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Cayir S, Zhornitsky S, Barzegary A, Sotomayor-Carreño E, Sarfo-Ansah W, Funaro MC, Matuskey D, Angarita G. A review of the kappa opioid receptor system in opioid use. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 162:105713. [PMID: 38733895 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
The kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system is implicated in dysphoria and as an "anti-reward system" during withdrawal from opioids. However, no clear consensus has been made in the field, as mixed findings have been reported regarding the relationship between the KOR system and opioid use. This review summarizes the studies to date on the KOR system and opioids. A systematic scoping review was reported following PRISMA guidelines and conducted based on the published protocol. Comprehensive searches of several databases were done in the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane. We included preclinical and clinical studies that tested the administration of KOR agonists/antagonists or dynorphin and/or measured dynorphin levels or KOR expression during opioid intoxication or withdrawal from opioids. One hundred studies were included in the final analysis. Preclinical administration of KOR agonists decreased drug-seeking/taking behaviors and opioid withdrawal symptoms. KOR antagonists showed mixed findings, depending on the agent and/or type of withdrawal symptom. Administration of dynorphins attenuated opioid withdrawal symptoms both in preclinical and clinical studies. In the limited number of available studies, dynorphin levels were found to increase in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of opioid use disorder subjects (OUD). In animals, dynorphin levels and/or KOR expression showed mixed findings during opioid use. The KOR/dynorphin system appears to have a multifaceted and complex nature rather than simply functioning as an anti-reward system. Future research in well-controlled study settings is necessary to better understand the clinical role of the KOR system in opioid use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salih Cayir
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Simon Zhornitsky
- Department of Psychology, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT 06515, USA
| | - Alireza Barzegary
- Islamic Azad University Tehran Medical Sciences School of Medicine, Iran
| | | | | | - Melissa C Funaro
- Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - David Matuskey
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 901, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Neurology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Gustavo Angarita
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 901, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Connecticut Mental Health Center, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06519, USA.
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2
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Zhang J, Lu Y, Jia M, Bai Y, Sun L, Dong Z, Tian W, Yin F, Wei S, Wang Y. Kappa opioid receptor in nucleus accumbens regulates depressive-like behaviors following prolonged morphine withdrawal in mice. iScience 2023; 26:107536. [PMID: 37636073 PMCID: PMC10448166 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Prolonged withdrawal from opioids leads to negative emotions. Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) plays an important role in opioid addiction and affective disorders. However, the underlying mechanism of KOR in withdrawal-related depression is still lacking. We found that escitalopram treatment had a limited effect in improving depression symptoms in heroin-dependent patients. In mice, we demonstrated prolonged (4 weeks) but not acute (24 h) withdrawal from morphine induced depressive-like behaviors. The number of c-Fos positive cells and the expression of KOR in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), were significantly increased in the prolonged morphine withdrawal mice. Conditional KOR knockdown in NAc significantly improved depressive-like behaviors. Repeated but not acute treatment with the KOR antagonist norBNI improved depressive-like behaviors and reversed PSD95, synaptophysin, p-ERK, p-CREB, and BDNF in NAc. This study demonstrated the important role of striatal KOR in morphine withdrawal-related depressive-like behaviors and offered therapeutic potential for the treatment of withdrawal-related depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyu Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry and Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, China
- College of Forensic Science, School of Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Ye Lu
- College of Forensic Science, School of Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Min Jia
- Department of Psychiatry and Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, China
- Shaanxi Belt and Road Joint Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Yuying Bai
- College of Forensic Science, School of Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Lulu Sun
- College of Forensic Science, School of Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Ziqing Dong
- Department of Psychiatry and Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, China
- Shaanxi Belt and Road Joint Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Wenrong Tian
- College of Forensic Science, School of Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Fangyuan Yin
- College of Forensic Science, School of Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Shuguang Wei
- College of Forensic Science, School of Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Yunpeng Wang
- Department of Psychiatry and Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, China
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Margolis EB, Moulton MG, Lambeth PS, O'Meara MJ. The life and times of endogenous opioid peptides: Updated understanding of synthesis, spatiotemporal dynamics, and the clinical impact in alcohol use disorder. Neuropharmacology 2023; 225:109376. [PMID: 36516892 PMCID: PMC10548835 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The opioid G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) strongly modulate many of the central nervous system structures that contribute to neurological and psychiatric disorders including pain, major depressive disorder, and substance use disorders. To better treat these and related diseases, it is essential to understand the signaling of their endogenous ligands. In this review, we focus on what is known and unknown about the regulation of the over two dozen endogenous peptides with high affinity for one or more of the opioid receptors. We briefly describe which peptides are produced, with a particular focus on the recently proposed possible synthesis pathways for the endomorphins. Next, we describe examples of endogenous opioid peptide expression organization in several neural circuits and how they appear to be released from specific neural compartments that vary across brain regions. We discuss current knowledge regarding the strength of neural activity required to drive endogenous opioid peptide release, clues about how far peptides diffuse from release sites, and their extracellular lifetime after release. Finally, as a translational example, we discuss the mechanisms of action of naltrexone (NTX), which is used clinically to treat alcohol use disorder. NTX is a synthetic morphine analog that non-specifically antagonizes the action of most endogenous opioid peptides developed in the 1960s and FDA approved in the 1980s. We review recent studies clarifying the precise endogenous activity that NTX prevents. Together, the works described here highlight the challenges and opportunities the complex opioid system presents as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elyssa B Margolis
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Madelyn G Moulton
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Philip S Lambeth
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Matthew J O'Meara
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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4
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Higginbotham JA, Markovic T, Massaly N, Morón JA. Endogenous opioid systems alterations in pain and opioid use disorder. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:1014768. [PMID: 36341476 PMCID: PMC9628214 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.1014768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Decades of research advances have established a central role for endogenous opioid systems in regulating reward processing, mood, motivation, learning and memory, gastrointestinal function, and pain relief. Endogenous opioid systems are present ubiquitously throughout the central and peripheral nervous system. They are composed of four families, namely the μ (MOPR), κ (KOPR), δ (DOPR), and nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOPR) opioid receptors systems. These receptors signal through the action of their endogenous opioid peptides β-endorphins, dynorphins, enkephalins, and nociceptins, respectfully, to maintain homeostasis under normal physiological states. Due to their prominent role in pain regulation, exogenous opioids-primarily targeting the MOPR, have been historically used in medicine as analgesics, but their ability to produce euphoric effects also present high risks for abuse. The ability of pain and opioid use to perturb endogenous opioid system function, particularly within the central nervous system, may increase the likelihood of developing opioid use disorder (OUD). Today, the opioid crisis represents a major social, economic, and public health concern. In this review, we summarize the current state of the literature on the function, expression, pharmacology, and regulation of endogenous opioid systems in pain. Additionally, we discuss the adaptations in the endogenous opioid systems upon use of exogenous opioids which contribute to the development of OUD. Finally, we describe the intricate relationship between pain, endogenous opioid systems, and the proclivity for opioid misuse, as well as potential advances in generating safer and more efficient pain therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A. Higginbotham
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,Pain Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,*Correspondence: Jessica A. Higginbotham,
| | - Tamara Markovic
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nicolas Massaly
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,Pain Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Jose A. Morón
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,Pain Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States,Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
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Altered Accumbal Dopamine Terminal Dynamics Following Chronic Heroin Self-Administration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158106. [PMID: 35897682 PMCID: PMC9332320 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Administration of heroin results in the engagement of multiple brain regions and the rewarding and addictive effects are mediated, at least partially, through activation of the mesolimbic dopamine system. However, less is known about dopamine system function following chronic exposure to heroin. Withdrawal from chronic heroin exposure is likely to drive a state of low dopamine in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), as previously observed during withdrawal from other drug classes. Thus, we aimed to investigate alterations in NAc dopamine terminal function following chronic heroin self-administration to identify a mechanism for dopaminergic adaptations. Adult male Long Evans rats were trained to self-administer heroin (0.05 mg/kg/inf, IV) and then placed on a long access (FR1, 6-h, unlimited inf, 0.05 mg/kg/inf) protocol to induce escalation of intake. Following heroin self-administration, rats had decreased basal extracellular levels of dopamine and blunted dopamine response following a heroin challenge (0.1 mg/kg/inf, IV) in the NAc compared to saline controls. FSCV revealed that heroin-exposed rats exhibited reduced stimulated dopamine release during tonic-like, single-pulse stimulations, but increased phasic-like dopamine release during multi-pulse stimulation trains (5 pulses, 5–100 Hz) in addition to an altered dynamic range of release stimulation intensities when compared to controls. Further, we found that presynaptic D3 autoreceptor and kappa-opioid receptor agonist responsivity were increased following heroin self-administration. These results reveal a marked low dopamine state following heroin exposure and suggest the combination of altered dopamine release dynamics may contribute to increased heroin seeking.
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Addiction-induced plasticity in underlying neural circuits. Neurol Sci 2022; 43:1605-1615. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05778-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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7
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Zan GY, Wang YJ, Li XP, Fang JF, Yao SY, Du JY, Wang Q, Sun X, Liu R, Shao XM, Long JD, Chai JR, Deng YZ, Chen YQ, Li QL, Fang JQ, Liu ZQ, Liu JG. Amygdalar κ-opioid receptor-dependent upregulating glutamate transporter 1 mediates depressive-like behaviors of opioid abstinence. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109913. [PMID: 34731618 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Opiates produce a strong rewarding effect, but abstinence from opiate use emerges with severe negative emotions. Depression is one of the most frequent emotion disorders associated with opiate abstinence, which is thought to be a main cause for relapse. However, neurobiological bases of such an aversive emotion processing are poorly understood. Here, we find that morphine abstinence activates κ-opioid receptors (KORs) by increasing endogenous KOR ligand dynorphin expression in the amygdala, which in turn facilitates glutamate transporter 1 (GLT1) expression by activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Upregulation of GLT1 expression contributes to opiate-abstinence-elicited depressive-like behaviors through modulating amygdalar glutamatergic inputs to the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Intra-amygdala injection of GLT1 inhibitor DHK or knockdown of GLT1 expression in the amygdala significantly suppresses morphine-abstinence-induced depressive-like behaviors. Pharmacological and pharmacogenetic activation of amygdala-NAc projections prevents morphine-abstinence-induced behaviors. Overall, our study provides key molecular and circuit insights into the mechanisms of depression associated with opiate abstinence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Ying Zan
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yu-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Xue-Ping Li
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jun-Fan Fang
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Song-Yu Yao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jun-Ying Du
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of R&D of Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230038, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Shao
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jian-Dong Long
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jing-Rui Chai
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ying-Zhi Deng
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ye-Qing Chen
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Qing-Lin Li
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of R&D of Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230038, China
| | - Jian-Qiao Fang
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Zhi-Qiang Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Jing-Gen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China; Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310053, China; School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
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8
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Koob GF. Drug Addiction: Hyperkatifeia/Negative Reinforcement as a Framework for Medications Development. Pharmacol Rev 2021; 73:163-201. [PMID: 33318153 PMCID: PMC7770492 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.120.000083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Compulsive drug seeking that is associated with addiction is hypothesized to follow a heuristic framework that involves three stages (binge/intoxication, withdrawal/negative affect, and preoccupation/anticipation) and three domains of dysfunction (incentive salience/pathologic habits, negative emotional states, and executive function, respectively) via changes in the basal ganglia, extended amygdala/habenula, and frontal cortex, respectively. This review focuses on neurochemical/neurocircuitry dysregulations that contribute to hyperkatifeia, defined as a greater intensity of negative emotional/motivational signs and symptoms during withdrawal from drugs of abuse in the withdrawal/negative affect stage of the addiction cycle. Hyperkatifeia provides an additional source of motivation for compulsive drug seeking via negative reinforcement. Negative reinforcement reflects an increase in the probability of a response to remove an aversive stimulus or drug seeking to remove hyperkatifeia that is augmented by genetic/epigenetic vulnerability, environmental trauma, and psychiatric comorbidity. Neurobiological targets for hyperkatifeia in addiction involve neurocircuitry of the extended amygdala and its connections via within-system neuroadaptations in dopamine, enkephalin/endorphin opioid peptide, and γ-aminobutyric acid/glutamate systems and between-system neuroadaptations in prostress corticotropin-releasing factor, norepinephrine, glucocorticoid, dynorphin, hypocretin, and neuroimmune systems and antistress neuropeptide Y, nociceptin, endocannabinoid, and oxytocin systems. Such neurochemical/neurocircuitry dysregulations are hypothesized to mediate a negative hedonic set point that gradually gains allostatic load and shifts from a homeostatic hedonic state to an allostatic hedonic state. Based on preclinical studies and translational studies to date, medications and behavioral therapies that reset brain stress, antistress, and emotional pain systems and return them to homeostasis would be promising new targets for medication development. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The focus of this review is on neurochemical/neurocircuitry dysregulations that contribute to hyperkatifeia, defined as a greater intensity of negative emotional/motivational signs and symptoms during withdrawal from drugs of abuse in the withdrawal/negative affect stage of the drug addiction cycle and a driving force for negative reinforcement in addiction. Medications and behavioral therapies that reverse hyperkatifeia by resetting brain stress, antistress, and emotional pain systems and returning them to homeostasis would be promising new targets for medication development.
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Affiliation(s)
- George F Koob
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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Abstract
Substance use disorders represent a global public health issue. This mental health disorder is hypothesized to result from neurobiological changes as a result of chronic drug exposure and clinically manifests as inappropriate behavioral allocation toward the procurement and use of the abused substance and away from other behaviors maintained by more adaptive nondrug reinforcers (e.g., social relationships, work). The dynorphin/kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) is one receptor system that has been altered following chronic exposure to drugs of abuse (e.g., cocaine, opioids, alcohol) in both laboratory animals and humans, implicating the dynorphin/KOR system in the expression, mechanisms, and treatment of substance use disorders. KOR antagonists have reduced drug self-administration in laboratory animals under certain experimental conditions, but not others. Recently, several human laboratory and clinical trials have evaluated the effectiveness of KOR antagonists as candidate pharmacotherapies for cocaine or tobacco use disorder to test hypotheses generated from preclinical studies. KOR antagonists failed to significantly alter drug use metrics in humans suggesting translational discordance between some preclinical drug self-administration studies and consistent with other preclinical drug self-administration studies that provide concurrent access to an alternative nondrug reinforcer (e.g., food). The implications of this translational discordance and future directions for examining the therapeutic potential of KOR agonists or antagonists as candidate substance use disorder pharmacotherapies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Banks
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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Shahkarami K, Vousooghi N, Golab F, Mohsenzadeh A, Baharvand P, Sadat-Shirazi MS, Babhadi-Ashar N, Shakeri A, Zarrindast MR. Evaluation of dynorphin and kappa-opioid receptor level in the human blood lymphocytes and plasma: Possible role as a biomarker in severe opioid use disorder. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 205:107638. [PMID: 31710992 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.107638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dynorphin (DYN)/kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system plays an important role in the development of addiction, and dysregulation of this system could lead to abnormal activity in the reward pathway. It has been reported that the expression state of the neurotransmitters and their receptors in the brain is reflected in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). METHODS We have evaluated the PBLs and plasma samples of four groups: 1) subjects with severe opioid use disorder (SOD), 2) methadone-maintenance treated (MMT) individuals, 3) long-term abstinent subjects having former SOD, and 4) healthy control subjects (n = 20 in each group). The mRNA expression level of preprodynorphin (pPDYN) and KOR in PBLs has been evaluated by real-time PCR. Peptide expression of PDYN in PBLs has been studied by western blot, and DYN concentration in plasma has been measured by ELISA. RESULTS The relative expression level of the pPDYN mRNA and PDYN peptide in PBLs were significantly up-regulated in SOD, MMT, and abstinent groups compared to control subjects. No significant difference was found in the plasma DYN concentration between study groups. The expression level of the KOR mRNA in PBLs was significantly decreased in all three study groups compared to the control subjects. CONCLUSION the expression changes in the DYN/KOR system after chronic exposure to opioids, including methadone, seems to be stable and does not return to normal levels even after 12 months abstinence. These long-time and permanent changes in PBLs may serve as a biomarker and footprint of SOD development in the periphery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kourosh Shahkarami
- Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasim Vousooghi
- Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Fereshteh Golab
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Mohsenzadeh
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Parastoo Baharvand
- Department of Social Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Mitra-Sadat Sadat-Shirazi
- Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Babhadi-Ashar
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atena Shakeri
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zarrindast
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies, Tehran, Iran.
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11
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Wang CW, Ma M, Lu WG, Luo RQ. Association between prodynorphin gene polymorphisms and opioid dependence susceptibility: a meta-analysis. BMC Psychiatry 2019; 19:281. [PMID: 31510971 PMCID: PMC6737717 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-019-2272-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prodynorphin (PDYN) gene polymorphisms have been linked with opioid dependence (OD) with conflicting outcomes, the aim of this study is to synthesize the existing evidence of the association between PDYN polymorphisms and OD susceptibility. METHODS Four databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Wanfang were retrieved for relevant studies before August, 2018. All identified studies were evaluated using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Summary odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were calculated to appraise the association. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS A total of seven case-control studies with 3129 cases and 3289 controls were recruited in the meta-analysis. For rs910080, rs1997794, rs1022563, and rs2235749 polymorphisms of PDYN gene, there were six, four, five, and four studies eventually included, respectively. The findings indicated that rs910080 polymorphism was significantly correlated with OD among Asian population under allelic model (A vs. G, OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.04-1.62, P = 0.02, FDR = 0.05) and dominant model (AA+AG vs. GG, OR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.04-1.51, P = 0.02, FDR = 0.05). However, rs1022563, rs1997794 and rs2235749 polymorphisms did not appear to associate with OD susceptibility. CONCLUSIONS There existed a significant association between rs1022563 polymorphism and OD among Asian population. As the included studies were not adequate to guarantee a robust and convincing conclusion, future studies with larger sample size among more ethnicities are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-wang Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Wuchang Hospital, South Luoshi Avenue 505#, Hongshan District, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Min Ma
- grid.413247.7Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071 China
| | - Wei-guang Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, Wuchang Hospital, South Luoshi Avenue 505#, Hongshan District, Wuhan, 430070 China
| | - Ru-qin Luo
- Department of Psychiatry, Wuchang Hospital, South Luoshi Avenue 505#, Hongshan District, Wuhan, 430070 China
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Wu FX, Babazada H, Gao H, Huang XP, Xi CH, Chen CH, Xi J, Yu WF, Liu R. Dezocine Alleviates Morphine-Induced Dependence in Rats. Anesth Analg 2019; 128:1328-1335. [PMID: 31094808 PMCID: PMC6173660 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000003365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid dependence is a major public health issue without optimal therapeutics. This study investigates the potential therapeutic effect of dezocine, a nonaddictive opioid, in opioid dependence in rat models. METHODS Dezocine was administered intraperitoneally to a morphine-dependent rat model to investigate its effect on withdrawal and conditioned place preference (CPP). Effect of dezocine on morphine withdrawal syndrome and CPP was analyzed using 2-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's post hoc test. Buprenorphine and vehicle solution containing 20% (v/v) dimethyl sulfoxide were used for positive and negative control, respectively. The astrocytes activation in nucleus accumbens was assessed by immunofluorescence assay of glial fibrillary acidic protein. Effect of dezocine and buprenorphine on the internalization of κ opioid receptor (KOR) was investigated using Neuro2A expressing KOR fused to red fluorescent protein tdTomato (KOR-tdT). Buprenorphine and dezocine were screened against 44 G-protein-coupled receptors, ion channels, and transporter proteins using radioligand-binding assay to compare the molecular targets. RESULTS The mean withdrawal score was reduced in rats treated with 1.25 mg·kg dezocine compared to vehicle-treated control animals starting from the day 1 (mean difference: 7.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.35-9.25; P < .0001 by 2-way ANOVA). Significance was observed at all treatment days, including day 7 (mean difference: 2.13; 95% CI, 0.68-3.58; P < .001 by 2-way ANOVA). Furthermore, dezocine inhibited the reinstatement of morphine-induced CPP (mean difference: 314; 95% CI, 197.9-430.1; P < .0001 by 2-way ANOVA) compared to the control group. Chronic morphine administration induced astrocytes activation in nucleus accumbens, which was attenuated by dezocine. Dezocine blocked the agonist-induced KOR internalization in vitro, 1 of the mechanisms involved in the downstream signaling and development of opioid dependence. Dezocine had affinity to norepinephrine and serotonin transporters and sigma-1 receptor, whereas buprenorphine showed no activity against these targets. CONCLUSIONS Dezocine could potentially be used to alleviate opioid dependence. Due to the unique molecular target profile different from buprenorphine, it might have important value in studying the mechanisms of morphine dependence and developing novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei-xiang Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Hasan Babazada
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Hao Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi-Ping Huang
- Department of Pharmacology and the National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Active Drug Screening Program (NIMH PDSP), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Chun-hua Xi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Chun-hua Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jin Xi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Wei-feng Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Renyu Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Zan GY, Wang Q, Wang YJ, Liu Y, Hang A, Shu XH, Liu JG. Antagonism of κ opioid receptor in the nucleus accumbens prevents the depressive-like behaviors following prolonged morphine abstinence. Behav Brain Res 2015; 291:334-341. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.05.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Revised: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Cahill CM, Taylor AMW, Cook C, Ong E, Morón JA, Evans CJ. Does the kappa opioid receptor system contribute to pain aversion? Front Pharmacol 2014; 5:253. [PMID: 25452729 PMCID: PMC4233910 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2014.00253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The kappa opioid receptor (KOR) and the endogenous peptide-ligand dynorphin have received significant attention due the involvement in mediating a variety of behavioral and neurophysiological responses, including opposing the rewarding properties of drugs of abuse including opioids. Accumulating evidence indicates this system is involved in regulating states of motivation and emotion. Acute activation of the KOR produces an increase in motivational behavior to escape a threat, however, KOR activation associated with chronic stress leads to the expression of symptoms indicative of mood disorders. It is well accepted that KOR can produce analgesia and is engaged in chronic pain states including neuropathic pain. Spinal studies have revealed KOR-induced analgesia in reversing pain hypersensitivities associated with peripheral nerve injury. While systemic administration of KOR agonists attenuates nociceptive sensory transmission, this effect appears to be a stress-induced effect as anxiolytic agents, including delta opioid receptor agonists, mitigate KOR agonist-induced analgesia. Additionally, while the role of KOR and dynorphin in driving the dysphoric and aversive components of stress and drug withdrawal has been well characterized, how this system mediates the negative emotional states associated with chronic pain is relatively unexplored. This review provides evidence that dynorphin and the KOR system contribute to the negative affective component of pain and that this receptor system likely contributes to the high comorbidity of mood disorders associated with chronic neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Cahill
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care, University of California Irvine Irvine, CA, USA ; Department of Pharmacology, University of California Irvine Irvine, CA, USA ; Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Anna M W Taylor
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care, University of California Irvine Irvine, CA, USA ; Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christopher Cook
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care, University of California Irvine Irvine, CA, USA ; Department of Pharmacology, University of California Irvine Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Edmund Ong
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care, University of California Irvine Irvine, CA, USA ; Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Jose A Morón
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY USA
| | - Christopher J Evans
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Distinct mu, delta, and kappa opioid receptor mechanisms underlie low sociability and depressive-like behaviors during heroin abstinence. Neuropsychopharmacology 2014; 39:2694-705. [PMID: 24874714 PMCID: PMC4207349 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2014.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Revised: 05/04/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Addiction is a chronic disorder involving recurring intoxication, withdrawal, and craving episodes. Escaping this vicious cycle requires maintenance of abstinence for extended periods of time and is a true challenge for addicted individuals. The emergence of depressive symptoms, including social withdrawal, is considered a main cause for relapse, but underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we establish a mouse model of protracted abstinence to heroin, a major abused opiate, where both emotional and working memory deficits unfold. We show that delta and kappa opioid receptor (DOR and KOR, respectively) knockout mice develop either stronger or reduced emotional disruption during heroin abstinence, establishing DOR and KOR activities as protective and vulnerability factors, respectively, that regulate the severity of abstinence. Further, we found that chronic treatment with the antidepressant drug fluoxetine prevents emergence of low sociability, with no impact on the working memory deficit, implicating serotonergic mechanisms predominantly in emotional aspects of abstinence symptoms. Finally, targeting the main serotonergic brain structure, we show that gene knockout of mu opioid receptors (MORs) in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) before heroin exposure abolishes the development of social withdrawal. This is the first result demonstrating that intermittent chronic MOR activation at the level of DRN represents an essential mechanism contributing to low sociability during protracted heroin abstinence. Altogether, our findings reveal crucial and distinct roles for all three opioid receptors in the development of emotional alterations that follow a history of heroin exposure and open the way towards understanding opioid system-mediated serotonin homeostasis in heroin abuse.
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Bajo M, Madamba SG, Roberto M, Siggins GR. Acute morphine alters GABAergic transmission in the central amygdala during naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal: role of cyclic AMP. Front Integr Neurosci 2014; 8:45. [PMID: 24926240 PMCID: PMC4044973 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2014.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The central amygdala (CeA) plays an important role in opioid addiction. Therefore, we examined the effects of naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal (WD) on GABAergic transmission in rat CeA neurons using whole-cell recordings with naloxone in the bath. The basal frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) increased in CeA neurons from WD compared to placebo rats. Acute morphine (10 μ M) had mixed effects (≥20% change from baseline) on mIPSCs in placebo and WD rats. In most CeA neurons (64%) from placebo rats, morphine significantly decreased mIPSC frequency and amplitude. In 32% of placebo neurons, morphine significantly increased mIPSC amplitudes but had no effect on mIPSC frequency. In WD rats, acute morphine significantly increased mIPSC frequency but had no effect on mIPSC amplitude in 41% of CeA neurons. In 45% of cells, acute morphine significantly decreased mIPSC frequency and amplitude. Pre-treatment with the cyclic AMP inhibitor (R)-adenosine, cyclic 3',5'-(hydrogenphosphorothioate) triethylammonium (RP), prevented acute morphine-induced potentiation of mIPSCs. Pre-treatment of slices with the Gi/o G-protein subunit inhibitor pertussis toxin (PTX) did not prevent the acute morphine-induced enhancement or inhibition of mIPSCs. PTX and RP decreased basal mIPSC frequencies and amplitudes only in WD rats. The results suggest that inhibition of GABAergic transmission in the CeA by acute morphine is mediated by PTX-insensitive mechanisms, although PTX-sensitive mechanisms cannot be ruled out for non-morphine responsive cells; by contrast, potentiation of GABAergic transmission is mediated by activated cAMP signaling that also mediates the increased basal GABAergic transmission in WD rats. Our data indicate that during the acute phase of WD, the CeA opioid and GABAergic systems undergo neuroadaptative changes conditioned by a previous chronic morphine exposure and dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Bajo
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, The Scripps Research Institute La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Samuel G Madamba
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, The Scripps Research Institute La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Marisa Roberto
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, The Scripps Research Institute La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - George R Siggins
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute La Jolla, CA, USA
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Long-term antagonism of κ opioid receptors prevents escalation of and increased motivation for heroin intake. J Neurosci 2014; 33:19384-92. [PMID: 24305833 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1979-13.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The abuse of opioid drugs, both illicit and prescription, is a persistent problem in the United States, accounting for >1.2 million users who require treatment each year. Current treatments rely on suppressing immediate withdrawal symptoms and replacing illicit drug use with long-acting opiate drugs. However, the mechanisms that lead to preventing opiate dependence are still poorly understood. We hypothesized that κ opioid receptor (KOR) activation during chronic opioid intake contributes to negative affective states associated with withdrawal and the motivation to take increasing amounts of heroin. Using a 12 h long-access model of heroin self-administration, rats showed escalation of heroin intake over several weeks. This was prevented by a single high dose (30 mg/kg) of the long-acting KOR antagonist norbinaltorphimine (nor-BNI), paralleled by reduced motivation to respond for heroin on a progressive-ratio schedule of reinforcement, a measure of compulsive-like responding. Systemic nor-BNI also significantly decreased heroin withdrawal-associated anxiety-like behavior. Immunohistochemical analysis showed prodynorphin content increased in the nucleus accumbens core in all heroin-exposed rats, but selectively increased in the nucleus accumbens shell in long-access rats. Local infusion of nor-BNI (4 μg/side) into accumbens core altered the initial intake of heroin but not the rate of escalation, while local injection into accumbens shell selectively suppressed increases in heroin intake over time without altering initial intake. These data suggest that dynorphin activity in the nucleus accumbens mediates the increasing motivation for heroin taking and compulsive-like responding for heroin, suggesting that KOR antagonists may be promising targets for the treatment of opioid addiction.
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Lalanne L, Ayranci G, Kieffer BL, Lutz PE. The kappa opioid receptor: from addiction to depression, and back. Front Psychiatry 2014; 5:170. [PMID: 25538632 PMCID: PMC4258993 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Comorbidity is a major issue in psychiatry that notably associates with more severe symptoms, longer illness duration, and higher service utilization. Therefore, identifying key clusters of comorbidity and exploring the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms represent important steps toward improving mental health care. In the present review, we focus on the frequent association between addiction and depression. In particular, we summarize the large body of evidence from preclinical models indicating that the kappa opioid receptor (KOR), a member of the opioid neuromodulatory system, represents a central player in the regulation of both reward and mood processes. Current data suggest that the KOR modulates overlapping neuronal networks linking brainstem monoaminergic nuclei with forebrain limbic structures. Rewarding properties of both drugs of abuse and natural stimuli, as well as the neurobiological effects of stressful experiences, strongly interact at the level of KOR signaling. In addiction models, activity of the KOR is potentiated by stressors and critically controls drug-seeking and relapse. In depression paradigms, KOR signaling is responsive to a variety of stressors, and mediates despair-like responses. Altogether, the KOR represents a prototypical substrate of comorbidity, whereby life experiences converge upon common brain mechanisms to trigger behavioral dysregulation and increased risk for distinct but interacting psychopathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Lalanne
- CNRS UMR-7104, Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, INSERM U-964, Université de Strasbourg , Illkirch , France ; Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Strasbourg and Medical School of Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Gulebru Ayranci
- CNRS UMR-7104, Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, INSERM U-964, Université de Strasbourg , Illkirch , France ; Douglas Mental Health Institute, McGill University , Montréal, QC , Canada
| | - Brigitte L Kieffer
- Douglas Mental Health Institute, McGill University , Montréal, QC , Canada
| | - Pierre-Eric Lutz
- Douglas Mental Health Institute, McGill University , Montréal, QC , Canada
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Anderson SAR, Michaelides M, Zarnegar P, Ren Y, Fagergren P, Thanos PK, Wang GJ, Bannon M, Neumaier JF, Keller E, Volkow ND, Hurd YL. Impaired periamygdaloid-cortex prodynorphin is characteristic of opiate addiction and depression. J Clin Invest 2013; 123:5334-41. [PMID: 24231353 DOI: 10.1172/jci70395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Negative affect is critical for conferring vulnerability to opiate addiction as reflected by the high comorbidity of opiate abuse with major depressive disorder (MDD). Rodent models implicate amygdala prodynorphin (Pdyn) as a mediator of negative affect; however, evidence of PDYN involvement in human negative affect is limited. Here, we found reduced PDYN mRNA expression in the postmortem human amygdala nucleus of the periamygdaloid cortex (PAC) in both heroin abusers and MDD subjects. Similar to humans, rats that chronically self-administered heroin had reduced Pdyn mRNA expression in the PAC at a time point associated with a negative affective state. Using the in vivo functional imaging technology DREAMM (DREADD-assisted metabolic mapping, where DREADD indicates designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs), we found that selective inhibition of Pdyn-expressing neurons in the rat PAC increased metabolic activity in the extended amygdala, which is a key substrate of the extrahypothalamic brain stress system. In parallel, PAC-specific Pdyn inhibition provoked negative affect-related physiological and behavioral changes. Altogether, our translational study supports a functional role for impaired Pdyn in the PAC in opiate abuse through activation of the stress and negative affect neurocircuitry implicated in addiction vulnerability.
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20
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Partin AC, Hosek MP, Luong JA, Lella SK, Sharma SAR, Ploski JE. Amygdala nuclei critical for emotional learning exhibit unique gene expression patterns. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2013; 104:110-21. [PMID: 23831498 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2013.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Revised: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The amygdala is a heterogeneous, medial temporal lobe structure that has been implicated in the formation, expression and extinction of emotional memories. This structure is composed of numerous nuclei that vary in cytoarchitectonics and neural connections. In particular the lateral nucleus of the amygdala (LA), central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), and the basal (B) nucleus contribute an essential role to emotional learning. However, to date it is still unclear to what extent these nuclei differ at the molecular level. Therefore we have performed whole genome gene expression analysis on these nuclei to gain a better understanding of the molecular differences and similarities among these nuclei. Specifically the LA, CeA and B nuclei were laser microdissected from the rat brain, and total RNA was isolated from these nuclei and subjected to RNA amplification. Amplified RNA was analyzed by whole genome microarray analysis which revealed that 129 genes are differentially expressed among these nuclei. Notably gene expression patterns differed between the CeA nucleus and the LA and B nuclei. However gene expression differences were not considerably different between the LA and B nuclei. Secondary confirmation of numerous genes was performed by in situ hybridization to validate the microarray findings, which also revealed that for many genes, expression differences among these nuclei were consistent with the embryological origins of these nuclei. Knowing the stable gene expression differences among these nuclei will provide novel avenues of investigation into how these nuclei contribute to emotional arousal and emotional learning, and potentially offer new genetic targets to manipulate emotional learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander C Partin
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences,Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of Texas at Dallas, USA
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Clarke TK, Ambrose-Lanci L, Ferraro TN, Berrettini WH, Kampman KM, Dackis CA, Pettinati HM, O'Brien CP, Oslin DW, Lohoff FW. Genetic association analyses of PDYN polymorphisms with heroin and cocaine addiction. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2012; 11:415-23. [PMID: 22443215 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-183x.2012.00785.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Genetic factors are believed to account for 30-50% of the risk for cocaine and heroin addiction. Dynorphin peptides, derived from the prodynorphin (PDYN) precursor, bind to opioid receptors, preferentially the kappa-opioid receptor, and may mediate the aversive effects of drugs of abuse. Dynorphin peptides produce place aversion in animals and produce dysphoria in humans. Cocaine and heroin have both been shown to increase expression of PDYN in brain regions relevant for drug reward and use. Polymorphisms in PDYN are therefore hypothesized to increase risk for addiction to drugs of abuse. In this study, 3 polymorphisms in PDYN (rs1022563, rs910080 and rs1997794) were genotyped in opioid-addicted [248 African Americans (AAs) and 1040 European Americans (EAs)], cocaine-addicted (1248 AAs and 336 EAs) and control individuals (674 AAs and 656 EAs). Sex-specific analyses were also performed as a previous study identified PDYN polymorphisms to be more significantly associated with female opioid addicts. We found rs1022563 to be significantly associated with opioid addiction in EAs [P = 0.03, odds ratio (OR) = 1.31; false discovery rate (FDR) corrected q-value]; however, when we performed female-specific association analyses, the OR increased from 1.31 to 1.51. Increased ORs were observed for rs910080 and rs199774 in female opioid addicts also in EAs. No statistically significant associations were observed with cocaine or opioid addiction in AAs. These data show that polymorphisms in PDYN are associated with opioid addiction in EAs and provide further evidence that these risk variants may be more relevant in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- T-K Clarke
- Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 125 South 31st Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Olsen CM. Natural rewards, neuroplasticity, and non-drug addictions. Neuropharmacology 2011; 61:1109-22. [PMID: 21459101 PMCID: PMC3139704 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 237] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2010] [Revised: 03/08/2011] [Accepted: 03/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
There is a high degree of overlap between brain regions involved in processing natural rewards and drugs of abuse. "Non-drug" or "behavioral" addictions have become increasingly documented in the clinic, and pathologies include compulsive activities such as shopping, eating, exercising, sexual behavior, and gambling. Like drug addiction, non-drug addictions manifest in symptoms including craving, impaired control over the behavior, tolerance, withdrawal, and high rates of relapse. These alterations in behavior suggest that plasticity may be occurring in brain regions associated with drug addiction. In this review, I summarize data demonstrating that exposure to non-drug rewards can alter neural plasticity in regions of the brain that are affected by drugs of abuse. Research suggests that there are several similarities between neuroplasticity induced by natural and drug rewards and that, depending on the reward, repeated exposure to natural rewards might induce neuroplasticity that either promotes or counteracts addictive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Olsen
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-0615, USA.
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Sobor M, Timár J, Riba P, Friedmann T, Király KP, Gyarmati S, Al-Khrasani M, Fürst S. Effects of opioid agonist and antagonist in dams exposed to morphine during the perinatal period. Brain Res Bull 2011; 84:53-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2010.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2010] [Revised: 09/05/2010] [Accepted: 10/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Abstract
This paper is the 32nd consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2009 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 and neurophysiology (Section 12); general activity and locomotion (Section 13); gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (Section 14); cardiovascular responses (Section 15); respiration and thermoregulation (Section 16); and 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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The role of the dynorphin-kappa opioid system in the reinforcing effects of drugs of abuse. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2010; 210:121-35. [PMID: 20352414 PMCID: PMC2879894 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-010-1825-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 297] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2009] [Accepted: 03/06/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Initial hypotheses regarding the role of the kappa opioid system in drug addiction suggested that kappa receptor stimulation had anti-addictive effects. However, recent research suggests that kappa receptor antagonists may reverse motivational aspects of dependence. In the present review, we revisit the studies that measured the effects of kappa receptor ligands on the reinforcing and rewarding effects of drugs and postulate underlying neurobiological mechanisms for these effects to elaborate a more complex view of the role of kappa receptor ligands in drug addiction. RESULTS The review of studies indicates that kappa receptor stimulation generally antagonizes the acute reinforcing/rewarding effects of drugs whereas kappa receptor blockade has no consistent effect. However, in a drug dependent-like state, kappa receptor blockade was effective in reducing increased drug intake. In animal models of reinstatement, kappa receptor stimulation can induce reinstatement via a stress-like mechanism. Results in conditioned place preference/aversion and intracranial self-stimulation indicate that kappa receptor agonists produce, respectively, aversive-like and dysphoric-like effects. Additionally, preclinical and postmortem studies show that administration or self-administration of cocaine, ethanol, and heroin activate the kappa opioid system. CONCLUSION kappa receptor agonists antagonize the reinforcing/rewarding effects of drugs possibly through punishing/aversive-like effects and reinstate drug seeking through stress-like effects. Evidence suggests that abused drugs activate the kappa opioid system, which may play a key role in motivational aspects of dependence. Kappa opioid systems may have an important role in driving compulsive drug intake.
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