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Carrette LLG, Kimbrough A, Davoudian PA, Kwan AC, Collazo A, George O. Hyperconnectivity of Two Separate Long-Range Cholinergic Systems Contributes to the Reorganization of the Brain Functional Connectivity during Nicotine Withdrawal in Male Mice. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0019-23.2023. [PMID: 37295945 PMCID: PMC10306126 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0019-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic nicotine results in dependence with withdrawal symptoms on discontinuation of use, through desensitization of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and altered cholinergic neurotransmission. Nicotine withdrawal is associated with increased whole-brain functional connectivity and decreased network modularity; however, the role of cholinergic neurons in those changes is unknown. To identify the contribution of nicotinic receptors and cholinergic regions to changes in the functional network, we analyzed the contribution of the main cholinergic regions to brain-wide activation of the immediate early-gene Fos during withdrawal in male mice and correlated these changes with the expression of nicotinic receptor mRNA throughout the brain. We show that the main functional connectivity modules included the main long-range cholinergic regions, which were highly synchronized with the rest of the brain. However, despite this hyperconnectivity, they were organized into two anticorrelated networks that were separated into basal forebrain-projecting and brainstem-thalamic-projecting cholinergic regions, validating a long-standing hypothesis of the organization of the brain cholinergic systems. Moreover, baseline (without nicotine) expression of Chrna2, Chrna3, Chrna10, and Chrnd mRNA of each brain region correlated with withdrawal-induced changes in Fos expression. Finally, by mining the Allen Brain mRNA expression database, we were able to identify 1755 gene candidates and three pathways (Sox2-Oct4-Nanog, JAK-STAT, and MeCP2-GABA) that may contribute to nicotine withdrawal-induced Fos expression. These results identify the dual contribution of the basal forebrain and brainstem-thalamic cholinergic systems to whole-brain functional connectivity during withdrawal; and identify nicotinic receptors and novel cellular pathways that may be critical for the transition to nicotine dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adam Kimbrough
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, California 92093
| | - Pasha A Davoudian
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06511
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06511
| | - Alex C Kwan
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
| | - Andres Collazo
- Beckman Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125
| | - Olivier George
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, California 92093
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Carrette LL, Kimbrough A, Davoudian PA, Kwan AC, Collazo A, George O. Hyperconnectivity of two separate long-range cholinergic systems contributes to the reorganization of the brain functional connectivity during nicotine withdrawal in male mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.29.534836. [PMID: 37034602 PMCID: PMC10081261 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.29.534836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Chronic nicotine results in dependence with withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation of use, through desensitization of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and altered cholinergic neurotransmission. Nicotine withdrawal is associated with increased whole-brain functional connectivity and decreased network modularity, however, the role of cholinergic neurons in those changes is unknown. To identify the contribution of nicotinic receptors and cholinergic regions to changes in the functional network, we analyzed the contribution of the main cholinergic regions to brain-wide activation of the immediate early-gene FOS during withdrawal in male mice and correlated these changes with the expression of nicotinic receptor mRNA throughout the brain. We show that the main functional connectivity modules included the main long-range cholinergic regions, which were highly synchronized with the rest of the brain. However, despite this hyperconnectivity they were organized into two anticorrelated networks that were separated into basal forebrain projecting and brainstem-thalamic projecting cholinergic regions, validating a long-standing hypothesis of the organization of the brain cholinergic systems. Moreover, baseline (without nicotine) expression of Chrna2 , Chrna3 , Chrna10 , and Chrnd mRNA of each brain region correlated with withdrawal-induced changes in FOS expression. Finally, by mining the Allen Brain mRNA expression database, we were able to identify 1755 gene candidates and three pathways (Sox2-Oct4-Nanog, JAK-STAT, and MeCP2-GABA) that may contribute to nicotine withdrawal-induced FOS expression. These results identify the dual contribution of the basal forebrain and brainstem-thalamic cholinergic systems to whole-brain functional connectivity during withdrawal; and identify nicotinic receptors and novel cellular pathways that may be critical for the transition to nicotine dependence. Significance Statement Discontinuation of nicotine use in dependent users is associated with increased whole-brain activation and functional connectivity and leads to withdrawal symptoms. Here we investigated the contribution of the nicotinic cholinergic receptors and main cholinergic projecting brain areas in the whole-brain changes associated with withdrawal. This not only allowed us to visualize and confirm the previously described duality of the cholinergic brain system using this novel methodology, but also identify nicotinic receptors together with 1751 other genes that contribute, and could thus be targets for treatments against, nicotine withdrawal and dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adam Kimbrough
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92032, United States
| | - Pasha A. Davoudian
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, United States
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, United States
| | - Alex C. Kwan
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, United States
| | - Andres Collazo
- Beckman Institute, CalTech, Pasadena, CA, 91125, United States
| | - Olivier George
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92032, United States
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Nakamoto K, Matsuura W, Tokuyama S. Nicotine suppresses central post-stroke pain via facilitation of descending noradrenergic neuron through activation of orexinergic neuron. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 943:175518. [PMID: 36706800 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Central post-stroke pain (CPSP) is a type of central neuropathic pain, whose underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We previously reported that bilateral carotid artery occlusion (BCAO)-induced CPSP model mice showed mechanical hypersensitivity and decreased mRNA levels of preproorexin, an orexin precursor, in the hypothalamus. Recently, nicotine was shown to regulate the neuronal activity of orexin in the lateral hypothalamus (LH) and suppress inflammatory and neuropathic pain. In this study, we evaluated whether nicotine could suppress BCAO-induced mechanical allodynia through the activation of orexinergic neurons. Mice were subjected to BCAO for 30 min. Mechanical hypersensitivity was assessed by the von Frey test. BCAO mice showed hypersensitivity to mechanical stimuli three days after BCAO surgery. The intracerebroventricular injection of nicotine suppressed BCAO-induced mechanical hypersensitivity in a dose-dependent manner. These effects were inhibited by α7 or α4β2-nicotinic receptor antagonists. After nicotine injection, the level of c-fos, a neuronal activity marker, increased in the LH and locus coeruleus (LC) of Sham and BCAO mice. Increased number of c-Fos-positive cells partly colocalized with orexin A-positive cells in the LH, as well as tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells in the LC. Orexinergic neurons project to the LC area. Nicotine-induced antinociception tended to cancel by the pretreatment of SB334867, an orexin receptor1 antagonist into the LC. Intra-LH microinjection of nicotine attenuated BCAO-induced mechanical hypersensitivity. Nicotine-induced antinociception was inhibited by intrathecal pre-treatment with yohimbine, an α2 adrenergic receptor antagonist. These results indicated that nicotine may suppress BCAO-induced mechanical hypersensitivity through the activation of the descending pain control system via orexin neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuo Nakamoto
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kobe Gakuin University, 1-1-3 Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-8586, Japan
| | - Wataru Matsuura
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kobe Gakuin University, 1-1-3 Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-8586, Japan
| | - Shogo Tokuyama
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kobe Gakuin University, 1-1-3 Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-8586, Japan.
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Balkan B, Pogun S. Nicotinic Cholinergic System in the Hypothalamus Modulates the Activity of the Hypothalamic Neuropeptides During the Stress Response. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:371-387. [PMID: 28730966 PMCID: PMC6018196 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666170720092442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hypothalamus harbors high levels of cholinergic neurons and axon terminals. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which play an important role in cholinergic neurotransmission, are expressed abundantly in the hypothalamus. Accumulating evidence reveals a regulatory role for nicotine in the regulation of the stress responses. The present review will discuss the hypothalamic neuropeptides and their interaction with the nicotinic cholinergic system. The anatomical distribution of the cholinergic neurons, axon terminals and nicotinic receptors in discrete hypothalamic nuclei will be described. The effect of nicotinic cholinergic neurotransmission and nicotine exposure on hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal (HPA) axis regulation at the hypothalamic level will be analyzed in view of the different neuropeptides involved. METHODS Published research related to nicotinic cholinergic regulation of the HPA axis activity at the hypothalamic level is reviewed. RESULTS The nicotinic cholinergic system is one of the major modulators of the HPA axis activity. There is substantial evidence supporting the regulation of hypothalamic neuropeptides by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. However, most of the studies showing the nicotinic regulation of hypothalamic neuropeptides have employed systemic administration of nicotine. Additionally, we know little about the nicotinic receptor distribution on neuropeptide-synthesizing neurons in the hypothalamus and the physiological responses they trigger in these neurons. CONCLUSION Disturbed functioning of the HPA axis and hypothalamic neuropeptides results in pathologies such as depression, anxiety disorders and obesity, which are common and significant health problems. A better understanding of the nicotinic regulation of hypothalamic neuropeptides will aid in drug development and provide means to cope with these diseases. Considering that nicotine is also an abused substance, a better understanding of the role of the nicotinic cholinergic system on the HPA axis will aid in developing improved therapeutic strategies for smoking cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burcu Balkan
- Center for Brain Research, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Sakire Pogun
- Center for Brain Research, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
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Zhang XF, Qin Q, Geng WY, Jiang CW, Liu Y, Liu XL, Li J, Liu ZB. Electroacupuncture reduces hypothalamic and medullary expression of orexins and their receptors in a rat model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Acupunct Med 2018; 36:312-318. [PMID: 29669795 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2017-011391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Decreased lung function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is correlated with abnormal excitability of the respiratory centre where orexin neuropeptides from the hypothalamus are responsible for regulating respiration. We hypothesised that improvements in pulmonary function with electroacupuncture (EA) may be related to orexins in a rat model of COPD. METHODS The COPD model was established by cigarette smoke exposure and lipopolysaccharide injection. Modelled rats received EA at BL13 and ST36 for two weeks, after which lung function was tested. Orexin levels in the hypothalamus and medulla were detected by ELISA, while mRNA/protein expression and localisation of orexins and their receptors were investigated using real time PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, respectively. RESULTS The decrease in lung function observed in COPD rats was improved after EA treatment. Orexin levels in the hypothalamus and medulla were significantly higher in COPD rats than in normal rats, but were significantly reduced in the EA-treated group. There was a negative correlation between orexin content and lung function. In the hypothalamus, mRNA and protein expression and immunoreactivity of orexins were significantly higher in the COPD group than in the normal group, but a significant decrease was observed after EA. In the medulla, the expression and immunoreactivity of orexin receptors were significantly higher in the COPD group than in the normal group, but a significant decrease was observed after EA. CONCLUSIONS The positive effect of EA on pulmonary function in COPD rats may be related to downregulation of orexins and their receptors in the medulla.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Fang Zhang
- Department of Physiology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Qin Qin
- College of Nursing, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Wen-Ye Geng
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuan-Wei Jiang
- Department of Physiology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Physiology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Xiao-Li Liu
- Institute of Acu-Moxibustion and Meridian, College of Acupuncture and Massage, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Jing Li
- Institute of Acu-Moxibustion and Meridian, College of Acupuncture and Massage, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Zi-Bing Liu
- Department of Physiology, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Institute of Acu-Moxibustion and Meridian, College of Acupuncture and Massage, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
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Bruijnzeel AW. Neuropeptide systems and new treatments for nicotine addiction. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:1419-1437. [PMID: 28028605 PMCID: PMC5420481 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4513-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The mildly euphoric and cognitive enhancing effects of nicotine play a role in the initiation of smoking, while dysphoria and anxiety associated with smoking cessation contribute to relapse. After the acute withdrawal phase, smoking cues, a few cigarettes (i.e., lapse), and stressors can cause relapse. Human and animal studies have shown that neuropeptides play a critical role in nicotine addiction. OBJECTIVES The goal of this paper is to describe the role of neuropeptide systems in the initiation of nicotine intake, nicotine withdrawal, and the reinstatement of extinguished nicotine seeking. RESULTS The reviewed studies indicate that several drugs that target neuropeptide systems diminish the rewarding effects of nicotine by preventing the activation of dopaminergic systems. Other peptide-based drugs diminish the hyperactivity of brain stress systems and diminish withdrawal-associated symptom severity. Blockade of hypocretin-1 and nociceptin receptors and stimulation of galanin and neurotensin receptors diminishes the rewarding effects of nicotine. Both corticotropin-releasing factor type 1 and kappa-opioid receptor antagonists diminish dysphoria and anxiety-like behavior associated with nicotine withdrawal and inhibit stress-induced reinstatement of nicotine seeking. Furthermore, blockade of vasopressin 1b receptors diminishes dysphoria during nicotine withdrawal, and melanocortin 4 receptor blockade prevents stress-induced reinstatement of nicotine seeking. The role of neuropeptide systems in nicotine-primed and cue-induced reinstatement is largely unexplored, but there is evidence for a role of hypocretin-1 receptors in cue-induced reinstatement of nicotine seeking. CONCLUSION Drugs that target neuropeptide systems might decrease the euphoric effects of smoking and improve relapse rates by diminishing withdrawal symptoms and improving stress resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriaan W. Bruijnzeel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA,Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA,Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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