasing interest in oxytocin as a potential treatment for addictions. The endogenous oxytocin system is itself altered by short- or long-term exposure to drugs of abuse. A large number of preclinical studies in rodents have investigated the effect of oxytocin administration on various drug-induced behaviors to determine whether oxytocin can reverse the neuroadaptations occurring with repeated drug and alcohol use. In addition, the mechanisms by which oxytocin acts to modify the behavioral response to drugs of abuse are beginning to be understood. More recently, a few small clinical studies have been conducted in cocaine, cannabis, and alcohol dependence. This review summarizes the preclinical as well as clinical literature to date on the oxytocin system and its relevance to drug and alcohol addiction.
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Leong KC, Zhou L, Ghee SM, See RE, Reichel CM. Oxytocin decreases cocaine taking, cocaine seeking, and locomotor activity in female rats. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol 2016; 24:55-64. [PMID: 26523890 PMCID: PMC4821810 DOI: 10.1037/pha0000058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin has been shown to decrease cocaine taking and seeking in male rats, suggesting potential treatment efficacy for drug addiction. In the present study, we extended these findings to the assessment of cocaine seeking and taking in female rats. Further, we made direct comparisons of oxytocin's impact on cocaine induced locomotor activity in both males and females. In females, systemic oxytocin (0.3, 1.0, 3.0 mg/kg) attenuated lever pressing for cocaine during self-administration and oxytocin (1.0 mg/kg) attenuated cue-induced cocaine seeking following extinction. Cocaine increased baseline locomotor activity to a greater degree in females relative to males. Oxytocin (0.1, 0.3, 1.0, and 3.0 mg/kg) reduced cocaine-induced locomotor activity in females, but not significantly in males. These data illustrate sex similarities in oxytocin's attenuation of cocaine seeking, but sex differences in cocaine-induced locomotor effects. While reductions in cocaine seeking cannot be attributed to a reduction in locomotor activity in males, attenuation of locomotor function cannot be entirely ruled out as an explanation for a decrease in cocaine seeking in females suggesting that oxytocin's effect on cocaine seeking may be mediated by different mechanisms in male and females.
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Romano A, Tempesta B, Micioni Di Bonaventura MV, Gaetani S. From Autism to Eating Disorders and More: The Role of Oxytocin in Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Front Neurosci 2016; 9:497. [PMID: 26793046 PMCID: PMC4709851 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (oxy) is a pituitary neuropeptide hormone synthesized from the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei within the hypothalamus. Like other neuropeptides, oxy can modulate a wide range of neurotransmitter and neuromodulator activities. Additionally, through the neurohypophysis, oxy is secreted into the systemic circulation to act as a hormone, thereby influencing several body functions. Oxy plays a pivotal role in parturition, milk let-down and maternal behavior and has been demonstrated to be important in the formation of pair bonding between mother and infants as well as in mating pairs. Furthermore, oxy has been proven to play a key role in the regulation of several behaviors associated with neuropsychiatric disorders, including social interactions, social memory response to social stimuli, decision-making in the context of social interactions, feeding behavior, emotional reactivity, etc. An increasing body of evidence suggests that deregulations of the oxytocinergic system might be involved in the pathophysiology of certain neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism, eating disorders, schizophrenia, mood, and anxiety disorders. The potential use of oxy in these mental health disorders is attracting growing interest since numerous beneficial properties are ascribed to this neuropeptide. The present manuscript will review the existing findings on the role played by oxy in a variety of distinct physiological and behavioral functions (Figure 1) and on its role and impact in different psychiatric disorders. The aim of this review is to highlight the need of further investigations on this target that might contribute to the development of novel more efficacious therapies.
Oxytocin regulatory control of different and complex processes. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Adele Romano
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome Rome, Italy
| | - Bianca Tempesta
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome Rome, Italy
| | | | - Silvana Gaetani
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome Rome, Italy
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Ciobica A, Balmus IM, Padurariu M. IS OXYTOCIN RELEVANT FOR THE AFFECTIVE DISORDERS? ACTA ENDOCRINOLOGICA-BUCHAREST 2016; 12:65-71. [PMID: 31258803 DOI: 10.4183/aeb.2016.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin is a complex molecule involved in a variety of biological processes at both the central and the peripheral level. Although its role was initially associated almost exclusively with birth and breastfeeding, recent studies are suggesting that in fact oxytocin could be involved in many other physiological and pathological processes. In this way, lately there is a growing interest towards a possible involvement of oxytocin in many etiopathogenic and psychopathological processes, as for example in the affective disorders, where the roles of oxytocin are not yet clearly understood. In this paper we shortly describe the main aspects regarding the relevance of oxytocin administration or its mechanisms in the affective disorders, as well as its relations with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and cortisol secretion. It seems that although the researches on the importance of oxytocin in the affective disorders are rather at the beginning, an increasing number of evidence is supporting the involvement of oxytocin in the pathogenic processes of these psychiatric disorders. Still, the studies covering this topic are still in their early days, and the results that are trying to understand if there is a major role of oxytocin in affective disorders are not consistent enough to draw definitive conclusions and establish with certainty where the place of oxytocin in the affective disorders pathology is.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ciobica
- "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University, Iaşi, Romania.,Center of Biomedical Research of the Romanian Academy, Iaşi Branch, Iaşi, Romania
| | - I M Balmus
- "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University, Iaşi, Romania
| | - M Padurariu
- "Gr. T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iaşi, Romania
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The oxytocin analogue carbetocin prevents priming-induced reinstatement of morphine-seeking: Involvement of dopaminergic, noradrenergic and MOPr systems. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 25:2459-64. [PMID: 26475574 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2015.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Revised: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Relapse to illicit drug-seeking following abstinence is a major challenge for the treatment of addiction as no effective pharmacotherapy is available. We have recently shown that activating the central oxytocinergic system prevents emotional impairment and stress-induced reinstatement associated with opioid withdrawal. Here, we investigated whether the oxytocin analogue carbetocin (CBT) is able to reverse morphine-primed reinstatement of conditioned-place preference (CPP) in mice. The mechanism underlining the behavioural effect of CBT was investigated by assessing the involvement of the striatal noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems in CBT reversal of priming- and stress-induced reinstatement of opioid CPP. In addition, given recent evidence suggesting the presence of oxytocin receptor (OTR)-μ-opioid receptor (MOPr) interactions in the brain, we further explored these interactions by carrying out OTR autoradiographic binding in brain of mice lacking MOPr. CBT administration prevented priming-induced reinstatement of morphine CPP. While an acute effect of CBT in enhancing dopamine turnover was observed following stress- and priming-induced reinstatement, CBT significantly decreased striatal noradrenaline turnover only following priming-induced reinstatement. Moreover, a significant brain region- specific increase in OTR binding was observed in MOPr knockout mice, indicating the presence of a possible OTR-MOPr interaction, which may be involved in the modulation of relapse. These results support the oxytocinergic system as a promising target for the prevention of relapse to opioid use and highlight the differential involvement of monoaminergic systems on the effects of OTR stimulation in preventing stress- and priming-induced reinstatement of opioid CPP behaviour.
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Otero-García M, Agustín-Pavón C, Lanuza E, Martínez-García F. Distribution of oxytocin and co-localization with arginine vasopressin in the brain of mice. Brain Struct Funct 2015; 221:3445-73. [PMID: 26388166 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-015-1111-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) play a major role in social behaviours. Mice have become the species of choice for neurobiology of social behaviour due to identification of mouse pheromones and the advantage of genetically modified mice. However, neuroanatomical data on nonapeptidergic systems in mice are fragmentary, especially concerning the central distribution of OT. Therefore, we analyse the immunoreactivity for OT and its neurophysin in the brain of male and female mice (strain CD1). Further, we combine immunofluorescent detection of OT and AVP to locate cells co-expressing both peptides and their putative axonal processes. The results indicate that OT is present in cells of the neurosecretory paraventricular (Pa) and supraoptic hypothalamic nuclei (SON). From the anterior SON, OTergic cells extend into the medial amygdala, where a sparse cell population occupies its ventral anterior and posterior divisions. Co-expression of OT and AVP in these nuclei is rare. Moreover, a remarkable OTergic cell group is found near the ventral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST), distributed between the anterodorsal preoptic nucleus and the nucleus of anterior commissure (ADP/AC). This cell group, the rostral edge of the Pa and the periventricular hypothalamus display frequent OT + AVP double labelling, with a general dominance of OT over AVP immunoreactivity. Fibres with similar immunoreactivity profile innervate the accumbens shell and core, central amygdala and portions of the intervening BST. These data, together with data in the literature on rats, suggest that the projections of ADP/AC nonapeptidergic cells onto these brain centres could promote pup-motivated behaviours and inhibit pup avoidance during motherhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Otero-García
- Departaments de Biologia Cel·lular i de Biologia Funcional, Facultat de Ciències Biològiques, Universitat de València, València, Spain
| | - Carmen Agustín-Pavón
- Lab. of Functional Neuroanatomy (NeuroFun), Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Facultat de Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Jaume I, Av. de Vicent Sos Baynat, s/n, 12071, Castelló de la Plana, Spain
| | - Enrique Lanuza
- Departaments de Biologia Cel·lular i de Biologia Funcional, Facultat de Ciències Biològiques, Universitat de València, València, Spain
| | - Fernando Martínez-García
- Lab. of Functional Neuroanatomy (NeuroFun), Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Facultat de Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Jaume I, Av. de Vicent Sos Baynat, s/n, 12071, Castelló de la Plana, Spain.
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Harari-Dahan O, Bernstein A. A general approach-avoidance hypothesis of oxytocin: accounting for social and non-social effects of oxytocin. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 47:506-19. [PMID: 25454355 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2014] [Revised: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We critically reexamine extant theory and empirical study of Oxytocin. We question whether OT is, in fact, a "social neuropeptide" as argued in dominant theories of OT. METHOD We critically review human and animal research on the social and non-social effects of Oxytocin, including behavioral, psychophysiological, neurobiological, and neuroimaging studies. RESULTS We find that extant (social) theories of Oxytocin do not account for well-documented non-social effects of Oxytocin. Furthermore, we find a range of evidence that social and non-social effects of Oxytocin may be mediated by core approach-avoidance motivational processes. CONCLUSIONS We propose a General Approach-avoidance Hypothesis of Oxytocin (GAAO). We argue that the GAAO may provide a parsimonious account of established social and non-social effects of Oxytocin. We thus re-conceptualize the basic function(s) and mechanism(s) of action of Oxytocin. Finally, we highlight implications of the GAAO for basic and clinical research in humans
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Fisher HE. Lust, attraction, and attachment in mammalian reproduction. HUMAN NATURE-AN INTERDISCIPLINARY BIOSOCIAL PERSPECTIVE 2015. [PMID: 26197356 DOI: 10.1007/s12110-998-1010-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
This paper proposes that mammals exhibit three primary emotion categories for mating and reproduction: (1) the sex drive, or lust, characterized by the craving for sexual gratification; (2) attraction, characterized by increased energy and focused attention on one or more potential mates, accompanied in humans by feelings of exhilaration, "intrusive thinking" about a mate, and the craving for emotional union with this mate or potential mate; and (3) attachment, characterized by the maintenance of close social contact in mammals, accompanied in humans by feelings of calm, comfort, and emotional union with a mate. Each emotion category is associated with a discrete constellation of neural correlates, and each evolved to direct a specific aspect of reproduction. The sex drive is associated primarily with the estrogens and androgens; it evolved to motivate individuals to seek sexual union. The attraction system is associated primarily with the catecholamines; it evolved to facilitate mate choice, enabling individuals to focus their mating effort on preferred partners. The attachment system is associated primarily with the peptides, vasopressin, and oxytocin; it evolved to motivate individuals to engage in positive social behaviors and assume species-specific parental duties.During the evolution of the genus Homo, these emotion systems became increasingly independent of one another, a phenomenon that contributes to human mating flexibility and the wide range of contemporary human mating and reproductive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- H E Fisher
- , East 70th Street, 10021, New York City, NY.
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