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Bowen MT, George O, Muskiewicz DE, Hall FS. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ESCALATION OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 132:730-756. [PMID: 34839930 PMCID: PMC8892842 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Understanding factors that contribute to the escalation of alcohol consumption is key to understanding how an individual transitions from non/social drinking to AUD and to providing better treatment. In this review, we discuss how the way ethanol is consumed as well as individual and environmental factors contribute to the escalation of ethanol consumption from intermittent low levels to consistently high levels. Moreover, we discuss how these factors are modelled in animals. It is clear a vast array of complex, interacting factors influence changes in alcohol consumption. Some of these factors act early in the acquisition of ethanol consumption and initial escalation, while others contribute to escalation of ethanol consumption at a later stage and are involved in the development of alcohol dependence. There is considerable need for more studies examining escalation associated with the formation of dependence and other hallmark features of AUD, especially studies examining mechanisms, as it is of considerable relevance to understanding and treating AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T. Bowen
- The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia,The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia,Corresponding Author: Michael T. Bowen, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia,
| | - Olivier George
- Department of Psychology, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Dawn E. Muskiewicz
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacology and Pharmacological Science, University of Toledo, OH, USA
| | - F. Scott Hall
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacology and Pharmacological Science, University of Toledo, OH, USA
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2
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Butelman ER, Chen CY, Brown KG, Lake KJ, Kreek MJ. Age of onset of heaviest use of cannabis or alcohol in persons with severe opioid or cocaine use disorders. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 226:108834. [PMID: 34216857 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persons with severe opioid or cocaine use disorders are particularly vulnerable to morbidity and mortality. Heaviest use of mu-opioid receptor agonists and cocaine typically commences in early adulthood and is preceded by substantial adolescent exposure to cannabis and/or alcohol. Little information exists on the age trajectories of exposure to cannabis or alcohol in persons diagnosed with severe opioid or cocaine use disorders, compared to persons diagnosed with other substance use disorders (unrelated to opioids or cocaine). METHOD This observational study had n = 854 volunteers (male = 581, female = 273; ≥18 years of age at the time of interview) and examined the ages of onset of heaviest use of cannabis and alcohol in persons diagnosed by DSM-IV criteria with opioid dependence (OD), both opioid and cocaine dependence (OD + CD) and cocaine dependence (CD). These age trajectory measures were compared to persons with other substance use disorders (primarily cannabis and alcohol use disorders, termed "Any Other Diagnoses"). RESULTS Unadjusted survival analyses showed persons diagnosed with either OD + CD or CD had earlier onset of heaviest use of cannabis (mean ages of 16.2 and 17.8, respectively) compared to the "Any Other Diagnoses" reference group (mean age = 19.5). A multivariate logistic regression showed that later onset of heaviest use of cannabis was associated with lower odds of being in the OD + CD or CD groups, when compared to the reference group. CONCLUSIONS Persons diagnosed with severe cocaine use disorders or dual opioid and cocaine use disorders exhibit a pattern of heavy and especially early adolescent exposure to cannabis, compared to persons with other substance use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo R Butelman
- Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Carina Y Chen
- Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Kate G Brown
- Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Kimberly J Lake
- Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Mary Jeanne Kreek
- Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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3
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Anton RF, Voronin KE, Book SW, Latham PK, Randall PK, Glen WB, Hoffman M, Schacht JP. Opioid and Dopamine Genes Interact to Predict Naltrexone Response in a Randomized Alcohol Use Disorder Clinical Trial. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2020; 44:2084-2096. [PMID: 32772383 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the opiate antagonist, naltrexone, is approved for treating alcohol use disorder (AUD), not everyone who receives the medication benefits from it. This study evaluated whether the OPRM1 SNP rs1799971 interacts with the dopamine transporter gene DAT1/SLC6A3 VNTR rs28363170 or the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene SNP rs4680 in predicting naltrexone response. METHODS Individuals who met DSM-IV alcohol dependence were randomly assigned to naltrexone (50 mg/d) or placebo based on their OPRM1 genotype (75 G-allele carriers and 77 A-allele homozygotes) and also genotyped for DAT1 VNTR (9 vs. 10 repeats) or COMT SNP (val/val vs. met carriers). Heavy drinking days (%HDD) were evaluated over 16 weeks and at the end of treatment. Effect sizes (d) for naltrexone response were calculated based on genotypes. RESULTS Naltrexone, relative to placebo, significantly reduced %HDD among OPRM1 G carriers who also had DAT1 10/10 (p = 0.021, d = 0.72) or COMT val/val genotypes (p = 0.05, d = 0.80), and to a lesser degree in those OPRM1 A homozygotes who were also DAT1 9-repeat carriers (p = 0.09, d = 0.70) or COMT met carriers (p = 0.03, d = 0.63). All other genotype combinations showed no differential response to naltrexone. Diarrhea/abdominal pain was more prominent in OPRM1 A homozygotes who were also DAT 9 or COMT met carriers. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that individuals with AUD with a more opioid-responsive genotype (OPRM1 G carriers) respond better to naltrexone if they have genotypes indicating normal/less dopamine tone (DAT1 10,10 or COMT val,val), while those with a less responsive opioid-responsive genotype (OPRM1 A homozygotes) respond better to naltrexone if they have genotypes indicating greater dopamine tone (DAT1 9-repeat or COMT met carriers). These results could lead to more personalized AUD treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond F Anton
- From the, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Addiction Sciences Division, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Konstantin E Voronin
- From the, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Addiction Sciences Division, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Sarah W Book
- From the, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Addiction Sciences Division, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Patricia K Latham
- From the, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Addiction Sciences Division, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Patrick K Randall
- From the, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Addiction Sciences Division, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Willam Bailey Glen
- From the, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Addiction Sciences Division, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Michaela Hoffman
- From the, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Addiction Sciences Division, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Joseph P Schacht
- From the, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Addiction Sciences Division, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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4
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Bellia F, Fernández MS, Fabio MC, Pucci M, Pautassi RM, D'Addario C. Selective alterations in endogenous opioid system genes expression in rats selected for high ethanol intake during adolescence. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 212:108025. [PMID: 32442753 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Historically, the roots of alcoholism have been linked to either environment or heredity. However, the interaction between these factors is still largely unexplored. The evidence supports a link between alcohol consumption and the endogenous opioid system. We here studied the opioid genes expression in male and female Wistar rats derived from a short-term breeding program which selected -- at adolescence -- for high (ADHI line) or low (ADLO line) ethanol drinking. Specifically, in this work we analyzed central opioid gene expression in the rats of the second filial generation (S2-ADLO and S2-ADHI). Selective downregulation of pronociceptin (Pnoc) and its receptor (Oprl1) mRNA levels were observed in the prefrontal cortex of male S2-ADHI rats when compared to S2-ADLO, and for Oprl1 also in the nucleus accumbens. An increase in gene expression was instead observed for pro-opiomelanocortin (Pomc) in the nucleus accumbens of S2-ADHI males when compared to S2-ADLO, as well as for mu opioid receptor (Oprm1) but in females. The differences in mRNA levels may be due to the different alcohol consumption between the two groups of rats or may represent pre-existing differences between them. Moreover, we show a sex-specific modulation of the expression of these genes, thus pointing out the importance of sex on ethanol responses. The results might lead to more specific and effective pharmacological treatments for alcoholism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Macarena Soledad Fernández
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - María Carolina Fabio
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina; Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | | | - Ricardo Marcos Pautassi
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina; Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.
| | - Claudio D'Addario
- Università degli Studi di Teramo, Teramo, Italy; Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Stockholm, Sweden.
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5
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Social brain, social dysfunction and social withdrawal. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 97:10-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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6
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Serotonin-1A receptor dependent modulation of pain and reward for improving therapy of chronic pain. Pharmacol Res 2018; 134:212-219. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Lovallo WR, Enoch MA, Acheson A, Cohoon AJ, Sorocco KH, Hodgkinson CA, Vincent AS, Glahn DC, Goldman D. Cortisol Stress Response in Men and Women Modulated Differentially by the Mu-Opioid Receptor Gene Polymorphism OPRM1 A118G. Neuropsychopharmacology 2015; 40:2546-54. [PMID: 25881118 PMCID: PMC4569944 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2015.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Differences in stress reactivity may affect long-term health outcomes, but there is little information on how these differences arise. The stress axis is regulated by, in part, the endogenous opioid, beta-endorphin, acting on mu-opioid receptors. Persons carrying one or two copies of the G allele of the mu-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1 A118G) may have higher receptor binding for beta-endorphin compared with AA homozygotes that may contribute to individual differences in cortisol reactivity to stress, leading to a relative blunting of cortisol stress reactivity in G allele genotypes. We measured cortisol in 251 young adults (69 GA/GG vs 182 AA genotypes) exposed to mental arithmetic plus public speaking stress relative to a resting control day. Women had smaller cortisol responses than men (F=10.2, p=0.002), and women with GA or GG genotypes (N=39) had an absence of cortisol response relative to AA carriers (N=110) (F=18.4, p<0.0001). Male genotypes had no such difference in response (F=0.29). Cortisol response following mu-opioid receptor blockade using naltrexone in 119 of these subjects unmasked a greater tonic opioid inhibition of cortisol secretion in women (N=64), consistent with their blunted stress reactivity. Compared with men, women may have cortisol stress responses that are more heavily regulated by endogenous opioid mechanisms, and the OPRM1 GA/GG genotypes may affect females differentially relative to males. Diminished cortisol responses to stress may have consequences for health behaviors in women with GA/GG genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R Lovallo
- VA Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA,755 Research Parkway, Suite 586, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA, Tel: +1 405 456 3124, Fax: +1 405 456 1839, E-mail:
| | | | - Ashley Acheson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA,Research Imaging Institute, UTHSCSA, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - Kristen H Sorocco
- VA Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA,Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatric Medicine, OUHSC, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | | | - Andrea S Vincent
- Cognitive Science Research Center, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA
| | - David C Glahn
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, Institute of Living, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - David Goldman
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, NIH, NIAAA, Bethesda, MD, USA
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8
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Moriya Y, Kasahara Y, Hall FS, Sakakibara Y, Uhl GR, Tomita H, Sora I. Sex differences in the effects of adolescent social deprivation on alcohol consumption in μ-opioid receptor knockout mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:1471-82. [PMID: 25363463 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3784-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 10/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Evidence based on clinical and experimental animal studies indicates that adolescent social deprivation influences alcohol consumption in a sex-dependent manner, perhaps by influencing stress responses. However, the mechanisms underlying the interaction between these phenomena remain to be elucidated. Since the μ-opioid receptor (MOP) has been reported to have key roles in social stress responses as well as the reinforcing/addictive effects of ethanol, MOP is a candidate molecule that may link adolescent social deprivation and subsequent alterations in alcohol consumption. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the involvement of MOP and social isolation-induced changes in alcohol consumption, as well as the effect of sex differences on responses to social isolation, alcohol consumption was assessed using a two-bottle home-cage consumption procedure (8 % ethanol vs. water) in MOP knockout (MOP-KO) and wild type (WT) mice of both sexes exposed to adolescent social deprivation or reared socially. RESULTS Isolation rearing had no effects upon alcohol consumption of WT mice, whereas it significantly altered alcohol consumption in both male and female MOP-KO mice. Interestingly, social isolation affected ethanol consumption differently in male and female mice. Ethanol consumption was increased in male MOP-KO mice, but decreased in female MOP-KO mice, by isolation rearing. CONCLUSION These results indicate that disturbances of MOP function influence the effects of isolation rearing on ethanol consumption in a sex-dependent manner. Consequently, this suggests the possibility that genetic variation that influences MOP function may have differential roles in alcoholism in men and women, and alcoholism treatments that target MOP function may be differentially effective in males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Moriya
- Department of Biological Psychiatry, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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9
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Nubukpo P. [Place of the opioid system in biology and treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder]. Encephale 2014; 40:457-67. [PMID: 25454364 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2014.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
While the DSM 5 has formalized the terminology "Alcohol Use Disorders" (AUD) or "disorders of the use of alcohol" (UAW French translation in progress), the term "alcohol dependence" still used in ICD-10, apriority in the future ICD-11 and above in clinical practice. Addiction to alcohol is the cause of mortality and major morbidity. In terms of therapeutic strategies for its management, alongside the maintenance of abstinence after withdrawal (with a high rate of relapse), the reduction of alcohol consumption below certain thresholds of intake is emerging in order to reduce risk, improve health and regain control of consumption even be an intermediate step towards abstinence. The role of the endogenous opioid system in the modulation of the activity of dopaminergic neurons from the circuit of reward and motivation is well established. An unsteadiness of this system has been described in the alcohol dependence. Indeed, a hypofunction of the endorphin pathway and its mu receptor and a hyperactivity of the dynorphin pathway and its kappa receptor participate in the alcohol reinforcing effects (especially positive and negative). The development of active molecules in this system allows better management of alcohol dependence. Besides naltrexone (mu antagonist) allowed in the maintenance of abstinence after withdrawal, another molecule (nalmefene) with modulating properties of μ and κ opioid receptors is the first drug having obtained an MA in reducing consumption in adult patients with alcohol dependence. Its modulating original pharmacological properties by targeting both the positive but also the negative reinforcing effects of alcohol, are responsible for its development in reducing consumption in the alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Nubukpo
- Pôle d'addictologie en Limousin, centre hospitalier Esquirol, 15, rue du Dr-Marcland, 87025 Limoges, France; Pôle de psychiatrie adulte 23G01, centre hospitalier La Valette, 23320 Saint-Vaury, France; UMR/Inserm 1094 NET, faculté de médecine, CHU de Limoges, 2, rue du Dr-Marcland, 87025 Limoges, France.
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10
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Barker JM, Taylor JR. Habitual alcohol seeking: modeling the transition from casual drinking to addiction. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2014; 47:281-94. [PMID: 25193245 PMCID: PMC4258136 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Revised: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The transition from goal-directed actions to habitual ethanol seeking models the development of addictive behavior that characterizes alcohol use disorders. The progression to habitual ethanol-seeking behavior occurs more rapidly than for natural rewards, suggesting that ethanol may act on habit circuit to drive the loss of behavioral flexibility. This review will highlight recent research that has focused on the formation and expression of habitual ethanol seeking, and the commonalities and distinctions between ethanol and natural reward-seeking habits, with the goal of highlighting important, understudied research areas that we believe will lead toward the development of novel treatment and prevention strategies for uncontrolled drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline M Barker
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, Ribicoff Labs, New Haven, CT, USA; Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jane R Taylor
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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11
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Fowler AK, Thompson J, Chen L, Dagda M, Dertien J, Dossou KSS, Moaddel R, Bergeson SE, Kruman II. Differential sensitivity of prefrontal cortex and hippocampus to alcohol-induced toxicity. PLoS One 2014; 9:e106945. [PMID: 25188266 PMCID: PMC4154772 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is a brain region responsible for executive functions including working memory, impulse control and decision making. The loss of these functions may ultimately lead to addiction. Using histological analysis combined with stereological technique, we demonstrated that the PFC is more vulnerable to chronic alcohol-induced oxidative stress and neuronal cell death than the hippocampus. This increased vulnerability is evidenced by elevated oxidative stress-induced DNA damage and enhanced expression of apoptotic markers in PFC neurons. We also found that one-carbon metabolism (OCM) impairment plays a significant role in alcohol toxicity to the PFC seen from the difference in the effects of acute and chronic alcohol exposure on DNA repair and from exaggeration of the damaging effects upon additional OCM impairment in mice deficient in a key OCM enzyme, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). Given that damage to the PFC leads to loss of executive function and addiction, our study may shed light on the mechanism of alcohol addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Kate Fowler
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jeremy Thompson
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Lixia Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Marisela Dagda
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Janet Dertien
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Katina Sylvestre S. Dossou
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, NIA, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ruin Moaddel
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, NIA, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Susan E. Bergeson
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Inna I. Kruman
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
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12
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Abstract
To date, few pharmacotherapies have been established for the treatment of alcoholism. There is a plethora of research concerning the involvement of the opioid-endorphin system in mediating the reinforcing effects of alcohol. The opioid antagonist naltrexone has been found to be effective in alcohol treatment. In addition, the mu-opioid antagonist and partial kappa agonist nalmefene was recently approved by the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of alcoholism. The relevant studies followed a harm-reduction, 'as needed' approach and showed a reduction in alcohol consumption with nalmefene 20 mg rather than increased abstinence rates, (which was not the primary goal of the relevant studies). The available literature is reviewed and discussed. Nalmefene appears to be a safe and effective treatment for alcohol dependence.
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13
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Anton RF, Schacht JP, Book SW. Pharmacologic treatment of alcoholism. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2014; 125:527-42. [PMID: 25307594 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-62619-6.00030-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Progress in understanding the neuroscience of addiction has significantly advanced the development of more efficacious medications for the treatment of alcohol use disorders (AUD). While several medications have been approved by regulatory bodies around the world for the treatment of AUD, they are not universally efficacious. Recent research has yielded improved understanding of the genetics and brain circuits that underlie alcohol reward and its habitual use. This research has contributed to pharmacogenetic studies of medication response, and will ultimately lead to a more "personalized medicine" approach to AUD pharmacotherapy. This chapter summarizes work on clinically available medications (both approved by regulatory bodies and investigational) for the treatment of alcohol dependence, as well as the psychiatric disorders that are commonly comorbid with AUD. Studies that have evaluated genetic influences on medication response and those that have employed neuroimaging to probe mechanisms of medication action or response are highlighted. Finally, new targets discovered in animal models for possible pharmacologic intervention in humans are overviewed and future directions in medications development provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond F Anton
- Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs, Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Joseph P Schacht
- Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs, Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Sarah W Book
- Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs, Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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14
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Rácz I, Markert A, Mauer D, Stoffel-Wagner B, Zimmer A. Long-term ethanol effects on acute stress responses: modulation by dynorphin. Addict Biol 2013; 18:678-88. [PMID: 22994904 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2012.00494.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The brain stress-response system is critically involved in the addiction process, stimulating drug consumption and the relapse to drug taking in abstinent addicts. At the same time, its functioning is affected by chronic drug exposure. Here, we have investigated the role of the endogenous opioid peptide dynorphin as a modulator of effects of long-term ethanol consumption on the brain stress-response system. Using the two-bottle choice paradigm, we demonstrate an enhanced ethanol preference in male dynorphin knockout mice. Exposure to mild foot shock increased ethanol consumption in wild-type control littermates, but not in dynorphin-deficient animals. Blood adrenocorticotropic hormone levels determined 5 minutes after the shock were not affected by the genotype. We also determined the neuronal reactivity after foot shock exposure using c-Fos immunoreactivity in limbic structures. This was strongly influenced by both genotype and chronic ethanol consumption. Long-term alcohol exposure elevated the foot shock-induced c-Fos expression in the basolateral amygdala in wild-type animals, but had the opposite effect in dynorphin-deficient mice. An altered c-Fos reactivity was also found in the periventricular nucleus, the thalamus and the hippocampus of dynorphin knockouts. Together these data suggest that dynorphin plays an important role in the modulation of the brain stress-response systems after chronic ethanol exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ildikó Rácz
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry; University of Bonn; Bonn; Germany
| | - Astrid Markert
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry; University of Bonn; Bonn; Germany
| | - Daniela Mauer
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry; University of Bonn; Bonn; Germany
| | - Birgit Stoffel-Wagner
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology; University of Bonn; Bonn; Germany
| | - Andreas Zimmer
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry; University of Bonn; Bonn; Germany
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15
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Oddi D, Crusio WE, D'Amato FR, Pietropaolo S. Monogenic mouse models of social dysfunction: implications for autism. Behav Brain Res 2013; 251:75-84. [PMID: 23327738 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2013.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2012] [Revised: 12/14/2012] [Accepted: 01/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a pervasive disorder characterized by a complex symptomatology, based principally on social dysfunction. The disorder has a highly complex, largely genetic etiology, involving an impressive variety of genes, the precise contributions of which still remain to be determined. For this reason, a reductionist approach to the study of autism has been proposed, employing monogenic animal models of social dysfunction, either by targeting a candidate gene, or by mimicking a single-gene disorder characterized by autistic symptoms. In the present review, we discuss this monogenic approach by comparing examples of each strategy: the mu opioid receptor knock-out (KO) mouse line, which targets the opioid system (known to be involved in the control of social behaviors); and the Fmr1-KO mouse, a model for Fragile X syndrome (a neurodevelopmental syndrome that includes autistic symptoms). The autistic-relevant behavioral phenotypes of the mu-opioid and Fmr1-KO mouse lines are described here, summarizing previous work by our research group and others, but also providing novel experimental evidence. Relevant factors influencing the validity of the two models, such as sex differences and age at testing, are also addressed, permitting an extensive evaluation of the advantages and limits of monogenic mouse models for autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Oddi
- CNR, Cell Biology and Neurobiology Institute, Rome, Italy; IRCCS, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
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Hendrickson LM, Guildford MJ, Tapper AR. Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: common molecular substrates of nicotine and alcohol dependence. Front Psychiatry 2013; 4:29. [PMID: 23641218 PMCID: PMC3639424 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2013.00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol and nicotine are often co-abused. As many as 80-95% of alcoholics are also smokers, suggesting that ethanol and nicotine, the primary addictive component of tobacco smoke, may functionally interact in the central nervous system and/or share a common mechanism of action. While nicotine initiates dependence by binding to and activating neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), ligand-gated cation channels normally activated by endogenous acetylcholine (ACh), ethanol is much less specific with the ability to modulate multiple gene products including those encoding voltage-gated ion channels, and excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors. However, emerging data indicate that ethanol interacts with nAChRs, both directly and indirectly, in the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic (DAergic) reward circuitry to affect brain reward systems. Like nicotine, ethanol activates DAergic neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) which project to the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Blockade of VTA nAChRs reduces ethanol-mediated activation of DAergic neurons, NAc DA release, consumption, and operant responding for ethanol in rodents. Thus, ethanol may increase ACh release into the VTA driving activation of DAergic neurons through nAChRs. In addition, ethanol potentiates distinct nAChR subtype responses to ACh and nicotine in vitro and in DAergic neurons. The smoking cessation therapeutic and nAChR partial agonist, varenicline, reduces alcohol consumption in heavy drinking smokers and rodent models of alcohol consumption. Finally, single nucleotide polymorphisms in nAChR subunit genes are associated with alcohol dependence phenotypes and smoking behaviors in human populations. Together, results from pre-clinical, clinical, and genetic studies indicate that nAChRs may have an inherent role in the abusive properties of ethanol, as well as in nicotine and alcohol co-dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linzy M Hendrickson
- Department of Psychiatry, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester, MA, USA
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Fowler AK, Hewetson A, Agrawal RG, Dagda M, Dagda R, Moaddel R, Balbo S, Sanghvi M, Chen Y, Hogue RJ, Bergeson SE, Henderson GI, Kruman II. Alcohol-induced one-carbon metabolism impairment promotes dysfunction of DNA base excision repair in adult brain. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:43533-42. [PMID: 23118224 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.401497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain is one of the major targets of chronic alcohol abuse. Yet the fundamental mechanisms underlying alcohol-mediated brain damage remain unclear. The products of alcohol metabolism cause DNA damage, which in conditions of DNA repair dysfunction leads to genomic instability and neural death. We propose that one-carbon metabolism (OCM) impairment associated with long term chronic ethanol intake is a key factor in ethanol-induced neurotoxicity, because OCM provides cells with DNA precursors for DNA repair and methyl groups for DNA methylation, both critical for genomic stability. Using histological (immunohistochemistry and stereological counting) and biochemical assays, we show that 3-week chronic exposure of adult mice to 5% ethanol (Lieber-Decarli diet) results in increased DNA damage, reduced DNA repair, and neuronal death in the brain. These were concomitant with compromised OCM, as evidenced by elevated homocysteine, a marker of OCM dysfunction. We conclude that OCM dysfunction plays a causal role in alcohol-induced genomic instability in the brain because OCM status determines the alcohol effect on DNA damage/repair and genomic stability. Short ethanol exposure, which did not disturb OCM, also did not affect the response to DNA damage, whereas additional OCM disturbance induced by deficiency in a key OCM enzyme, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) in Mthfr(+/-) mice, exaggerated the ethanol effect on DNA repair. Thus, the impact of long term ethanol exposure on DNA repair and genomic stability in the brain results from OCM dysfunction, and MTHFR mutations such as Mthfr 677C→T, common in human population, may exaggerate the adverse effects of ethanol on the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Kate Fowler
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas 79430, USA
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Mitchell JM, O'Neil JP, Janabi M, Marks SM, Jagust WJ, Fields HL. Alcohol consumption induces endogenous opioid release in the human orbitofrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens. Sci Transl Med 2012; 4:116ra6. [PMID: 22238334 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3002902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Excessive consumption of alcohol is among the leading causes of preventable death worldwide. Although ethanol modulates a variety of molecular targets, including several neurotransmitter receptors, the neural mechanisms that underlie its rewarding actions and lead to excessive consumption are unknown. Studies in animals suggest that release of endogenous opioids by ethanol promotes further consumption. To examine this issue in humans and to determine where in the brain endogenous opioids act to promote alcohol consumption, we measured displacement of a radiolabeled μ opioid receptor agonist, [¹¹C]carfentanil, before and immediately after alcohol consumption in both heavy drinkers and control subjects. Drinking alcohol induced opioid release in the nucleus accumbens and orbitofrontal cortex, areas of the brain implicated in reward valuation. Opioid release in the orbitofrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens was significantly positively correlated. Furthermore, changes in orbitofrontal cortex binding correlated significantly with problem alcohol use and subjective high in heavy drinkers, suggesting that differences in endogenous opioid function in these regions contribute to excessive alcohol consumption. These results also suggest a possible mechanism by which opioid antagonists such as naltrexone act to treat alcohol abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Mitchell
- Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA.
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Setiawan E, Pihl RO, Benkelfat C, Leyton M. Influence of the OPRM1 A118G polymorphism on alcohol-induced euphoria, risk for alcoholism and the clinical efficacy of naltrexone. Pharmacogenomics 2012; 13:1161-72. [DOI: 10.2217/pgs.12.99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol-use disorders are thought to be heterogeneous in etiology, pathophysiology and response to treatment. One hypothesized contributor to this variability is the common A118G polymorphism of the µ-opioid receptor gene, OPRM1. This article critically evaluates the evidence that the A118G substitution affects subjective, behavioral and neurobiological responses to alcohol and the opioid receptor antagonist, naltrexone. Although screening of patients in a clinical setting remains premature, results suggest the A118G substitution may influence one etiological pathway to alcoholism, for which naltrexone pharmacotherapy is more effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Setiawan
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Robert O Pihl
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Chawki Benkelfat
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Marco Leyton
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Daoura L, Nylander I. The response to naltrexone in ethanol-drinking rats depends on early environmental experiences. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2011; 99:626-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2011.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2011] [Revised: 05/20/2011] [Accepted: 06/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Weerts EM, Wand GS, Kuwabara H, Munro CA, Dannals RF, Hilton J, Frost JJ, McCaul ME. Positron emission tomography imaging of mu- and delta-opioid receptor binding in alcohol-dependent and healthy control subjects. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2011; 35:2162-73. [PMID: 21689118 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2011.01565.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endogenous opioid system plays a significant role in alcohol dependence. The goal of the current study was to investigate regional brain mu-opioid receptor (MOR) and delta-opioid receptor (DOR) availability in recently abstinent alcohol-dependent and age-matched healthy control men and women with positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. METHODS Alcohol-dependent subjects completed an inpatient protocol, which included medically supervised withdrawal and PET imaging on day 5 of abstinence. Control subjects completed PET imaging following an overnight stay. PET scans with the MOR-selective ligand [(11)C]carfentanil (CFN) were completed in 25 alcohol-dependent and 30 control subjects. Most of these same subjects (20 alcohol-dependent subjects and 18 controls) also completed PET scans with the DOR-selective ligand [(11)C]methylnaltrindole (MeNTL). RESULTS Volumes of interest and statistical parametric mapping analyses indicated that alcohol-dependent subjects had significantly higher [(11)C]CFN binding potential (BP(ND) ) than healthy controls in multiple brain regions including the ventral striatum when adjusting for age, gender, and smoking status. There was an inverse relationship between [(11)C]CFN BP(ND) and craving in several brain regions in alcohol-dependent subjects. Groups did not differ in [(11)C]MeNTL BP(ND) ; however, [(11)C]MeNTL BP(ND) in caudate was positively correlated with recent alcohol drinking in alcohol-dependent subjects. CONCLUSIONS Our observation of higher [(11)C]CFN BP(ND) in alcohol-dependent subjects can result from up-regulation of MOR and/or reduction in endogenous opioid peptides following long-term alcohol consumption, dependence, and/or withdrawal. Alternatively, the higher [(11)C]CFN BP(ND) in alcohol-dependent subjects may be an etiological difference that predisposed these individuals to alcohol dependence or may have developed as a result of increased exposure to childhood adversity, stress, and other environmental factors known to increase MOR. Although the direction of group differences in [(11)C]MeNTL BP(ND) was similar in many brain regions, differences did not achieve statistical significance, perhaps as a result of our limited sample size. Additional research is needed to further clarify these relationships. The finding that alcohol-dependent subjects had higher [(11)C]CFN BP(ND) is consistent with a prominent role of the MOR in alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise M Weerts
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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Ramachandra V, Kang F, Kim C, Nova AS, Bajaj A, Hall FS, Uhl GR, Gonzales RA. The μ opioid receptor is not involved in ethanol-stimulated dopamine release in the ventral striatum of C57BL/6J mice. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2011; 35:929-38. [PMID: 21294756 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2010.01423.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mu opioid receptor (MOR) has previously been found to regulate ethanol-stimulated dopamine release under some, but not all, conditions. A difference in ethanol-evoked dopamine release between male and female mixed background C57BL/6J-129SvEv mice led to questions about its ubiquitous role in these effects of ethanol. Using congenic C57BL/6J MOR knockout (KO) mice and C57BL/6J mice pretreated with an irreversible MOR antagonist, we investigated the function of this receptor in ethanol-stimulated dopamine release. METHODS Microdialysis was used to monitor dopamine release and ethanol clearance in MOR -/-, +/+, and +/- . male and female mice after intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 g/kg ethanol (or saline). We also measured the increase in dopamine release after 5 mg/kg morphine (i.p.) in male and female MOR+/+ and -/- mice. In a separate experiment, male C57BL/6J mice were pretreated with either the irreversible MOR antagonist beta funaltrexamine (BFNA) or vehicle, and dopamine levels were monitored after administration of 2 g/kg ethanol or 5 mg/kg morphine. RESULTS Although ethanol-stimulated dopamine release at all the 3 doses of alcohol tested, there were no differences between MOR+/+, -/-, and +/- mice in these effects. Female mice had a more prolonged effect compared to males at the 1 g/kg dose. Administration of 2 g/kg ethanol also caused a similar increase in dopamine levels in both saline-pretreated and BFNA-pretreated mice. Five mg/kg morphine caused a significant increase in dopamine levels in MOR+/+ mice but not in MOR-/- mice and in saline-pretreated mice but not in BFNA-pretreated mice. Intraperitoneal saline injections had a significant, albeit small and transient, effect on dopamine release when given in a volume equivalent to the ethanol doses, but not in a volume equivalent to the 5 mg/kg morphine dose. Ethanol pharmacokinetics were similar in all genotypes and both sexes at each dose and in both pretreatment groups. CONCLUSIONS MOR is not involved in ethanol-stimulated dopamine release in the ventral striatum of C57BL/6J mice.
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Theile JW, Morikawa H, Gonzales RA, Morrisett RA. GABAergic transmission modulates ethanol excitation of ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons. Neuroscience 2010; 172:94-103. [PMID: 20974231 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.10.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2010] [Revised: 10/14/2010] [Accepted: 10/16/2010] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Activation of the dopaminergic (DA) neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) by ethanol has been implicated in its rewarding and reinforcing effects. We previously demonstrated that ethanol enhances GABA release onto VTA-DA neurons via activation of 5-HT2C receptors and subsequent release of calcium from intracellular stores. Here we demonstrate that excitation of VTA-DA neurons by ethanol is limited by an ethanol-enhancement in GABA release. In this study, we performed whole-cell voltage clamp recordings of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) and cell-attached recordings of action potential firing from VTA-DA neurons in midbrain slices from young Long Evans rats. Acute exposure to ethanol (75 mM) transiently enhanced the firing rate of VTA-DA neurons as well as the frequency of mIPSCs. Simultaneous blockade of both GABA(A) and GABA(B) receptors (Picrotoxin (75 μM) and SCH50911 (20 μM)) disinhibited VTA-DA firing rate whereas a GABA(A) agonist (muscimol, 1 μM) strongly inhibited firing rate. In the presence of picrotoxin, ethanol enhanced VTA-DA firing rate more than in the absence of picrotoxin. Additionally, a sub-maximal concentration of muscimol together with ethanol inhibited VTA-DA firing rate more than muscimol alone. DAMGO (3 μM) inhibited mIPSC frequency but did not block the ethanol-enhancement in mIPSC frequency. DAMGO (1 and 3 μM) had no effect on VTA-DA firing rate. Naltrexone (60 μM) had no effect on basal or ethanol-enhancement of mIPSC frequency. Additionally, naltrexone (20 and 60 μM) did not block the ethanol-enhancement in VTA-DA firing rate. Overall, the present results indicate that the ethanol enhancement in GABA release onto VTA-DA neurons limits the stimulatory effect of ethanol on VTA-DA neuron activity and may have implications for the rewarding properties of ethanol.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Theile
- Cell and Molecular Biology, The College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712-1074, USA
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24
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Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD Alcohol use and dependence are frequent disorders. Despite numerous established psychosocial approaches, relapse to heavy drinking is common in alcohol-dependent patients after detoxification and relapse prevention remains a significant medical challenge. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW The opioidergic system plays a crucial role in mediating the rewarding effects of alcohol, in part by modulating dopaminergic neurotransmission in mesolimbic brain areas. This review will discuss the neurochemical basis of alcoholism with respect to the opiodergic system. Nalmefene is an alternate opioid receptor that also targets the kappa opioid receptors and thus offers a different treatment approach. The treatment studies conducted so far are discussed. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN We present a comprehensive overview of the implication of the opioidergic system in mediating the rewarding effects of alcoholism and the preclinical and clinical studies conducted so far with nalmefene. TAKE HOME MESSAGE Although the number of clinical studies conducted with naltrexone by far exceeds the number conducted with nalmefene, the four studies on nalmefene published so far may indicate a role of this opioid antagonist in the treatment of alcoholism. Results of some ongoing studies on nalmefene will provide additional data on its use for this indication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Soyka
- University of Munich, Psychiatric Hospital, Nussbaumstr. 7, D-80336 Munich, Germany
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25
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Yoo JH, Bailey A, Ansonoff M, Pintar JE, Matifas A, Kieffer BL, Kitchen I. Lack of genotype effect on D1, D2 receptors and dopamine transporter binding in triple MOP-, DOP-, and KOP-opioid receptor knockout mice of three different genetic backgrounds. Synapse 2010; 64:520-7. [PMID: 20196137 DOI: 10.1002/syn.20757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
We investigated D1, D2 receptors and dopamine transporter (DAT) binding levels in mice lacking all three opioid receptors and wild-type (WT) mice on three different genetic backgrounds. Quantitative autoradiography was used to determine the level of radioligand binding to the D1 and D2 receptors and DAT labeled with [(3)H]SCH23390, [(3)H]raclopride, and [(3)H]mazindol, respectively in triple-opioid receptor knockout (KO) and WT maintained on C57BL/6 (B6) and 129/SvEvTac (129) as well as C57BL/6 x 129/SvPas (B6 x 129) strains. No significant genotype effect was observed in D1, D2 receptors and DAT binding in any regions analyzed in any of the strains studied, suggesting that a lack of all three opioid receptors does not influence D1, D2 receptors and DAT expression, irrespective of their genetic strain background. However, strain differences were observed in D1 binding between the three strains of mice studied. Lower levels of D1 binding were observed in the substantia nigra of B6 x 129 WT mice compared with the 129 WT mice and in the olfactory tubercle of B6 x 129 WT compared with B6 WT and 129 WT mice. Lower levels of D1 binding were observed in the caudate putamen of B6 x 129 KO mice compared with 129 KO mice. In contrast, no significant strain differences were observed in D2 and DAT binding between the three strains of mice in any regions analyzed. Overall, these results indicate a lack of modulation of the dopaminergic system by the deletion of all three opioid receptors regardless of different background strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hoon Yoo
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
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Li J, Cheng Y, Bian W, Liu X, Zhang C, Ye JH. Region-specific induction of FosB/ΔFosB by voluntary alcohol intake: effects of naltrexone. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2010; 34:1742-50. [PMID: 20626732 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2010.01261.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND ΔFosB is the best characterized transcription factor induced by chronic stimulation. Although previous studies have demonstrated that chronic passive ethanol exposure alters ΔFosB immunoreactivity (IR), the effect of chronic voluntary ethanol consumption on ΔFosB remains unknown. Furthermore, although previous studies have demonstrated that the opioid antagonist naltrexone reduces alcohol consumption in clinical and preclinical settings, the effect of naltrexone on FosB/ΔFosB has not been explored. Here, we examined the effects of chronic voluntary ethanol intake and naltrexone on FosB/ΔFosB IR in striatal region and prefrontal cortex, and the effect of naltrexone on voluntary ethanol intake. METHODS We utilized immunohistochemistry to define the changes in FosB/ΔFosB IR induced by chronic voluntary ethanol intake under a two-bottle intermittent access of 20% ethanol model and by systematic administration (intraperitoneal injection) of naltrexone in Sprague-Dawley rats. RESULTS Chronic (15 drinking sessions in 35 days) voluntary ethanol intake robustly induces FosB/ΔFosB IR in nucleus accumbens core, dorsolateral striatum, and orbitofrontal cortex, but not in nucleus accumbens shell, dorsomedial striatum, and medial prefrontal cortex. Systemic administration of naltrexone for 6 days significantly reduced voluntary ethanol consumption and FosB/ΔFosB IR induced by chronic voluntary ethanol intake. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that chronic voluntary ethanol intake induces FosB/ΔFosB IR in a subregion-specific manner which involves the activation of endogenous opioid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey 07103, USA
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Trigo JM, Martin-García E, Berrendero F, Robledo P, Maldonado R. The endogenous opioid system: a common substrate in drug addiction. Drug Alcohol Depend 2010; 108:183-94. [PMID: 19945803 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2009.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2009] [Revised: 09/30/2009] [Accepted: 10/28/2009] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Drug addiction is a chronic brain disorder leading to complex adaptive changes within the brain reward circuits that involve several neurotransmitters. One of the neurochemical systems that plays a pivotal role in different aspects of addiction is the endogenous opioid system (EOS). Opioid receptors and endogenous opioid peptides are largely distributed in the mesolimbic system and modulate dopaminergic activity within these reward circuits. Chronic exposure to the different prototypical drugs of abuse, including opioids, alcohol, nicotine, psychostimulants and cannabinoids has been reported to produce significant alterations within the EOS, which seem to play an important role in the development of the addictive process. In this review, we will describe the adaptive changes produced by different drugs of abuse on the EOS, and the current knowledge about the contribution of each component of this neurobiological system to their addictive properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Manuel Trigo
- Laboratori de Neurofarmacologia, Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, PRBB, Barcelona, Spain
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Maldonado R. [The endogenous opioid system and drug addiction]. ANNALES PHARMACEUTIQUES FRANÇAISES 2010; 68:3-11. [PMID: 20176158 PMCID: PMC3444724 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharma.2009.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2009] [Revised: 12/14/2009] [Accepted: 12/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Drug addiction is a chronic brain disorder leading to complex adaptive changes within the brain reward circuits. Several neurotransmitters, including the endogenous opioid system are involved in these changes. The opioid system plays a pivotal role in different aspects of addiction. Thus, opioid receptors and endogenous opioid peptides are largely distributed in the mesolimbic system and modulate dopaminergic activity within the reward circuits. Opioid receptors and peptides are selectively involved in several components of the addictive processes induced by opioids, cannabinoids, psychostimulants, alcohol and nicotine. This review is focused on the contribution of each component of the endogenous opioid system in the addictive properties of the different drugs of abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Maldonado
- Laboratori de Neurofarmacologia, Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Espagne.
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Mu and delta opioid receptors oppositely regulate motor impulsivity in the signaled nose poke task. PLoS One 2009; 4:e4410. [PMID: 19198656 PMCID: PMC2635474 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0004410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2008] [Accepted: 12/24/2008] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Impulsivity is a primary feature of many psychiatric disorders, most notably attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and drug addiction. Impulsivity includes a number of processes such as the inability to delay gratification, the inability to withhold a motor response, or acting before all of the relevant information is available. These processes are mediated by neural systems that include dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, glutamate and cannabinoids. We examine, for the first time, the role of opioid systems in impulsivity by testing whether inactivation of the mu- (Oprm1) or delta- (Oprd1) opioid receptor gene alters motor impulsivity in mice. Wild-type and knockout mice were examined on either a pure C57BL6/J (BL6) or a hybrid 50% C57Bl/6J–50% 129Sv/pas (HYB) background. Mice were trained to respond for sucrose in a signaled nose poke task that provides independent measures of associative learning (responses to the reward-paired cue) and motor impulsivity (premature responses). Oprm1 knockout mice displayed a remarkable decrease in motor impulsivity. This was observed on the two genetic backgrounds and did not result from impaired associative learning, as responses to the cue signaling reward did not differ across genotypes. Furthermore, mutant mice were insensitive to the effects of ethanol, which increased disinhibition and decreased conditioned responding in wild-type mice. In sharp contrast, mice lacking the Oprd1 gene were more impulsive than controls. Again, mutant animals showed no deficit in associative learning. Ethanol completely disrupted performance in these animals. Together, our results suggest that mu-opioid receptors enhance, whereas delta-opioid receptors inhibit, motor impulsivity. This reveals an unanticipated contribution of endogenous opioid receptor activity to disinhibition. In a broader context, these data suggest that alterations in mu- or delta-opioid receptor function may contribute to impulse control disorders.
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Abstract
This paper is the thirtieth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2007 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior, and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia; stress and social status; tolerance and dependence; learning and memory; eating and drinking; alcohol and drugs of abuse; sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology; mental illness and mood; seizures and neurologic disorders; electrical-related activity and neurophysiology; general activity and locomotion; gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions; cardiovascular responses; respiration and thermoregulation; and immunological responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd.,Flushing, NY 11367, United States.
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Clapp P, Bhave SV, Hoffman PL. How adaptation of the brain to alcohol leads to dependence: a pharmacological perspective. ALCOHOL RESEARCH & HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON ALCOHOL ABUSE AND ALCOHOLISM 2008; 31:310-39. [PMID: 20729980 PMCID: PMC2923844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The development of alcohol dependence is posited to involve numerous changes in brain chemistry (i.e., neurotransmission) that lead to physiological signs of withdrawal upon abstinence from alcohol as well as promote vulnerability to relapse in dependent people. These neuroadaptive changes often occur in those brain neurotransmission systems that are most sensitive to the acute, initial effects of alcohol and/or contribute to a person’s initial alcohol consumption. Studies of these neuroadaptive changes have been aided by the development of animal models of alcohol dependence, withdrawal, and relapse behavior. These animal models, as well as findings obtained in humans, have shed light on the effects that acute and chronic alcohol exposure have on signaling systems involving the neurotransmitters glutamate, γaminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine, and serotonin, as well as on other signaling molecules, including endogenous opioids and corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF). Adaptation to chronic alcohol exposure by these systems has been associated with behavioral effects, such as changes in reinforcement, enhanced anxiety, and increased sensitivity to stress, all of which may contribute to relapse to drinking in abstinent alcoholics. Moreover, some of these systems are targets of currently available therapeutic agents for alcohol dependence.
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Sloan CD, Sayarath V, Moore JH. Systems genetics of alcoholism. ALCOHOL RESEARCH & HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON ALCOHOL ABUSE AND ALCOHOLISM 2008; 31:14-25. [PMID: 23584748 PMCID: PMC3860445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Alcoholism is a common disease resulting from the complex interaction of genetic, social, and environmental factors. Interest in the high heritability of alcoholism has resulted in many studies of how single genes, as well as an individual's entire genetic content (i.e., genome) and the proteins expressed by the genome, influence alcoholism risk. The use of large-scale methods to identify and characterize genetic material (i.e., high-throughput technologies) for data gathering and analysis recently has made it possible to investigate the complexity of the genetic architecture of susceptibility to common diseases such as alcoholism on a systems level. Systems genetics is the study of all genetic variations, their interactions with each other (i.e., epistasis), their interactions with the environment (i.e., plastic reaction norms), their relationship with interindividual variation in traits that are influenced by many genes and contribute to disease susceptibility (i.e., intermediate quantitative traits or endophenotypes) defined at different levels of hierarchical biochemical and physiological systems, and their relationship with health and disease. (An endophenotype is a genetically determined trait [i.e., phenotype] that is not immediately visible but may contribute to the susceptibility to develop a particular behavior or syndrome. See the glossary, p. 84, for descriptions of other technical terms used in this article.) The goal of systems genetics is to provide an understanding of the complex relationship between the genome and disease by investigating intermediate biological processes. After investigating main effects, the first step in a systems genetics approach, as described here, is to search for gene-gene (i.e., epistatic) reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantel D Sloan
- Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Community and Family Medicine, Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, New Hampshire
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Zahr NM, Sullivan EV. Translational studies of alcoholism: bridging the gap. ALCOHOL RESEARCH & HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON ALCOHOL ABUSE AND ALCOHOLISM 2008; 31:215-30. [PMID: 20041042 PMCID: PMC2798743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Human studies are necessary to identify and classify the brain systems predisposing individuals to develop alcohol use disorders and those modified by alcohol, while animal models of alcoholism are essential for a mechanistic understanding of how chronic voluntary alcohol consumption becomes compulsive, how brain systems become damaged, and how damage resolves. Our current knowledge of the neuroscience of alcohol dependence has evolved from the interchange of information gathered from both human alcoholics and animal models of alcoholism. Together, studies in humans and animal models have provided support for the involvement of specific brain structures over the course of alcohol addiction, including the prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, cerebellum, amygdala, hippocampus, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
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Vinod KY, Sanguino E, Yalamanchili R, Manzanares J, Hungund BL. Manipulation of fatty acid amide hydrolase functional activity alters sensitivity and dependence to ethanol. J Neurochem 2007; 104:233-43. [PMID: 17944864 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2007.04956.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the role of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) on ethanol sensitivity, preference, and dependence. The deletion of FAAH gene or the inhibition of FAAH by carbamoyl-biphenyl-3-yl-cyclohexylcarbamate (URB597) (0.1 mg/kg) markedly increased the preference for ethanol. The study further reveals that URB597 specifically acts through FAAH and that cannabinoid-1 (CB(1)) receptor is critical for N-arachidonoyl ethanolamide (AEA) mediated ethanol-reinforced behavior as revealed by lack of URB597 effect in both FAAH and CB(1)-/- mice compared with vehicle-treated -/- mice. The FAAH -/- mice displayed a lower sensitivity to hypothermic and sedative effects to acute ethanol challenge. The FAAH -/- mice also exhibited a reduction in the severity of handling-induced convulsions following withdrawal from chronic ethanol exposure. The CB(1) receptor and proenkephalin gene expressions, and CB(1) receptor and mu-opioid (MO) receptor-mediated G-protein activation were found to be significantly lower in the caudate-putamen, nucleus accumbens core and shell of FAAH -/- than +/+ mice. Interestingly, the MO receptor-stimulated G-protein signaling was greater in the striatum of FAAH -/- than +/+ mice following voluntary ethanol consumption. These findings suggest that an elevation in the AEA content and its action on the limbic CB(1) receptor and MO receptor might contribute to ethanol-reinforced behavior. Treatment with drugs that decrease AEA tone might prove useful in reducing excessive ethanol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Yaragudri Vinod
- Division of Analytical Psychopharmacology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, USA
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