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Morrison FG, Van Orden LJ, Zeitz K, Kuijer EJ, Smith SL, Heal DJ, Wallace TL. Navacaprant, a novel and selective kappa opioid receptor antagonist, has no agonist properties implicated in opioid-related abuse. Neuropharmacology 2024; 257:110037. [PMID: 38876309 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Kappa opioid receptors (KORs) are implicated in the pathophysiology of various psychiatric and neurological disorders creating interest in targeting the KOR system for therapeutic purposes. Accordingly, navacaprant (NMRA-140) is a potent, selective KOR antagonist being evaluated as a treatment for major depressive disorder. In the present report, we have extended the pharmacological characterization of navacaprant by further demonstrating its selective KOR antagonist properties and confirming its lack of agonist activity at KORs and related targets involved in opioid-related abuse. Using CHO-K1 cells expressing human KOR, mu (MOR), or delta (DOR) opioid receptors, navacaprant demonstrated selective antagonist properties at KOR (IC50 = 0.029 μM) versus MOR (IC50 = 3.3 μM) and DOR (IC50 > 10 μM) in vitro. In vivo, navacaprant (10-30 mg/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently abolished KOR-agonist induced analgesia in the mouse tail-flick assay. Additionally, navacaprant (10, 30 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced KOR agonist-stimulated prolactin release in mice and rats, confirming KOR antagonism in vivo. Navacaprant showed no agonist activity at any opioid receptor subtype (EC50 > 10 μM) in vitro and exhibited no analgesic effect in the tail-flick assays at doses ≤100 mg/kg, p.o. thereby confirming a lack of opioid receptor agonist activity in vivo. Importantly, navacaprant did not alter extracellular dopamine concentrations in the nucleus accumbens shell of freely-moving rats following doses ≤100 mg/kg, p.o., whereas morphine (10, 20 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly increased dopamine levels. These results demonstrate that navacaprant is a KOR-selective antagonist with no pharmacological properties implicated in opioid-related abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Karla Zeitz
- Neumora Therapeutics, Inc., 490 Arsenal Way, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
| | - Eloise J Kuijer
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | | | - David J Heal
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK; DevelRx Ltd., BioCity, Nottingham, NG1 1GF, UK
| | - Tanya L Wallace
- Neumora Therapeutics, Inc., 490 Arsenal Way, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA.
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Allen MI, Johnson BN, Kumar A, Su Y, Singh S, Deep G, Nader MA. Behavioral and neuronal extracellular vesicle biomarkers associated with nicotine's enhancement of the reinforcing strength of cocaine in female and male monkeys. ADDICTION NEUROSCIENCE 2024; 11:100151. [PMID: 38911873 PMCID: PMC11192513 DOI: 10.1016/j.addicn.2024.100151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
While the majority of people with cocaine use disorders (CUD) also co-use tobacco/nicotine, most preclinical cocaine research does not include nicotine. The present study examined nicotine and cocaine co-use under several conditions of intravenous drug self-administration in monkeys, as well as potential peripheral biomarkers associated with co-use. In Experiment 1, male rhesus monkeys (N = 3) self-administered cocaine (0.001-0.1 mg/kg/injection) alone and with nicotine (0.01-0.03 mg/kg/injection) under a progressive-ratio schedule of reinforcement. When nicotine was added to cocaine, there was a significant leftward/upward shift in the number of injections received. In Experiment 2, socially housed female and male cynomolgus monkeys (N = 14) self-administered cocaine under a concurrent drug-vs-food choice schedule of reinforcement. Adding nicotine to the cocaine solution shifted the cocaine dose-response curves to the left, with more robust shifts noted in the female animals. There was no evidence of social rank differences. To assess reinforcing strength, delays were added to the presentation of drug; the co-use of nicotine and cocaine required significantly longer delays to decrease drug choice, compared with cocaine alone. Blood samples obtained post-session were used to analyze concentrations of neuronally derived small extracellular vesicles (NDE); significant differences in NDE profile were observed for kappa-opioid receptors when nicotine and cocaine were co-used compared with each drug alone and controls. These results suggest that drug interactions involving the co-use of nicotine and cocaine are not simply changing potency, but rather resulting in changes in reinforcing strength that should be utilized to better understand the neuropharmacology of CUD and the evaluation of potential treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia I. Allen
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Center for Addiction Research, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Bernard N. Johnson
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Center for Addiction Research, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Ashish Kumar
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Yixin Su
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Sangeeta Singh
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Gagan Deep
- Center for Addiction Research, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- J Paul Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer’s Prevention, School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Department of Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Michael A. Nader
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Center for Addiction Research, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Department of Radiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
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Piantadosi SC, Lee MK, Wu M, Huynh H, Avila R, Pizzano C, Zamorano CA, Wu Y, Xavier R, Stanslaski M, Kang J, Thai S, Kim Y, Zhang J, Huang Y, Kozorovitskiy Y, Good CH, Banks AR, Rogers JA, Bruchas MR. An integrated microfluidic and fluorescence platform for probing in vivo neuropharmacology. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.14.594203. [PMID: 38798493 PMCID: PMC11118345 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.14.594203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Neurotechnologies and genetic tools for dissecting neural circuit functions have advanced rapidly over the past decade, although the development of complementary pharmacological method-ologies has comparatively lagged. Understanding the precise pharmacological mechanisms of neuroactive compounds is critical for advancing basic neurobiology and neuropharmacology, as well as for developing more effective treatments for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. However, integrating modern tools for assessing neural activity in large-scale neural networks with spatially localized drug delivery remains a major challenge. Here, we present a dual microfluidic-photometry platform that enables simultaneous intracranial drug delivery with neural dynamics monitoring in the rodent brain. The integrated platform combines a wireless, battery-free, miniaturized fluidic microsystem with optical probes, allowing for spatially and temporally specific drug delivery while recording activity-dependent fluorescence using genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs), neurotransmitter sensors GRAB NE and GRAB DA , and neuropeptide sensors. We demonstrate the performance this platform for investigating neuropharmacological mechanisms in vivo and characterize its efficacy in probing precise mechanistic actions of neuroactive compounds across several rapidly evolving neuroscience domains.
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Flerlage WJ, Simmons SC, Thomas EH, Gouty S, Cox BM, Nugent FS. Dysregulation of Kappa Opioid Receptor Neuromodulation of Lateral Habenula Synaptic Function following a Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.01.592017. [PMID: 38746139 PMCID: PMC11092670 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.01.592017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) increases the risk of cognitive deficits, affective disorders, anxiety and substance use disorder in affected individuals. Substantial evidence suggests a critical role for the lateral habenula (LHb) in pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. Recently, we demonstrated a causal link between persistent mTBI-induced LHb hyperactivity due to synaptic excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalance and motivational deficits in self-care grooming behavior in young adult male mice using a repetitive closed head injury mTBI model. One of the major neuromodulatory systems that is responsive to traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, influences affective states and also modulates LHb activity is the dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor (Dyn/KOR) system. However, the effects of mTBI on KOR neuromodulation of LHb function is unknown. To address this, we first used retrograde tracing to anatomically verify that the mouse LHb indeed receives Dyn/KOR expressing projections. We identified several major KOR-expressing and Dyn-expressing synaptic inputs projecting to the mouse LHb. We then functionally evaluated the effects of in vitro KOR modulation of spontaneous synaptic activity within the LHb of male and female sham and mTBI mice at 4week post-injury using the repetitive closed head injury mTBI model. Similar to what we previously reported in the LHb of male mTBI mice, mTBI presynaptically diminished spontaneous synaptic activity onto LHb neurons, while shifting synaptic E/I toward excitation in female mouse LHb. Furthermore, KOR activation in either mouse male/female LHb generally suppressed spontaneous glutamatergic transmission without altering GABAergic transmission, resulting in a significant reduction in E/I ratios and decreased excitatory synaptic drive to LHb neurons of male and female sham mice. Interestingly following mTBI, while responses to KOR activation at LHb glutamatergic synapses were observed comparable to those of sham, LHb GABAergic synapses acquired an additional sensitivity to KOR-mediated inhibition. Thus, in contrast to sham LHb, we observed a reduction in GABA release probability in response to KOR stimulation in mTBI LHb, resulting in a chronic loss of KOR-mediated net synaptic inhibition within the LHb. Overall, our findings uncovered the previously unknown sources of major Dyn/KOR-expressing synaptic inputs projecting to the mouse LHb. Further, we demonstrate that an engagement of intra-LHb Dyn/KOR signaling provides a global suppression of excitatory synaptic drive to the mouse LHb which could act as an inhibitory braking mechanism to prevent LHb hyperexcitability. The additional engagement of KOR-mediated modulatory action on LHb GABAergic transmission by mTBI could contribute to the E/I imbalance after mTBI, with Dyn/KOR signaling serving as a disinhibitory mechanism for LHb neurons in male and female mTBI mice.
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Li Z, Ye R, He Q, Lu J, Sun Y, Sun X, Tang S, Hu S, Chai J, Kong L, Liu X, Chen J, Fang Y, Lan Y, Xie Q, Liu J, Shao L, Fu W, Wang Y, Li W. Discovery of an Ortho-Substituted N-Cyclopropylmethyl-7α-phenyl-6,14- endoethano-tetrahydronorthebaine Derivative as a Selective and Potent Kappa Opioid Receptor Agonist with Subsided Sedative Effect. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38647397 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Research into kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonists with attenuated central-nervous-system side effects is a critical focus for developing productive and safe analgesics. Herein, a series of ortho-substituted N-cyclopropylmethyl-7α-phenyl-6,14-endoethano-tetrahydronorthebaines were designed, synthesized, and subjected to bioassays. Compound 7a exhibited high subtype selectivity and potent agonistic activity toward KOR (KOR, Ki = 3.9 nM, MOR/KOR = 270, DOR/KOR = 1075; [35S]GTPγS binding, EC50 = 3.4 nM). Additionally, this compound exhibited robust and persistent antinociceptive effects in rodent models with different animal strains (hot plate test, ED50 = 0.20-0.30 mg/kg, i.p.; abdominal constriction test, ED50 = 0.20-0.60 mg/kg, i.p.), with its KOR-mediated mechanism for antinociception firmly established. Notably, compound 7a, unlike conventional KOR agonists, displayed minimal sedation and aversion at the antinociceptive ED50 dose. This feature addresses a crucial limitation in existing KOR agonists, positioning compound 7a as a promising novel therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixiang Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Rufeng Ye
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qian He
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jiashuo Lu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Yanting Sun
- 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
| | - Xiujian Sun
- 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
| | - Siyuan Tang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shuyang Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jingrui Chai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Linghui Kong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaoning Liu
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai 264117, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yun Fang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yingjie Lan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qiong Xie
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jinggen Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 555 Zuchongzhi Road, 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
| | - Liming Shao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wei Fu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yujun Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research and State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai 264117, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, No. 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
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Amo R, Uchida N, Watabe-Uchida M. Glutamate inputs send prediction error of reward, but not negative value of aversive stimuli, to dopamine neurons. Neuron 2024; 112:1001-1019.e6. [PMID: 38278147 PMCID: PMC10957320 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.12.019] [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: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Midbrain dopamine neurons are thought to signal reward prediction errors (RPEs), but the mechanisms underlying RPE computation, particularly the contributions of different neurotransmitters, remain poorly understood. Here, we used a genetically encoded glutamate sensor to examine the pattern of glutamate inputs to dopamine neurons in mice. We found that glutamate inputs exhibit virtually all of the characteristics of RPE rather than conveying a specific component of RPE computation, such as reward or expectation. Notably, whereas glutamate inputs were transiently inhibited by reward omission, they were excited by aversive stimuli. Opioid analgesics altered dopamine negative responses to aversive stimuli into more positive responses, whereas excitatory responses of glutamate inputs remained unchanged. Our findings uncover previously unknown synaptic mechanisms underlying RPE computations; dopamine responses are shaped by both synergistic and competitive interactions between glutamatergic and GABAergic inputs to dopamine neurons depending on valences, with competitive interactions playing a role in responses to aversive stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryunosuke Amo
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Naoshige Uchida
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Mitsuko Watabe-Uchida
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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Farahbakhsh ZZ, Holleran KM, Sens JP, Fordahl SC, Mauterer MI, López AJ, Cuzon Carlson VC, Kiraly DD, Grant KA, Jones SR, Siciliano CA. Synchrony between midbrain gene transcription and dopamine terminal regulation is modulated by chronic alcohol drinking. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.15.584711. [PMID: 38559169 PMCID: PMC10979957 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.15.584711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder is marked by disrupted behavioral and emotional states which persist into abstinence. The enduring synaptic alterations that remain despite the absence of alcohol are of interest for interventions to prevent relapse. Here, 28 male rhesus macaques underwent over 20 months of alcohol drinking interspersed with three 30-day forced abstinence periods. After the last abstinence period, we paired direct sub-second dopamine monitoring via ex vivo voltammetry in nucleus accumbens slices with RNA-sequencing of the ventral tegmental area. We found persistent augmentation of dopamine transporter function, kappa opioid receptor sensitivity, and dynorphin release - all inhibitory regulators which act to decrease extracellular dopamine. Surprisingly, though transcript expression was not altered, the relationship between gene expression and functional readouts of these encoded proteins was highly dynamic and altered by drinking history. These results outline the long-lasting synaptic impact of alcohol use and suggest that assessment of transcript-function relationships is critical for the rational design of precision therapeutics.
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Johnson BN, Allen MI, Nader MA. Acquisition of cocaine reinforcement using fixed-ratio and concurrent choice schedules in socially housed female and male monkeys. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:263-274. [PMID: 37882812 PMCID: PMC10841868 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06483-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Previous studies in socially housed monkeys examining acquisition of cocaine self-administration under fixed-ratio (FR) schedules of reinforcement found that subordinate males and dominant females were more vulnerable than their counterparts. OBJECTIVES The present studies extended these findings in two ways: (1) to replicate the earlier study, in which female monkeys were studied after a relatively short period of social housing (~ 3 months) using cocaine-naïve female monkeys (n = 9; 4 dominant and 5 subordinate) living in well-established social groups (~ 18 months); and (2) in male monkeys (n = 3/social rank), we studied cocaine acquisition under a concurrent schedule, with an alternative, non-drug reinforcer available. RESULTS In contrast to earlier findings, subordinate female monkeys acquired cocaine reinforcement (i.e., > saline reinforcement) at significantly lower cocaine doses compared with dominant monkeys. In the socially housed males, no dominant monkey acquired a cocaine preference (i.e., > 80% cocaine choice) over food, while two of three subordinate monkeys acquired cocaine reinforcement. In monkeys that did not acquire, the conditions were changed to an FR schedule with only cocaine available and after acquisition, returned to the concurrent schedule. In all monkeys, high doses of cocaine were chosen over food reinforcement. CONCLUSIONS The behavioral data in females suggests that duration of social enrichment and stress can differentially impact vulnerability to cocaine reinforcement. The findings in socially housed male monkeys, using concurrent food vs. cocaine choice schedules of reinforcement, confirmed earlier social-rank differences using an FR schedule and showed that vulnerability could be modified by exposure to cocaine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard N Johnson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical Center Blvd, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157-1083, USA
| | - Mia I Allen
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical Center Blvd, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157-1083, USA
| | - Michael A Nader
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical Center Blvd, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157-1083, USA.
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Flores AJ, Bartlett MJ, Seaton BT, Samtani G, Sexauer MR, Weintraub NC, Siegenthaler JR, Lu D, Heien ML, Porreca F, Sherman SJ, Falk T. Antagonism of kappa opioid receptors accelerates the development of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in a preclinical model of moderate dopamine depletion. Brain Res 2023; 1821:148613. [PMID: 37783263 PMCID: PMC10841913 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148613] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Levels of the opioid peptide dynorphin, an endogenous ligand selective for kappa-opioid receptors (KORs), its mRNA and pro-peptide precursors are differentially dysregulated in Parkinson's disease (PD) and following the development of l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID). It remains unclear whether these alterations contribute to the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying PD motor impairment and the subsequent development of LID, or whether they are part of compensatory mechanisms. We sought to investigate nor-BNI, a KOR antagonist, 1) in the dopamine (DA)-depleted PD state, 2) during the development phase of LID, and 3) via measuring of tonic levels of striatal DA. While nor-BNI (3 mg/kg; s.c.) did not lead to functional restoration in the DA-depleted state, it affected the dose-dependent development of abnormal voluntary movements (AIMs) in response to escalating doses of l-DOPA in a rat PD model with a moderate striatal 6-hydroxdopamine (6-OHDA) lesion. We tested five escalating doses of l-DOPA (6, 12, 24, 48, 72 mg/kg; i.p.), and nor-BNI significantly increased the development of AIMs at the 12 and 24 mg/kg l-DOPA doses. However, after reaching the 72 mg/kg l-DOPA, AIMs were not significantly different between control and nor-BNI groups. In summary, while blocking KORs significantly increased the rate of development of LID induced by chronic, escalating doses of l-DOPA in a moderate-lesioned rat PD model, it did not contribute further once the overall severity of LID was established. While we observed an increase of tonic DA levels in the moderately lesioned dorsolateral striatum, there was no tonic DA change following administration of nor-BNI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Flores
- Department of Neurology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Physiological Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Mitchell J Bartlett
- Department of Neurology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; Department of Pharmacology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Blake T Seaton
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Grace Samtani
- Department of Neurology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Morgan R Sexauer
- Department of Neurology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Nathan C Weintraub
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; Department of Pharmacology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - James R Siegenthaler
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Dong Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Michael L Heien
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Frank Porreca
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Scott J Sherman
- Department of Neurology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Torsten Falk
- Department of Neurology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Physiological Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; Department of Pharmacology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.
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10
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Kuiper LB, Roberts JB, Estave PM, Leo D, Gainetdinov RR, Jones SR. Patterns of ethanol intake in male rats with partial dopamine transporter deficiency. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2023; 22:e12847. [PMID: 37461188 PMCID: PMC10733570 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Mesolimbic dopamine signaling plays a major role in alcohol and substance use disorders as well as comorbidities such as anxiety and depression. Growing evidence suggests that alcohol drinking is modulated by the function of the dopamine transporter (DAT), which tightly regulates extracellular dopamine concentrations. Adult male rats on a Wistar Han background (DAT+/+) and rats with a partial DAT deletion (DAT+/-) were used in this study. First, using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry in brain slices containing the nucleus accumbens core from ethanol-naïve subjects, we measured greater evoked dopamine concentrations and slower dopamine reuptake in DAT+/- rats, consistent with increased dopamine signaling. Next, we measured ethanol drinking using the intermittent access two-bottle choice paradigm (20% v/v ethanol vs. water) across 5 weeks. DAT+/- rats voluntarily consumed less ethanol during its initial availability (the first 30 min), especially after longer periods of deprivation. In addition, DAT+/- males consumed less ethanol that was adulterated with the bitter tastant quinine. These findings suggest that partial DAT blockade and concomitant increase in brain dopamine levels has potential to reduce drinking and ameliorate alcohol use disorder (AUD).
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Affiliation(s)
- L. B. Kuiper
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologyWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - J. B. Roberts
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologyWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - P. M. Estave
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologyWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - D. Leo
- Department of NeurosciencesUniversity of MonsMonsBelgium
| | - R. R. Gainetdinov
- Institute of Translational BiomedicineSt. Petersburg State UniversitySt. PetersburgRussia
- St. Petersburg University HospitalSt. Petersburg State UniversitySt. PetersburgRussia
| | - S. R. Jones
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologyWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
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Ona G, Reverte I, Rossi GN, Dos Santos RG, Hallak JE, Colomina MT, Bouso JC. Main targets of ibogaine and noribogaine associated with its putative anti-addictive effects: A mechanistic overview. J Psychopharmacol 2023; 37:1190-1200. [PMID: 37937505 DOI: 10.1177/02698811231200882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a growing interest in studying ibogaine (IBO) as a potential treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs). However, its clinical use has been hindered for mainly two reasons: First, the lack of randomized, controlled studies informing about its safety and efficacy. And second, IBO's mechanisms of action remain obscure. It has been challenging to elucidate a predominant mechanism of action responsible for its anti-addictive effects. OBJECTIVE To describe the main targets of IBO and its main metabolite, noribogaine (NOR), in relation to their putative anti-addictive effects, reviewing the updated literature available. METHODS A comprehensive search involving MEDLINE and Google Scholar was undertaken, selecting papers published until July 2022. The inclusion criteria were both theoretical and experimental studies about the pharmacology of IBO. Additional publications were identified in the references of the initial papers. RESULTS IBO and its main metabolite, NOR, can modulate several targets associated with SUDs. Instead of identifying key targets, the action of IBO should be understood as a complex modulation of multiple receptor systems, leading to potential synergies. The elucidation of IBO's pharmacology could be enhanced through the application of methodologies rooted in the polypharmacology paradigm. Such approaches possess the capability to describe multifaceted patterns within multi-target drugs. CONCLUSION IBO displays complex effects through multiple targets. The information detailed here should guide future research on both mechanistic and therapeutic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genís Ona
- International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service (ICEERS), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychology and Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
- Medical Anthropology Research Center (MARC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Ingrid Reverte
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation (IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia), Rome, Italy
| | - Giordano N Rossi
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Rafael G Dos Santos
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), CNPq, Ribeirão Preto (SP), Brazil
| | - Jaime Ec Hallak
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), CNPq, Ribeirão Preto (SP), Brazil
| | - Maria Teresa Colomina
- Department of Psychology and Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
| | - José Carlos Bouso
- International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service (ICEERS), Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Anthropology Research Center (MARC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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12
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Amo R, Uchida N, Watabe-Uchida M. Glutamate inputs send prediction error of reward but not negative value of aversive stimuli to dopamine neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.09.566472. [PMID: 37986868 PMCID: PMC10659341 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.09.566472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Midbrain dopamine neurons are thought to signal reward prediction errors (RPEs) but the mechanisms underlying RPE computation, particularly contributions of different neurotransmitters, remain poorly understood. Here we used a genetically-encoded glutamate sensor to examine the pattern of glutamate inputs to dopamine neurons. We found that glutamate inputs exhibit virtually all of the characteristics of RPE, rather than conveying a specific component of RPE computation such as reward or expectation. Notably, while glutamate inputs were transiently inhibited by reward omission, they were excited by aversive stimuli. Opioid analgesics altered dopamine negative responses to aversive stimuli toward more positive responses, while excitatory responses of glutamate inputs remained unchanged. Our findings uncover previously unknown synaptic mechanisms underlying RPE computations; dopamine responses are shaped by both synergistic and competitive interactions between glutamatergic and GABAergic inputs to dopamine neurons depending on valences, with competitive interactions playing a role in responses to aversive stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryunosuke Amo
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Naoshige Uchida
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Mitsuko Watabe-Uchida
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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13
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Flores AJ, Bartlett MJ, Seaton BT, Samtani G, Sexauer MR, Weintraub NC, Siegenthaler JR, Lu D, Heien ML, Porreca F, Sherman SJ, Falk T. Antagonism of kappa opioid receptors accelerates the development of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in a preclinical model of moderate dopamine depletion. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.31.551112. [PMID: 37577558 PMCID: PMC10418115 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.31.551112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Levels of the opioid peptide dynorphin, an endogenous ligand selective for kappa-opioid receptors (KORs), its mRNA and pro-peptide precursors are differentially dysregulated in Parkinson disease (PD) and following the development of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID). It remains unclear, whether these alterations contribute to the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying PD motor impairment and the subsequent development of LID, or whether they are part of compensatory mechanisms. We sought to investigate nor-BNI, a KOR antagonist, 1) in the dopamine (DA)-depleted PD state, 2) during the development phase of LID, and 3) with measuring tonic levels of striatal DA. Nor-BNI (3 mg/kg; s.c.) did not lead to functional restoration in the DA-depleted state, but a change in the dose-dependent development of abnormal voluntary movements (AIMs) in response to escalating doses of L-DOPA in a rat PD model with a moderate striatal 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion. We tested five escalating doses of L-DOPA (6, 12, 24, 48, 72 mg/kg; i.p.), and nor-BNI significantly increased the development of AIMs at the 12 and 24 mg/kg L-DOPA doses. However, after dosing with 72 mg/kg L-DOPA, AIMs were not significantly different between control and nor-BNI groups. In summary, while blocking KORs significantly increased the rate of development of LID induced by chronic, escalating doses of L-DOPA in a moderate-lesioned rat PD model, it did not contribute further once the overall severity of LID was established. While we saw an increase of tonic DA levels in the moderately lesioned dorsolateral striatum, there was no tonic DA change following administration of nor-BNI.
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14
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Di Raddo ME, Milenkovic M, Sivasubramanian M, Hasbi A, Bergman J, Withey S, Madras BK, George SR. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol does not upregulate an aversive dopamine receptor mechanism in adolescent brain unlike in adults. CURRENT RESEARCH IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 5:100107. [PMID: 38020805 PMCID: PMC10663137 DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2023.100107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Earlier age of cannabis usage poses higher risk of Cannabis Use Disorder and adverse consequences, such as addiction, anxiety, dysphoria, psychosis, largely attributed to its principal psychoactive component, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and altered dopaminergic function. As dopamine D1-D2 receptor heteromer activation causes anxiety and anhedonia, this signaling complex was postulated to contribute to THC-induced affective symptoms. To investigate this, we administered THC repeatedly to adolescent monkeys and adolescent or adult rats. Drug-naïve adolescent rat had lower striatal densities of D1-D2 heteromer compared to adult rat. Repeated administration of THC to adolescent rat or adolescent monkey did not alter D1-D2 heteromer expression in nucleus accumbens or dorsal striatum but upregulated it in adult rat. Behaviourally, THC-treated adult, but not adolescent rat manifested anxiety and anhedonia-like behaviour, with elevated composite negative emotionality scores that correlated with striatal D1-D2 density. THC modified downstream markers of D1-D2 activation in adult, but not adolescent striatum. THC administered with cannabidiol did not alter D1-D2 expression. In adult rat, co-administration of CB1 receptor (CB1R) inverse agonist with THC attenuated D1-D2 upregulation, implicating cannabinoids in the regulation of striatal D1-D2 heteromer expression. THC exposure revealed an adaptable age-specific, anxiogenic, anti-reward mechanism operant in adult striatum but deficient in adolescent rat and monkey striatum that may confer increased sensitivity to THC reward in adolescence while limiting its negative effects, thus promoting continued use and increasing vulnerability to long-term adverse cannabis effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Eve Di Raddo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada M5S 1A8
| | - Marija Milenkovic
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada M5S 1A8
| | | | - Ahmed Hasbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada M5S 1A8
| | - Jack Bergman
- McLean Hospital, Belmont MA & Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02478, United States
| | - Sarah Withey
- McLean Hospital, Belmont MA & Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02478, United States
| | - Bertha K. Madras
- McLean Hospital, Belmont MA & Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02478, United States
| | - Susan R. George
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada M5S 1A8
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada M5S 1A8
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15
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Serretti A. Anhedonia and Depressive Disorders. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN COLLEGE OF NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 21:401-409. [PMID: 37424409 PMCID: PMC10335915 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.23.1086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Anhedonia is a core symptom of depression and of several psychiatric disorders. Anhedonia has however expanded from its original definition to encompass a spectrum of reward processing deficits that received much interest in the last decades. It is a relevant risk factor for possible suicidal behaviors, and that it may operate as an independent risk factor for suicidality apart from the episode severity. Anhedonia has also been linked to inflammation with a possible reciprocal deleterious effect on depression. Its neurophysiological bases mainly include alterations in striatal and prefrontal areas, with dopamine being the most involved neurotransmitter. Anhedonia is thought to have a significant genetic component and polygenic risk scores are a possible tool for predicting an individual's risk for developing anhedonia. Traditional antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, showed a limited benefit on anhedonia, also considering their potential pro-anhedonic effect in some subjects. Other treatments may be more effective in treating anhedonia, such as agomelatine, vortioxetine, ketamine and transcranial magnetic stimulation. Psychotherapy is also widely supported, with cognitive-behavioral therapy and behavioral activation both showing benefit. In conclusion, a large body of evidence suggests that anhedonia is, at least partially, independent from depression, therefore it needs careful assessment and targeted treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Serretti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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16
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Olusakin J, Lobo MK. An endogenous opioid alters neuronal plasticity to constrain cognitive flexibility. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3146-3148. [PMID: 37532796 PMCID: PMC10859914 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02204-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy Olusakin
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Mary Kay Lobo
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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17
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Farahbakhsh ZZ, Song K, Branthwaite HE, Erickson KR, Mukerjee S, Nolan SO, Siciliano CA. Systemic kappa opioid receptor antagonism accelerates reinforcement learning via augmentation of novelty processing in male mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:857-868. [PMID: 36804487 PMCID: PMC10156709 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01547-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Selective inhibition of kappa opioid receptors (KORs) is highly anticipated as a pharmacotherapeutic intervention for substance use disorders and depression. The accepted explanation for KOR antagonist-induced amelioration of aberrant behaviors posits that KORs globally function as a negative valence system; antagonism thereby blunts the behavioral influence of negative internal states such as anhedonia and negative affect. While effects of systemic KOR manipulations have been widely reproduced, explicit evaluation of negative valence as an explanatory construct is lacking. Here, we tested a series of falsifiable hypotheses generated a priori based on the negative valence model by pairing reinforcement learning tasks with systemic pharmacological KOR blockade in male C57BL/6J mice. The negative valence model failed to predict multiple experimental outcomes: KOR blockade accelerated contingency learning during both positive and negative reinforcement without altering innate responses to appetitive or aversive stimuli. We next proposed novelty processing, which influences learning independent of valence, as an alternative explanatory construct. Hypotheses based on novelty processing predicted subsequent observations: KOR blockade increased exploration of a novel, but not habituated, environment and augmented the reinforcing efficacy of novel visual stimuli in a sensory reinforcement task. Together, these results revise and extend long-standing theories of KOR system function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Z Farahbakhsh
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Keaton Song
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Hannah E Branthwaite
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Kirsty R Erickson
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Snigdha Mukerjee
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Suzanne O Nolan
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Cody A Siciliano
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
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18
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Mazzeo F, Meccariello R, Guatteo E. Molecular and Epigenetic Aspects of Opioid Receptors in Drug Addiction and Pain Management in Sport. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097831. [PMID: 37175536 PMCID: PMC10178540 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioids are substances derived from opium (natural opioids). In its raw state, opium is a gummy latex extracted from Papaver somniferum. The use of opioids and their negative health consequences among people who use drugs have been studied. Today, opioids are still the most commonly used and effective analgesic treatments for severe pain, but their use and abuse causes detrimental side effects for health, including addiction, thus impacting the user's quality of life and causing overdose. The mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic circuitry represents the brain circuit mediating both natural rewards and the rewarding aspects of nearly all drugs of abuse, including opioids. Hence, understanding how opioids affect the function of dopaminergic circuitry may be useful for better knowledge of the process and to develop effective therapeutic strategies in addiction. The aim of this review was to summarize the main features of opioids and opioid receptors and focus on the molecular and upcoming epigenetic mechanisms leading to opioid addiction. Since synthetic opioids can be effective for pain management, their ability to induce addiction in athletes, with the risk of incurring doping, is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filomena Mazzeo
- Department of Economics, Law, Cybersecurity and Sports Sciences, University of Naples "Parthenope", 80133 Naples, Italy
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples "Parthenope", 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples "Parthenope", 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Ezia Guatteo
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples "Parthenope", 80133 Naples, Italy
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
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19
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Johnson BN, Allen MI, Reboussin BA, LaValley C, Nader MA. Delay discounting as a behavioral phenotype associated with social rank in female and male cynomolgus monkeys: Correlation with kappa opioid receptor availability. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2023; 225:173545. [PMID: 37004977 PMCID: PMC10732250 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2023.173545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Cocaine use disorder (CUD) is a significant problem worldwide, with no FDA-approved treatments. Epidemiological data indicate that only about 17 % of people that use cocaine will meet DSM criteria for CUD. Thus, the identification of biomarkers predictive of eventual cocaine use may be of great value. Two potentially useful predictors of CUD are social hierarchies in nonhuman primates and delay discounting. Both social rank and preference for a smaller, immediate reinforcer relative to a larger, delayed reinforcer have been predictive of CUD. Therefore, we wanted to determine if there was also a relationship between these two predictors of CUD. In the present study, monkeys cocaine-naive responded under a concurrent schedule of 1- vs. 3-food pellets and delivery of the 3-pellet option was delayed. The primary dependent variable was the indifference point (IP), which is the delay that results in 50 % choice for both options. In the initial determination of IP, there were no differences based on sex or social rank of the monkeys. When the delays were redetermined after ~25 baseline sessions (range 5-128 sessions), dominant females and subordinate males showed the largest increases in IP scores from the first determination to the second. Because 13 of these monkeys had prior PET scans of the kappa opioid receptor (KOR), we examined the relationship between KOR availability and IP values and found that the change in IP scores from the first to the second determination significantly negatively predicted average KOR availability in most brain regions. Future studies will examine acquisition to cocaine self-administration in these same monkeys, to determine if IP values are predictive of vulnerability to cocaine reinforcement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard N Johnson
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27157, United States of America
| | - Mia I Allen
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27157, United States of America
| | - Beth A Reboussin
- Department of Biostatistics, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27157, United States of America
| | - Christina LaValley
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27157, United States of America
| | - Michael A Nader
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27157, United States of America.
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20
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Matsumura K, Choi IB, Asokan M, Le NN, Natividad L, Dobbs LK. Striatal enkephalin supports maintenance of conditioned cocaine reward during extinction. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 36865224 PMCID: PMC9980085 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.23.529807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Drug predictive cues and contexts exert powerful control over behavior and can incite drug seeking and taking. This association and the behavioral output are encoded within striatal circuits, and regulation of these circuits by G-protein coupled receptors affects cocaine-related behaviors. Here, we investigated how opioid peptides and G-protein coupled opioid receptors expressed in striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) regulate conditioned cocaine seeking. Augmenting levels of the opioid peptide enkephalin in the striatum facilitates acquisition of cocaine conditioned place preference (CPP). In contrast, opioid receptor antagonists attenuate cocaine CPP and facilitate extinction of alcohol CPP. However, whether striatal enkephalin is necessary for acquisition of cocaine CPP and maintenance during extinction remains unknown. We generated mice with a targeted deletion of enkephalin from dopamine D2-receptor expressing MSNs (D2-PenkKO) and tested them for cocaine CPP. Low striatal enkephalin levels did not attenuate acquisition or expression of CPP; however, D2-PenkKOs showed faster extinction of cocaine CPP. Single administration of the non-selective opioid receptor antagonist naloxone prior to preference testing blocked expression of CPP selectively in females, but equally between genotypes. Repeated administration of naloxone during extinction did not facilitate extinction of cocaine CPP for either genotype, but rather prevented extinction in D2-PenkKO mice. We conclude that while striatal enkephalin is not necessary for acquisition of cocaine reward, it maintains the learned association between cocaine and its predictive cues during extinction learning. Further, sex and pre-existing low striatal enkephalin levels may be important considerations for use of naloxone in treating cocaine use disorder.
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21
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Johnson BN, Kumar A, Su Y, Singh S, Sai KKS, Nader SH, Li S, Reboussin BA, Huang Y, Deep G, Nader MA. PET imaging of kappa opioid receptors and receptor expression quantified in neuron-derived extracellular vesicles in socially housed female and male cynomolgus macaques. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:410-417. [PMID: 36100655 PMCID: PMC9751296 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01444-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Recent positron emission tomography (PET) studies of kappa opioid receptors (KOR) in humans reported significant relationships between KOR availability and social status, as well as cocaine choice. In monkey models, social status influences physiology, receptor pharmacology and behavior; these variables have been associated vulnerability to cocaine abuse. The present study utilized PET imaging to examine KOR availability in socially housed, cocaine-naïve female and male monkeys, and peripheral measures of KORs with neuron-derived extracellular vesicles (NDE). KOR availability was assessed in dominant and subordinate female and male cynomolgus macaques (N = 4/rank/sex), using PET imaging with the KOR selective agonist [11C]EKAP. In addition, NDE from the plasma of socially housed monkeys (N = 13/sex; N = 6-7/rank) were isolated by immunocapture method and analyzed for OPRK1 protein expression by ELISA. We found significant interactions between sex and social rank in KOR availability across 12 of 15 brain regions. This was driven by female data, in which KOR availability was significantly higher in subordinate monkeys compared with dominant monkeys; the opposite relationship was observed among males, but not statistically significant. No sex or rank differences were observed for NDE OPRK1 concentrations. In summary, the relationship between brain KOR availability and social rank was different in female and male monkeys. This was particularly true in female monkeys. We hypothesize that lower [11C]EKAP binding potentials were due to higher concentrations of circulating dynorphin, which is consistent with greater vulnerability in dominant compared with subordinate females. These findings suggest that the KOR is an important target for understanding the neurobiology associated with vulnerability to abused drugs and sex differences, and detectable in peripheral circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard N Johnson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Center for Addiction Research, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Ashish Kumar
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Yixin Su
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Sangeeta Singh
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Kiran Kumar Solingapuram Sai
- Center for Addiction Research, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Department of Radiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Susan H Nader
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Songye Li
- Yale PET Center, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Beth A Reboussin
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Yiyun Huang
- Yale PET Center, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Gagan Deep
- Center for Addiction Research, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| | - Michael A Nader
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
- Center for Addiction Research, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
- Department of Radiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
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22
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Simmons SC, Grecco GG, Atwood BK, Nugent FS. Effects of prenatal opioid exposure on synaptic adaptations and behaviors across development. Neuropharmacology 2023; 222:109312. [PMID: 36334764 PMCID: PMC10314127 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109312] [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: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In this review, we focus on prenatal opioid exposure (POE) given the significant concern for the mental health outcomes of children with parents affected by opioid use disorder (OUD) in the view of the current opioid crisis. We highlight some of the less explored interactions between developmental age and sex on synaptic plasticity and associated behavioral outcomes in preclinical POE research. We begin with an overview of the rich literature on hippocampal related behaviors and plasticity across POE exposure paradigms. We then discuss recent work on reward circuit dysregulation following POE. Additional risk factors such as early life stress (ELS) could further influence synaptic and behavioral outcomes of POE. Therefore, we include an overview on the use of preclinical ELS models where ELS exposure during key critical developmental periods confers considerable vulnerability to addiction and stress psychopathology. Here, we hope to highlight the similarity between POE and ELS on development and maintenance of opioid-induced plasticity and altered opioid-related behaviors where similar enduring plasticity in reward circuits may occur. We conclude the review with some of the limitations that should be considered in future investigations. This article is part of the Special Issue on 'Opioid-induced addiction'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Simmons
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Greg G Grecco
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Brady K Atwood
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Fereshteh S Nugent
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Pomrenze MB, Cardozo Pinto DF, Neumann PA, Llorach P, Tucciarone JM, Morishita W, Eshel N, Heifets BD, Malenka RC. Modulation of 5-HT release by dynorphin mediates social deficits during opioid withdrawal. Neuron 2022; 110:4125-4143.e6. [PMID: 36202097 PMCID: PMC9789200 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Social isolation during opioid withdrawal is a major contributor to the current opioid addiction crisis. We find that sociability deficits during protracted opioid withdrawal in mice require activation of kappa opioid receptors (KORs) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) medial shell. Blockade of release from dynorphin (Pdyn)-expressing dorsal raphe neurons (DRPdyn), but not from NAcPdyn neurons, prevents these deficits in prosocial behaviors. Conversely, optogenetic activation of DRPdyn neurons reproduced NAc KOR-dependent decreases in sociability. Deletion of KORs from serotonin (5-HT) neurons, but not from NAc neurons or dopamine (DA) neurons, prevented sociability deficits during withdrawal. Finally, measurements with the genetically encoded GRAB5-HT sensor revealed that during withdrawal KORs block the NAc 5-HT release that normally occurs during social interactions. These results define a neuromodulatory mechanism that is engaged during protracted opioid withdrawal to induce maladaptive deficits in prosocial behaviors, which in humans contribute to relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B Pomrenze
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Daniel F Cardozo Pinto
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Peter A Neumann
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Pierre Llorach
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jason M Tucciarone
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Wade Morishita
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Neir Eshel
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Boris D Heifets
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Robert C Malenka
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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24
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Ji MJ, Gao ZQ, Yang J, Cai JH, Li KX, Wang J, Zhang H, Zhou CH, Cao JL, Liu C. Dynorphin promotes stress-induced depressive behaviors by inhibiting ventral pallidal neurons in rats. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2022; 236:e13882. [PMID: 36039689 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
AIM Endogenous dynorphin signaling via kappa opioid receptors (KORs) plays a key role in producing the depressive and aversive consequences of stress. We investigated the behavioral effects of the dynorphin/KOR system in the ventral pallidum (VP) and studied the underlying mechanisms. METHODS To investigate the effects of dynorphin on the VP, we conducted behavioral experiments after microinjection of drugs or shRNA and brain-slice electrophysiological recordings. Histological tracing and molecular biological experiments were used to identify the distribution of KORs and the possible sources of dynorphin projections to the VP. RESULTS An elevated dynorphin concentration and increased KOR activity were observed in the VP after acute stress. Infusion of dynorphin-A into the VP produced depressive-like phenotypes including anhedonia and despair and anxiety behaviors, but did not alter locomotor behavior. Mechanistically, dynorphin had an inhibitory effect on VP neurons-reducing their firing rate and inhibiting excitatory transmission-through direct activation of KORs and modulation of downstream G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels and high-voltage gated calcium channels (VGCCs). Tracing revealed direct innervation of VP neurons by dynorphin-positive projections; potential sources of these dynorphinergic projections include the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and hypothalamus. Blockade of dynorphin/KOR signaling in the VP by drugs or viral knock-down of KORs significantly reduced despair behavior in rats. CONCLUSIONS Endogenous dynorphinergic modulation of the VP plays a critical role in mediating depressive reactions to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Jin Ji
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jiao Yang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ji-Heng Cai
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ke-Xue Li
- Department of Physiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Hongxing Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Cheng-Hua Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jun-Li Cao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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25
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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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26
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Limoges A, Yarur HE, Tejeda HA. Dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor system regulation on amygdaloid circuitry: Implications for neuropsychiatric disorders. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:963691. [PMID: 36276608 PMCID: PMC9579273 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.963691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amygdaloid circuits are involved in a variety of emotional and motivation-related behaviors and are impacted by stress. The amygdala expresses several neuromodulatory systems, including opioid peptides and their receptors. The Dynorphin (Dyn)/kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system has been implicated in the processing of emotional and stress-related information and is expressed in brain areas involved in stress and motivation. Dysregulation of the Dyn/KOR system has also been implicated in various neuropsychiatric disorders. However, there is limited information about the role of the Dyn/KOR system in regulating amygdala circuitry. Here, we review the literature on the (1) basic anatomy of the amygdala, (2) functional regulation of synaptic transmission by the Dyn/KOR system, (3) anatomical architecture and function of the Dyn/KOR system in the amygdala, (4) regulation of amygdala-dependent behaviors by the Dyn/KOR system, and (5) future directions for the field. Future work investigating how the Dyn/KOR system shapes a wide range of amygdala-related behaviors will be required to increase our understanding of underlying circuitry modulation by the Dyn/KOR system. We anticipate that continued focus on the amygdala Dyn/KOR system will also elucidate novel ways to target the Dyn/KOR system to treat neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Limoges
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, Bethesda, MD, United States
- NIH-Columbia University Individual Graduate Partnership Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Hector E. Yarur
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Hugo A. Tejeda
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, Bethesda, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Hugo A. Tejeda,
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27
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Walwyn WM, Valenza M. Editorial: Kappa opioid receptors revealed: Disentangling the pharmacology to open up new therapeutic strategies. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:973780. [PMID: 36034837 PMCID: PMC9413185 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.973780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Margaret Walwyn
- Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Marta Valenza
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Marta Valenza,
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28
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Nakagawasai O, Ambo A, Takahashi K, Onogi H, Nishimura Y, Okubo M, Nemoto W, Tan-No K. Intracerebroventricular Administration of Dermorphin-Dynorphin Analogs Producing Antidepressant-Like Effects through Activation of μ<sub>1</sub>- and κ-Opioid Receptors in Mice. Biol Pharm Bull 2022; 45:1203-1207. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b22-00164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Osamu Nakagawasai
- Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University
| | - Akihiro Ambo
- Division of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University
| | - Kohei Takahashi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare
| | - Hiroshi Onogi
- Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University
| | - Yuki Nishimura
- Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University
| | - Myu Okubo
- Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University
| | - Wataru Nemoto
- Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University
| | - Koichi Tan-No
- Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University
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29
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Grillo W, Boateng CA, Brady LJ, Gaudier-Diaz MM, Mitchell KA, Ruffin VA, Tejdeda HA, Marshall SA. Reflections of six neuroscientists: The influences of training at minority serving institutions. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:1529-1537. [PMID: 33527411 PMCID: PMC9942539 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Grillo
- Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Comfort A. Boateng
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy, High Point University, NC, USA
| | - Lillian J. Brady
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Monica M. Gaudier-Diaz
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kerry-Ann Mitchell
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Vernon A. Ruffin
- Department of Natural Sciences, Virginia Union University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Hugo A. Tejdeda
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, US National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - S. Alex Marshall
- Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, USA,Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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30
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Haun HL, Lebonville CL, Solomon MG, Griffin WC, Lopez MF, Becker HC. Dynorphin/Kappa Opioid Receptor Activity Within the Extended Amygdala Contributes to Stress-Enhanced Alcohol Drinking in Mice. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:1019-1028. [PMID: 35190188 PMCID: PMC9167153 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While there is high comorbidity of stress-related disorders and alcohol use disorder, few effective treatments are available and elucidating underlying neurobiological mechanisms has been hampered by a general lack of reliable animal models. Here, we use a novel mouse model demonstrating robust and reproducible stress-enhanced alcohol drinking to examine the role of dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor (DYN/KOR) activity within the extended amygdala in mediating this stress-alcohol interaction. METHODS Mice received repeated weekly cycles of chronic intermittent ethanol exposure alternating with weekly drinking sessions ± forced swim stress exposure. Pdyn messenger RNA expression was measured in the central amygdala (CeA), and DYN-expressing CeA neurons were then targeted for chemogenetic inhibition. Finally, a KOR antagonist was microinjected into the CeA or bed nucleus of the stria terminalis to examine the role of KOR signaling in promoting stress-enhanced drinking. RESULTS Stress (forced swim stress) selectively increased alcohol drinking in mice with a history of chronic intermittent ethanol exposure, and this was accompanied by elevated Pdyn messenger RNA levels in the CeA. Targeted chemogenetic silencing of DYN-expressing CeA neurons blocked stress-enhanced drinking, and KOR antagonism in the CeA or bed nucleus of the stria terminalis significantly reduced stress-induced elevated alcohol consumption without altering moderate intake in control mice. CONCLUSIONS Using a novel and robust model of stress-enhanced alcohol drinking, a significant role for DYN/KOR activity within extended amygdala circuitry in mediating this effect was demonstrated, thereby providing further evidence that the DYN/KOR system may be a valuable target in the development of more effective treatments for individuals presenting with comorbidity of stress-related disorders and alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold L Haun
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Christina L Lebonville
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Matthew G Solomon
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - William C Griffin
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Marcelo F Lopez
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Howard C Becker
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina; Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina; Ralph H. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina.
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31
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Leconte C, Mongeau R, Noble F. Traumatic Stress-Induced Vulnerability to Addiction: Critical Role of the Dynorphin/Kappa Opioid Receptor System. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:856672. [PMID: 35571111 PMCID: PMC9091501 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.856672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Substance use disorders (SUD) may emerge from an individual’s attempt to limit negative affective states and symptoms linked to stress. Indeed, SUD is highly comorbid with chronic stress, traumatic stress, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and treatments approved for each pathology individually often failed to have a therapeutic efficiency in such comorbid patients. The kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) and its endogenous ligand dynorphin (DYN), seem to play a key role in the occurrence of this comorbidity. The DYN/KOR function is increased either in traumatic stress or during drug use, dependence acquisition and DYN is released during stress. The behavioural effects of stress related to the DYN/KOR system include anxiety, dissociative and depressive symptoms, as well as increased conditioned fear response. Furthermore, the DYN/KOR system is implicated in negative reinforcement after the euphoric effects of a drug of abuse ends. During chronic drug consumption DYN/KOR functions increase and facilitate tolerance and dependence. The drug-seeking behaviour induced by KOR activation can be retrieved either during the development of an addictive behaviour, or during relapse after withdrawal. DYN is known to be one of the most powerful negative modulators of dopamine signalling, notably in brain structures implicated in both reward and fear circuitries. KOR are also acting as inhibitory heteroreceptors on serotonin neurons. Moreover, the DYN/KOR system cross-regulate with corticotropin-releasing factor in the brain. The sexual dimorphism of the DYN/KOR system could be the cause of the gender differences observed in patients with SUD or/and traumatic stress-related pathologies. This review underlies experimental and clinical results emphasizing the DYN/KOR system as common mechanisms shared by SUD or/and traumatic stress-related pathologies, and suggests KOR antagonist as a new pharmacological strategy to treat this comorbidity.
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32
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Baker PM, Mathis V, Lecourtier L, Simmons SC, Nugent FS, Hill S, Mizumori SJY. Lateral Habenula Beyond Avoidance: Roles in Stress, Memory, and Decision-Making With Implications for Psychiatric Disorders. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:826475. [PMID: 35308564 PMCID: PMC8930415 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.826475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In this Perspective review, we highlight some of the less explored aspects of lateral habenula (LHb) function in contextual memory, sleep, and behavioral flexibility. We provide evidence that LHb is well-situated to integrate different internal state and multimodal sensory information from memory-, stress-, motivational-, and reward-related circuits essential for both survival and decision making. We further discuss the impact of early life stress (ELS) on LHb function as an example of stress-induced hyperactivity and dysregulation of neuromodulatory systems within the LHb that promote anhedonia and motivational deficits following ELS. We acknowledge that recent technological advancements in manipulation and recording of neural circuits in simplified and well-controlled behavioral paradigms have been invaluable in our understanding of the critical role of LHb in motivation and emotional regulation as well as the involvement of LHb dysfunction in stress-induced psychopathology. However, we also argue that the use of ethologically-relevant behaviors with consideration of complex aspects of decision-making is warranted for future studies of LHb contributions in a wide range of psychiatric illnesses. We conclude this Perspective with some of the outstanding issues for the field to consider where a multi-systems approach is needed to investigate the complex nature of LHb circuitry interactions with environmental stimuli that predisposes psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip M. Baker
- Department of Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA, United States
- *Correspondence: Phillip M. Baker,
| | - Victor Mathis
- CNRS UPR 3212, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Center National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Lucas Lecourtier
- CNRS, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), UMR 7364, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Lucas Lecourtier,
| | - Sarah C. Simmons
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Fereshteh S. Nugent
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Fereshteh S. Nugent,
| | - Sierra Hill
- Department of Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Sheri J. Y. Mizumori
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Sheri J. Y. Mizumori,
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Abraham AD, Casello SM, Land BB, Chavkin C. Optogenetic stimulation of dynorphinergic neurons within the dorsal raphe activate kappa opioid receptors in the ventral tegmental area and ablation of dorsal raphe prodynorphin or kappa receptors in dopamine neurons blocks stress potentiation of cocaine reward. ADDICTION NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 1. [PMID: 36176476 PMCID: PMC9518814 DOI: 10.1016/j.addicn.2022.100005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Behavioral stress exposure increases the risk of drug-taking in individuals with substance use disorders by mechanisms involving the dynorphins, which are the endogenous neuropeptides for the kappa opioid receptor (KOR). KOR agonists have been shown to encode dysphoria, aversion, and changes in reward valuation, and kappa opioid antagonists are in clinical development for treating substance use disorders. In this study, we confirmed that KORs were expressed in dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of male C57BL6/J mice. Genetic ablation of KORs from dopamine neurons blocked the potentiating effects of repeated forced swim stress on cocaine conditioned place preference (CPP). KOR activation inhibited dopamine neuron GCaMP6m calcium activity in VTA during swim stress and caused a rebound enhancement during the period after stress exposure. Transient optogenetic inhibition of VTA dopamine neurons with AAV5-DIO-SwiChR was acutely aversive in a real time place preference assay and blunted cocaine CPP when inhibition was administered concurrently with cocaine conditioning. However, when inhibition preceded cocaine conditioning by 30 min, cocaine CPP was enhanced. Retrograde tracing with CAV2-DIO-ZsGreen identified a population of prodynorphinCre neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) projecting to the VTA. Optogenetic stimulation of dynorphinergic neurons within the DRN by Channelrhodopsin2 activated KOR in VTA and ablation of prodynorphin blocked stress potentiation of cocaine CPP. Together, these studies demonstrate the presence of a dynorphin/KOR midbrain circuit that projects from the DRN to VTA and is involved in altering the dynamic response of dopamine neuron activity to enhance drug reward learning.
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Askari N, Mousavi A, Vaez-Mahdavi MR. Maternal deprivation effect on morphine-induced CPP is related to changes in Opioid receptors in selected rat brain regions (hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and nucleus accumbens). Behav Processes 2022; 197:104607. [PMID: 35218881 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2022.104607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Early-life environmental conditions affect offspring's development. Maternal deprivation (MD) can induce persistent changes that give rise to neuropsychiatric diseases including substance abuse disorders. However, long-lasting mechanisms that determine vulnerability to drug addiction remain unknown. We hypothesized that MD could induce changes in Opioid system, HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis, and BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), so may be involved in the drug abuse in later life. Male offspring of Wistar rats (n=8 per group) were subjected to 3h of daily MD during postnatal days 1-14. In adulthood, morphine-induced CPP (conditioned place preference) was investigated using two doses of morphine (3 and 5mg/kg). Serum corticosterone level was measured by ELISA method. The expression level of genes in selected brain regions (hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and nucleus accumbens) was determined by qPCR (quantitative PCR). A greater morphine-induced CPP was observed in MD rats with 3 and 5mg/kg morphine compared to controls. MD group had a higher corticosterone level. A significant decrease was observed in the expression of BDNF gene (in all of the selected brain regions) and GR (glucocorticoid receptor) gene (in the hippocampus and nucleus accumbens) in MD rats. Also, a significant increase in the expression of μ Opioid receptor (in all of the selected brain regions) and κ Opioid receptor (in the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens) was observed in MD rats. Our results suggest that MD induces alterations in the HPA axis function, BDNF level, and Opioid receptors system that enhance vulnerability to morphine at adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayere Askari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, I.R. Iran; Immunoregulation Research Center, Shahed University, Tehran, I.R. Iran.
| | - Ali Mousavi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, I.R. Iran
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Best KM, Mojena MM, Barr GA, Schmidt HD, Cohen AS. Endogenous Opioid Dynorphin Is a Potential Link between Traumatic Brain Injury, Chronic Pain, and Substance Use Disorder. J Neurotrauma 2022; 39:1-19. [PMID: 34751584 PMCID: PMC8978570 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2021.0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious public health problem associated with numerous physical and neuropsychiatric comorbidities. Chronic pain is prevalent and interferes with post-injury functioning and quality of life, whereas substance use disorder (SUD) is the third most common neuropsychiatric diagnosis after TBI. Neither of these conditions has a clear mechanistic explanation based on the known pathophysiology of TBI. Dynorphin is an endogenous opioid neuropeptide that is significantly dysregulated after TBI. Both dynorphin and its primary receptor, the ĸ-opioid receptor (KOR), are implicated in the neuropathology of chronic pain and SUD. Here, we review the known roles of dynorphin and KORs in chronic pain and SUDs. We synthesize this information with our current understanding of TBI and highlight potential mechanistic parallels between and across conditions that suggest a role for dynorphin in long-term sequelae after TBI. In pain studies, dynorphin/KOR activation has either antinociceptive or pro-nociceptive effects, and there are similarities between the signaling pathways influenced by dynorphin and those underlying development of chronic pain. Moreover, the dynorphin/KOR system is considered a key regulator of the negative affective state that characterizes drug withdrawal and protracted abstinence in SUD, and molecular and neurochemical changes observed during the development of SUD are mirrored by the pathophysiology of TBI. We conclude by proposing hypotheses and directions for future research aimed at elucidating the potential role of dynorphin/KOR in chronic pain and/or SUD after TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin M. Best
- Department of Nursing and Clinical Care Services, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Marissa M. Mojena
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gordon A. Barr
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Psychology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Heath D. Schmidt
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Akiva S. Cohen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Address correspondence to: Akiva S. Cohen, PhD, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3615 Civic Center Boulevard, Room 816-I, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Klein ME, Grice AB, Sheth S, Go M, Murrough JW. Pharmacological Treatments for Anhedonia. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2022; 58:467-489. [PMID: 35507281 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Anhedonia - the reduced ability to experience or respond to pleasure - is an important symptom domain for many psychiatric disorders. It is particularly relevant to depression and other mood disorders and it is a diagnostic criterion of a major depressive episode. Developing safe and effective pharmacological interventions for anhedonia is a critical public health need. The current chapter will review the state of the field with respect to both the efficacy of currently available pharmacotherapies for anhedonia and the recent clinical research focusing on new brain targets, including the kappa-opioid receptor and the KCNQ2/3 receptors. The evidence for anti-anhedonic effects of ketamine and psychedelic agents will be reviewed, as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E Klein
- Depression and Anxiety Center, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Ariela Buxbaum Grice
- Depression and Anxiety Center, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sahil Sheth
- Depression and Anxiety Center, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Megan Go
- Depression and Anxiety Center, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - James W Murrough
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Ko MC, Husbands SM. Pleiotropic Effects of Kappa Opioid Receptor-Related Ligands in Non-human Primates. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2022; 271:435-452. [PMID: 33274403 PMCID: PMC8175454 DOI: 10.1007/164_2020_419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The kappa opioid receptor (KOR)-related ligands have been demonstrated in preclinical studies for several therapeutic potentials. This chapter highlights (1) how non-human primates (NHP) studies facilitate the research and development of ligands targeting the KOR, (2) effects of the endogenous opioid peptide, dynorphin A-(1-17), and its analogs in NHP, and (3) pleiotropic effects and therapeutic applications of KOR-related ligands. In particular, synthetic ligands targeting the KOR have been extensively studied in NHP in three therapeutic areas, i.e., the treatment for itch, pain, and substance use disorders. As the KORs are widely expressed in the peripheral and central nervous systems, pleiotropic effects of KOR-related ligands, such as discriminative stimulus effects, neuroendocrine effects (e.g., prolactin release and stimulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), and diuresis, in NHP are discussed. Centrally acting KOR agonists are known to produce adverse effects including dysphoria, hallucination, and sedation. Nonetheless, with strategic advances in medicinal chemistry, three classes of KOR-related agonists, i.e., peripherally restricted KOR agonists, mixed KOR/mu opioid receptor partial agonists, and G protein-biased KOR agonists, warrant additional NHP studies to improve our understanding of their functional efficacy, selectivity, and tolerability. Pharmacological studies in NHP which carry high translational significance will facilitate future development of KOR-based medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Chuan Ko
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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Influences of Gender on Intravenous Nalbuphine Actions After Major Abdominal Surgery: A Multicenter Study. Pain Ther 2021; 10:1215-1233. [PMID: 34110603 PMCID: PMC8586316 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-021-00277-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nalbuphine, a synthetic kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) agonist and a partial µ-opioid receptor (MOR) antagonist, has been used for years as an effective analgesic. It has been shown to have a better safety profile than morphine. Considering the long history of use of this drug, it is interesting that only a limited amount of information exists on how gender differences influence nalbuphine responses. In this randomized double-blind comparative trial after major abdominal surgery, the analgesic effects of two doses of continuous intravenous infusion of nalbuphine were evaluated based on gender. METHODS Enrolled patients were divided into four groups (two females and two males with 32 patients in each group). Two of them (groups A1 and A2), one male and one female, received postoperative continuous intravenous infusions of nalbuphine at 2 mg/h via patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). Each patient had the potential of receiving a rescue bolus of 1 mg of nalbuphine with a lock out time of 15 min. The other two groups (groups B1 and B2) received half the infusion dose, 1 mg/h, and half the nalbuphine rescue dose with the PCA pump, 0.5 mg maximum every 15 min as needed. Patients' vital signs, numerical pain rating scores, rescue nalbuphine, and incidence of side effects were assessed immediately after the operation, and every 3 h during the first 12 h. RESULTS Nalbuphine 2 mg/h dosing led to significantly lower pain scores amongst females compared to males at 6, 9, and 12 h; while the 1 mg/h infusion pain scores were only lower at the 9-h time period. Females receiving the nalbuphine 2 mg dose at 6 h, and the 1 mg dose at 6, 9, and 12-h measurements needed significantly lower doses of rescue nalbuphine. Females on the 1 mg dose experienced significantly more nausea, vomiting, and sedation at the 6-, 9-, and 12-h measurement times. In the multivariate analysis, female gender was a negative predictor at all measurement times. CONCLUSIONS The current study supports the hypothesis that although nalbuphine was found to be an effective and well-tolerated analgesic after major abdominal surgery, females were statistically more responsive than males. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was registered at the Pan African Clinical trials Registry PACTR201304000486309, and approved for the Ethical aspects.
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Kappa opioid receptor modulation of excitatory drive onto nucleus accumbens fast-spiking interneurons. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:2340-2349. [PMID: 34400782 PMCID: PMC8581025 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01146-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system within the nucleus accumbens (NAc) contributes to affective states. Parvalbumin fast-spiking interneurons (PV-FSIs), a key component of feedforward inhibition, participate in integration of excitatory inputs to the NAc by robustly inhibiting select populations of medium spiny output neurons, therefore greatly influencing NAc dependent behavior. How the dynorphin/KOR system regulates feedforward inhibition in the NAc remains unknown. Here, we elucidate the molecular mechanisms of KOR inhibition of excitatory transmission onto NAc PV-FSIs using a combination of whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, optogenetics, pharmacology, and a parvalbumin reporter mouse. We find that postsynaptic KOR stimulation induces long-term depression (LTD) of excitatory synapses onto PV-FSI by stimulating the endocytosis of AMPARs via a PKA and calcineurin-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, KOR regulation of PV-FSI synapses are input specific, inhibiting thalamic but not cortical inputs. Finally, following acute stress, a protocol known to elevate dynorphin/KOR signaling in the NAc, KOR agonists no longer inhibit excitatory transmission onto PV-FSI. In conclusion, we delineate pathway-specific mechanisms mediating KOR control of feedforward inhibitory circuits in the NAc and provide evidence for the recruitment of this system in response to stress.
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Brenna IH, Marciuch A, Birkeland B, Veseth M, Røstad B, Løberg EM, Solli KK, Tanum L, Weimand B. 'Not at all what I had expected': Discontinuing treatment with extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX): A qualitative study. J Subst Abuse Treat 2021; 136:108667. [PMID: 34865937 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX), an opioid antagonist, has demonstrated equal treatment outcomes, in terms of safety, opioid use, and retention, to the recommended OMT medication buprenorphine. However, premature discontinuation of XR-NTX treatment is still common and poorly understood. Research on patient experiences of XR-NTX treatment is limited. We sought to explore participants' experiences with discontinuation of treatment with XR-NTX, particularly motivation for XR-NTX, experiences of initiation and treatment, and rationale for leaving treatment. METHODS We conducted qualitative, semi-structured interviews with participants from a clinical trial of XR-NTX. The study participants (N = 13) included seven women and six men with opioid dependence, who had received a minimum of one and maximum of four injections of XR-NTX. The study team analyzed transcribed interviews, employing thematic analysis with a critical realist approach. FINDINGS The research team identified three themes, and we present them as a chronological narrative: theme 1: Entering treatment - I thought I knew what I was going into; theme 2: Life with XR-NTX - I had something in me that I didn't want; and theme 3: Leaving treatment - I want to go somewhere in life. Patients' unfulfilled expectations of how XR-NTX would lead to a better life were central to decisions about discontinuation, including unexpected physical, emotional, or mental reactions as well as a lack of expected effects, notably some described an opioid effect from buprenorphine. A few participants ended treatment because they had reached their treatment goal, but most expressed disappointment about not achieving this goal. Some also expressed renewed acceptance of OMT. The participants' motivation for abstinence from illegal substances generally remained. CONCLUSION Our findings emphasize that a dynamic understanding of discontinuation of treatment is necessary to achieve a long-term approach to recovery: the field should understand discontinuation as a feature of typical treatment trajectories, and discontinuation can be followed by re-initiation of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Halvorsen Brenna
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Anne Marciuch
- Department of Research and Development in Mental Health, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway; Department of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bente Birkeland
- Department of Psychosocial Health, Faculty of Health and Sports Science, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Marius Veseth
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bente Røstad
- RIO-a Norwegian users' association in the field of alcohol and drugs, Oslo, Norway
| | - Else-Marie Løberg
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kristin Klemmetsby Solli
- Department of Research and Development in Mental Health, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway; Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Vestfold Hospital Trust, Toensberg, Norway
| | - Lars Tanum
- Department of Research and Development in Mental Health, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway; Faculty for Health Science, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bente Weimand
- Department of Research and Development in Mental Health, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway; Department of Health, Social and Welfare Studies, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway
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Banks ML. Environmental influence on the preclinical evaluation of substance use disorder therapeutics. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2021; 93:219-242. [PMID: 35341567 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Substance use disorders (SUD) develop as a result of complex interactions between the environment, the subject, and the drug of abuse. Preclinical basic research investigating each of these tripartite components of SUD individually has resulted in advancements in our fundamental knowledge regarding the progression from drug abuse to SUD and severe drug addiction and the underlying behavioral and neurobiological mechanisms. How these complex interactions between the environment, the subject, and the drug of abuse impact the effectiveness of candidate or clinically used medications for SUD has not been as extensively investigated. The focus of this chapter will address the current state of our knowledge how these environmental, subject, and pharmacological variables have been shown to impact candidate or clinical SUD medication evaluation in preclinical research using drug self-administration procedures as the primary dependent measure. The results discussed in this chapter highlight the importance of considering environmental variables such as the schedule of reinforcement, concurrent availability of alternative nondrug reinforcers, and experimental housing conditions in the context of SUD therapeutic evaluation. The thesis of this chapter is that improved understanding of environmental variables in the context of SUD research will facilitate the utility of preclinical drug self-administration studies in the evaluation and development of candidate SUD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Banks
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
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Nguyen JD, Grant Y, Taffe MA. Paradoxical changes in brain reward status during oxycodone self-administration in a novel test of the negative reinforcement hypothesis. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:3797-3812. [PMID: 33948939 PMCID: PMC8387405 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The extra medical use of, and addiction to, prescription opioid analgesics is a growing health problem. To characterize how prescription opioid abuse develops, this study investigated the affective consequences of escalating prescription opioid use using intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) reward and oxycodone intravenous self-administration (IVSA) models. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Male Wistar rats were given access to oxycodone IVSA (0.15 mg·kg-1 per infusion, i.v.) in short-access (ShA; 1 h) or long-access (LgA; 12 h) sessions for five sessions per week followed by intermittent 60-h discontinuations from drug access, a novel explicit test of the negative reinforcement hypothesis. Separate groups were first trained in the ICSS procedure and then in oxycodone IVSA in 11-h LgA sessions. KEY RESULTS Rats given LgA to oxycodone escalated their responding more than ShA rats, with further significant increases observed following each 60-h discontinuation. Presession brain reward thresholds increased with sequential daily LgA IVSA sessions, consistent with a growing negative affective state consequent to successive daily intoxication/abstinence cycles. A 1-h oxycodone IVSA interval was sufficient to normalize these elevated reward thresholds, as was, paradoxically, a 60-h weekend abstinence. The increase in ICSS thresholds was attenuated in a group treated with the long-acting κ-opioid antagonist norbinaltorphimine prior to IVSA training. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Changes in brain reward function during escalation of oxycodone self-administration are driven by an interplay between κ-opioid receptor-mediated negative affective state associated with escalated oxycodone intake and dynamic restoration of brain reward status during longer periods of abstinence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques D. Nguyen
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Yanabel Grant
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Michael A. Taffe
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
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Wang S, Leri F, Rizvi SJ. Anhedonia as a central factor in depression: Neural mechanisms revealed from preclinical to clinical evidence. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 110:110289. [PMID: 33631251 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Anhedonia is one of the core symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD), which is often inadequately treated by traditional antidepressants. The modern framework of anhedonia extends the definition from impaired consummatory pleasure or interest in rewards to a broad spectrum of deficits that impact functions such as reward anticipation, approach motivation, effort expenditure, reward valuation, expectation, and reward-cue association learning. Substantial preclinical and clinical research has explored the neural basis of reward deficits in the context of depression, and has implicated mesocorticolimbic reward circuitry comprising the nucleus accumbens, ventral pallidum, ventral tegmental area, amygdala, hippocampus, anterior cingulate, insula, orbitofrontal cortex, and other prefrontal cortex regions. Dopamine modulates several reward facets including anticipation, motivation, effort, and learning. As well, serotonin, norepinephrine, opioids, glutamate, Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), and acetylcholine are also involved in anhedonia, and medications targeting these systems may also potentially normalize reward processing in depression. Unfortunately, whereas reward anticipation and reward outcome are extensively explored by both preclinical and clinical studies, translational gaps remain in reward motivation, effort, valuation, and learning, where clinical neuroimaging studies are in the early stages. This review aims to synthesize the neurobiological mechanisms underlying anhedonia in MDD uncovered by preclinical and clinical research. The translational difficulties in studying the neural basis of reward are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijing Wang
- Arthur Sommer Rotenberg Suicide and Depression Studies Program, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Francesco Leri
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sakina J Rizvi
- Arthur Sommer Rotenberg Suicide and Depression Studies Program, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Ortiz-Juza MM, Alghorazi RA, Rodriguez-Romaguera J. Cell-type diversity in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis to regulate motivated behaviors. Behav Brain Res 2021; 411:113401. [PMID: 34090941 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) gained popularity as a unique brain region involved in regulating motivated behaviors related to neuropsychiatric disorders. The BNST, a component of the extended amygdala, consists of a variety of subnuclei and neuronal ensembles. Multiple studies have highlighted the BNST as playing a fundamental role in integrating information by interfacing with other brain regions to regulate distinct aspects of motivated behaviors associated with stress, anxiety, depression, and decision-making. However, due to the high molecular heterogeneity found within BNST neurons, the precise mechanisms by which this region regulates distinct motivational states remains largely unclear. Single-cell RNA sequencing data have revealed that the BNST consists of multiple genetically identifiable cell-type clusters. Contemporary tools can therefore be leveraged to target and study such cell-types and elucidate their precise functional role. In this review, we discuss the different subsets of neurons found in the BNST, their anatomical distribution, and what is currently known about BNST cell-types in regulating motivated behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria M Ortiz-Juza
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Neuroscience Curriculum, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Rizk A Alghorazi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Jose Rodriguez-Romaguera
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Carolina Institute for Developmental Disorders, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Carolina Stress Initiative, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
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Effects of kappa opioid receptor agonists on fentanyl vs. food choice in male and female rats: contingent vs. non-contingent administration. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:1017-1028. [PMID: 33404739 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05749-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Strategies are needed to decrease the abuse liability of mu opioid receptor (MOR) agonists. One strategy under consideration is to combine MOR agonists with kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonists. OBJECTIVES The effects of KOR agonists (U50488, nalfurafine) on fentanyl-vs.-food choice were compared under conditions where the KOR agonists were added to the intravenously self-administered fentanyl (contingent delivery) or administered as subcutaneous pretreatments (non-contingent delivery) in male and female rats. METHODS Rats were trained to respond under a concurrent schedule of fentanyl (0, 0.32-10 μg/kg/infusion) and food reinforcement. In experiment 1, U50488 and nalfurafine were co-administered with fentanyl as fixed-proportion mixtures (contingent administration). In experiment 2, U50488 (1-10 mg/kg) and nalfurafine (3.2-32 μg/kg) were administered as acute pretreatments (non-contingent administration). The selective KOR antagonist, nor-BNI (32 mg/kg), was administered prior to contingent and non-contingent KOR-agonist treatment in experiment 3. RESULTS Both U50488 and nalfurafine decreased fentanyl choice when administered contingently, demonstrating that KOR agonists punish opioid choice. However, evidence for punishment corresponded with an elimination of operant responding in the majority of rats. Non-contingent U50488 and nalfurafine administration only decreased the number of choices made during the behavioral session without altering fentanyl choice. Contingent and non-contingent KOR-agonist effects on fentanyl choice were both attenuated by nor-BNI. CONCLUSIONS These results illustrate that the effects of KOR agonists on fentanyl reinforcement are dependent upon the contingencies under which they are administered.
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Rizk MM, Herzog S, Dugad S, Stanley B. Suicide Risk and Addiction: The Impact of Alcohol and Opioid Use Disorders. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2021; 8:194-207. [PMID: 33747710 PMCID: PMC7955902 DOI: 10.1007/s40429-021-00361-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Suicide is a major public health concern and a leading cause of death in the US. Alcohol and opioid use disorders (AUD/OUD) significantly increase risk for suicidal ideation, attempts, and death, and are the two most frequently implicated substances in suicide risk. We provide a brief overview of shared risk factors and pathways in the pathogenesis of AUD/OUD and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. We also review clinical recommendations on inpatient care, pharmacotherapy, and psychotherapeutic interventions for people with AUD/OUD and co-occurring suicidal ideation and behavior. Recent Findings Among people with an underlying vulnerability to risk-taking and impulsive behaviors, chronic alcohol intoxication can increase maladaptive coping behaviors and hinder self-regulation, thereby increasing the risk of suicide. Additionally, chronic opioid use can result in neurobiological changes that lead to increases in negative affective states, jointly contributing to suicide risk and continued opioid use. Despite significantly elevated suicide risk in individuals with AUD/OUD, there is a dearth of research on pharmacological and psychosocial interventions for co-occurring AUD/OUD and suicidal ideation and behavior. Summary Further research is needed to understand the effects of alcohol and opioid use on suicide risk, as well as address notable gaps in the literature on psychosocial and pharmacological interventions to lower risk for suicide among individuals with AUD/OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina M. Rizk
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY USA
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 42, New York, NY 10032 USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Egypt, Egypt
| | - Sarah Herzog
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY USA
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 42, New York, NY 10032 USA
| | - Sanjana Dugad
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 42, New York, NY 10032 USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY USA
| | - Barbara Stanley
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY USA
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 42, New York, NY 10032 USA
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Wu G, Xu X, Ye F, Shu H. Effects of processed Aconiti tuber on the extinction and reinstatement of morphine-induced conditioned place preference in rats. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 267:113524. [PMID: 33129945 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the effect of processed Aconiti tuber (PAT) administered during or after the time of conditioned place preference (CPP) training on the extinction and reinstatement of morphine-priming CPP in rats. The dynorphin level in rats' nucleus accumbens (NAc) is detected as a target of the Dynorphin/Kappa Opioid Receptor (KOR) system for the possible mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eight groups of rats were subcutaneously (s.c.) injected with morphine (10mg/kg) (on days 2,4,6,8) or saline (1ml/kg) (on days 3,5,7,9) alternately for 8 days. Five groups, including groups (Mor + Water, Mor + PAT (1.0/3.0g/kg) (S) and Sal + PAT(1.0/3.0g/kg)), were orally given distilled water or PAT 1.0 or 3.0 g/kg daily on days 1-8 during CPP training while other three groups, including groups (Sal + Water and Mor + PAT (1.0/3.0g/kg)(P), were given distilled water or PAT daily from day 10 until CPP was extinct. Morphine 1mg/kg (s.c.) was used to reinstate the extinct CPP and the CPP scores were recorded. The dynorphin concentration in nucleus accumbens (NAc) was assayed by radioimmunoassay after the last CPP measurement. RESULTS 1) The CPP extinction shortened in Mor + PAT (1.0/3.0 g/kg) (S) groups but extended in Mor + PAT (1.0/3.0 g/kg)(P) groups. 2) Morphine-priming CPP did not change either in Mor + PAT (1.0/3.0 g/kg) (S) or Mor + PAT (1.0/3.0 g/kg)(P) groups. 3) The dynorphin concentration in NAc increased either in Mor + PAT (1.0/3.0 g/kg)(S) or Mor + PAT (1.0/3.0 g/kg)(P) groups. CONCLUSIONS 1) PAT shortened the extinction from morphine induced CPP when administrated before CPP acquisition, whereas it extended the extinction when administrated after CPP formation. 2) PAT administrated during or after CPP training did not affect morphine-priming reinstatement of morphine induced CPP. 3) Dynorphin/KOR system might be a target to regulate morphine-induced CPP extinction but not reinstatement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiyun Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Sun Yat-sen Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoying Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Sun Yat-sen Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Fang Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Haihua Shu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China.
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Domi A, Barbier E, Adermark L, Domi E. Targeting the Opioid Receptors: A Promising Therapeutic Avenue for Treatment in “Heavy Drinking Smokers”. Alcohol Alcohol 2021; 56:127-138. [DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agaa139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Aims
Despite a general decline in tobacco use in the last decades, the prevalence of tobacco smoking in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) remains substantial (45–50%). Importantly, the co-use of both substances potentiates the adverse effects, making it a significant public health problem. Substantial evidence suggests that AUD and Tobacco use disorder (TUD) may share common mechanisms. Targeting these mechanisms may therefore provide more effective therapy. Numerous studies describe a potential role of the endogenous opioid system in both AUD and TUD. Reviewing this literature, we aim to evaluate the efficacy of molecules that target the opioid system as promising therapeutic interventions for treating alcohol and tobacco co-use disorders.
Methods
We provide a synthesis of the current epidemiological knowledge of alcohol and tobacco co-use disorders. We evaluate clinical and preclinical research that focuses on the regulation of the endogenous opioid system in alcohol, nicotine, and their interactions.
Results
The epidemiological data confirm that smoking stimulates heavy drinking and facilitates alcohol craving. Pharmacological findings suggest that treatments that are efficacious in the dual addiction provide a beneficial treatment outcome in comorbid AUD and TUD. In this regard, MOP, DOP and NOP-receptor antagonists show promising results, while the findings prompt caution when considering KOP-receptor antagonists as a treatment option in alcohol and tobacco co-use disorders.
Conclusions
Existing literature suggests a role of the opioid system in sustaining the high comorbidity rates of AUD and TUD. Molecules targeting opioid receptors may therefore represent promising therapeutic interventions in ‘heavy drinking smokers.’
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Domi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg, Box 410, Gothenburg 405 30, Sweden
| | - Estelle Barbier
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Linköping University, Campus US, Entrance 65, Linköping 581 85, Sweden
| | - Louise Adermark
- Addiction Biology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg, Box 410, Gothenburg 405 30, Sweden
| | - Esi Domi
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Linköping University, Campus US, Entrance 65, Linköping 581 85, Sweden
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Translational value of non-human primates in opioid research. Exp Neurol 2021; 338:113602. [PMID: 33453211 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Preclinical opioid research using animal models not only provides mechanistic insights into the modulation of opioid analgesia and its associated side effects, but also validates drug candidates for improved treatment options for opioid use disorder. Non-human primates (NHPs) have served as a surrogate species for humans in opioid research for more than five decades. The translational value of NHP models is supported by the documented species differences between rodents and primates regarding their behavioral and physiological responses to opioid-related ligands and that NHP studies have provided more concordant results with human studies. This review highlights the utilization of NHP models in five aspects of opioid research, i.e., analgesia, abuse liability, respiratory depression, physical dependence, and pruritus. Recent NHP studies have found that (1) mixed mu opioid and nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide receptor partial agonists appear to be safe, non-addictive analgesics and (2) mu opioid receptor- and mixed opioid receptor subtype-based medications remain the only two classes of drugs that are effective in alleviating opioid-induced adverse effects. Given the recent advances in pharmaceutical sciences and discoveries of novel targets, NHP studies are posed to identify the translational gap and validate therapeutic targets for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Pharmacological studies using NHPs along with multiple outcome measures (e.g., behavior, physiologic function, and neuroimaging) will continue to facilitate the research and development of improved medications to curb the opioid epidemic.
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Curtis GR, Oakes K, Barson JR. Expression and Distribution of Neuropeptide-Expressing Cells Throughout the Rodent Paraventricular Nucleus of the Thalamus. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 14:634163. [PMID: 33584216 PMCID: PMC7873951 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.634163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) has been shown to make significant contributions to affective and motivated behavior, but a comprehensive description of the neurochemicals expressed in the cells of this brain region has never been presented. While the PVT is believed to be composed of projection neurons that primarily use as their neurotransmitter the excitatory amino acid, glutamate, several neuropeptides have also been described in this brain region. In this review article, we combine published literature with our observations from the Allen Brain Atlas to describe in detail the expression and distribution of neuropeptides in cells throughout the mouse and rat PVT, with a special focus on neuropeptides known to be involved in behavior. Several themes emerge from this investigation. First, while the majority of neuropeptides are expressed across the antero-posterior axis of the PVT, they generally exist in a gradient, in which expression is most dense but not exclusive in either the anterior or posterior PVT, although other neuropeptides display somewhat more equal expression in the anterior and posterior PVT but have reduced expression in the middle PVT. Second, we find overall that neuropeptides involved in arousal are more highly expressed in the anterior PVT, those involved in depression-like behavior are more highly expressed in the posterior PVT, and those involved in reward are more highly expressed in the medial PVT, while those involved in the intake of food and drugs of abuse are distributed throughout the PVT. Third, the pattern and content of neuropeptide expression in mice and rats appear not to be identical, and many neuropeptides found in the mouse PVT have not yet been demonstrated in the rat. Thus, while significantly more work is required to uncover the expression patterns and specific roles of individual neuropeptides in the PVT, the evidence thus far supports the existence of a diverse yet highly organized system of neuropeptides in this nucleus. Determined in part by their location within the PVT and their network of projections, the function of the neuropeptides in this system likely involves intricate coordination to influence both affective and motivated behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve R Curtis
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kathleen Oakes
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jessica R Barson
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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