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Guttlein L, Molina JC, Abate P. Operant conditioning with a stimulus discrimination: An alternative method for evaluating alcohol reinforcement in preweaning rats. J Neurosci Methods 2021; 363:109345. [PMID: 34464651 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2021.109345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethanol exposure at early ontogeny promotes further predisposition to consume the drug. Operant conditioning allows motivational alcohol properties to be assessed. To date, the operant conditioning approach used during infancy consisted in paired subjects being trained to learn an operant response, using simultaneously a yoked partner, which received reinforcer solution as a result of a paired animal instrumental response (OYS). NEW METHOD In our study, we attempted to evaluate ethanol reinforcing effects during PDs 15-18 in an operant conditioning schedule with a stimulus discrimination procedure (OSD), as an alternative control learning. This new proposal includes a single subject, who has to choose between an S+ nose-poke hole, which delivers the reinforcer into the mouth, or an S- nose-poke hole with no reinforcement effect. RESULTS The OSD results seemed to be more reliable than those obtained using the OYS procedure, since some data appeared to be more robust when using a yoked nose-poke hole than when employing a yoked subject, such as in control learning. Consequently, OSD has the following advantages compared to the OYS procedure: a) the operant response learned is controlled by the overall behavior of the same subject, resulting in a relatively clearer data; b) a yoked animal is not necessary, thereby reducing the number of rats used in the operant conditioning procedure. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS AND CONCLUSIONS A novel technique of operant conditioning adapted to infancy was developed by training animals to emit a particular response to gain access to alcohol solution as a reinforcer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa Guttlein
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, C.P. 5016, Argentina
| | - Juan Carlos Molina
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, C.P. 5016, Argentina; Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, C.P. 5000, Argentina
| | - Paula Abate
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, C.P. 5000, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones Psicológicas (IIPsi-CONICET-UNC), Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, C.P. 5000, Argentina.
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Bariselli S, Lovinger DM. Corticostriatal Circuit Models of Cognitive Impairments Induced by Fetal Exposure to Alcohol. Biol Psychiatry 2021; 90:516-528. [PMID: 34281711 PMCID: PMC8463431 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The term fetal alcohol spectrum disorder includes a group of diseases caused by fetal alcohol exposure (FAE). Patients with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder display heterogeneous socioemotional and cognitive deficits, particularly in the domain of executive function, that share symptoms with other neuropsychiatric disorders. Despite the availability of several preclinical models, the developmental brain defects causally linked to behavioral deficits induced by FAE remain poorly understood. Here, we first review the effects of FAE on corticostriatal development and its impact on both corticostriatal pathway function and cognitive abilities. We propose three non-mutually exclusive circuit models of corticostriatal dysfunctions to account for some of the FAE-induced cognitive deficits. One model posits that associative-sensorimotor imbalance causes hyper goal-directed behavior, and a second model implies that alteration of prefrontal-striatal behavioral suppression circuits results in loss of behavioral inhibition. A third model suggests that local striatal circuit deficits affect striatal neuronal ensemble function to impair action selection and performance. Finally, we discuss how preclinical approaches applied to these circuit models could offer potential rescue strategies for executive function deficits in patients with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiano Bariselli
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 5625 Fishers Lane, Bethesda, MD (20892-941),Center on Compulsive Behaviors, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - David M. Lovinger
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 5625 Fishers Lane, Bethesda, MD (20892-941),Corresponding author:
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3
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Friedman A, Shea M, Winter MR, Saitz R, Aschengrau A. Prenatal and early childhood exposure to tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and non-medical use of prescription drugs: A retrospective cohort study in Cape Cod, MA. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 196:110384. [PMID: 33129864 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between 1968 and 1983, public drinking water supplies of Cape Cod, Massachusetts were contaminated with the chlorinated solvent tetrachloroethylene (PCE). We previously found an affinity for risk-taking behaviors, including the use of illicit drugs, following prenatal and early childhood exposure to PCE. Using newly collected data, we investigated the risk of non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) following prenatal and early childhood PCE exposure. METHODS Participants were identified from a retrospective cohort study ("Cape Cod Health Study") via cross-matching birth certificates and water system data. The original self-administered questionnaire gathered data on demographics, work and medical history, and alcohol and illicit drug use from 618 individuals (363 exposed and 255 unexposed). The follow-up survey added questions on non-medical use of prescription pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants and sedatives. A validated leaching and transport model was used to estimate exposure to PCE exposure in drinking water. RESULTS There was a wide distribution of cumulative prenatal and early childhood PCE exposure levels (range: 0.04 g-3722.2 g). PCE exposed subjects had a 1.92-fold increase in risk of any non-medical use of prescription drugs [Adjusted RR: 1.92, (95% CI: 1.31, 2.83)]. Furthermore, the association followed a dose-response relationship where the risk of NMUPD was higher for those exposed to PCE levels greater than or equal the median level versus those exposed to levels less than the median [Adjusted RR: 2.05 (95% CI: 1.34, 3.15) vs. 1.83 (95% CI: 1.20, 2.79) (p-value for trend < 0.01)]. Additionally, we found moderate increases in risk by level of non-medical use (any non-medical use, non-medical use of 1 or more categories of prescription drugs, or 2+ categories) as well as by category of drug for pain relivers, stimulants and tranquilizers. CONCLUSION We found that prenatal and early childhood exposure to PCE was associated with a moderate increase in the risk of NMUPD. Exposed subjects had dose-related increased risks of NMUPD of pain relievers, tranquilizers, and stimulants. This study has a number of limitations and is the first to report this association. Additional longitudinal studies of populations exposed to PCE during early life should be conducted to examine its long-term neurotoxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Friedman
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Margaret Shea
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Michael R Winter
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Richard Saitz
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Ann Aschengrau
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
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Miranda-Morales RS, D'Aloisio G, Anunziata F, Abate P, Molina JC. Fetal Alcohol Programming of Subsequent Alcohol Affinity: A Review Based on Preclinical, Clinical and Epidemiological Studies. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:33. [PMID: 32210775 PMCID: PMC7077749 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The anatomo-physiological disruptions inherent to different categories of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder do not encompass all the negative consequences derived from intrauterine ethanol (EtOH) exposure. Preclinical, clinical and epidemiological studies show that prenatal EtOH exposure also results in early programming of alcohol affinity. This affinity has been addressed through the examination of how EtOH prenatally exposed organisms recognize and prefer the drug’s chemosensory cues and their predisposition to exhibit heightened voluntary EtOH intake during infancy and adolescence. In altricial species these processes are determined by the interaction of at least three factors during stages equivalent to the 2nd and 3rd human gestational trimester: (i) fetal processing of the drug’s olfactory and gustatory attributes present in the prenatal milieu; (ii) EtOH’s recruitment of central reinforcing effects that also imply progressive sensitization to the drug’s motivational properties; and (iii) an associative learning process involving the prior two factors. This Pavlovian learning phenomenon is dependent upon the recruitment of the opioid system and studies also indicate a significant role of EtOH’s principal metabolite (acetaldehyde, ACD) which is rapidly generated in the brain via the catalase system. The central and rapid accumulation of this metabolite represents a major factor involved in the process of fetal alcohol programming. According to recent investigations, it appears that ACD exerts early positive reinforcing consequences and antianxiety effects (negative reinforcement). Finally, this review also acknowledges human clinical and epidemiological studies indicating that moderate and binge-like drinking episodes during gestation result in neonatal recognition of EtOH’s chemosensory properties coupled with a preference towards these cues. As a whole, the studies under discussion emphasize the notion that even subteratogenic EtOH exposure during fetal life seizes early functional sensory and learning capabilities that pathologically shape subsequent physiological and behavioral reactivity towards the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Sebastián Miranda-Morales
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.,Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Genesis D'Aloisio
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Florencia Anunziata
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Paula Abate
- Instituto de Investigaciones Psicológicas, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Juan Carlos Molina
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET- Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.,Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
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5
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Gaztañaga M, Angulo-Alcalde A, Chotro MG. Prenatal Alcohol Exposure as a Case of Involuntary Early Onset of Alcohol Use: Consequences and Proposed Mechanisms From Animal Studies. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:26. [PMID: 32210773 PMCID: PMC7066994 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure has been found to be an important factor determining later consumption of this drug. In humans, despite the considerable diversity of variables that might influence alcohol consumption, longitudinal studies show that maternal alcohol intake during gestation is one of the best predictors of later alcohol use from adolescence to young adulthood. Experimental studies with animals also provide abundant evidence of the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on later alcohol intake. In addition to increased consumption, other effects include enhanced palatability and attractiveness of alcohol flavor as well as sensitization to its sensory and reinforcing effects. Most of these outcomes have been obtained after exposing rats to binge-like administrations of moderate alcohol doses during the last gestational period when the fetus is already capable of detecting flavors in the amniotic fluid and learning associations with aversive or appetitive consequences. On this basis, it has been proposed that one of the mechanisms underlying the increased acceptance of alcohol after its prenatal exposure is the acquisition (by the fetus) of appetitive learning via an association between the sensory properties of alcohol and its reinforcing pharmacological effects. It also appears that this prenatal appetitive learning is mediated by the activation of the opioid system, with fetal brain acetaldehyde playing an important role, possibly as the main chemical responsible for its activation. Here, we review and analyze together the results of all animal studies testing these hypotheses through experimental manipulation of the behavioral and neurochemical elements of the assumed prenatal association. Understanding the mechanisms by which prenatal alcohol exposure favors the early initiation of alcohol consumption, along with its role in the causal pathway to alcohol disorders, may allow us to find strategies to mitigate the behavioral effects of this early experience with the drug. We propose that prenatal alcohol exposure is regarded as a case of involuntary early onset of alcohol use when designing prevention policies. This is particularly important, given the notion that the sooner alcohol intake begins, the greater the possibility of a continued history of alcohol consumption that may lead to the development of alcohol use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirari Gaztañaga
- Departamento de Procesos Psicológicos Básicos y su Desarrollo, Facultad de Psicología, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU-Donostia-San Sebastián, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Asier Angulo-Alcalde
- Departamento de Procesos Psicológicos Básicos y su Desarrollo, Facultad de Psicología, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU-Donostia-San Sebastián, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - M Gabriela Chotro
- Departamento de Procesos Psicológicos Básicos y su Desarrollo, Facultad de Psicología, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU-Donostia-San Sebastián, San Sebastian, Spain
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6
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Plaza W, Gaschino F, Gutierrez C, Santibañez N, Estay-Olmos C, Sotomayor-Zárate R, De la Fuente-Ortega E, Pautassi RM, Haeger PA. Pre- and postnatal alcohol exposure delays, in female but not in male rats, the extinction of an auditory fear conditioned memory and increases alcohol consumption. Dev Psychobiol 2019; 62:519-531. [PMID: 31564064 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Repeated exposure to alcohol increases retrieval of fear-conditioned memories, which facilitates, among other factors, the emergence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Individuals with PTSD are more likely to develop alcohol and substance abuse related disorders. We assessed if prenatal and early postnatal alcohol exposure (PAE) increased the susceptibility to retain aversive memories and if this was associated with subsequent heightened alcohol consumption. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed for 22 hr/day, throughout pregnancy and until postnatal Day 7 to a single bottle of sucralose - sweetened 10% alcohol solution (PAE Group), or to a single bottle of tap water and sucralose (Control Group). Auditory fear conditioning (AFC) was performed in the adolescent offspring at postnatal Day 40. Freezing was measured during acquisition, retention and extinction phases, followed by 3 weeks of free choice alcohol intake. Female, but not male, PAE rats exhibited impaired extinction of the aversive memory, a finding associated with higher levels of 3-4 Dihidroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in the nucleus accumbens and heightened alcohol intake, respect to controls. These findings suggest that PAE makes females more vulnerable to long-term retention of aversive memories, which coexist with heightened alcohol intake. These findings are reminiscent of those of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wladimir Plaza
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Felice Gaschino
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Camilo Gutierrez
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Nicolás Santibañez
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile.,Programa de Magíster en Ciencias Biológicas mención Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Camila Estay-Olmos
- Centro de Neurobiología y Fisiopatología Integrativa, Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Ramón Sotomayor-Zárate
- Centro de Neurobiología y Fisiopatología Integrativa, Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Erwin De la Fuente-Ortega
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Ricardo M Pautassi
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Paola A Haeger
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
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7
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Guttlein L, Macchione AF, Hernández-Fonseca K, Haymal OB, Molina JC, Méndez Ubach M, Abate P. Maternal manipulation during late gestation (GDs 17-20) enhances ethanol consumption and promotes changes and opioid mRNA expression in infant rats. Behav Brain Res 2019; 368:111908. [PMID: 30986490 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.111908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Fetal ethanol experience generates learning and memories capable to increase ethanol consummatory behaviors during infancy. Opioid system seems to be involved in mediating those alcohol-related behaviors. In this work, we proposed to study the impact of prenatal exposure to a moderate ethanol dose, upon ingestion of the drug and possible ethanol-induced molecular changes on opioid precursor peptides (POMC, Pro-enk and Pro-DYN) and receptors (MOR, DOR and KOR) mRNA expression, in hypothalamus. Pregnant rats received during gestational days (GDs) 17-20, a daily intragastric (i.g.) administration with 2g/kg ethanol or water. A third group of dams was left undisturbed during pregnancy (Unmanipulated group). Intake test was conducted at postnatal days (PDs) 14-15. Three groups of pups were performed: control (no intake test), water (vehicle) and 5% ethanol. At the end of intake test blood samples were taken to quantify blood ethanol concentrations (BECs) and hypothalamus sections were obtained to perform qRT-PRC assessment of opioid precursor peptides and receptors. The analysis of the consummatory responses (% of consumption) and pharmacokinetic profiles (BECs) suggested that maternal manipulation induced by i.g. intubations, during the last four days of gestation (whenever ethanol or water), are sufficient to induce infantile ethanol intake during infancy. Gene expression from the hypothalamus of unmanipulated group revealed that infantile ingestive experiences with ethanol can down-regulate expression of mRNA Pro-Dyn and up-regulate mRNA expression of MOR and KOR. Finally, MOR mRNA expression was attenuated by prenatal i.g. manipulation in pups exposed to 5% ethanol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa Guttlein
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, C.P. 5016, Argentina
| | - Ana Fabiola Macchione
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, C.P. 5016, Argentina; Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, C.P. 5000, Argentina
| | - Karla Hernández-Fonseca
- Departamento de Neuroquímica, Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente, Calzada México Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, 14370 México D.F., Mexico
| | - Olga Beatriz Haymal
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, C.P. 5016, Argentina
| | - Juan Carlos Molina
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, C.P. 5016, Argentina; Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, C.P. 5000, Argentina
| | - Milagros Méndez Ubach
- Departamento de Neuroquímica, Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente, Calzada México Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, 14370 México D.F., Mexico.
| | - Paula Abate
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, C.P. 5000, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones Psicológicas (IIPsi-CONICET-UNC), Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, C.P. 5000, Argentina.
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8
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Abstract
Historically, newborns, and especially premature newborns, were thought to "feel nothing." However, over the past decades, a growing body of evidence has shown that newborns are aware of their environment, but the extent and the onset of some sensory capacities remain largely unknown. The goal of this review is to update our current knowledge concerning newborns' perceptual world and how ready they are to cope with an entirely different sensory environment following birth. We aim to establish not only how and when each sensory ability arises during the pre-/postbirth period but also discuss how senses are studied. We conclude that although many studies converge to show that newborns are clearly sentient beings, much is still unknown. Further, we identify a series of internal and external factors that could explain discrepancies between studies, and we propose perspectives for future studies. Finally, through examples from animal studies, we illustrate the importance of this detailed knowledge to pursue the enhancement of newborns' daily living conditions. Indeed, this is a prerequisite for assessing the effects of the physical environment and routine procedures on newborns' welfare.
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Age as a factor in stress and alcohol interactions: A critical role for the kappa opioid system. Alcohol 2018; 72:9-18. [PMID: 30322483 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The endogenous kappa opioid system has primarily been shown to be involved with a state of dysphoria and aversion. Stress and exposure to drugs of abuse, particularly alcohol, can produce similar states of unease and anxiety, implicating the kappa opioid system as a target of stress and alcohol. Numerous behavioral studies have demonstrated reduced sensitivity to manipulations of the kappa opioid system in early life relative to adulthood, and recent reports have shown that the kappa opioid system is functionally different across ontogeny. Given the global rise in early-life stress and alcohol consumption, understanding how the kappa opioid system responds and adapts to stress and/or alcohol exposure differently in early life and adulthood is imperative. Therefore, the objective of this review is to highlight and discuss studies examining the impact of early-life stress and/or alcohol on the kappa opioid system, with focus on the documented neuroadaptations that may contribute to future vulnerability to stress and/or increase the risk of relapse. We first provide a brief summary of the importance of studying the effects of stress and alcohol during early life (prenatal, neonatal/juvenile, and adolescence). We then discuss the literature on the effects of stress or alcohol during early life and adulthood on the kappa opioid system. Finally, we discuss the few studies that have shown interactions between stress and alcohol on the kappa opioid system and provide some discussion about the need for studies investigating the development of the kappa opioid system.
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10
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The impact of periconceptional alcohol exposure on fat preference and gene expression in the mesolimbic reward pathway in adult rat offspring. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2017; 9:223-231. [DOI: 10.1017/s2040174417000824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol consumption around the time of conception is highly prevalent in Western countries. Exposure to ethanol levels during gestation has been associated with altered development of the mesolimbic reward pathway in rats and increased propensity to addiction, however the effect of exposure only around the time of conception is unknown. The current study investigated the effects of periconceptional alcohol exposure (PC:EtOH) on alcohol and palatable food preferences and gene expression in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the nucleus accumbens of the adult offspring. Rats were exposed to a liquid diet containing ethanol (EtOH) (12.5% vol/vol) or a control diet from 4 days before mating until 4 days after mating. PC:EtOH had no effect on alcohol preference in either sex. At 15 months of age, however, male PC:EtOH offspring consumed more high-fat food when compared with male control offspring, but this preference was not observed in females. Expression of the dopamine receptor type 1 (Drd1a) was lower in the VTA of male PC:EtOH offspring compared with their control counterparts. There was no effect of PC:EtOH on mRNA expression of the µ-opioid receptor, tyrosine hydroxylase (Th), dopamine receptor type 2 (Drd2) or dopamine active transporter (Slc6a3). These data support the hypothesis that periconceptional alcohol exposure can alter expression of key components of the mesolimbic reward pathway and heighten the preference of offspring for palatable foods and may therefore increase their propensity towards diet-induced obesity. These results highlight the importance of alcohol avoidance when planning a pregnancy.
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Contreras ML, de la Fuente-Ortega E, Vargas-Roberts S, Muñoz DC, Goic CA, Haeger PA. NADPH Oxidase Isoform 2 (NOX2) Is Involved in Drug Addiction Vulnerability in Progeny Developmentally Exposed to Ethanol. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:338. [PMID: 28659754 PMCID: PMC5469911 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ethanol exposure increases oxidative stress in developing organs, including the brain. Antioxidant treatment during maternal ethanol ingestion improves behavioral deficits in rodent models of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). However, the impact of general antioxidant treatment in their adult offspring and the Specific Reactive Species (ROS)-dependent mechanism, are not fully understood. We hypothesized that pre and early postnatal ethanol exposure (PEE) modifies redox homeostasis, in particular NOX2 function during reward signaling in the mesocorticolimbic pathway, which reinforces the effects of alcohol. We developed a FASD rat model which was evaluated during adolescence (P21) and adulthood (P70). We first studied whether redox homeostasis is affected in PEE animals, by analyzing mRNA expression of SOD1, CAT, and Gpx1. We found that PEE reduced the mRNA levels of these three anti-oxidant enzymes in PFC and HIPP at P21 and in the VTA at P70. We also analyzed basal mRNA and protein expression of NOX2 subunits such as gp91phox, p22 phox, and p47 phox, in mesocorticolimbic brain areas of PEE rat brains. At P21, gp91 phox, and p47 phox levels in the VTA were decreased. At P70, gp91 phox mRNA levels was decreased in HIPP and both mRNA and protein levels were decreased in PFC. Since NOX2 is regulated by the N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor (NMDAR), we analyzed NMDAR mRNA expression and found differential expression of NMDAR subunits (NR1 and NR2B) in the PFC that was age dependent, with levels decreased at P21 and increased at P70. The analysis also revealed decreased NR2B mRNA expression in HIPP and VTA at P70. Offspring from maternal ethanol users consumed 25% more ethanol in a free choice alcohol consumption test than control rats, and showed place preference for an alcohol-paired compartment. In vivo inhibition of NOX2 using apocynin in drinking water, or infusion of blocked peptide gp91 phox ds in the VTA normalized alcohol place preference, suggesting that NOX2 plays an important role in addictive like behavior. Taken together, PEE significantly affects the expression of antioxidant enzymes, NOX2, NMDAR in an age, and brain region dependent manner. Moreover, we demonstrate that NOX2 regulates alcohol seeking behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela L Contreras
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del NorteCoquimbo, Chile
| | - Erwin de la Fuente-Ortega
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del NorteCoquimbo, Chile
| | - Sofía Vargas-Roberts
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del NorteCoquimbo, Chile
| | - Daniela C Muñoz
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del NorteCoquimbo, Chile
| | - Carolina A Goic
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del NorteCoquimbo, Chile
| | - Paola A Haeger
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del NorteCoquimbo, Chile
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Acevedo MB, D'Aloisio G, Haymal OB, Molina JC. Brain Acetaldehyde Exposure Impacts upon Neonatal Respiratory Plasticity and Ethanol-Related Learning in Rodents. Front Behav Neurosci 2017; 11:39. [PMID: 28377702 PMCID: PMC5359529 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2017.00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Prior studies indicate that neonates are very sensitive to ethanol's positive reinforcing effects and to its depressant effects upon breathing. Acetaldehyde (ACD) appears to play a major role in terms of modulating early reinforcing effects of the drug. Yet, there is no pre-existing literature relative to the incidence of this metabolite upon respiratory plasticity. The present study analyzed physiological and behavioral effects of early central administrations of ethanol, acetaldehyde or vehicle. Respiration rates (breaths/min) were registered at post-natal days (PDs) 2 and 4 (post-administration time: 5, 60, or 120 min). At PD5, all pups were placed in a context (plethysmograph) where they had previously experienced the effects of central administrations and breathing patterns were recorded. Following this test, pups were evaluated using and operant conditioning procedure where ethanol or saccharin served as positive reinforcers. Body temperatures were also registered prior to drug administrations as well as at the beginning and the end of each specific evaluation. Across days, breathing responses were high at the beginning of the evaluation session and progressively declined as a function of the passage of time. At PDs 2 and 4, shortly after central administration (5 min), ACD exerted a significant depression upon respiration frequencies. At PD5, non-intoxicated pups with a prior history of ACD central administrations, exhibited a marked increase in respiratory frequencies; a result that probably indicates a conditioned compensatory response. When operant testing procedures were conducted, prior ethanol or ACD central administrations were found to reduce the reinforcing effects of ethanol. This was not the case when saccharin was employed as a reinforcer. As a whole, the results indicate a significant role of central ACD upon respiratory plasticity of the neonate and upon ethanol's reinforcing effects; phenomena that affect the physiological integrity of the immature organism and its subsequent affinity for ethanol operationalized through self-administration procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- María B Acevedo
- Laboratorio de Alcohol, Ontogenia y Aprendizaje, Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INIMEC-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Génesis D'Aloisio
- Laboratorio de Alcohol, Ontogenia y Aprendizaje, Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INIMEC-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de CórdobaCórdoba, Argentina; Experimental Psychobiology Chair, Department of Psychology, Universidad Nacional de CórdobaCórdoba, Argentina
| | - Olga B Haymal
- Laboratorio de Alcohol, Ontogenia y Aprendizaje, Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INIMEC-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Juan C Molina
- Laboratorio de Alcohol, Ontogenia y Aprendizaje, Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INIMEC-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de CórdobaCórdoba, Argentina; Experimental Psychobiology Chair, Department of Psychology, Universidad Nacional de CórdobaCórdoba, Argentina
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Gallagher LG, Webster TF, Aschengrau A. Exploring associations between prenatal solvent exposures and teenage drug and alcohol use: a retrospective cohort study. Environ Health 2017; 16:26. [PMID: 28283038 PMCID: PMC5346200 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-017-0232-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Investigating the effects of prenatal and childhood exposures on behavioral health outcomes in adolescence is challenging given the lengthy period between the exposure and outcomes. We conducted a retrospective cohort study in Cape Cod, Massachusetts to evaluate the impact of prenatal and early childhood exposure to tetrachloroethylene (PCE)-contaminated drinking water on the occurrence of risk-taking behaviors as a teenager. An increased occurrence of risk-taking behaviors, particularly illicit drug use, was observed in those highly exposed to PCE. We hypothesized that there may be other sources of prenatal solvent exposure such as maternal consumption of alcoholic beverages during pregnancy which might modify the previously observed associations between PCE and risk-taking behaviors and so we conducted an exploratory analysis using available cohort data. The current report presents the results of these analyses and describes the difficulties in conducting research on long-term behavioral effects of early life exposures. METHODS The exploratory analysis compared a referent group of subjects with no early life exposure to PCE or alcohol (n = 242) to subjects with only alcohol exposure (n = 201), subjects with only PCE exposure (n = 361), and subjects with exposure to both PCE and alcohol (n = 302). Surveys completed by the subject's mother included questions on prenatal alcoholic beverage consumption and available confounding variables such as cigarette smoking and marijuana use. Surveys completed by the subjects included questions on risk-taking behaviors such as alcoholic beverage consumption and illicit drug use as a teenager and available confounding variables. PCE exposure was modeled using a leaching and transport algorithm embedded in water distribution system modeling software that estimated the amount of PCE delivered to a subject's residence during gestation and early childhood. RESULTS Subjects with early life exposure to both PCE and alcohol had an increased risk of using two or more major drugs as a teen (RR = 1.9 (95% CI 1.2, 3.0)) compared to unexposed subjects. Increased risks for only PCE exposure (RR = 1.6 (95% CI 1.0, 2.4) and only alcohol exposure (RR = 1.3 (95% CI 0.7, 2.1)) were also evident but were smaller than the increased risk associated with both exposures. While available confounding variables were controlled, many relevant social risk factors were not obtained due to limitations in the retrospective study design. CONCLUSIONS This exploratory analysis found evidence for an additive effect of early life exposure to PCE and alcohol on the risk of use of multiple illicit drugs as a teenager. Because of numerous limitations in this retrospective study, further research is needed to examine longstanding behavioral effects of early life exposures. To be most informative, this research should involve long-term prospective data collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa G. Gallagher
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street T3E, Boston, MA 02118 USA
| | - Thomas F. Webster
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Ann Aschengrau
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street T3E, Boston, MA 02118 USA
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14
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Gaztañaga M, Angulo-Alcalde A, Spear NE, Chotro MG. The Role of Acetaldehyde in the Increased Acceptance of Ethanol after Prenatal Ethanol Exposure. Front Behav Neurosci 2017; 11:14. [PMID: 28197082 PMCID: PMC5281627 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2017.00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies show that acetaldehyde, the first metabolite in the oxidation of ethanol, can be responsible for both, the appetitive and the aversive effects produced by ethanol intoxication. More specifically, it has been hypothesized that acetaldehyde produced in the periphery by the liver is responsible for the aversive effects of ethanol, while the appetitive effects relate to the acetaldehyde produced centrally through the catalase system. On the other hand, from studies in our and other laboratories, it is known that ethanol exposure during the last gestational days (GD) consistently enhances the postnatal acceptance of ethanol when measured during early ontogeny in the rat. This increased liking of ethanol is a conditioned appetitive response acquired by the fetus by the association of ethanol’s flavor and an appetitive reinforcer. Although this reinforcer has not yet been fully identified, one possibility points to acetaldehyde produced centrally in the fetus as a likely candidate. This hypothesis is supported by data showing that very early in the rat’s ontogeny brain catalases are functional, while the liver’s enzymatic system is still immature. In this study, rat dams were administered on GD 17–20 with water or ethanol, together with an acetaldehyde-sequestering agent (D-penicillamine). The offspring’s responses to ethanol was then assessed at different postnatal stages with procedures adequate for each developmental stage: on day 1, using the “odor crawling locomotion test” to measure ethanol’s odor attractiveness; on day 5, in an operant conditioning procedure with ethanol as the reinforcer; and on day 14 in an ethanol intake test. Results show that the absence of acetaldehyde during prenatal ethanol exposure impeded the observation of the increased acceptance of ethanol at any age. This seems to confirm the crucial role of acetaldehyde as a reinforcer in the appetitive learning occurring during prenatal ethanol exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirari Gaztañaga
- Departamento de Procesos Psicológicos Básicos y su Desarrollo, Facultad de Psicología, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Donostia-San Sebastián Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Asier Angulo-Alcalde
- Departamento de Procesos Psicológicos Básicos y su Desarrollo, Facultad de Psicología, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Donostia-San Sebastián Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Norman E Spear
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Development and Behavioral Neuroscience, Binghamton University Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - M Gabriela Chotro
- Departamento de Procesos Psicológicos Básicos y su Desarrollo, Facultad de Psicología, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Donostia-San Sebastián Gipuzkoa, Spain
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15
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Tallet C, Rakotomahandry M, Guérin C, Lemasson A, Hausberger M. Postnatal auditory preferences in piglets differ according to maternal emotional experience with the same sounds during gestation. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37238. [PMID: 27857224 PMCID: PMC5114567 DOI: 10.1038/srep37238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal sensory experience, notably auditory experience, is a source of fetal memories in many species. The contiguity between sensory stimuli and maternal emotional reactions provides opportunity for associative learning in utero but no clear evidence for this associative learning has been presented to date. Understanding this phenomenon would advance our knowledge of fetal sensory learning capacities. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that sounds (human voice) broadcast to pregnant sows while they experienced positive or negative emotional situations influences postnatal reactions of their offspring to these same sounds. The results show that: 1) from the first testing at the age of 2 days, the experimental piglets were less distressed by a social separation than controls if they heard the "familiar" voice, 2) piglets generalized to any human voice although the influence of novel voices was less pronounced, 3) in a challenging situation, piglets were more distressed if they heard the voice that was associated with maternal negative emotional state in utero. These findings open a whole line of new research on the long term effect of in utero associative learning that goes well beyond pigs, providing a framework for reconsidering the importance of sensory and emotional experiences during gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Tallet
- I.N.R.A., U.M.R.1348 PEGASE, Saint-Gilles, France
- Agrocampus Rennes, U.M.R.1348 PEGASE, Rennes, France
| | - Marine Rakotomahandry
- I.N.R.A., U.M.R.1348 PEGASE, Saint-Gilles, France
- Agrocampus Rennes, U.M.R.1348 PEGASE, Rennes, France
- Université de Rennes 1, Laboratoire d’éthologie animale et humaine, U.M.R. 6552- C.N.R.S., Paimpont, France
| | - Carole Guérin
- I.N.R.A., U.M.R.1348 PEGASE, Saint-Gilles, France
- Agrocampus Rennes, U.M.R.1348 PEGASE, Rennes, France
| | - Alban Lemasson
- Université de Rennes 1, Laboratoire d’éthologie animale et humaine, U.M.R. 6552- C.N.R.S., Paimpont, France
| | - Martine Hausberger
- C.N.R.S., Laboratoire d’éthologie animale et humaine, U.M.R. 6552- Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
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Castello S, D'Aloisio G, Arias C, Molina JC. Transition from ethanol-induced sensitization to tolerance across early and late infancy in the rat. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2016; 150-151:68-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2016.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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17
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Ji ML, Wu YH, Qian ZB. Neurotoxicity of prenatal alcohol exposure on medullary pre-Bötzinger complex neurons in neonatal rats. Neural Regen Res 2015; 10:1095-100. [PMID: 26330832 PMCID: PMC4541240 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.160101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure disrupts the development of normal fetal respiratory function, but whether it perturbs respiratory rhythmical discharge activity is unclear. Furthermore, it is unknown whether the 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) is involved in the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. In the present study, pregnant female rats received drinking water containing alcohol at concentrations of 0%, 1%, 2%, 4%, 8% or 10% (v/v) throughout the gestation period. Slices of the medulla from 2-day-old neonatal rats were obtained to record respiratory rhythmical discharge activity. 5-HT2AR protein and mRNA levels in the pre-Bötzinger complex of the respiratory center were measured by western blot analysis and quantitative RT-PCR, respectively. Compared with the 0% alcohol group, respiratory rhythmical discharge activity in medullary slices in the 4%, 8% and 10% alcohol groups was decreased, and the reduction was greatest in the 8% alcohol group. Respiratory rhythmical discharge activity in the 10% alcohol group was irregular. Thus, 8% was the most effective alcohol concentration at attenuating respiratory rhythmical discharge activity. These findings suggest that prenatal alcohol exposure attenuates respiratory rhythmical discharge activity in neonatal rats by downregulating 5-HT2AR protein and mRNA levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Li Ji
- Department of Physiology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, China
| | - Yun-Hong Wu
- Department of Functional Laboratory, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, China
| | - Zhi-Bin Qian
- Department of Functional Laboratory, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, China
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18
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Operant self-administration of ethanol in infant rats. Physiol Behav 2015; 148:87-99. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Revised: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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19
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Hannigan JH, Chiodo LM, Sokol RJ, Janisse J, Delaney-Black V. Prenatal alcohol exposure selectively enhances young adult perceived pleasantness of alcohol odors. Physiol Behav 2015; 148:71-7. [PMID: 25600468 PMCID: PMC4591746 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Revised: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can lead to life-long neurobehavioral and social problems that can include a greater likelihood of early use and/or abuse of alcohol compared to older teens and young adults without PAE. Basic research in animals demonstrates that PAE influences later postnatal responses to chemosensory cues (i.e., odor & taste) associated with alcohol. We hypothesized that PAE would be related to poorer abilities to identify odors of alcohol-containing beverages, and would alter perceived alcohol odor intensity and pleasantness. To address this hypothesis we examined responses to alcohol and other odors in a small sample of young adults with detailed prenatal histories of exposure to alcohol and other drugs. The key finding from our controlled analyses is that higher levels of PAE were related to higher relative ratings of pleasantness for alcohol odors. As far as we are aware, this is the first published study to report the influence of PAE on responses to alcohol beverage odors in young adults. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that positive associations (i.e., "pleasantness") to the chemosensory properties of alcohol (i.e., odor) are acquired prenatally and are retained for many years despite myriad interceding postnatal experiences. Alternate hypotheses may also be supported by the results. There are potential implications of altered alcohol odor responses for understanding individual differences in initiation of drinking, and alcohol seeking and high-risk alcohol-related behaviors in young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H Hannigan
- Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute for Child and Family Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States; Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States; C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth & Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States.
| | - Lisa M Chiodo
- College of Nursing, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Robert J Sokol
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States; C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth & Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - James Janisse
- Department of Family Medicine & Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Virginia Delaney-Black
- Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
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Fabio MC, Macchione AF, Nizhnikov ME, Pautassi RM. Prenatal ethanol increases ethanol intake throughout adolescence, alters ethanol-mediated aversive learning, and affects μ but not δ or κ opioid receptor mRNA expression. Eur J Neurosci 2015; 41:1569-79. [PMID: 25865037 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Animal models of prenatal ethanol exposure (PEE) have indicated a facilitatory effect of PEE on adolescent ethanol intake, but few studies have assessed the effects of moderate PEE throughout adolescence. The mechanisms underlying this facilitatory effect remain largely unknown. In the present study, we analysed ethanol intake in male and female Wistar rats with or without PEE (2.0 g/kg, gestational days 17-20) from postnatal days 37 to 62. The results revealed greater ethanol consumption in PEE rats than in controls, which persisted throughout adolescence. By the end of testing, ethanol ingestion in PEE rats was nearly 6.0 g/kg. PEE was associated with insensitivity to ethanol-induced aversion. PEE and control rats were further analysed for levels of μ, δ and κ opioid receptor mRNA in the infralimbic cortex, nucleus accumbens shell, and ventral tegmental area. Similar levels of mRNA were observed across most areas and opioid receptors, but μ receptor mRNA in the ventral tegmental area was significantly increased by PEE. Unlike previous studies that assessed the effects of PEE on ethanol intake close to birth, or in only a few sessions during adolescence, the present study observed a facilitatory effect of PEE that lasted throughout adolescence. PEE was associated with insensitivity to the aversive effect of ethanol, and increased levels of μ opioid receptor transcripts. PEE is a prominent vulnerability factor that probably favors the engagement of adolescents in risky trajectories of ethanol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Carolina Fabio
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra (INIMEC - CONICET-UNC), Friuli 2434, Córdoba, C.P. 5000, Argentina.,Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ana Fabiola Macchione
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra (INIMEC - CONICET-UNC), Friuli 2434, Córdoba, C.P. 5000, Argentina
| | - Michael E Nizhnikov
- Department of Psychology, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ricardo Marcos Pautassi
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra (INIMEC - CONICET-UNC), Friuli 2434, Córdoba, C.P. 5000, Argentina.,Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Córdoba, Argentina
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21
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Bordner K, Deak T. Endogenous opioids as substrates for ethanol intake in the neonatal rat: The impact of prenatal ethanol exposure on the opioid family in the early postnatal period. Physiol Behav 2015; 148:100-10. [PMID: 25662024 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Revised: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite considerable knowledge that prenatal ethanol exposure can lead to devastating effects on the developing fetus, alcohol consumption by pregnant women remains strikingly prevalent. Both clinical and basic research has suggested that, in addition to possible physical, behavioral, and cognitive deficits, gestational exposure to alcohol may lead to an increased risk for the development of later alcohol-related use and abuse disorders. The current work sought to characterize alterations in endogenous opioid signaling peptides and gene expression produced by ethanol exposure during the last days of gestation. METHODS Experimental subjects were 4-, 8-, and 12-day old infant rats obtained from pregnant females that were given daily intubations of 0, 1, or 2g/kg ethanol during the last few days of gestation (GDs 17-20). Using real-time RT-PCR, western blotting analysis, and enzyme immunoassays, we examined mRNA and protein for three opioid receptors and ligands in the nucleus accumbens, ventral tegmental area, and hypothalamus. RESULTS Three main trends emerged - (1) mRNA for the majority of factors was found to upregulate across each of the three postnatal ages assessed, indicative of escalating ontogenetic expression of opioid-related genes; (2) prenatal ethanol significantly reduced many opioid peptides, suggesting a possible mechanism by which prenatal exposure can affect future responsiveness towards ethanol; and (3) the nucleus accumbens emerged as a key site for ethanol-dependent effects, suggesting a potential target for additional assessment and intervention towards understanding the ethanol's ability to program the developing brain. CONCLUSION We provide a global assessment of relatively long-term changes in both opioid gene expression and protein following exposure to only moderate amounts of ethanol during a relatively short window in the prenatal period. These results suggest that, while continuing to undergo ontogenetic changes, the infant brain is sensitive to prenatal ethanol exposure and that such exposure may lead to relatively long-lasting changes in the endogenous opioid system within the reward circuitry. These data indicate a potential mechanism and target for additional assessments of ethanol's ability to program the brain, affecting later responsiveness towards the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Bordner
- Department of Psychology, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT 06515, United States; Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University-SUNY, Binghamton, NY 13902, United States.
| | - Terrence Deak
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University-SUNY, Binghamton, NY 13902, United States; Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center (DEARC), Center for Development and Behavioral Neuroscience, Binghamton University-SUNY, Binghamton, NY 13902, United States
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