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Angoa-Perez M, Kuhn DM. The pharmacology and neurotoxicology of synthetic cathinones. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2023; 99:61-82. [PMID: 38467489 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2023.12.001] [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: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
The synthetic cathinones are man-made compounds derived from the naturally occurring drug cathinone, which is found in the khat plant. The drugs in this pharmacological class that will be the focus of this chapter include mephedrone, MDPV, methcathinone and methylone. These drugs are colloquially known as "bath salts". This misnomer suggests that these drugs are used for health improvement or that they have legitimate medical uses. The synthetic cathinones are dangerous drugs with powerful pharmacological effects that include high abuse potential, hyperthermia and hyperlocomotion. These drugs also share many of the pharmacological effects of the amphetamine class of drugs including methamphetamine, amphetamine and MDMA and therefore have high potential to cause damage to the central nervous system. The synthetic cathinones are frequently taken in combination with other psychoactive drugs such as alcohol, marijuana and the amphetamine-like stimulants, creating a situation where heightened pharmacological and neurotoxicological effects are likely to occur. Despite the structural features shared by the synthetic cathinones and amphetamine-like stimulants, including their actions at monoamine transporters and receptors, the effects of the synthetic cathinones do not always match those of the amphetamines. In particular, the synthetic cathinones are far less neurotoxic than their amphetamine counterparts, they produce a weaker hyperthermia, and they cause less glial activation. This chapter will briefly review the pharmacology and neurotoxicology of selected synthetic cathinones with the aim of delineating key areas of agreement and disagreement in the literature particularly as it relates to neurotoxicological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Angoa-Perez
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Donald M Kuhn
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States.
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Angoa-Pérez M, Zagorac B, Francescutti DM, Shaffer ZD, Theis KR, Kuhn DM. Cocaine hydrochloride, cocaine methiodide and methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) cause distinct alterations in the structure and composition of the gut microbiota. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13754. [PMID: 37612353 PMCID: PMC10447462 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40892-1] [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: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cocaine is a highly addictive psychostimulant drug of abuse that constitutes an ongoing public health threat. Emerging research is revealing that numerous peripheral effects of this drug may serve as conditioned stimuli for its central reinforcing properties. The gut microbiota is emerging as one of these peripheral sources of input to cocaine reward. The primary objective of the present study was to determine how cocaine HCl and methylenedioxypyrovalerone, both of which powerfully activate central reward pathways, alter the gut microbiota. Cocaine methiodide, a quaternary derivative of cocaine that does not enter the brain, was included to assess peripheral influences on the gut microbiota. Both cocaine congeners caused significant and similar alterations of the gut microbiota after a 10-day course of treatment. Contrary to expectations, the effects of cocaine HCl and MDPV on the gut microbiota were most dissimilar. Functional predictions of metabolic alterations caused by the treatment drugs reaffirmed that the cocaine congeners were similar whereas MDPV was most dissimilar from the other two drugs and controls. It appears that the monoamine transporters in the gut mediate the effects of the treatment drugs. The effects of the cocaine congeners and MDPV on the gut microbiome may form the basis of interoceptive cues that can influence their abuse properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Angoa-Pérez
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - Branislava Zagorac
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Dina M Francescutti
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Zachary D Shaffer
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Kevin R Theis
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Donald M Kuhn
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
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Riley AL, Manke HN, Huang S. Impact of the Aversive Effects of Drugs on Their Use and Abuse. Behav Neurol 2022; 2022:8634176. [PMID: 35496768 PMCID: PMC9045991 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8634176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug use and abuse are complex issues in that the basis of each may involve different determinants and consequences, and the transition from one to the other may be equally multifaceted. A recent model of the addiction cycle (as proposed by Koob and his colleagues) illustrates how drug-taking patterns transition from impulsive (acute use) to compulsive (chronic use) as a function of various neuroadaptations leading to the downregulation of DA systems, upregulation of stress systems, and the dysregulation of the prefrontal/orbitofrontal cortex. Although the nature of reinforcement in the initiation and mediation of these effects may differ (positive vs. negative), the role of reinforcement in drug intake (acute and chronic) is well characterized. However, drugs of abuse have other stimulus properties that may be important in their use and abuse. One such property is their aversive effects that limit drug intake instead of initiating and maintaining it. Evidence of such effects comes from both clinical and preclinical populations. In support of this position, the present review describes the aversive effects of drugs (assessed primarily in conditioned taste aversion learning), the fact that they occur concurrently with reward as assessed in combined taste aversion/place preference designs, the role of aversive effects in drug-taking (in balance with their rewarding effects), the dissociation of these affective properties in that they can be affected in different ways by the same manipulations, and the impact of various parametric, experiential, and subject factors on the aversive effects of drugs and the consequent impact of these factors on their use and abuse potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony L. Riley
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20016, USA
| | - Hayley N. Manke
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20016, USA
| | - Shihui Huang
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20016, USA
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Marusich JA, Gay EA, Stewart DA, Blough BE. Sex differences in inflammatory cytokine levels following synthetic cathinone self-administration in rats. Neurotoxicology 2022; 88:65-78. [PMID: 34742947 PMCID: PMC8748414 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are used as stimulants of abuse. Many abused drugs, including stimulants, activate nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transcription leading to increases in NF-κB-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the level of inflammation appears to correlate with length of abuse. The purpose of this study was to measure the profile of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, CCL2 and TNF-α in brain and plasma to examine if drug exposure alters inflammatory markers. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to self-administer α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP) (0.1 mg/kg/infusion), 4-methylmethcathinone (4MMC) (0.5 mg/kg/infusion), or saline through autoshaping, and then self-administered for 21 days during 1 h (short access; ShA) or 6 h (long access; LgA) sessions. Separate rats were assigned to a naïve control group. Cytokine levels were examined in amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex, striatum, thalamus, and plasma. Rats acquired synthetic cathinone self-administration, and there were no sex differences in drug intake. Synthetic cathinone self-administration produced sex differences in IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, CCL2 and TNF-α levels. There were widespread increases in inflammatory cytokines in the brains of male rats compared to females, particularly for 4MMC, whereas females were more likely to show increased inflammatory cytokines in plasma compared to saline groups than males. Furthermore, these sex differences in cytokine levels were more common after LgA access to synthetic cathinones than ShA. These results suggest that synthetic cathinone use likely produces sex-selective patterns of neuroinflammation during the transition from use to abuse. Consequently, treatment need may differ depending on the progression of synthetic cathinone abuse and based on sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A. Marusich
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Elaine A. Gay
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Delisha A. Stewart
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Nutrition Research Institute, 500 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA
| | - Bruce E. Blough
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Rd, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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Thomas AM, Cargile KJ, Lunn JA, Baker LE. Characterization of 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone discrimination in female Sprague-Dawley rats. Behav Pharmacol 2021; 32:524-532. [PMID: 34397448 PMCID: PMC8371744 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000647] [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] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), one of several synthetic cathinones, is a popular constituent of illicit 'bath salts'. In preclinical studies utilizing drug discrimination methods with male rodents, MDPV has been characterized as similar to both cocaine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-hydrochloride (MDMA). Whereas few drug discrimination studies have utilized female rats, the current study evaluated the discriminative stimulus effects of MDPV in 12 adult female Sprague-Dawley rats trained to discriminate 0.5 mg/kg MDPV from saline under a fixed ratio 20 schedule of food reinforcement. Stimulus substitution was assessed with MDPV and its enantiomers, other synthetic cathinones [alpha pyrrolidinopentiophenone-hydrochloride(α-PVP), 4-methylmethcathinone (4-MMC)], other dopamine agonists (cocaine, [+)-methamphetamine] and serotonin agonists [MDMA, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)] Stimulus antagonism was assessed with the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist, Sch 23390 and the D2 receptor antagonist, haloperidol. Cocaine and (+)-methamphetamine engendered full stimulus generalization to MDPV with minimal effects on response rate. LSD produced partial substitution, whereas MDMA and 4-MMC produced complete substitution, and all these serotonergic compounds produced dose-dependent response suppression. (S)-MDPV and α-PVP engendered full substitution with similar potency to the racemate, while (R)-MDPV failed to substitute up to 5 mg/kg. Both Sch 23390 and haloperidol attenuated the discrimination of low MDPV doses and essentially shifted the dose-response curve to the right but failed to block discrimination of the training dose. These findings are generally consistent with previous reports based exclusively on male rodents. Moreover, they confirm the contribution of dopaminergic mechanisms but do not rule out the possible contribution of other neurotransmitter actions to the interoceptive stimulus effects of MDPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Thomas
- Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
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Wojcieszak J, Kuczyńska K, Zawilska JB. Behavioral Effects of 4-CMC and 4-MeO-PVP in DBA/2J Mice After Acute and Intermittent Administration and Following Withdrawal from Intermittent 14-Day Treatment. Neurotox Res 2021; 39:575-587. [PMID: 33428180 PMCID: PMC8096775 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-021-00329-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones appeared on the market in the 2000s as new psychoactive substances and gained significant prevalence among drug abusers. Cathinones produce psychostimulant and empathogenic effects by enhancing dopaminergic, noradrenergic, and serotoninergic neurotransmission in the brain, and those which potently and selectively enhance dopaminergic transmission are considered to have higher abuse potential. The present study examines the behavioral effects related to psychostimulant properties, abuse potential, and addiction in DBA/2J mice of two cathinones with different profile of action on monoamine system, 4-chloromethcathinone (4-CMC), and 4-methoxy-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (4-MeO-PVP). 4-CMC and 4-MeO-PVP increase spontaneous locomotor activity after acute treatment and produce behavioral sensitization after 7-day intermittent treatment, which is a common feature of drugs of abuse. 4-MeO-PVP, but not 4-CMC, produces conditioned place preference after 4 days, indicating its rewarding properties. Finally, the ability of 4-CMC and 4-MeO-PVP to induce withdrawal symptoms after discontinuation from 14-day treatment was assessed using a battery of tests for behavioral markers of depression in mice: a tail suspension test, a forced swim test, measuring despair, and a sucrose preference test, measuring anhedonia. None of the three tests revealed increased depressive symptoms. Moreover, neither spontaneous locomotor activity nor motor performance on a rotarod was impaired after 14-day treatment with the tested compounds. These results indicate that 14-day treatment of mice with 4-CMC or 4-MeO-PVP does not induce significant withdrawal symptoms after cessation, nor significant impairment of dopaminergic circuitry resulting in motor impairment. The current study shows that 4-CMC and 4-MeO-PVP produce abuse-related behavioral changes in mice, which are more pronounced after more dopamine-selective 4-MeO-PVP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Wojcieszak
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lodz, 90-151, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Kuczyńska
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lodz, 90-151, Lodz, Poland
| | - Jolanta B Zawilska
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lodz, 90-151, Lodz, Poland
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Risca HI, Zuarth-Gonzalez JD, Baker LE. Conditioned place preference following concurrent treatment with 3, 4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and methamphetamine in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 198:173032. [PMID: 32888971 PMCID: PMC8667570 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.173032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones gained initial popularity on the illicit drug market as a result of attempts to evade legal restrictions on other commonly abused psychostimulants. A body of published research has determined that the psychopharmacology of the synthetic cathinone 3, 4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is comparable to cocaine and methamphetamine (METH). Few preclinical studies have systematically investigated concurrent use of synthetic cathinones with other psychostimulant drugs. The present study utilized conditioned place preference (CPP), a rodent model of conditioned drug reward, to evaluate the effects of concurrent treatment with MDPV and METH. Male (N = 72) and female (N = 105) Sprague-Dawley rats underwent a two-compartment biased CPP procedure, with one trial per day for eight consecutive days. Subjects were randomly assigned to the following treatment groups: saline, METH (1 mg/kg), MDPV (1, 3.2, 5.6 mg/kg) or a mixture consisting of METH (1 mg/kg) and MDPV (1, 3.2, 5.6 mg/kg). All treatments increased locomotor activity during drug conditioning trials, and most treatments produced higher activity increases in females compared to males. Although the level of CPP established by MDPV and MDPV + METH mixtures varied between males and females, sex differences were not statistically significant. Although none of the MDPV+METH mixtures produced stronger CPP than either substance alone, some mixtures of MDPV and METH produced higher increases in locomotor activity compared to either drug alone. Further studies with higher doses may be warranted to determine if concurrent use of MDPV and METH pose an enhanced risk for abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harmony I Risca
- Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA
| | | | - Lisa E Baker
- Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA.
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Gatch MB, Forster MJ. Methylenedioxymethamphetamine-like discriminative stimulus effects of pyrrolidinyl cathinones in rats. J Psychopharmacol 2020; 34:778-785. [PMID: 32536334 DOI: 10.1177/0269881120914213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synthetic cathinone derivatives are used as alternatives both for stimulant drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine and for club drugs such as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), but little is known about their MDMA-like subjective effects. METHODS In order to determine their similarity to MDMA, the discriminative stimulus effects of 10 pyrrolidinyl cathinones (α-pyrrolidinopropiophenone, 4'-methyl-α-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (4'-MePPP), α-pyrrolidinobutiophenone, 3',4'-methylenedioxy-α-pyrrolidinobutyrophenone (MD-PBP), α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone, 3,4-methylenedioxy-pyrovalerone (MDPV), α-pyrrolidinopentiothiophenone, napthylpyrovalerone (naphyrone), α-pyrrolidinohexiophenone, and 4'-methyl-α-pyrrolidinohexiophenone (4'-MePHP)) were assessed in Sprague-Dawley rats trained to discriminate 1.5 mg/kg racemic ±-MDMA from vehicle. RESULTS Compounds with no substitutions on the phenyl ring and the thiophene produced 44-67% MDMA-appropriate responding. In contrast, the substituted pyrrolidinyl cathinones produced a range of MDMA-appropriate responding dependent upon the length of the alpha side chain. 4'-MePPP, with a single carbon on the alpha position, produced 99.8% MDMA-appropriate responding, MD-PBP (two carbons) produced 83%, naphyrone (three carbons) produced 71%, MDPV (three carbons) produced, 66%, and 4'-MePHP (four carbons) produced 47%. CONCLUSIONS Many cathinone compounds have discriminative stimulus effects similar to those of MDMA. However, the pyrrolidine substitution appears to reduce serotonergic effects, with a commensurate decrease in MDMA-like effects. Substitutions on the phenyl ring appear to be able to restore MDMA-like responding, but only in compounds with short alpha side chains. These findings agree with earlier findings of increasing dopaminergic effects and stronger reinforcing effects with increasing side chain. Assessment of more compounds is necessary to establish the replicability/robustness of this phenomenon. These findings may be of use in predicting which compounds will have MDMA/club drug-like effects versus psychostimulant-like effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Gatch
- Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, USA
| | - Michael J Forster
- Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, USA
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Duart-Castells L, Blanco-Gandía MC, Ferrer-Pérez C, Puster B, Pubill D, Miñarro J, Escubedo E, Rodríguez-Arias M. Cross-reinstatement between 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and cocaine using conditioned place preference. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2020; 100:109876. [PMID: 31991149 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.109876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is a new psychoactive substance (NPS) considered to be a cocaine-like psychostimulant. The substitution of an established illicit drug as cocaine with an NPS is a pattern of use reported among drug users. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between cocaine and MDPV in the reinstatement of the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm, in order to establish whether there is cross-reinstatement between the two psychostimulants. Four experimental groups of male OF1 mice were subjected to the CPP paradigm: MDPV-MDPV, Cocaine-Cocaine, Cocaine-MDPV, and MDPV-Cocaine. The first drug refers to the substance with which the animals were conditioned (cocaine 10 mg/kg or MDPV 2 mg/kg) and the s to the substance with which preference was reinstated. In parallel, G9a, ΔFosB, CB1 receptor, CDK5, Arc and c-Fos were determined in ventral striatum. MDPV induced CPP at doses from 1 to 4 mg/kg. Although 2 mg/kg MDPV induced a stronger psychostimulant effect than 10 mg/kg cocaine, both doses seemed to be equivalent in their rewarding properties. However, memories associated with MDPV required more time to be extinguished. MDPV and cocaine restore drug-seeking behavior with respect to each other, although relapse into drug-taking is always more pronounced with the conditioning drug. The fact that MDPV-treated mice show increased ΔFosB protein levels correlates with its longer extinction time and points to the activation of neuroplasticity mechanisms that persist for at least 12 days. Moreover, in these animals, a priming-dose of cocaine can trigger significant neuroplasticity, implying a high vulnerability to cocaine abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Duart-Castells
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Carmen Blanco-Gandía
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, C/ Ciudad Escolar s/n, 44003 Teruel, Spain
| | - Carmen Ferrer-Pérez
- Unit of Research Psychobiology of Drug Dependence, Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Avda. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Brigitte Puster
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Pubill
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Miñarro
- Unit of Research Psychobiology of Drug Dependence, Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Avda. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Elena Escubedo
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Marta Rodríguez-Arias
- Unit of Research Psychobiology of Drug Dependence, Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Avda. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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Riley AL, Nelson KH, To P, López-Arnau R, Xu P, Wang D, Wang Y, Shen HW, Kuhn DM, Angoa-Perez M, Anneken JH, Muskiewicz D, Hall FS. Abuse potential and toxicity of the synthetic cathinones (i.e., “Bath salts”). Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 110:150-173. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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11
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Bernstein DL, Nayak SU, Oliver CF, Rawls SM, Rom S. Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) impairs working memory and alters patterns of dopamine signaling in mesocorticolimbic substrates. Neurosci Res 2019; 155:56-62. [PMID: 31302200 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2019.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge remains limited about how chronic cathinone exposure impacts dopamine systems in brain reward circuits. In the present study, a binge-like MDPV exposure that impaired novel object recognition (NOR) dysregulated dopamine markers in mesocorticolimbic substrates of rats, with especially profound effects on D1 and D2 receptor's and VMAT gene expression. Our data suggested that dopamine receptivity was reduced in the NAc but increased in the PFC and dopamine-producing VTA. The MDPV-induced impairment of NOR was prevented by a D1 receptor antagonist, suggesting that chronic MDPV exposure produces site-specific dysregulation of dopamine markers in the mesocorticolimbic circuit and memory deficits in the NOR test that are influenced by D1 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Bernstein
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sunyl U Nayak
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Chicora F Oliver
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Scott M Rawls
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Slava Rom
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Atehortua-Martinez LA, Masniere C, Campolongo P, Chasseigneaux S, Callebert J, Zwergel C, Mai A, Laplanche JL, Chen H, Etheve-Quelquejeu M, Mégarbane B, Benturquia N. Acute and chronic neurobehavioral effects of the designer drug and bath salt constituent 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone in the rat. J Psychopharmacol 2019; 33:392-405. [PMID: 30644332 DOI: 10.1177/0269881118822151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The substantial increase in use of 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), a popular recreational synthetic cathinone, has raised legitimate questions about its behavioral consequences and abuse liability. AIMS The aim of this study was to study MDPV-induced neurobehavioral effects in the rat, using different paradigms traditionally developed to study drug-attributed addictive properties. METHODS Different patterns of intraperitoneal 3 mg/kg MDPV administration were investigated. Consequences on rat horizontal locomotion and behavior of acute, intermittent (once daily dosing over 10 days), and binge (three-time daily dosing for 3 days) MDPV administration as well as challenge after 10 day MDPV withdrawal were studied. The dopamine receptor-D1 antagonist, SCH23390, was bilaterally infused in the nucleus accumbens to determine the role of D1-receptors in MDPV-related effects on the associative memory recall using the conditioned place preference paradigm. In addition, in a separate experience using western blot, we investigated the effects of chronic MDPV administration (four injections during 24 h) on ΔFosB expression in the nucleus accumbens, caudate putamen, and prefrontal cortex. RESULTS Acute MDPV administration increased stereotypies and open arm entries in the elevated plus maze while SCH23390 abolished MDPV-induced enhancing effects on memory consolidation. Intermittent MDPV administration resulted in sensitization of MDPV-induced locomotor effects and tolerance during the following challenge. With binge MDPV administration, locomotor activity was not altered despite tolerance onset after challenge. SCH23390 abolished MDPV-induced conditioned place preference. Chronic MDPV administration induced ΔFosB accumulation in the nucleus accumbens, caudate putamen, and prefrontal cortex. CONCLUSIONS Our findings clearly show that MDPV produces profound behavioral alterations mediated by the activation of the dopaminergic system similarly to other amphetamines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cyriaque Masniere
- 1 Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris-Descartes and Paris-Diderot University, Paris, France
| | - Patrizia Campolongo
- 2 Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome and IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Jacques Callebert
- 1 Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris-Descartes and Paris-Diderot University, Paris, France
| | - Clemens Zwergel
- 3 Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- 3 Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Jean-Louis Laplanche
- 1 Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris-Descartes and Paris-Diderot University, Paris, France
| | - Huixiong Chen
- 4 CNRS, UMR8601, Laboratory of Chemistry and Pharmacological and Toxicological Biochemistry, CBNIT, Paris-Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Mélanie Etheve-Quelquejeu
- 4 CNRS, UMR8601, Laboratory of Chemistry and Pharmacological and Toxicological Biochemistry, CBNIT, Paris-Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Mégarbane
- 1 Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris-Descartes and Paris-Diderot University, Paris, France.,5 Department of Medical and Toxicological Critical Care, Lariboisière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Nadia Benturquia
- 1 Inserm, UMR-S 1144, Paris-Descartes and Paris-Diderot University, Paris, France
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Risca HI, Baker LE. Contribution of monoaminergic mechanisms to the discriminative stimulus effects of 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) in Sprague-Dawley rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:963-971. [PMID: 30554256 PMCID: PMC6571067 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5145-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE 3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is a popular synthetic cathinone reported to have a high abuse potential. Recent preclinical research indicates the psychopharmacology of MDPV is comparable to cocaine. Despite a recent influx of research on the psychopharmacology of MDPV, few studies have employed preclinical drug discrimination methods to discern the neurochemical mechanisms involved in its interoceptive stimulus effects. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate a variety of monoaminergic agents for substitution, potentiation, or antagonism in rats trained to discriminate MDPV. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to discriminate 0.5 (experiment 1) or 1 mg/kg MDPV (experiment 2) from saline under an FR 20 schedule of food reinforcement. In experiment 1, MDMA, MDA, and their respective optical isomers (0.75-3 mg/kg), cocaine (2.5-20 mg/kg), GBR 12909 (5-40 mg/kg), and desipramine (3.2-10 mg/kg) were assessed for substitution. GBR 12909 (40 mg/kg) and desipramine (3.2 mg/kg) were subsequently assessed for potentiation of the MDPV cue. In experiment 2, stimulus antagonism tests were conducted with dopamine antagonists (Sch 23390, haloperidol) and serotonin antagonists (pirenperone, MDL100907, WAY 100635). RESULTS The MDMA and MDA enantiomers produced divergent results, with virtually no substitution by (-)-MDMA or (-)-MDA, partial substitution with (+)-MDA, and full substitution with (+)-MDMA, as well as full substitution by the racemates, (±)-MDMA and (±)-MDA. Consistent with previous findings, cocaine fully substituted for MDPV. Although no dose of GBR 12909 or desipramine substituted for MDPV, these reuptake inhibitors enhanced the discriminative stimulus effects of lower MDPV doses. Both D1 (Sch 23390) and D2 (haloperidol) DA antagonists attenuated 1 mg/kg MDPV discrimination, whereas none of the 5-HT antagonists assessed altered MDPV discrimination. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate MDPV's interoceptive stimulus effects are mediated predominantly by dopaminergic actions, although serotonergic and/or noradrenergic modulation of these effects cannot be ruled out. Further investigations into the neurochemical actions involved in the discriminative stimulus effects of MDPV may serve to inform medication discovery and development for the treatment of MDPV abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harmony I Risca
- Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, USA
| | - Lisa E Baker
- Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, USA.
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14
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Hicks C, Huang P, Ramos L, Nayak SU, Caro Y, Reitz AB, Smith GR, Lee DYW, Rawls SM, Liu-Chen LY. Dopamine D1-Like Receptor Agonist and D2-Like Receptor Antagonist (-)-Stepholidine Reduces Reinstatement of Drug-Seeking Behavior for 3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) in Rats. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:1327-1337. [PMID: 29597343 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychostimulant reinforcement is mediated by stimulation of both dopamine (DA) D1-like and D2-like receptors, suggesting that pharmacotherapy agents with a dual DA receptor mechanism may be useful for managing psychostimulant abuse. (-)-Stepholidine (L-SPD) is a Chinese herbal extract that functions as a D1-like receptor agonist and D2-like receptor antagonist. L-SPD has been shown to attenuate the reinforcing effects of heroin; however, its effects on the synthetic cathinone 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) have not been examined. The current study determined the effects of L-SPD on reinstatement of MDPV-seeking behavior in the drug intravenous self-administration (IVSA) and conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigms. To determine whether the effects of L-SPD were specific to psychostimulant reinforcement, we also examined its effects on sucrose-seeking behavior. Using a locomotor activity assay, we tested the locomotor effects of L-SPD, as well as its effects on MDPV-induced hyperactivity. The results of a battery of in vitro binding and functional assays confirmed that L-SPD functioned as a D1-like receptor agonist and D2-like receptor antagonist. In behavioral experiments, L-SPD dose-dependently attenuated cue plus MDPV-primed reinstatement of MDPV-seeking behavior in the IVSA model. The highest dose of L-SPD also attenuated MDPV-primed reinstatement of MDPV CPP, as well as cue-induced reinstatement of sucrose-seeking. L-SPD had no significant locomotor effects, and did not modulate the robust hyperactivity induced by MDPV. The current findings show for the first time a robust reinstatement effect with MDPV, which can be reduced by L-SPD. These results establish a role for DA receptors in drug-seeking behavior for MDPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callum Hicks
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Peng Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Linnet Ramos
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Sunil U. Nayak
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Yohanka Caro
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Allen B. Reitz
- Fox Chase
Chemical Diversity Center, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Garry R. Smith
- Fox Chase
Chemical Diversity Center, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - David Y.-W. Lee
- Bio-Organic and Natural Products Laboratory, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts 02478, United States
| | - Scott M. Rawls
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Lee-Yuan Liu-Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
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Self-administration of the synthetic cathinone MDPV enhances reward function via a nicotinic receptor dependent mechanism. Neuropharmacology 2018; 137:286-296. [PMID: 29778945 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is an addictive synthetic drug with severe side effects. Previous studies have shown that MDPV has positive reinforcing properties. However, little is known about the effect of MDPV self-administration on the state of the brain reward system and the neuronal mechanisms by which MDPV mediates its effects. The goal of the present studies was to determine the effect of MDPV self-administration on reward function and the role of cholinergic neurotransmission in the reinforcing effects of MDPV. To study the effect of MDPV self-administration on the brain reward system, rats were prepared with intravenous catheters and intracranial self-stimulation electrodes (ICSS). For 10 days, the reward thresholds were assessed immediately before (23 h post prior session) and after 1 h of MDPV self-administration. The reward thresholds were decreased immediately after MDPV self-administration, which is indicative of a potentiation of brain reward function. The reward thresholds 23 h after MDPV intake gradually increased over time, which is indicative of anhedonia. Pretreatment with the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonist mecamylamine decreased the self-administration of MDPV and completely prevented the decrease in reward thresholds. A control study with palatable chocolate pellets showed that responding for a natural reinforcer does not affect the state of the brain reward system. Furthermore, mecamylamine did not affect responding for food pellets. In conclusion, the self-administration of MDPV potentiates reward function and nAChR blockade prevents the reward enhancing effects of MDPV self-administration. Preventing the MDPV-induced increase in cholinergic neurotransmission might be a safe approach to diminish MDPV abuse.
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Gerecsei LI, Csillag A, Zachar G, Gévai L, Simon L, Dobolyi Á, Ádám Á. Gestational Exposure to the Synthetic Cathinone Methylenedioxypyrovalerone Results in Reduced Maternal Care and Behavioral Alterations in Mouse Pups. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:27. [PMID: 29459818 PMCID: PMC5807393 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The member of synthetic cathinone family, methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), is a frequently used psychoactive drug of abuse. The objective of our study was to determine the effect of MDPV (administered from the 8th to the 14th day of gestation) on the behavior of neonatal and adolescent mice, as well as its effect on maternal care. We measured maternal care (pup retrieval test, nest building), locomotor activity (open field test), and motor coordination (grip strength test) of dams, whereas on pups we examined locomotor activity at postnatal day 7 and day 21 (open field test) and motor coordination on day 21 (grip strength test). On fresh-frozen brain samples of the dams we examined the expression of two important peptides implicated in the regulation of maternal behavior and lactation: tuberoinfundibular peptide 39 (TIP39) mRNA in the thalamic posterior intralaminar complex, and amylin mRNA in the medial preoptic nucleus. We detected decreased birth rate and survival of offspring, and reduced maternal care in the drug-treated animals, whereas there was no difference between the motility of treated and control mothers. Locomotor activity of the pups was increased in the MDPV treated group both at 7 and 21 days of age, while motor coordination was unaffected by MDPV treatment. TIP39 and amylin were detected in their typical location but failed to show a significant difference of expression between the drug-treated and control groups. The results suggest that chronic systemic administration of the cathinone agent MDPV to pregnant mice can reduce birth rate and maternal care, and it also enhances motility (without impairment of motor coordination) of the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- László I Gerecsei
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Csillag
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gergely Zachar
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lőrinc Gévai
- Laboratory of Sensorimotor Adaptation, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Simon
- Laboratory of Sensorimotor Adaptation, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Árpád Dobolyi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,MTA-ELTE Laboratory of Molecular and Systems Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágota Ádám
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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17
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Characterization of the discriminative stimulus effects of 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Behav Pharmacol 2018; 28:394-400. [PMID: 28598863 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Recreational use of 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) in the early 2000s prompted numerous scientific investigations of its behavioral and neurochemical effects. The purpose of this study was to further characterize the interoceptive stimulus effects of MDPV using a validated in-vivo drug-detection assay. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to discriminate 0.3 mg/kg MDPV from saline under a fixed ratio 20 (FR 20) schedule of food reinforcement. After stimulus control was established with MDPV (∼35 training sessions), substitution tests were commenced with drugs from several chemical classes, including drugs with predominantly dopaminergic actions [MDPV, D-amphetamine, (+)-methamphetamine, (-)-cocaine], drugs with predominantly serotonergic actions [(+)-lysergic acid diethylamide, (+)-fenfluramine], and drugs with both serotonergic and dopaminergic actions (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, 4-methylmethcathinone). Full substitution for the 0.3 mg/kg MDPV cue was observed with D-amphetamine, (+)-methamphetamine, and (-)-cocaine. Surprisingly, the 5-HT releaser (+)-fenfluramine fully substituted in half the subjects, but completely suppressed responding in the remaining subjects. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, 4-methylmethcathinone, and (+)-lysergic acid diethylamide failed to fully substitute for MDPV. These results indicate that the MDPV cue is similar to cues produced by drugs with predominantly dopamine-increasing effects and perhaps serotonin-releasing effects among individual subjects. Given these findings, further research is warranted to directly assess the contributions of dopamine and serotonin receptor isoforms to the discriminative stimulus functions of MDPV.
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18
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Clasen MM, Flax SM, Hempel BJ, Cheng K, Rice KC, Riley AL. Antagonism of the kappa opioid receptor attenuates THC-induced place aversions in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2017; 163:30-35. [PMID: 29100992 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2017.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Prior research with transgenic mice in which the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) has been suppressed or activated suggests that the aversive effects of THC are mediated by activity of this receptor subtype. If the activity of the KOR system is responsible for mediating the THC's aversive effects, then selective antagonism of the KOR by norBNI should block such aversive effects. To test this hypothesis, rats were pretreated with norBNI 24h prior to place conditioning with THC to assess its effect on the acquisition of THC-induced place aversions. METHODS In Experiment 1, rats pretreated with norBNI (0 or 15mg/kg) were exposed 24h later to one side of a place conditioning chamber and injected with THC (0, 0.56, 1 and 3.2mg/kg). On the next day, they were injected with vehicle and placed on the opposite side of the chamber. This was repeated for a total of five cycles followed by a test of the animal's aversion to the THC-paired side. In Experiment 2, rats were pretreated with norBNI (0 or 30mg/kg) prior to place conditioning 24h later with THC (0 or 3.2mg/kg). RESULTS In Experiment 1, THC produced dose-dependent place aversions that were unaffected by norBNI (15mg/kg). In Experiment 2, THC induced significant place aversions that were fully attenuated by norBNI (30mg/kg). CONCLUSIONS Although 15mg/kg norBNI was ineffective in antagonizing the aversive effects of THC, 30mg/kg norBNI blocked the ability of THC to induce a place aversion. The results of the latter assessment are consistent with prior research with transgenic manipulations of the KOR and provide further evidence for the role of the KOR system in the aversive properties of THC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Clasen
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA.
| | - Shaun M Flax
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Briana J Hempel
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Kejun Cheng
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Anthony L Riley
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA.
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Kohler RJ, Perrine SA, Baker LE. Repeated exposure to 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone and cocaine produces locomotor sensitization with minimal effects on brain monoamines. Neuropharmacology 2017; 134:22-27. [PMID: 29042316 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones, known as "bath salts" on the illicit drug market, pose a significant public health concern. 3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), one of several popular constituents of illicit bath salts, produces similar pharmacological actions to cocaine, albeit with greater potency and efficacy. The present study sought to characterize behavioral and neurochemical effects of repeated exposure to MDPV alone and in combination with cocaine. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one the following four treatments, administered once daily for seven days: 1 mg/kg MDPV, 5 mg/kg cocaine, 1 mg/kg MDPV +5 mg/kg cocaine, or saline. Locomotor activity was assessed for 1 h immediately before and 1 h immediately after injections on days 1 and 6. Brains were harvested 20 min after the final injection on day 7 and brain tissue punches were obtained to determine monoamine content within the anterior striatum, medial prefrontal cortex, and nucleus accumbens using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Drug-induced increases in horizontal activity were significantly greater on treatment day 6 compared to treatment day 1 in all three drug treatment groups in comparison to the saline control group. MDPV produced significantly higher increases in activity compared to either saline or cocaine, although concurrent treatment with MDPV and cocaine produced sub-additive effects. Neurochemical analyses provided no evidence of alterations in total monoamine content following repeated administration of MDPV, cocaine, or the MDPV + COC mixture. Further investigations targeting possible changes in DA receptor sensitivity following repeated exposure to MDPV may help elucidate the mechanistic changes responsible for MDPV-induced behavioral sensitization. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Designer Drugs and Legal Highs.'
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Kohler
- Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, United States
| | - Shane A Perrine
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 38677, United States
| | - Lisa E Baker
- Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, United States.
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López-Arnau R, Buenrostro-Jáuregui M, Muñoz-Villegas P, Rodríguez-Morató J, Ciudad-Roberts A, Duart L, Camarasa J, De la Torre R, Pubill D, Escubedo E. The combination of MDPV and ethanol results in decreased cathinone and increased alcohol levels. Study of such pharmacological interaction. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2017; 76:19-28. [PMID: 28219712 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is a new psychostimulant cathinone acting as a selective dopamine transporter blocker. Due to the concomitant consumption of ethanol (EtOH) and new psychoactive substances, it is of interest to explore a possible pharmacological interaction between MDPV and EtOH. In locomotor activity assays, EtOH (1g/kg i.p.) elicited a reduction in the stimulant effect induced by low doses of MDPV (0.1-0.3mg/kg, s.c.) in rats, jointly with a decrease in blood and brain MDPV concentrations. Experiments in rat liver microsomes showed different effects depending on the [MDPV]/[EtOH] relationship, evidencing, at certain concentrations, the enhancing effect of EtOH on MDPV metabolism. These suggest that EtOH interacts with MDPV at microsomal level, increasing its metabolic rate. The interaction between both substances was also supported by results in plasma EtOH concentration, which were significantly increased by MDPV, in such a manner that EtOH elimination rate was significantly reduced. The possible toxicological impact of this phenomenon deserves further investigation. In contrast, the rewarding properties of MDPV were unaltered by EtOH. Microdialysis experiments verified that, in the NAcc, both substances could also act synergistically, in such a manner that extracellular dopamine concentrations are maintained. Finally, if the psychostimulant effect induced by MDPV decreased with EtOH, it could favor the boosting and re-dosing in search of the desired effects. However, as the rewarding effect of each dose of the substance would not decrease, the addictive liability could increase considerably. Moreover, we must warn about the increase in EtOH concentrations when consumed concomitantly with MDPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- R López-Arnau
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Buenrostro-Jáuregui
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University Enrique Díaz de León, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - P Muñoz-Villegas
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Rodríguez-Morató
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (CEXS-UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Ciudad-Roberts
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - L Duart
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Camarasa
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - R De la Torre
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (CEXS-UPF), Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - D Pubill
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - E Escubedo
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Hicks C, Gregg RA, Nayak SU, Cannella LA, Schena GJ, Tallarida CS, Reitz AB, Smith GR, Rawls SM. Glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) inhibitor 2-PMPA reduces rewarding effects of the synthetic cathinone MDPV in rats: a role for N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG). Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:1671-1681. [PMID: 28251297 PMCID: PMC5433920 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4568-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Metabotropic glutamate 2 and 3 (mGluR2/3) receptors are implicated in drug addiction as they limit excessive glutamate release during relapse. N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) is an endogenous mGluR2/3 agonist that is inactivated by the glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) enzyme. GCPII inhibitors, and NAAG itself, attenuate cocaine-seeking behaviors. However, their effects on the synthetic cathinone 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) have not been examined. OBJECTIVES We determined whether withdrawal following repeated MDPV administration alters GCPII expression in corticolimbic regions. We also examined whether a GCPII inhibitor (2-(phosphonomethyl)-pentanedioic acid (2-PMPA)), and NAAG, reduce the rewarding and locomotor-stimulant effects of MDPV in rats. METHODS GCPII was assessed following repeated MDPV exposure (7 days). The effects of 2-PMPA and NAAG on acute MDPV-induced hyperactivity were determined using a locomotor test. We also examined the inhibitory effects of 2-PMPA and NAAG on MDPV-induced place preference, and whether the mGluR2/3 antagonist LY341495 could prevent these effects. RESULTS MDPV withdrawal reduced GCPII expression in the prefrontal cortex. Systemic injection of 2-PMPA (100 mg/kg) did not affect the hyperactivity produced by MDPV (0.5-3 mg/kg). However, nasal administration of NAAG did reduce MDPV-induced ambulation, but only at the highest dose (500 μg/10 μl). We also showed that 2-PMPA (10-30 mg/kg) and NAAG (10-500 μg/10 μl) dose-dependently attenuated MDPV place preference, and that the effect of NAAG was blocked by LY341495 (3 mg/kg). CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that MDPV withdrawal produces dysregulation in the endogenous NAAG-GCPII signaling pathway in corticolimbic circuitry. Systemic administration of the GCPII inhibitor 2-PMPA, or NAAG, attenuates MDPV reward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callum Hicks
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ryan A Gregg
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sunil U Nayak
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lee Anne Cannella
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Giana J Schena
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christopher S Tallarida
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Allen B Reitz
- Fox Chase Chemical Diversity Center, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Garry R Smith
- Fox Chase Chemical Diversity Center, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Scott M Rawls
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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22
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Behavioral evidence for the abuse potential of the novel synthetic cathinone alpha-pyrrolidinopentiothiophenone (PVT) in rodents. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:857-867. [PMID: 28070621 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4526-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Synthetic cathinones are chemical derivatives of cathinone that are pharmacologically similar to cocaine and methamphetamine. Recently, abuse of synthetic cathinones among young people has increased. OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to characterize the behavioral effects of alpha-pyrrolidinopentiothiophenone (PVT), an analog of alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone and second-generation synthetic cathinone, as well as to evaluate its abuse potential, using conditioned place preference, intravenous self-administration (SA), and drug discrimination paradigms in rodent models. RESULTS Alpha-PVT produced a significant place preference in mice at doses of 10, 30, and 50 mg/kg. In the SA experiment, alpha-PVT (0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 mg/kg/infusion) produced an inverted U-shaped dose-effect curve in rats. Under a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement, there appeared to be a positive relationship between alpha-PVT dose and the breakpoints for alpha-PVT reinforcement. Additionally, alpha-PVT fully substituted for the discriminative stimulus effects of both cocaine and methamphetamine in rats. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that alpha-PVT has rewarding and reinforcing effects and shares the interoceptive effects of cocaine and methamphetamine. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to show that alpha-PVT has reinforcing properties when delivered on its own, which suggests possible abuse liability in humans.
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23
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Shekar A, Aguilar JI, Galli G, Cozzi NV, Brandt SD, Ruoho AE, Baumann MH, Matthies HJG, Galli A. Atypical dopamine efflux caused by 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) via the human dopamine transporter. J Chem Neuroanat 2017; 83-84:69-74. [PMID: 28163218 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are similar in chemical structure to amphetamines, and their behavioral effects are associated with enhanced dopaminergic signaling. The past ten years of research on the common constituent of bath salts, MDPV (the synthetic cathinone 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone), has aided the understanding of how synthetic cathinones act at the dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT). Several groups have described the ability of MDPV to block the DAT with high-affinity. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time a new mode of action of MDPV, namely its ability to promote DAT-mediated DA efflux. Using single cell amperometric assays, we determined that low concentrations of MDPV (1nM) can cause reverse transport of DA via DAT. Notably, administration of MDPV leads to hyperlocomotion in Drosophila melanogaster. These data describe further how MDPV acts at the DAT, possibly paving the way for novel treatment strategies for individuals who abuse bath salts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Shekar
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States; Neuroscience Program in Substance Abuse (N-PISA), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States
| | - Jenny I Aguilar
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States; Neuroscience Program in Substance Abuse (N-PISA), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States
| | - Greta Galli
- University School of Nashville, Nashville, TN 37212, United States
| | - Nicholas V Cozzi
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Simon D Brandt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Arnold E Ruoho
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, United States
| | - Michael H Baumann
- Designer Drug Research Unit (DDRU), Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Heinrich J G Matthies
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States; Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States
| | - Aurelio Galli
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States; Neuroscience Program in Substance Abuse (N-PISA), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States; Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, United States.
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King HE, Riley AL. The Affective Properties of Synthetic Cathinones: Role of Reward and Aversion in Their Abuse. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2017; 32:165-181. [PMID: 27431397 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2016_32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The drug class known as synthetic cathinones has gained significant attention in the last few years as a result of increased use and abuse. These compounds have been shown to possess reinforcing efficacy in that they are abused in human populations and are self-administered in animal models. The present chapter outlines the affective properties of synthetic cathinones that are thought to impact drug self-administration in general and presents research confirming that these drugs have both rewarding and aversive effects in standalone and concurrent assessments. The implications of these affective properties for the overall abuse potential of these compounds are discussed along with directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather E King
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC, 20016, USA.
| | - Anthony L Riley
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC, 20016, USA
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25
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Hempel BJ, Wakeford AGP, Nelson KH, Clasen MM, Woloshchuk CJ, Riley AL. An assessment of sex differences in Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) taste and place conditioning. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2016; 153:69-75. [PMID: 27986515 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Briana J Hempel
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, American University, Washington, D.C. 20016, USA.
| | - Alison G P Wakeford
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, American University, Washington, D.C. 20016, USA
| | - Katharine H Nelson
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, American University, Washington, D.C. 20016, USA
| | - Matthew M Clasen
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, American University, Washington, D.C. 20016, USA
| | - Claudia J Woloshchuk
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, American University, Washington, D.C. 20016, USA
| | - Anthony L Riley
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, American University, Washington, D.C. 20016, USA.
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26
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Woloshchuk CJ, Nelson KH, Rice KC, Riley AL. Effects of 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) pre-exposure on the aversive effects of MDPV, cocaine and lithium chloride: Implications for abuse vulnerability. Drug Alcohol Depend 2016; 167:121-7. [PMID: 27520883 PMCID: PMC5548127 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug use is thought to be a balance of the rewarding and aversive effects of drugs. Understanding how various factors impact these properties and their relative balance may provide insight into their abuse potential. In this context, the present study attempted to evaluate the effects of drug history on the aversive effects of 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), one of a variety of synthetic cathinones (collectively known as "bath salts"). METHODS Different groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to either vehicle or MDPV (1.8mg/kg) once every fourth day for five total injections prior to taste avoidance conditioning in which a novel saccharin solution was repeatedly paired with either vehicle, MDPV (1.8mg/kg), the related psychostimulant cocaine (18mg/kg) or the emetic lithium chloride (LiCl) (13.65mg/kg). RESULTS In animals pre-exposed to vehicle, all three drugs induced significant and comparable taste avoidance relative to animals injected with vehicle during conditioning. MDPV pre-exposure attenuated the avoidance induced by both MDPV and cocaine (greater attenuation for MDPV than cocaine), but had no effect on that induced by LiCl. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that a history of MDPV use may reduce or attenuate MDPV and cocaine's (but not LiCl's) aversive effects. The implications for such changes in MDPV's aversive effects to its potential use and abuse were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia J Woloshchuk
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20016, USA.
| | - Katharine H Nelson
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20016, USA
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Anthony L Riley
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20016, USA.
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27
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Colon-Perez LM, Tran K, Thompson K, Pace MC, Blum K, Goldberger BA, Gold MS, Bruijnzeel AW, Setlow B, Febo M. The Psychoactive Designer Drug and Bath Salt Constituent MDPV Causes Widespread Disruption of Brain Functional Connectivity. Neuropsychopharmacology 2016; 41:2352-65. [PMID: 26997298 PMCID: PMC4946066 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2016.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The abuse of 'bath salts' has raised concerns because of their adverse effects, which include delirium, violent behavior, and suicide ideation in severe cases. The bath salt constituent 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) has been closely linked to these and other adverse effects. The abnormal behavioral pattern produced by acute high-dose MDPV intake suggests possible disruptions of neural communication between brain regions. Therefore, we determined if MDPV exerts disruptive effects on brain functional connectivity, particularly in areas of the prefrontal cortex. Male rats were imaged following administration of a single dose of MDPV (0.3, 1.0, or 3.0 mg/kg) or saline. Resting state brain blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) images were acquired at 4.7 T. To determine the role of dopamine transmission in MDPV-induced changes in functional connectivity, a group of rats received the dopamine D1/D2 receptor antagonist cis-flupenthixol (0.5 mg/kg) 30 min before MDPV. MDPV dose-dependently reduced functional connectivity. Detailed analysis of its effects revealed that connectivity between frontal cortical and striatal areas was reduced. This included connectivity between the prelimbic prefrontal cortex and other areas of the frontal cortex and the insular cortex with hypothalamic, ventral, and dorsal striatal areas. Although the reduced connectivity appeared widespread, connectivity between these regions and somatosensory cortex was not as severely affected. Dopamine receptor blockade did not prevent the MDPV-induced decrease in functional connectivity. The results provide a novel signature of MDPV's in vivo mechanism of action. Reduced brain functional connectivity has been reported in patients suffering from psychosis and has been linked to cognitive dysfunction, audiovisual hallucinations, and negative affective states akin to those reported for MDPV-induced intoxication. The present results suggest that disruption of functional connectivity networks involving frontal cortical and striatal regions could contribute to the adverse effects of MDPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis M Colon-Perez
- Department of Psychiatry, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA,Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kelvin Tran
- Department of Psychiatry, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Khalil Thompson
- Department of Psychiatry, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Michael C Pace
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kenneth Blum
- Department of Psychiatry, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Bruce A Goldberger
- Department of Psychiatry, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA,Departments of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA,William R Maples Center for Forensic Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Mark S Gold
- Department of Psychiatry, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA,Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Adriaan W Bruijnzeel
- Department of Psychiatry, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA,Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA,Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Barry Setlow
- Department of Psychiatry, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA,Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA,Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Marcelo Febo
- Department of Psychiatry, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA,Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA,Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida Brain Institute, PO Box 100256, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA, Tel: +1 352 294 4911, Fax: +1 352 392 8217, E-mail:
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28
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Buenrostro-Jáuregui M, Ciudad-Roberts A, Moreno J, Muñoz-Villegas P, López-Arnau R, Pubill D, Escubedo E, Camarasa J. Changes in CREB and deltaFosB are associated with the behavioural sensitization induced by methylenedioxypyrovalerone. J Psychopharmacol 2016; 30:707-12. [PMID: 27147595 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116645300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is a synthetic cathinone which has recently emerged as a designer drug of abuse. The objective of this study was to investigate the locomotor sensitization induced by MDPV in adolescent mice, and associated neuroplastic changes in the nucleus accumbens and striatum through deltaFosB and CREB expression. Behavioural testing consisted of three phases: Phase I: conditioning regimen with MDPV (0.3 mg/kg/day for five days) or saline; Phase II: resting (11 days); Phase III: challenged with MDPV (0.3 mg/kg), cocaine (10 mg/kg) or saline on day 16 for both groups. Mice repeatedly exposed to MDPV increased locomotor activity by 165-200% following acute MDPV or cocaine administration after an 11-day resting period, showing a MDPV-induced sensitization to itself and to cocaine. An explanation for this phenomenon could be the common mechanism of action between these two psychostimulants. Furthermore, the MDPV challenge resulted in higher levels of phospho-CREB in MDPV-conditioned mice compared with MDPV-naive mice, probably due to an up-regulation of the cAMP pathway. Likewise, MDPV exposure induced a persistent increase in the striatal expression of deltaFosB; the priming dose of MDPV also produced a significant increase in the accumbal expression of this transcription factor. This study constitutes the first evidence that an exposure to a low dose of MDPV during adolescence induces behavioural sensitization and provides a neurobiological basis for a relationship between MDPV and cocaine. We hypothesize that, similar to cocaine, both CREB and deltaFosB play a role in the induction of this behavioural sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Buenrostro-Jáuregui
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University Enrique Díaz de León, Guadalajara, México
| | - Andres Ciudad-Roberts
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Moreno
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia Muñoz-Villegas
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raúl López-Arnau
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Pubill
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Escubedo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge Camarasa
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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29
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Glennon RA, Young R. Neurobiology of 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP). Brain Res Bull 2016; 126:111-126. [PMID: 27142261 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2016.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are analogs of cathinone or β-ketoamphetamine - the major psychostimulant component of the shrub Catha edulis or khat. Cathinone analogs - though not termed as such - have been known for >100 years, but confusing chemical nomenclature often made the topic difficult to appreciate. In addition, many of the early analogs were prepared as synthetic precursors for the development of various other agents, and relatively few were pharmacologically evaluated. Cathinone is a close structural relative of amphetamine. Today, certain cathinone derivatives, synthetic cathinones, are known to produce central stimulant actions and represent a "new" class of drugs of abuse. Depending upon the nature of their terminal amine, α substituent, and aryl substituents, they seem to produce their effects via release or reuptake of various neurotansmitters including dopamine norepinephreine and/or serotonin. Two of the newest and most prominent members of the class are MDPV and its parent α-PVP ("flakka"). Both have been encountered on their own and in what might be constituents of what has been termed by a variety of names including psychoactive "bath salts". Here, we describe the nomenclature of synthetic cathinones, the mechanism(s) of action of MDPV and α-PVP, and their structure-activity relationships. In order to assist in forensic studies, and to identify novel substances requiring future pharmacological evaluation, the metabolism of these agents is also described. Finally, the preclinical behavioral actions of these two agents in a variety of behavioral assays, including rodent locomotor assays, self-administration studies, intracranial self-stimulation, conditioned place preference, and drug discrimination, is summarized. The results of these studies with MDPV and α-PVP are consistent with their acting as potent cocaine-like central stimulants with abuse liability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Glennon
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 980540, Richmond, VA, 23298 USA.
| | - Richard Young
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 980540, Richmond, VA, 23298 USA
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30
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Gregg RA, Hicks C, Nayak SU, Tallarida CS, Nucero P, Smith GR, Reitz AB, Rawls SM. Synthetic cathinone MDPV downregulates glutamate transporter subtype I (GLT-1) and produces rewarding and locomotor-activating effects that are reduced by a GLT-1 activator. Neuropharmacology 2016; 108:111-9. [PMID: 27085607 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones produce dysregulation of monoamine systems, but their effects on the glutamate system and the influence of glutamate on behavioral effects related to cathinone abuse are unknown. A principal regulator of glutamate homeostasis is glutamate transporter subtype 1 (GLT-1), an astrocytic protein that clears glutamate from the extracellular space and influences behavioral effects of established psychostimulants. We hypothesized that repeated administration of the synthetic cathinone, MDPV (3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone), would affect GLT-1 expression in the corticolimbic circuit, and that a GLT-1 activator (ceftriaxone, CTX) would reduce rewarding and locomotor-stimulant effects of MDPV in rats. GLT-1 protein expression in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), but not prefrontal cortex (PFC), was decreased following withdrawal (2, 5 and 10 days) from repeated MDPV treatment, but not immediately after the last MDPV injection. CTX (200 mg/kg) pretreatment did not affect acute locomotor activation produced by MDPV (0.5, 1, 3 mg/kg). However, CTX (200 mg/kg) administered during a 7-day MDPV treatment paradigm attenuated the development of MDPV-induced sensitization of repetitive movements in rats challenged with MDPV following 11 days of drug abstinence. Pretreatment with CTX (200 mg/kg) during a 4-day MDPV (2 mg/kg) conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm reduced the development of place preference produced by MDPV. The present data demonstrate dysregulation of corticolimbic glutamate transport systems during withdrawal from chronic MDPV exposure, and show that a GLT-1 transporter activator disrupts behavioral effects of MDPV that are related to synthetic cathinone abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan A Gregg
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Callum Hicks
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sunil U Nayak
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Christopher S Tallarida
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Paul Nucero
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Garry R Smith
- Fox Chase Chemical Diversity Center, Doylestown, PA, United States
| | - Allen B Reitz
- Fox Chase Chemical Diversity Center, Doylestown, PA, United States
| | - Scott M Rawls
- Department of Pharmacology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) history fails to affect THC's ability to induce place preferences in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2016; 144:1-6. [PMID: 26905371 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2016.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE In pre-clinical models of marijuana abuse, there is relatively limited evidence of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol's (THC) rewarding effects, as indexed by its general inability to induce a place preference. One explanation for this failure is that its rewarding effects are masked by its concurrently occurring aversive properties. Consistent with this explanation, THC pre-exposure, which presumably weakens its aversive effects, induces place preferences. Such demonstrations are limited to mice and given reported species differences in THC reactivity, it is unknown to what extent the same shift in affective properties would be evident in rats. METHODS The present experiment examined the effect of THC history (3.2mg/kg) on THC (1 or 3.2mg/kg) induced place preference conditioning in rats. An assessment of taste avoidance was also run to independently characterize THC's aversive effects and any changes that occurred with drug pre-exposure. These assessments were made in a combined taste avoidance/place preference procedure in which a novel saccharin solution and environment were paired with THC (0, 1 or 3.2mg/kg). RESULTS THC did not induce place conditioning, and a history of THC was ineffective in increasing THC's ability to do so, despite the fact that this same history significantly attenuated the aversive effects of THC. CONCLUSIONS The failure of THC to consistently induce place preferences has been argued to be a function of its concurrently occurring aversive effects masking its rewarding properties. The fact that pre-exposure to THC significantly reduced its aversive effects without impacting THC's ability to induce place preferences suggests that THC has weak rewarding effects and/or its residual aversive affects may have still masked its rewarding properties. An important area for future work will be characterizing under what conditions THC is rewarding and whether its overall reinforcing effects are impacted by the relationship between its affective properties.
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Wakeford AGP, Flax SM, Pomfrey RL, Riley AL. Adolescent delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exposure fails to affect THC-induced place and taste conditioning in adult male rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2015; 140:75-81. [PMID: 26577749 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2015.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Revised: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent initiation of drug use has been linked to problematic drug taking later in life and may represent an important variable that changes the balance of the rewarding and/or aversive effects of abused drugs which may contribute to abuse vulnerability. The current study examined the effects of adolescent THC exposure on THC-induced place preference (rewarding effects) and taste avoidance (aversive effects) conditioning in adulthood. METHODS Forty-six male Sprague-Dawley adolescent rats received eight injections of an intermediate dose of THC (3.2mg/kg) or vehicle. After these injections, animals were allowed to mature and then trained in a combined CTA/CPP procedure in adulthood (PND ~90). Animals were given four trials of conditioning with intervening water-recovery days, a final CPP test and then a one-bottle taste avoidance test. RESULTS THC induced dose-dependent taste avoidance but did not produce place conditioning. None of these effects was impacted by adolescent THC exposure. CONCLUSIONS Adolescent exposure to THC had no effect on THC taste and place conditioning in adulthood. The failure to see an effect of adolescent exposure was addressed in the context of other research that has assessed exposure of drugs of abuse during adolescence on drug reactivity in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison G P Wakeford
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA.
| | - Shaun M Flax
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Rebecca L Pomfrey
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Anthony L Riley
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA.
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Novellas J, López-Arnau R, Carbó ML, Pubill D, Camarasa J, Escubedo E. Concentrations of MDPV in rat striatum correlate with the psychostimulant effect. J Psychopharmacol 2015; 29:1209-18. [PMID: 26253621 DOI: 10.1177/0269881115598415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone or MDPV is a synthetic cathinone with psychostimulant properties more potent than cocaine. We quantified this drug in the striatum after subcutaneous administration to rats. MDPV reached the brain around 5 min after its administration and peaked at 20-25 min later. The elimination half-life in the striatum (61 min) correlates with the decrease in the psychostimulant effect after 60 min. Around 11% of the administered dose reached the striatum and, considering a homogeneous brain distribution, we determined that around 86% of the plasma MDPV is distributed to the brain. MDPV induced a dose-dependent increase in locomotor activity, rearing behaviour and stereotypies, all prevented by haloperidol. A plot of locomotor activity or stereotypies versus MDPV striatal concentrations over time showed a direct relationship between factors. No free MDPV metabolites were detected in plasma, at any time, but hydrolysis with glucuronidase allowed us to identify mainly three metabolites, one of them for the first time in rat plasma. The present results contribute to evidence that MDPV induces hyperlocomotion mainly through a dopamine-dependent mechanism. Good correlation between behavioural effects and striatal levels of MDPV leads us to conclude that its psychostimulant effect is mainly due to a striatal distribution of the substance. The present research provides useful information on the pharmacokinetics of MDPV, and can help design new experiments with kinetics data as well as provide a better understanding of the effects of MDPV in humans and its potential interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Novellas
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry (Pharmacology Section) and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raúl López-Arnau
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry (Pharmacology Section) and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marcel Li Carbó
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Human Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Pubill
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry (Pharmacology Section) and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge Camarasa
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry (Pharmacology Section) and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Escubedo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry (Pharmacology Section) and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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King HE, Wakeford A, Taylor W, Wetzell B, Rice KC, Riley AL. Sex differences in 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV)-induced taste avoidance and place preferences. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2015. [PMID: 26216834 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2015.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones, otherwise known as "bath salts", have gained significant attention in the last few years as a result of increased use and abuse. One such compound, 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), is pharmacologically and behaviorally similar to cocaine and has been shown to possess both aversive and rewarding effects. For a host of other drugs, each of these effects (and their relative balance) can be influenced by a variety of factors, including sex, which in turn impacts drug taking behavior. In this context, the present assessment sought to determine whether males and females differed in MDPV-induced CTA and CPP. Both male and female Sprague-Dawley rats underwent a combined CTA/CPP procedure, in which an injection of one of three doses of MDPV (1.0, 1.8 or 3.2mg/kg) was paired with both a novel saccharin solution and a novel environment and changes in preferences for these stimuli were examined. Taste avoidance was evident in both sexes, although this avoidance was weaker in females compared to males. MDPV also produced place preferences in all drug-treated animals, but these preferences did not vary as a function of sex. The fact that females showed a weaker avoidance response compared to males (despite comparable preferences) suggests that females may have a heightened susceptibility to use and abuse of MDPV, paralleling results seen with cocaine and other stimulants. The present findings extend the behavioral characterization of MDPV and the factors that may alter its aversive and rewarding effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather E King
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, American University, Washington, DC 20016, United States.
| | - Alison Wakeford
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, American University, Washington, DC 20016, United States
| | - William Taylor
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, American University, Washington, DC 20016, United States
| | - Bradley Wetzell
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, American University, Washington, DC 20016, United States
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Chemical Biology Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Anthony L Riley
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, American University, Washington, DC 20016, United States
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