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Ong ZY, McNally GP. CART in energy balance and drug addiction: Current insights and mechanisms. Brain Res 2020; 1740:146852. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.146852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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2
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Zhang Z, Cao X, Bao X, Zhang Y, Xu Y, Sha D. Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript protects synaptic structures in neurons after ischemic cerebral injury. Neuropeptides 2020; 81:102023. [PMID: 32005500 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2020.102023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Cocaine-regulated and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) is a neuropeptide with reported neuroprotective effects in ischemic cerebral injury. However, its mechanism has not yet been elucidated. Herein, we investigated the role and mechanism of CART in synaptic plasticity in neurons after ischemic cerebral stroke. We found that the survival rate of the oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) neurons was increased after CART treatment. Moreover, CART treatment significantly attenuated ischemia-induced neuronal synaptic damage and increased synaptophysin expression. In addition, the number of presynaptic vesicles was increased and the postsynaptic density (PSD) was thickened after CART treatment. Mechanistically, CART treatment enhanced the expression of Arc mRNA in a cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) dependent manner in OGD neurons, and blockade of CREB by KG-501 eliminated the protective effect of CART. Collectively, CART protected the synaptic structure in neurons after ischemic cerebral injury by increasing the Arc expression via upregulating p-CREB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiang Cao
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinyu Bao
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun Xu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China; Institute of Functional Biomolecules, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dujuan Sha
- Department of Emergency, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China; Institute of Functional Biomolecules, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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3
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Zoubková H, Tomášková A, Nohejlová K, Černá M, Šlamberová R. Prenatal Exposure to Methamphetamine: Up-Regulation of Brain Receptor Genes. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:771. [PMID: 31417344 PMCID: PMC6686742 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) is a widespread illicit drug. If it is taken by pregnant women, it passes through the placenta and just as it affects the mother, it can impair the development of the offspring. The aim of our study was to identify candidates to investigate for changes in the gene expression in the specific regions of the brain associated with addiction to METH in rats. We examined the various areas of the central nervous system (striatum, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex) for signs of impairment in postnatal day 80 in experimental rats, whose mothers had been administered METH (5 mg/kg/day) during the entire gestation period. Changes in the gene expression at the mRNA level were determined by two techniques, microarray and real-time PCR. Results of two microarray trials were evaluated by LIMMA analysis. The first microarray trial detected either up-regulated or down-regulated expression of 2189 genes in the striatum; the second microarray trial detected either up-regulated or down-regulated expression of 1344 genes in the hippocampus of prenatally METH-exposed rats. We examined the expression of 10 genes using the real-time PCR technique. Differences in the gene expression were counted by the Mann–Whitney U-test. Significant changes were observed in the cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript prepropeptide, tachykinin receptor 3, dopamine receptor D3 gene expression in the striatum regions, in the glucocorticoid nuclear receptor Nr3c1 gene expression in the prefrontal cortex and in the carboxylesterase 2 gene expression in the hippocampus of prenatally METH-exposed rats. The microarray technique also detected up-regulated expression of trace amine-associated receptor 7 h gene in the hippocampus of prenatally METH-exposed rats. We have identified susceptible genes; candidates for the study of an impairment related to methamphetamine addiction in the specific regions of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Zoubková
- Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Anežka Tomášková
- Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Kateryna Nohejlová
- Department of Physiology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Marie Černá
- Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Romana Šlamberová
- Department of Physiology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
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4
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Ahmadian-Moghadam H, Sadat-Shirazi MS, Zarrindast MR. Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART): A multifaceted neuropeptide. Peptides 2018; 110:56-77. [PMID: 30391426 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Over the last 35 years, the continuous discovery of novel neuropeptides has been the key to the better understanding of how the central nervous system has integrated with neuronal signals and behavioral responses. Cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) was discovered in 1995 in the rat striatum but later was found to be highly expressed in the hypothalamus. The widespread distribution of CART peptide in the brain complicated the understanding of the role played by this neurotransmitter. The main objective of the current compact review is to piece together the fragments of available information about origin, expression, distribution, projection, and function of CART peptides. Accumulative evidence suggests CART as a neurotransmitter and neuroprotective agent that is mainly involved in regulation of feeding, addiction, stress, anxiety, innate fear, neurological disease, neuropathic pain, depression, osteoporosis, insulin secretion, learning, memory, reproduction, vision, sleep, thirst and body temperature. In spite of the vast number of studies about the CART, the overall pictures about the CART functions are sketchy. First, there is a lack of information about cloned receptor, specific agonist and antagonist. Second, CART peptides are detected in discrete sets of neurons that can modulate countless activities and third; CART peptides exist in several fragments due to post-translational processing. For these reasons the overall picture about the CART peptides are sketchy and confounding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Ahmadian-Moghadam
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
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5
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Cappelli S, Romano M, Buratti E. Systematic Analysis of Gene Expression Profiles Controlled by hnRNP Q and hnRNP R, Two Closely Related Human RNA Binding Proteins Implicated in mRNA Processing Mechanisms. Front Mol Biosci 2018; 5:79. [PMID: 30214903 PMCID: PMC6125337 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2018.00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Heteregeneous ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) are a family of RNA-binding proteins that take part in all processes that involve mRNA maturation. As a consequence, alterations of their homeostasis may lead to many complex pathological disorders, such as neurodegeneration and cancer. For many of these proteins, however, their exact function and cellular targets are still not very well known. Here, we focused the attention on two hnRNP family members, hnRNP Q and hnRNP R, that we previously found affecting TDP-43 activity both in Drosophila melanogaster and human neuronal cell line. Classification of these two human proteins as paralogs is suported by the high level of sequence homology and by the observation that in fly they correspond to the same protein, namely Syp. We profiled differentially expressed genes from RNA-Seq and generated functional enrichment results after silencing of hnRNP Q and hnRNP R in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line. Interestingly, despite their high sequence similarity, these two proteins were found to affect different cellular pathways, especially with regards to neurodegeneration, such as PENK, NGR3, RAB26, JAG1, as well as inflammatory response, such as TNF, ICAM1, ICAM5, and TNFRSF9. In conclusion, human hnRNP Q and hnRNP R may be considered potentially important regulators of neuronal homeostasis and their disruption could impair distinct pathways in the central nervous system axis, thus confirming the importance of their conservation during evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Cappelli
- Molecular Pathology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
| | - Maurizio Romano
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Emanuele Buratti
- Molecular Pathology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
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Compulsive methamphetamine taking in the presence of punishment is associated with increased oxytocin expression in the nucleus accumbens of rats. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8331. [PMID: 28827541 PMCID: PMC5566486 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08898-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Methamphetamine addiction is mimicked in rats that self-administer the drug. However, these self-administration (SA) models do not include adverse consequences that are necessary to reach a diagnosis of addiction in humans. Herein, we measured genome-wide transcriptional consequences of methamphetamine SA and footshocks in the rat brain. We trained rats to self-administer methamphetamine for 20 days. Thereafter, lever-presses for methamphetamine were punished by mild footshocks for 5 days. Response-contingent punishment significantly reduced methamphetamine taking in some rats (shock-sensitive, SS) but not in others (shock-resistant, SR). Rats also underwent extinction test at one day and 30 days after the last shock session. Rats were euthanized one day after the second extinction test and the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and dorsal striatum were collected to measure gene expression with microarray analysis. In the NAc, there were changes in the expression of 13 genes in the SRvsControl and 9 genes in the SRvsSS comparison. In the striatum, there were 9 (6 up, 3 down) affected genes in the SRvsSS comparison. Among the upregulated genes was oxytocin in the NAc and CARTpt in the striatum of SR rats. These observations support a regional role of neuropeptides in the brain after a long withdrawal interval when animals show incubation of methamphetamine craving.
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Zacharko-Siembida A, Matysek M, Szalak R, Radlińska A, Obszańska K, Arciszewski MB. Distribution and immunohistochemical characteristics of cocaine- and amphetamineregulated transcript-positive nerve elements in the pelvic ganglia of the female pig. Pol J Vet Sci 2017; 20:173-183. [PMID: 28525332 DOI: 10.1515/pjvs-2017-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptides are widely expressed not only in the brain but also in numerous endocrine/neuroendocrine cells as well as in neurons of the peripheral nervous system. The present study investigated the distribution patterns of CART-like immunoreactivity in the pelvic plexus (PP) of the female pig. The co-expression of CART with principal neurotransmitter markers: choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), serotonin (5-HT) or biologically active neuropeptides: pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), substance P (SP), calbindin was analyzed using double immunohistochemical stainings. Amongst neurons immunopositive to Hu C/D panneuronal marker as many as 4.1 ± 1.2% in right and 4.4 ± 1.6% in left pelvic ganglia were found to express CART. The vast majority of CART-IR ganglionic neurons were predominantly small in size and were evenly scattered throughout particular ganglia. Immunoreactivity to CART was also detected in numerous nerve terminals (which frequently formed pericellular formations around CART-negative perikarya) as well as in numerous nerve fibres within nerve branches interconnecting the unilateral pelvic ganglia. Immunohistochemistry revealed that virtually all CART-IR neurons were cholinergic in nature and CART-IR basket-like formations frequently encircled TH-positive/CART-negative perikarya. None of CART-IR ganglionic neurons showed immunoreactivity to SP, PACAP, 5-HT or calbindin. CART-IR nerve fibres ran in a close vicinity to serotonin-containing cells or faintly labelled SP-expressing neurons. On the other hand, PACAP-IR, SP-IR (but not 5-HT-positive) nerve terminals were found to run in close proximity to CART-IR neurons. Our results indicate that: 1) CART present in PP may influence the activity of pelvic ganglionic neurons/SIF cells, 2) PP should be considered as a potential source of CART-like supply to pelvic viscera and 3) functional interactions between CART and SP or PACAP are possible at the periphery.
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Kaya E, Gozen O, Ugur M, Koylu EO, Kanit L, Balkan B. Nicotine regulates cocaine-amphetamine-Regulated Transcript (Cart) in the mesocorticolimbic system. Synapse 2016; 70:283-92. [PMID: 26990424 DOI: 10.1002/syn.21903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine-and-Amphetamine Regulated Transcript (CART) mRNA and peptides are intensely expressed in the brain regions comprising mesocorticolimbic system. Studies suggest that CART peptides may have a role in the regulation of reward circuitry. The present study aimed to examine the effect of nicotine on CART expression in the mesocorticolimbic system. Three different doses of nicotine (0.2, 0.4, 0.6 mg/kg free base) were injected subcutaneously for 5 days, and on day 6, rats were decapitated following a challenge dose. CART mRNA and peptide levels in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc), dorsal striatum (DST), amygdala (AMG), lateral hypothalamic area (LHA), and ventral tegmental area (VTA) were measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western Blot analysis, respectively. In the mPFC, 0.4 and 0.6 mg/kg nicotine, decreased CART peptide levels whereas there was no effect on CART mRNA levels. In the VTA, a down-regulation of CART peptide expression was observed with 0.2 and 0.6 mg/kg nicotine. Conversely, 0.4 and 0.6 mg/kg nicotine increased CART mRNA levels in the AMG without affecting the CART peptide expression. Nicotine did not regulate CART mRNA or CART peptide expression in the NAc, DST, and LHA. We conclude that nicotine regulates CART expression in the mesocorticolimbic system and this regulation may play an important role in nicotine reward. Synapse 70:283-292, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egemen Kaya
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey.,Center for Brain Research, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Oguz Gozen
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey.,Center for Brain Research, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Muzeyyen Ugur
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ersin O Koylu
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey.,Center for Brain Research, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Lutfiye Kanit
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey.,Center for Brain Research, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Burcu Balkan
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey.,Center for Brain Research, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
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Lau J, Herzog H. CART in the regulation of appetite and energy homeostasis. Front Neurosci 2014; 8:313. [PMID: 25352770 PMCID: PMC4195273 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2014.00313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) has been the subject of significant interest for over a decade. Work to decipher the detailed mechanism of CART function has been hampered by the lack of specific pharmacological tools like antagonists and the absence of a specific CART receptor(s). However, extensive research has been devoted to elucidate the role of the CART peptide and it is now evident that CART is a key neurotransmitter and hormone involved in the regulation of diverse biological processes, including food intake, maintenance of body weight, reward and addiction, stress response, psychostimulant effects and endocrine functions (Rogge et al., 2008; Subhedar et al., 2014). In this review, we focus on knowledge gained on CART's role in controlling appetite and energy homeostasis, and also address certain species differences between rodents and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackie Lau
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Herbert Herzog
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Subhedar NK, Nakhate KT, Upadhya MA, Kokare DM. CART in the brain of vertebrates: circuits, functions and evolution. Peptides 2014; 54:108-30. [PMID: 24468550 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2014.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Revised: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide (CART) with its wide distribution in the brain of mammals has been the focus of considerable research in recent years. Last two decades have witnessed a steady rise in the information on the genes that encode this neuropeptide and regulation of its transcription and translation. CART is highly enriched in the hypothalamic nuclei and its relevance to energy homeostasis and neuroendocrine control has been understood in great details. However, the occurrence of this peptide in a range of diverse circuitries for sensory, motor, vegetative, limbic and higher cortical areas has been confounding. Evidence that CART peptide may have role in addiction, pain, reward, learning and memory, cognition, sleep, reproduction and development, modulation of behavior and regulation of autonomic nervous system are accumulating, but an integration has been missing. A steady stream of papers has been pointing at the therapeutic potentials of CART. The current review is an attempt at piecing together the fragments of available information, and seeks meaning out of the CART elements in their anatomical niche. We try to put together the CART containing neuronal circuitries that have been conclusively demonstrated as well as those which have been proposed, but need confirmation. With a view to finding out the evolutionary antecedents, we visit the CART systems in sub-mammalian vertebrates and seek the answer why the system is shaped the way it is. We enquire into the conservation of the CART system and appreciate its functional diversity across the phyla.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishikant K Subhedar
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Sai Trinity Building, Sutarwadi, Pashan, Pune 411 021, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Kartik T Nakhate
- Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Rungta Educational Campus, Kohka-Kurud Road, Bhilai 490 024, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Manoj A Upadhya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur 440 033, Maharashtra, India
| | - Dadasaheb M Kokare
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur 440 033, Maharashtra, India
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Stefanik MT, Kupchik YM, Brown RM, Kalivas PW. Optogenetic evidence that pallidal projections, not nigral projections, from the nucleus accumbens core are necessary for reinstating cocaine seeking. J Neurosci 2013; 33:13654-62. [PMID: 23966687 PMCID: PMC3755713 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1570-13.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2013] [Revised: 07/06/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The core subcompartment of the nucleus accumbens (NAcore) contributes significantly to behavioral responses following motivationally relevant stimuli, including drug-induced, stress-induced, and cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking. Projections from NAcore that could carry information necessary to initiate reinstated cocaine seeking include outputs via the indirect pathway to the dorsolateral subcompartment of the ventral pallidum (dlVP) and through the direct pathway to the medial substantia nigra (SN). Here we used an optogenetic strategy to determine whether the dlVP or nigral projections from the NAcore are necessary for cocaine seeking initiated by a cocaine and conditioned cue combination in rats extinguished from cocaine self-administration. Rats were pretreated in the NAcore with an adeno-associated virus expressing the inhibitory opsin archaerhodopsin, and fiber-optic cannulae were implanted above the indirect pathway axon terminal field in the dlVP, or the direct pathway terminal field in the SN. Inhibiting the indirect pathway to the dlVP, but not the direct pathway to the SN, prevented cocaine-plus-cue-induced reinstatement. We also examined projections back to the NAcore from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and dlVP. Inhibiting the dlVP to NAcore projection did not alter, while inhibiting VTA afferents abolished reinstated cocaine seeking. Localization of green fluorescent protein reporter expression and whole-cell patch electrophysiology were used to verify opsin expression. These data reveal a circuit involving activation of VTA inputs to the NAcore and NAcore projections through the indirect pathway to the dlVP as critical for cocaine-plus-cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Stefanik
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Jean A, Laurent L, Bockaert J, Charnay Y, Dusticier N, Nieoullon A, Barrot M, Neve R, Compan V. The nucleus accumbens 5-HTR₄-CART pathway ties anorexia to hyperactivity. Transl Psychiatry 2012; 2:e203. [PMID: 23233022 PMCID: PMC3565192 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2012.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In mental diseases, the brain does not systematically adjust motor activity to feeding. Probably, the most outlined example is the association between hyperactivity and anorexia in Anorexia nervosa. The neural underpinnings of this 'paradox', however, are poorly elucidated. Although anorexia and hyperactivity prevail over self-preservation, both symptoms rarely exist independently, suggesting commonalities in neural pathways, most likely in the reward system. We previously discovered an addictive molecular facet of anorexia, involving production, in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), of the same transcripts stimulated in response to cocaine and amphetamine (CART) upon stimulation of the 5-HT(4) receptors (5-HTR(4)) or MDMA (ecstasy). Here, we tested whether this pathway predisposes not only to anorexia but also to hyperactivity. Following food restriction, mice are expected to overeat. However, selecting hyperactive and addiction-related animal models, we observed that mice lacking 5-HTR(1B) self-imposed food restriction after deprivation and still displayed anorexia and hyperactivity after ecstasy. Decryption of the mechanisms showed a gain-of-function of 5-HTR(4) in the absence of 5-HTR(1B), associated with CART surplus in the NAc and not in other brain areas. NAc-5-HTR(4) overexpression upregulated NAc-CART, provoked anorexia and hyperactivity. NAc-5-HTR(4) knockdown or blockade reduced ecstasy-induced hyperactivity. Finally, NAc-CART knockdown suppressed hyperactivity upon stimulation of the NAc-5-HTR(4). Additionally, inactivating NAc-5-HTR(4) suppressed ecstasy's preference, strengthening the rewarding facet of anorexia. In conclusion, the NAc-5-HTR(4)/CART pathway establishes a 'tight-junction' between anorexia and hyperactivity, suggesting the existence of a primary functional unit susceptible to limit overeating associated with resting following homeostasis rules.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Jean
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Montpellier, France,INSERM, U661, Montpellier, France,Universités de Montpellier 1 and 2, UMR-5203, Montpellier, France,Université de Nîmes, Nîmes, France
| | - L Laurent
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Montpellier, France,INSERM, U661, Montpellier, France,Universités de Montpellier 1 and 2, UMR-5203, Montpellier, France
| | - J Bockaert
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Montpellier, France,INSERM, U661, Montpellier, France,Universités de Montpellier 1 and 2, UMR-5203, Montpellier, France
| | - Y Charnay
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, Division de Neuropsychiatrie, Chêne-Bourg, Switzerland
| | - N Dusticier
- Université d'Aix-Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - A Nieoullon
- Université d'Aix-Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - M Barrot
- Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France
| | - R Neve
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - V Compan
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Montpellier, France,INSERM, U661, Montpellier, France,Universités de Montpellier 1 and 2, UMR-5203, Montpellier, France,Université de Nîmes, Nîmes, France,Neurobiology, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, 141, rue de la Cardonille, Montpellier 34094, France. E-mail:
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13
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Upadhya MA, Nakhate KT, Kokare DM, Singh U, Singru PS, Subhedar NK. CART peptide in the nucleus accumbens shell acts downstream to dopamine and mediates the reward and reinforcement actions of morphine. Neuropharmacology 2012; 62:1823-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2011] [Revised: 11/11/2011] [Accepted: 12/05/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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14
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Równiak M, Robak A, Bogus-Nowakowska K, Wasilewska B, Najdzion J, Majewski M. The cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) immunoreactivity in the amygdala of the pig. Anat Histol Embryol 2010; 39:385-97. [PMID: 20594191 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0264.2010.01006.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The distribution and morphology of neurons containing cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) was investigated in the pig amygdala. CART- immunoreactive (CART-IR) cell bodies were rarely observed in the pig amygdala and most often they were present in the posterior (small-celled) parts of the basolateral and basomedial nuclei. In all other subdivisions only a small number of randomly scattered pericarya were present. In every region studied the CART-IR neurons formed a heterogeneous population consisting mostly of small, rounded or slightly elongated cell bodies, with a few poorly branched, smooth dendrites. In general, the morphological features of these cells clearly resembled non-pyramidal Golgi type II interneurons. Some randomly scattered CART-IR cell bodies were significantly larger and they demonstrated features of pyramidal-like Golgi type I projecting neurons. The highest densities of CART-IR fibres were evident within the central and medial nuclei. Moderate to high expression was found within the large-celled part of the basolateral nucleus and moderate to low levels in the lateral, basomedial and cortical nuclei. The routine double-labelling studies with antisera directed against CART and somatostatin (SOM), or neuropeptide Y (NPY), or cholecystokinin (CCK), or vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), or substance P (SP) demonstrated that, in general, these peptides do not co-exist in the CART-IR neurons. However, small subpopulations of the CART-IR fibres contained SOM, CCK, VIP or SP together.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Równiak
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Faculty of Biology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland.
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15
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Hubert GW, Manvich DF, Kuhar MJ. Cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript-containing neurons in the nucleus accumbens project to the ventral pallidum in the rat and may inhibit cocaine-induced locomotion. Neuroscience 2009; 165:179-87. [PMID: 19825396 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2009.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2009] [Revised: 10/05/2009] [Accepted: 10/05/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptide colocalizes with GABA, dynorphin, D1 receptors, and substance P in some neurons in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc). One of the main nuclei that receive accumbal efferents is the ventral pallidum (VP), and both dynorphin and substance P have been shown to be present in the cell bodies and terminals of this projection. Thus, we investigated whether CART peptide is also present in the VP in terminals that originate in the accumbens. The anterograde tracer Phaseolus vulgaris leukoagglutinin (PHA-L) colocalized with CART in neuronal processes in the VP when injected into the NAcc. Also, CART colocalized with the retrograde tracer r-BDA in accumbens cell bodies after the tracer was injected into the VP. Using electron microscopic immunocytochemistry, we examined CART terminals in the VP and found that CART-immunoreactive terminals formed symmetric synapses consistent with inhibitory GABAergic synapses. These synapses closely resemble GABAergic synapses in the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr), another nucleus that receives some CART-containing accumbal efferents. Lastly, we found that intra-pallidal injection of CART 55-102 inhibited cocaine-induced locomotion, indicating that CART peptide in the VP can have functional effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- G W Hubert
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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16
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Van Wijk DCWA, Xu L, Spiegelberg L, Struik RF, Meijer KH, Gaszner B, Kozicz T, Roubos EW. Ultrastructural and immunocytochemical characterization of the rat non-preganglionic Edinger-Westphal nucleus. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2009; 164:32-9. [PMID: 19362554 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2009.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2009] [Revised: 03/27/2009] [Accepted: 04/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The rodent non-preganglionic Edinger-Westphal nucleus (npEW) is involved in the stress adaptation response. Here we describe the ultrastructural organization of this nucleus in the unchallenged rat, using different tissue fixation and embedding methods, and postembedding immunogold labeling. In this way we have (1) identified Ucn1-immunopositive neurons, (2) described the ultrastructure of these neurons with focus on cell organelles involved in secretion (rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, secretory granules), (3) demonstrated the subcellular coexistence of Ucn1 with cocaine- and amphetamine-related transcript peptide, and (4) classified various morphological types and configurations of synaptic contact present in the npEW and, specifically, on the npEW-Ucn1 neurons. The data obtained provide the morphological basis for future studies on the plastic effects of acute and chronic stressors as well as feeding conditions specifically affecting the secretory activity of npEW-Ucn1 neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane C W A Van Wijk
- Department of Cellular Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, Radboud University Nijmegen, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, EURON, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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17
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Jia J, Chen X, Zhu W, Luo Y, Hua Z, Xu Y. CART protects brain from damage through ERK activation in ischemic stroke. Neuropeptides 2008; 42:653-61. [PMID: 18644622 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2008.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2008] [Revised: 05/29/2008] [Accepted: 05/29/2008] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) is a neuropeptide that protects brains against ischemic injury in vivo and in vitro. By using small interference RNA against CART(CARTi), this study shows that CART knockdown by CARTi downregulated exogenous and endogenous CART mRNA and protein expression in vivo and in vitro. Consequently, CART knockdown exacerbated neuronal cell death induced by oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD). It also showed that CART knockdown increased infarct size in a mouse middle cerebral artery occlusion model. CART's protective effects are most likely mediated through the ERK 1/2 pathway, since ERK 1/2 phosphorylation, not that of p38 or JNK is activated in CART-treated neurons after OGD. Furthermore, neuroprotection of CART is abolished by CART knockdown and by pretreatment with ERK antagonist PD98059 and U0126, but not with p38 or JNK antagonists SB203580 or SP600125. These results provide further evidence that CART is an endogenous neuroprotective peptide against cerebral ischemia and it does so through the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. Therefore, CART may be developed into a therapeutic agent for stroke-related brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Jia
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, PR China
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18
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Rogge G, Jones D, Hubert GW, Lin Y, Kuhar MJ. CART peptides: regulators of body weight, reward and other functions. Nat Rev Neurosci 2008; 9:747-58. [PMID: 18802445 PMCID: PMC4418456 DOI: 10.1038/nrn2493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade or so, CART (cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript) peptides have emerged as major neurotransmitters and hormones. CART peptides are widely distributed in the CNS and are involved in regulating many processes, including food intake and the maintenance of body weight, reward and endocrine functions. Recent studies have produced a wealth of information about the location, regulation, processing and functions of CART peptides, but additional studies aimed at elucidating the physiological effects of the peptides and at characterizing the CART receptor(s) are needed to take advantage of possible therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Rogge
- Neuroscience Division, Yerkes National Primate Research Center of Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, USA
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19
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Jean A, Conductier G, Manrique C, Bouras C, Berta P, Hen R, Charnay Y, Bockaert J, Compan V. Anorexia induced by activation of serotonin 5-HT4 receptors is mediated by increases in CART in the nucleus accumbens. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007; 104:16335-40. [PMID: 17913892 PMCID: PMC2042207 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0701471104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa is a growing concern in mental health, often inducing death. The potential neuronal deficits that may underlie abnormal inhibitions of food intake, however, remain largely unexplored. We hypothesized that anorexia may involve altered signaling events within the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a brain structure involved in reward. We show here that direct stimulation of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) 4 receptors (5-HT(4)R) in the NAc reduces the physiological drive to eat and increases CART (cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript) mRNA levels in fed and food-deprived mice. It further shows that injecting 5-HT(4)R antagonist or siRNA-mediated 5-HT(4)R knockdown into the NAc induced hyperphagia only in fed mice. This hyperphagia was not associated with changes in CART mRNA expression in the NAc in fed and food-deprived mice. Results include that 5-HT(4)R control CART mRNA expression into the NAc via a cAMP/PKA signaling pathway. Considering that CART may interfere with food- and drug-related rewards, we tested whether the appetite suppressant properties of 3,4-N-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) involve the 5-HT(4)R. Using 5-HT(4)R knockout mice, we demonstrate that 5-HT(4)R are required for the anorectic effect of MDMA as well as for the MDMA-induced enhancement of CART mRNA expression in the NAc. Directly injecting CART peptide or CART siRNA into the NAc reduces or increases food consumption, respectively. Finally, stimulating 5-HT(4)R- and MDMA-induced anorexia were both reduced by injecting CART siRNA into the NAc. Collectively, these results demonstrate that 5-HT(4)R-mediated up-regulation of CART in the NAc triggers the appetite-suppressant effects of ecstasy.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Anorexia Nervosa/etiology
- Anorexia Nervosa/genetics
- Anorexia Nervosa/metabolism
- Base Sequence
- Eating
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine/pharmacology
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism
- Nucleus Accumbens/drug effects
- Nucleus Accumbens/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT4/deficiency
- Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT4/genetics
- Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT4/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Jean
- *Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)5203, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U661, Université Montpellier I and II, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Département de Neurobiologie, 141 Rue de la Cardonille, F-34094 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
- Université Nîmes (JE2425, Team 1, Anorexie, Dépendance, Obésité de Nîmes: ADONîmes), Rue Docteur Georges Salan, F-30021 Nîmes, France
| | - Grégory Conductier
- *Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)5203, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U661, Université Montpellier I and II, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Département de Neurobiologie, 141 Rue de la Cardonille, F-34094 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
- Université Nîmes (JE2425, Team 1, Anorexie, Dépendance, Obésité de Nîmes: ADONîmes), Rue Docteur Georges Salan, F-30021 Nîmes, France
| | - Christine Manrique
- CNRS, UMR6149, Université Aix-Marseille I, Neurobiologie Intégrative et Adaptative, 3 Place Victor Hugo, F-13331 Marseille Cedex 3, France
| | - Constantin Bouras
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, Division de Neuropsychiatrie, CH-1225 Chêne-bourg, Switzerland; and
| | - Philippe Berta
- Université Nîmes (JE2425, Team 1, Anorexie, Dépendance, Obésité de Nîmes: ADONîmes), Rue Docteur Georges Salan, F-30021 Nîmes, France
| | - René Hen
- Center of Neurobiology and Behavior, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
| | - Yves Charnay
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, Division de Neuropsychiatrie, CH-1225 Chêne-bourg, Switzerland; and
| | - Joël Bockaert
- *Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)5203, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U661, Université Montpellier I and II, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Département de Neurobiologie, 141 Rue de la Cardonille, F-34094 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Valérie Compan
- *Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)5203, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U661, Université Montpellier I and II, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Département de Neurobiologie, 141 Rue de la Cardonille, F-34094 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
- Université Nîmes (JE2425, Team 1, Anorexie, Dépendance, Obésité de Nîmes: ADONîmes), Rue Docteur Georges Salan, F-30021 Nîmes, France
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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20
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Kozsurek M, Lukácsi E, Fekete C, Wittmann G, Réthelyi M, Puskár Z. Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide (CART) is present in peptidergic C primary afferents and axons of excitatory interneurons with a possible role in nociception in the superficial laminae of the rat spinal cord. Eur J Neurosci 2007; 26:1624-31. [PMID: 17880396 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2007.05789.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptides (CART) have been implicated in the regulation of several physiological functions, including pain transmission. A dense plexus of CART-immunoreactive fibres has been described in the superficial laminae of the spinal cord, which are key areas in sensory information and pain processing. In this study, we used antibody against CART peptide, together with markers for various types of primary afferents, interneurons and descending systems to determine the origin of the CART-immunoreactive axons in the superficial laminae of the rat spinal cord. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a marker for peptidergic primary afferents in the dorsal horn, was present in 72.6% and 34.8% of CART-immunoreactive axons in lamina I and II, respectively. The majority of these fibres also contained substance P (SP), while a few were somatostatin (SOM)-positive. The other subpopulation of CART-immunoreactive boutons in lamina I and II also expressed SP and/or SOM without CGRP, but contained vesicular glutamate transporter 2, which is present mainly in excitatory interneuronal terminals. Our data demonstrate that the majority of CART-immunoreactive axons in the spinal dorsal horn originate from peptidergic nociceptive primary afferents, while the rest arise from excitatory interneurons that contain SP or SOM. This strongly suggests that CART peptide can affect glutamatergic neurotransmission as well as the release and effects of SP and SOM in nociception and other sensory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márk Kozsurek
- Szentágothai Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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21
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Abstract
This paper is the 28th consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, now spanning over a quarter-century of research. It summarizes papers published during 2005 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 (Section 2), and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia (Section 3); stress and social status (Section 4); tolerance and dependence (Section 5); learning and memory (Section 6); eating and drinking (Section 7); alcohol and drugs of abuse (Section 8); sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (Section 9); mental illness and mood (Section 10); seizures and neurologic disorders (Section 11); electrical-related activity, neurophysiology and transmitter release (Section 12); general activity and locomotion (Section 13); gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (Section 14); cardiovascular responses (Section 15); respiration and thermoregulation (Section 16); immunological responses (Section 17).
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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, USA.
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22
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Hubert GW, Kuhar MJ. Colocalization of CART peptide with prodynorphin and dopamine D1 receptors in the rat nucleus accumbens. Neuropeptides 2006; 40:409-15. [PMID: 17064765 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2006.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2006] [Revised: 08/01/2006] [Accepted: 09/02/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
CART peptide is a peptidergic neurotransmitter that is expressed in brain regions involved in critical biological processes such as feeding and stress, and in areas associated with drug reward and abuse including the dopamine-rich nucleus accumbens (NAcc), which can be considered part of the basal ganglia. Because CART has been shown to colocalize with substance P, a marker of the basal ganglia direct pathway, we now test for colocalization with other markers of the direct pathway to determine if CART colocalizes with dynorphin and dopamine D1 receptors. In the NAcc, CART peptide immunoreactivity (IR) was colocalized with prodynorphin-IR in neurons. Approximately 80.1% of CART-IR cells colocalized with prodynorphin-IR, while only 27.6% of prodynorphin-IR neurons contained CART-IR, suggesting that CART cells are a subset of dynorphin cells. In contrast, only about 25% of CART-IR cell bodies demonstrated dopamine D1 receptor-IR. Because dynorphin and D1 receptors are markers for the basal ganglia direct pathway, from the NAcc to the basal ganglia output nuclei, and because CART significantly colocalizes with these markers, some CART neurons are part of the direct pathway or some comparable pathway in the accumbens. The presence of CART in NAcc neurons and the fact that NAcc projection neurons have extensive local collaterals suggest that CART may have effects in both terminal and cell body regions of the accumbens and may therefore affect information processing in the NAcc by modulating accumbal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- George W Hubert
- Division of Neuroscience, Yerkes National Research Center, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
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23
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Debeljuk L, Lasaga M. Tachykinins and the control of prolactin secretion. Peptides 2006; 27:3007-19. [PMID: 16930771 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2006.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2006] [Revised: 07/14/2006] [Accepted: 07/17/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Tachykinins are present in the pituitary gland and in brain areas involved in the control of the secretion of pituitary hormones. Tachykinins have been demonstrated to stimulate prolactin release acting directly on the anterior pituitary gland. These peptides have also been revealed to be able to act at the hypothalamic level, interacting with neurotransmitters and neuropeptides that have the potential to affect prolactin secretion. Tachykinins seem to act by stimulating or inhibiting the release of the factors that affect prolactin secretion. Among them, tachykinins have been demonstrated to stimulate oxytocin and vasopressin release, which in turn results in prolactin release. Tachykinins also potentiated the response to vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and reinforced the action of glutamate, which in turn result in prolactin release. They have also been shown to interact with serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in the control of prolactin secretion. In addition, tachykinins have been shown to inhibit GABA release, a neurotransmitter with prolactin-release inhibiting effect. This inhibition may result in an increased prolactin secretion by removal of the GABA inhibition. On the other hand, tachykinins have also been shown to stimulate dopamine release by the hypothalamus, an action that results in an inhibition of prolactin release. Dopamine is a well known inhibitor of prolactin secretion. In conclusion, although tachykinins have been shown to have a predominantly stimulatory effect on prolactin secretion, especially at the pituitary level, under some circumstances they may also exert an inhibitory influence on prolactin release, by stimulating dopamine release at the hypothalamic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Debeljuk
- School of Allied Health (Anatomy and Physiology), College of Applied Sciences and Arts, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA.
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24
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Abstract
Over the past decade, CART peptide has been commonly associated with the rewarding and reinforcing properties of drugs of abuse and natural rewards such as food. The mesolimbic dopamine system is the predominant pathway involved in mediating reward and reinforcement. Many behavioral and neuroanatomical studies have been conducted in order to further elucidate the importance of CART-containing neurons within the mesolimbic dopamine system. This chapter will review the current knowledge of the localization, synaptic connectivity and neurochemical content of CART peptidecontaining neurons in nuclei of the mesolimbic reward pathway. These nuclei include the nucleus accumbens (NA), ventral midbrain, and the lateral hypothalamus (LH). In conclusion, an interconnected CART-containing loop between the NA, ventral midbrain and LH has evolved from these neuroanatomical studies that may have functional implications for CART peptide's involvement in reward and reinforcement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Philpot
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Division of Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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25
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Jaworski JN, Jones DC. The role of CART in the reward/reinforcing properties of psychostimulants. Peptides 2006; 27:1993-2004. [PMID: 16766084 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2006.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2006] [Accepted: 03/27/2006] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptides are putative neurotransmitters which appear to play a role in the rewarding and reinforcing effects of both natural (food) and unnatural (psychostimulants) stimuli. There is extensive anatomical, pharmacological, and behavioral evidence supporting the importance of CART peptides in psychostimulant, namely cocaine and amphetamine, abuse. For instance, CART mRNA and peptides are found in brain regions considered important in the reward and reinforcement of psychostimulants including the ventral tegmental area and the nucleus accumbens, which are part of the mesolimbic dopamine system. Consequently, in a pharmacological sense, CART peptides have been closely linked to the actions of mesolimbic dopamine. In addition, under certain conditions, psychostimulants alter CART mRNA and peptide levels. However, the exact conditions and mechanisms are unclear and may involve CART modulation by corticosterone and/or cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB). Finally, behavioral studies on CART and psychostimulants suggest a modulatory role for CART in the actions of psychostimulants as central administration of CART attenuates the behavioral effects of cocaine. This review discusses the anatomical, pharmacological, and behavioral evidence implicating a role for CART peptide in the rewarding and reinforcing properties of psychostimulants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason N Jaworski
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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26
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Salinas A, Wilde JD, Maldve RE. Ethanol enhancement of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript mRNA and peptide expression in the nucleus accumbens. J Neurochem 2006; 97:408-15. [PMID: 16539670 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2006.03745.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) is a peptide neurotransmitter that has been implicated in drug reward and reinforcement. CART mRNA and peptide expression are highly concentrated in several compartments of the mesolimbic reward pathway. Several lines of evidence suggest that CART peptides may contribute to rewarding behaviors and the addiction liability of psychostimulants; however, there are no reports of basic work concerning CART in relation to alcohol and mechanisms of alcohol dependence development. Therefore, in this study we investigated the response of CART transcript and peptide to acute ethanol administration in vivo. Rats were administered ethanol (1 g/kg or 3.5 g/kg, 1 h, ip) and CART expression was measured by RT-PCR in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc). Ethanol (3.5 g/kg) increased CART transcription markedly. The interactions of dopamine on ethanol-induced CART expression were further evaluated pharmacologically using D1 and D2/D3 receptor antagonists. Both SCH 23390 (0.25 mg/kg) or raclopride (0.2 mg/kg) pre-treatment significantly suppressed ethanol-enhancement of CART mRNA transcription. Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that CART peptide immunoreactivity was also enhanced in both the core and the shell of the NAcc by ethanol administration. These findings demonstrate that CART mRNA and peptide expression are responsive to acute ethanol administrated in vivo and suggests that CART peptides may be important in regulating the rewarding and reinforcing properties of ethanol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Salinas
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas, Austin, 78712, USA
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