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Ito M, Walzer M, Blauwet MB, Spence A, Heo N, Kelsh D, Blahunka P, Erdman J, Alsharif MN, Marek GJ. A phase 1 randomized, placebo-controlled study to investigate potential interactions between ASP8062, a positive allosteric modulator of the GABA B receptor, and morphine in recreational opioid users. J Psychopharmacol 2023; 37:449-461. [PMID: 37125424 DOI: 10.1177/02698811231167852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent increases in opioid use and subsequent opioid use disorder are a major public health crisis in the United States. AIMS This phase 1 randomized, placebo-controlled study investigated the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PKs) of ASP8062, a γ-aminobutyric acid B receptor-positive allosteric modulator, with and without administration of morphine in participants who used opioids recreationally. METHODS Participants were randomly assigned (2:1) to daily dosing with ASP8062 25 mg or placebo on days 1-10. On day 10, all participants received morphine as a single oral dose of 45 mg; assessments were performed on days 11-16. The primary end point was safety, evaluated as the nature, frequency, and severity of adverse events, and end-tidal CO2 levels. PK end points were a secondary outcome measure. RESULTS A total of 24 participants (aged 21-54 years) received ASP8062 (n = 16) or placebo (n = 8). There were no deaths or serious adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation during the study. Most adverse events were mild, with numerically lower absolute number of adverse events reported with ASP8062 plus morphine versus placebo plus morphine. ASP8062 plus morphine did not increase respiratory depression, potential drug abuse- or withdrawal-related adverse events. There were no significant PK interactions. CONCLUSIONS In this phase 1 study, we did not observe any unexpected safety signals or notable PK interactions with concomitant morphine administration. These data suggest a potentially low risk for an increase in drug abuse- or withdrawal-related adverse events or respiratory distress in participants exposed to ASP8062 and morphine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mototsugu Ito
- Development Project Management, Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc., Northbrook, IL, USA
| | - Mark Walzer
- Clinical Pharmacology & Exploratory Development, Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc., Northbrook, IL, USA
| | - Mary Beth Blauwet
- Biostatistics Department, Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc., Northbrook, IL, USA
| | - Anna Spence
- Biostatistics Department, Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc., Northbrook, IL, USA
| | - Nakyo Heo
- Clinical Pharmacology & Exploratory Development, Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc., Northbrook, IL, USA
| | - Debra Kelsh
- Altasciences, Clinical Kansas, Inc., Overland Park, KS, USA
| | - Paul Blahunka
- Employee of Astellas, Northbrook, IL, USA, at the time of the study
| | - Jay Erdman
- Development Project Management, Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc., Northbrook, IL, USA
| | - Mohamad Nour Alsharif
- Development Project Management, Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc., Northbrook, IL, USA
| | - Gerard J Marek
- Employee of Astellas, Northbrook, IL, USA, at the time of the study
- Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals Inc., New York, NY, USA
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Akuzawa S, Irie M, Kanki M, Shirakawa T, Sato Y. Effect of ASP8062 on morphine self-administration and morphine-induced respiratory suppression in monkeys. J Pharmacol Sci 2023; 151:171-176. [PMID: 36925215 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
ASP8062 is an orally available GABAB receptor positive allosteric modulator (PAM). This study assessed the potential of ASP8062 for treating opioid use disorder (OUD). Three rhesus monkeys were pretreated with ASP8062 (0.3, 1 or 3 mg/kg) by oral administration 1 h prior to a 2-h morphine self-administration session (0.03 mg/kg, iv, per injection) under a fixed-ratio 5 schedule. We further examined the potential worsening of morphine-induced respiratory suppression by ASP8062 after coadministration of morphine (10 mg/kg, sc) and ASP8062 (10 mg/kg, po) in cynomolgus monkeys using a custom-made whole-body plethysmograph. Plasma concentrations of ASP8062 (3 or 10 mg/kg, po) were assessed in cynomolgus monkeys using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS). ASP8062 at 3 mg/kg, po decreased the morphine self-administrations with significant differences from the vehicle-treated group (IC50 = 0.97 ± 0.36 mg/kg). Exposure levels at 3 mg/kg observed in monkeys were comparable to the clinical exposure levels which positive pharmacodynamic effects were previously shown. Further, ASP8062 did not potentiate morphine-induced respiratory suppression up to exposure levels higher than the clinically relevant dose. ASP8062 may reduce opioid use in OUD patients without affecting respiratory system, providing justification for further ASP8062 development as a potential treatment option for OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinobu Akuzawa
- Applied Pharmacology, Non-clinical Regulatory Science, Applied Research, Astellas Pharma Inc., 21 Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8585, Japan.
| | - Megumi Irie
- Applied Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, Non-clinical Regulatory Science, Applied Research, Astellas Pharma Inc., 21 Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8585, Japan
| | - Masayuki Kanki
- Applied Safety, Non-clinical Regulatory Science, Applied Research, Astellas Pharma Inc., 21 Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8585, Japan
| | - Takafumi Shirakawa
- Applied Safety, Non-clinical Regulatory Science, Applied Research, Astellas Pharma Inc., 21 Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8585, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Sato
- Research Program Management, Applied Research Management, Applied Research, Astellas Pharma Inc., 21 Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8585, Japan
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Maccioni P, Lorrai I, Carai MAM, Gessa GL, Colombo G. Blockade of the GABAB receptor suppressed alcohol self-administration in rats: an effect similar to that produced by GABAB receptor activation. Behav Pharmacol 2022; 33:51-60. [PMID: 34954712 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Literature data suggest that activation and blockade of the GABAB receptor may produce similar effects on several reward-related behaviours. Accordingly, the present study was designed to investigate whether treatment with the GABAB receptor antagonist, SCH 50911, reproduced the suppressing effect of the GABAB receptor agonist, baclofen, and several positive allosteric modulators of the GABAB receptor on operant oral alcohol self-administration in rats. To this end, Sardinian alcohol-preferring (sP) rats were trained to lever-respond for alcohol (15% v/v) under the fixed ratio (FR) 4 (FR4) schedule of reinforcement. Once lever-responding had stabilized, rats were exposed to test sessions preceded by treatment with SCH 50911 (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg; i.p.). Two independent experiments were conducted, differing solely in the set of rats used. Selectivity of SCH 50911 effect on alcohol self-administration was assessed by evaluating the effect of SCH 50911 (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg; i.p.) on self-administration of a sucrose solution (0.7% w/v) in sP rats exposed to the FR4 schedule. In both 'alcohol' experiments, treatment with SCH 50911 reduced lever-responding for alcohol and amount of self-administered alcohol. SCH 50911 effect was characterized by large interindividual variability, with several instances of dose-unrelated reductions, and frequent occurrence of complete suppression of lever-responding for alcohol. Similar data were collected in the 'sucrose' experiment. These results extend to alcohol self-administration with the notion that activation and blockade of GABAB receptor may produce unidirectional effects on reward-related behaviours; these similarities are discussed in terms of differential contribution of pre- and postsynaptic GABAB receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Maccioni
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, Monserrato
| | - Irene Lorrai
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, Monserrato
| | | | - Gian Luigi Gessa
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, Monserrato
| | - Giancarlo Colombo
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, Monserrato
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Maccioni P, Kaczanowska K, Lawrence H, Yun S, Bratzu J, Gessa GL, McDonald P, Colombo G. The Novel Positive Allosteric Modulator of the GABA B Receptor, KK-92A, Suppresses Alcohol Self-Administration and Cue-Induced Reinstatement of Alcohol Seeking in Rats. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:727576. [PMID: 34778249 PMCID: PMC8585307 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.727576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the GABAB receptor (GABAB PAMs) are of interest in the addiction field due to their ability to suppress several behaviors motivated by drugs of abuse. KK-92A is a novel GABAB PAM found to attenuate intravenous self-administration of nicotine and reinstatement of nicotine seeking in rats. This present study was aimed at extending to alcohol the anti-addictive properties of KK-92A. To this end, Sardinian alcohol-preferring rats were trained to lever-respond for oral alcohol (15% v/v) or sucrose (0.7% w/v) under the fixed ratio (FR) 5 (FR5) schedule of reinforcement. Once lever-responding behavior had stabilized, rats were exposed to tests with acutely administered KK-92A under FR5 and progressive ratio schedules of reinforcement and cue-induced reinstatement of previously extinguished alcohol seeking. KK-92A effect on spontaneous locomotor activity was also evaluated. Treatment with 10 and 20 mg/kg KK-92A suppressed lever-responding for alcohol, amount of self-administered alcohol, and breakpoint for alcohol. Treatment with 20 mg/kg KK-92A reduced sucrose self-administration. Combination of per se ineffective doses of KK-92A (2.5 mg/kg) and the GABAB receptor agonist, baclofen (1 mg/kg), reduced alcohol self-administration. Treatment with 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg KK-92A suppressed reinstatement of alcohol seeking. Only treatment with 80 mg/kg KK-92A affected spontaneous locomotor activity. These results demonstrate the ability of KK-92A to inhibit alcohol-motivated behaviors in rodents and confirm that these effects are common to the entire class of GABAB PAMs. The remarkable efficacy of KK-92A is discussed in terms of its ago-allosteric properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Maccioni
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Katarzyna Kaczanowska
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Harshani Lawrence
- Chemical Biology Core, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Sang Yun
- Chemical Biology Core, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Jessica Bratzu
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Gessa
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Patricia McDonald
- Department of Cancer Physiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Giancarlo Colombo
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, Monserrato, Italy
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Lobina C, Maccioni P, Lorrai I, Zaru A, Collu M, Carai MAM, Brizzi A, Mugnaini C, Gessa GL, Corelli F, Colombo G. Suppressing effect of the novel positive allosteric modulator of the GABA B receptor, COR659, on locomotor hyperactivity induced by different drugs of abuse. Behav Brain Res 2020; 400:113045. [PMID: 33309750 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.113045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
COR659 is a recently synthesized positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of the GABAB receptor. Similarly to all GABAB PAMs tested to date, COR659 has been reported to suppress different alcohol-related behaviors in rodents. The present study was designed to assess whether the anti-addictive properties of COR659 extend to drugs of abuse other than alcohol. Specifically, it investigated the effect of COR659 on cocaine-, amphetamine-, nicotine-, and morphine-induced locomotor hyperactivity in mice. To this aim, independent groups of CD1 mice were acutely pretreated with COR659 (0, 10, and 20 mg/kg; i.p.), then acutely treated with cocaine (0 and 10 mg/kg, s.c.), amphetamine (0 and 5 mg/kg; s.c.), nicotine (0 and 0.05 mg/kg; s.c.), or morphine (0 and 20 mg/kg; s.c.), and finally exposed for 60 min to a photocell-equipped motility cage. When given alone, both doses of COR659 were ineffective on spontaneous locomotor activity. Pretreatment with COR659 reduced, or even suppressed, the increase in motility counts induced by cocaine, amphetamine, nicotine, and morphine. Since locomotor hyperactivity is an attribute common to drugs of abuse, the results of the present study constitute the first line of evidence on the extension of the preclinical, anti-addictive profile of COR659 to cocaine, amphetamine, nicotine, and morphine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Lobina
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, Monserrato, CA, I-09042, Italy
| | - Paola Maccioni
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, Monserrato, CA, I-09042, Italy
| | - Irene Lorrai
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, Monserrato, CA, I-09042, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, I-09042, Italy
| | - Alessandro Zaru
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, Monserrato, CA, I-09042, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, I-09042, Italy
| | - Maria Collu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, I-09042, Italy
| | - Mauro A M Carai
- Cagliari Pharmacological Research, Cagliari, CA, I-09127, Italy
| | - Antonella Brizzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, SI, I-53100, Italy
| | - Claudia Mugnaini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, SI, I-53100, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Gessa
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, Monserrato, CA, I-09042, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, I-09042, Italy
| | - Federico Corelli
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, SI, I-53100, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Colombo
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, Monserrato, CA, I-09042, Italy.
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Gawlińska K, Jastrzębska J, Gamberini S, Gawliński D, Pieniążek R, Suder A, Wydra K, Frankowska M. The impact of GABA B receptors and their pharmacological stimulation on cocaine reinforcement and drug-seeking behaviors in a rat model of depression. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 883:173324. [PMID: 32621910 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Depression and cocaine use disorder represent frequent co-current diagnoses and the GABAB receptors are involved in both conditions. This research involved the application of the animal model of depression (bulbectomy, OBX) and cocaine use disorder (self-administration) to assess the efficiency of GABAB receptor agonists, baclofen and SKF-97541, on cocaine rewarding property and reinforcement of seeking-behaviors in rats with depressive phenotype. Additionally, we applied immunoreactive techniques to determine changes in the expression of GABAB receptor subunit 1 and 2 in rats with depression and cocaine addiction. The results obtained the study illustrate that the GABAB receptor agonists reduced the rewarding property of cocaine in both OBX and control (SHAM) rats. Both agonists significantly reduced cue- and cocaine-induced reinstatement in both groups. This is the first report demonstrating a different impact of cocaine abuse on GABAB receptor levels in depressed animals. It was documented that the expression of GABAB1 subunit in the infralimbic cortex increased during self-administration and extinction training in OBX animals. The lower level of expression for this subunit in addictive SHAM rats during self-administration, and increased in extinguished addictive OBX rats was found in the ventrolateral striatum. The expression of GABAB2 subunit changed only in the case of cocaine self-administration paradigm, as a decline of the subunit level in the nucleus accumbens and ventral hippocampus was observed only in OBX rats. The relevance of GABAB receptors in depression and addiction comorbidity is clearly implicated and can open a new era of drug discovery for individuals with dual diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Gawlińska
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Ul. 12 Smętna Street, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Joanna Jastrzębska
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Ul. 12 Smętna Street, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Sara Gamberini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Dawid Gawliński
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Ul. 12 Smętna Street, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Renata Pieniążek
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Ul. 12 Smętna Street, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agata Suder
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Ul. 12 Smętna Street, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Karolina Wydra
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Ul. 12 Smętna Street, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Frankowska
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Ul. 12 Smętna Street, 31-343, Kraków, Poland.
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Li X, Slesinger PA. GABA B Receptors and Drug Addiction: Psychostimulants and Other Drugs of Abuse. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2020; 52:119-155. [PMID: 33442842 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2020_187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Metabotropic GABAB receptors (GABABRs) mediate slow inhibition and modulate synaptic plasticity throughout the brain. Dysfunction of GABABRs has been associated with psychiatric illnesses and addiction. Drugs of abuse alter GABAB receptor (GABABR) signaling in multiple brain regions, which partly contributes to the development of drug addiction. Recently, GABABR ligands and positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) have been shown to attenuate the initial rewarding effect of addictive substances, inhibit seeking and taking of these drugs, and in some cases, ameliorate drug withdrawal symptoms. The majority of the anti-addiction effects seen with GABABR modulation can be localized to ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons, which receive complex inhibitory and excitatory inputs that are modified by drugs of abuse. Preclinical research suggests that GABABR PAMs are emerging as promising candidates for the treatment of drug addiction. Clinical studies on drug dependence have shown positive results with GABABR ligands but more are needed, and compounds with better pharmacokinetics and fewer side effects are critically needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofan Li
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Paul A Slesinger
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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Frankowska M, Miszkiel J, Pomierny-Chamioło L, Pomierny B, Borelli AC, Suder A, Filip M. Extinction training following cocaine or MDMA self-administration produces discrete changes in D 2-like and mGlu 5 receptor density in the rat brain. Pharmacol Rep 2019; 71:870-878. [PMID: 31408786 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies strongly support the role of the dopamine D2-like and glutamate mGlu5 receptors in psychostimulant reward and relapse. METHODS The present study employed cocaine or MDMA self-administration with yoked-triad procedure in rats to explore whether extinction training affects the drug-seeking behavior and the D2-like and mGlu5 receptor Bmax and Kd values in several regions of the animal brain. RESULTS Both cocaine and MDMA rats developed maintenance of self-administration, but MDMA evoked lower response rates and speed of self-administration acquisition. During reinstatement tests, cocaine or MDMA seeking behavior was produced by either exposure to the drug-associated cues or drug-priming injections. The extinction training after cocaine self-administration did not alter significantly D2-like receptor expression the in the limbic and subcortical brain areas, while MDMA yoked rats showed a decrease of the D2-like binding density in the nucleus accumbens and increase in the hippocampus and a rise of affinity in the striatum and hippocampus. Interestingly, in the prefrontal cortex a reduction in the mGlu5 receptor density in cocaine- or MDMA-abstinent rats was demonstrated, with significant effects being observed after previous MDMA exposure. Moreover, rats self-administered cocaine showed a rise in the density of mGlu5 receptor for the nucleus accumbens. CONCLUSION This study first time shows that abstinence followed extinction training after cocaine or MDMA self- or passive-injections changes the D2-like and mGlu5 density and affinity. The observed changes in the expression of both receptors are brain-region specific and related to either pharmacological and/or motivational features of cocaine or MDMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Frankowska
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Joanna Miszkiel
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Kraków, Poland
| | - Lucyna Pomierny-Chamioło
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Collegium Medicum, Kraków, Poland
| | - Bartosz Pomierny
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Collegium Medicum, Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Agata Suder
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Kraków, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Filip
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Kraków, Poland
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Jacobson LH, Vlachou S, Slattery DA, Li X, Cryan JF. The Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid B Receptor in Depression and Reward. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 83:963-976. [PMID: 29759132 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2018.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2017] [Revised: 01/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The metabotropic gamma-aminobutyric acid B (GABAB) receptor was the first described obligate G protein-coupled receptor heterodimer and continues to set the stage for discoveries in G protein-coupled receptor signaling complexity. In this review, dedicated to the life and work of Athina Markou, we explore the role of GABAB receptors in depression, reward, and the convergence of these domains in anhedonia, a shared symptom of major depressive disorder and withdrawal from drugs of abuse. GABAB receptor expression and function are enhanced by antidepressants and reduced in animal models of depression. Generally, GABAB receptor antagonists are antidepressant-like and agonists are pro-depressive. Exceptions to this rule likely reflect the differential influence of GABAB1 isoforms in depression-related behavior and neurobiology, including the anhedonic effects of social stress. A wealth of data implicate GABAB receptors in the rewarding effects of drugs of abuse. We focus on nicotine as an example. GABAB receptor activation attenuates, and deactivation enhances, nicotine reward and associated neurobiological changes. In nicotine withdrawal, however, GABAB receptor agonists, antagonists, and positive allosteric modulators enhance anhedonia, perhaps owing to differential effects of GABAB1 isoforms on the dopaminergic system. Nicotine cue-induced reinstatement is more reliably attenuated by GABAB receptor activation. Separation of desirable and undesirable side effects of agonists is achievable with positive allosteric modulators, which are poised to enter clinical studies for drug abuse. GABAB1 isoforms are key to understanding the neurobiology of anhedonia, whereas allosteric modulators may offer a mechanism for targeting specific brain regions and processes associated with reward and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura H Jacobson
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Styliani Vlachou
- School of Nursing and Human Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin
| | - David A Slattery
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - John F Cryan
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Effects of intra-accumbal or intra-prefrontal cortex microinjections of adenosine 2A receptor ligands on responses to cocaine reward and seeking in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:3509-3523. [PMID: 30426181 PMCID: PMC6267142 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5072-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Many studies indicated that adenosine via its A2A receptors influences the behavioral effects of cocaine by modulating dopamine neurotransmission. The hypothesis was tested that A2A receptors in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) or the prefrontral cortex (PFc) may modulate cocaine reward and/or cocaine seeking behavior in rats. METHODS The effects of local bilateral microinjections of the selective A2A receptor agonist CGS 21680 or the A2A receptor antagonists KW 6002 and SCH 58261 were investigated on cocaine self-administration on reinstatement of cocaine seeking. RESULTS The intra-NAc shell, but not intra-infralimbic PFc, administration of CGS 21680 significantly reduced the number of active lever presses and the number of cocaine (0.25 mg/kg) infusions. However, tonic activation of A2A receptors located in the NAc or PFc did not play a role in modulating the rewarding actions of cocaine since neither KW 6002 nor SCH 58261 microinjections altered the cocaine (0.5 mg/kg) infusions. The intra-NAc but not intra-PFc microinjections of CGS 21680 dose- dependently attenuated the reinstatement of active lever presses induced by cocaine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and the drug-associated combined conditioned stimuli using the subthreshold dose of cocaine (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.). On the other hand, the intra-NAc pretreatment with SCH 58261, but not with KW 6002, given alone evoked reinstatement of cocaine seeking behavior. CONCLUSION The results strongly support the involvement of accumbal shell A2A receptors as a target, the activation of which exerts an inhibitory control over cocaine reward and cocaine seeking.
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Yu C, Zhou X, Fu Q, Peng Q, Oh KW, Hu Z. A New Insight into the Role of CART in Cocaine Reward: Involvement of CaMKII and Inhibitory G-Protein Coupled Receptor Signaling. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:244. [PMID: 28860971 PMCID: PMC5559471 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptides are neuropeptides that are expressed in brain regions associated with reward, such as the nucleus accumbens (NAc), and play a role in cocaine reward. Injection of CART into the NAc can inhibit the behavioral effects of cocaine, and injecting CART into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) reduces cocaine-seeking behavior. However, the exact mechanism of these effects is not clear. Recent research has demonstrated that Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and inhibitory G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling are involved in the mechanism of the effect of CART on cocaine reward. Hence, we review the role of CaMKII and inhibitory GPCR signaling in the effect of CART on cocaine reward and provide a new insight into the mechanism of that effect. In this article, we will first review the biological function of CART and discuss the role of CART in cocaine reward. Then, we will focus on the role of CaMKII and inhibitory GPCR signaling in cocaine reward. Furthermore, we will discuss how CaMKII and inhibitory GPCR signaling are involved in the mechanistic action of CART in cocaine reward. Finally, we will provide our opinions regarding the future directions of research on the role of CaMKII and inhibitory GPCR signaling in the effect of CART on cocaine reward.
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Affiliation(s)
- ChengPeng Yu
- The Second Clinic Medical College, School of Medicine, Nanchang UniversityNanchang, China
| | - XiaoYan Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Nanchang UniversityNanchang, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Respiration, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang UniversityNanchang, China.,Department of Respiration, Department Two, Jiangxi Provincial People's HospitalNanchang, China
| | - QingHua Peng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang UniversityNanchang, China
| | - Ki-Wan Oh
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National UniversityCheongju, South Korea
| | - ZhenZhen Hu
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Nanchang UniversityNanchang, China.,Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathogens and Molecular Pathology and Department of Pathology, Schools of Basic Medical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanchang University Medical CollegeNanchang, China
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12
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KK-92A, a novel GABA B receptor positive allosteric modulator, attenuates nicotine self-administration and cue-induced nicotine seeking in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:1633-1644. [PMID: 28382542 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4594-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE GABAB receptors (GABABR) play a critical role in GABAergic neurotransmission in the brain and are thought to be one of the most promising targets for the treatment of drug addiction. GABABR positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) have shown promise as potential anti-addictive therapies, as they lack the sedative and muscle relaxant properties of full GABAB receptor agonists such as baclofen. OBJECTIVES The present study was aimed at developing novel, selective, and potent GABABR PAMs with efficacy on abuse-related effects of nicotine. RESULTS We synthetized ~100 analogs of BHF177, a GABABR PAM that has been shown to inhibit nicotine taking and seeking, and tested their activity in multiple cell-based functional assays. Among these compounds, KK-92A displayed superior PAM properties at the GABABR. Interestingly, our results revealed the existence of pathway-selective differential modulation of GABABR signaling by the structurally related GABABR allosteric modulators BHF177 and KK-92A. In vivo, similarly to BHF177, KK-92A inhibited intravenous nicotine self-administration under both fixed- and progressive-ratio schedules of reinforcement in rats. In contrast to BHF177, KK-92A had no effect on food self-administration. Furthermore, KK-92A decreased cue-induced nicotine-seeking behavior without affecting food seeking. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that KK-92A is a selective GABABR PAM with efficacy in inhibition of the primary reinforcing and incentive motivational effects of nicotine, and attenuation of nicotine seeking, further confirming that GABABR PAMs may be useful antismoking medications.
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13
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Czoty PW, Stoops WW, Rush CR. Evaluation of the "Pipeline" for Development of Medications for Cocaine Use Disorder: A Review of Translational Preclinical, Human Laboratory, and Clinical Trial Research. Pharmacol Rev 2017; 68:533-62. [PMID: 27255266 DOI: 10.1124/pr.115.011668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cocaine use disorder is a persistent public health problem for which no widely effective medications exist. Self-administration procedures, which have shown good predictive validity in estimating the abuse potential of drugs, have been used in rodent, nonhuman primate, and human laboratory studies to screen putative medications. This review assessed the effectiveness of the medications development process regarding pharmacotherapies for cocaine use disorder. The primary objective was to determine whether data from animal and human laboratory self-administration studies predicted the results of clinical trials. In addition, the concordance between laboratory studies in animals and humans was assessed. More than 100 blinded, randomized, fully placebo-controlled studies of putative medications for cocaine use disorder were identified. Of the 64 drugs tested in these trials, only 10 had been examined in both human and well-controlled animal laboratory studies. Within all three stages, few studies had been conducted for each drug and when multiple studies had been conducted conclusions were sometimes contradictory. Overall, however, there was good concordance between animal and human laboratory results when the former assessed chronic drug treatment. Although only seven of the ten reviewed drugs showed fully concordant results across all three types of studies reviewed, the analysis revealed several subject-related, procedural, and environmental factors that differ between the laboratory and clinical trial settings that help explain the disagreement for other drugs. The review closes with several recommendations to enhance translation and communication across stages of the medications development process that will ultimately speed the progress toward effective pharmacotherapeutic strategies for cocaine use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul W Czoty
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (P.W.C.); and University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky (W.W.S., C.R.R.)
| | - William W Stoops
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (P.W.C.); and University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky (W.W.S., C.R.R.)
| | - Craig R Rush
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (P.W.C.); and University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky (W.W.S., C.R.R.)
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14
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McCall NM, Kotecki L, Dominguez-Lopez S, Marron Fernandez de Velasco E, Carlblom N, Sharpe AL, Beckstead MJ, Wickman K. Selective Ablation of GIRK Channels in Dopamine Neurons Alters Behavioral Effects of Cocaine in Mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2017; 42:707-715. [PMID: 27468917 PMCID: PMC5240170 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2016.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 07/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The increase in dopamine (DA) neurotransmission stimulated by in vivo cocaine exposure is tempered by G protein-dependent inhibitory feedback mechanisms in DA neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA). G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK/Kir3) channels mediate the direct inhibitory effect of GABAB receptor (GABABR) and D2 DA receptor (D2R) activation in VTA DA neurons. Here we examined the effect of the DA neuron-specific loss of GIRK channels on D2R-dependent regulation of VTA DA neuron excitability and on cocaine-induced, reward-related behaviors. Selective ablation of Girk2 in DA neurons did not alter the baseline excitability of VTA DA neurons but significantly reduced the magnitude of D2R-dependent inhibitory somatodendritic currents and blunted the impact of D2R activation on spontaneous activity and neuronal excitability. Mice lacking GIRK channels in DA neurons exhibited increased locomotor activation in response to acute cocaine administration and an altered locomotor sensitization profile, as well as increased responding for and intake of cocaine in an intravenous self-administration test. These mice, however, showed unaltered cocaine-induced conditioned place preference. Collectively, our data suggest that feedback inhibition to VTA DA neurons, mediated by GIRK channel activation, tempers the locomotor stimulatory effect of cocaine while also modulating the reinforcing effect of cocaine in an operant-based self-administration task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora M McCall
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Lydia Kotecki
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Sergio Dominguez-Lopez
- Department of Physiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - Nicholas Carlblom
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Amanda L Sharpe
- Department of Physiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA,Feik School of Pharmacy, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Michael J Beckstead
- Department of Physiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Kevin Wickman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA,Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, 6-120 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA, Tel: +1 612 624 5966, Fax: +1 612 625 8408, E-mail:
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15
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Urban KR, Li YC, Xing B, Gao WJ. A Clinically-Relevant Dose of Methylphenidate Enhances Synaptic Inhibition in the Juvenile Rat Prefrontal Cortex. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 2:69-77. [PMID: 30221243 PMCID: PMC6136665 DOI: 10.17756/jrdsas.2016-030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Methylphenidate (MPH) is perhaps the most commonly prescribed psychoactive substance for young children and adolescents; however, its effects on the immature brain are not well understood. MPH is increasingly abused by adolescents and prescriptions are being issued to increasingly younger children without rigorous psychological testing, raising the potential for misdiagnosis; it is therefore crucial to understand how this drug might impact a healthy, developing brain. Recently, we have shown that a clinically-relevant dose of MPH depresses the activity of pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex of normal juvenile rats, but its effects on inhibitory synaptic transmission remain to be explored. We therefore recorded spontaneous (s), miniature (m), and evoked (e) inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) in layer 5 pyramidal neurons in juvenile rat prefrontal cortex. We found a dose-dependent effect of MPH on sIPSC frequency but not amplitude, where 0.3 mg/kg significantly decreased frequency, but 1 mg/kg significantly increased frequency. Moreover, mIPSCs were not affected by either dose of MPH, whereas the amplitudes, as well as paired-pulse ratios and coefficient of variations of evoked IPSCs were significantly increased after MPH treatment, indicating a presynaptic action. Tonic GABA current was also not affected by MPH treatment. Taken together, these results suggest that MPH administration to a healthy juvenile may enhance excitation of GABAergic interneurons; thus shifting the excitation-inhibition balance in the prefrontal cortex towards inhibition, and depressing overall prefrontal cortical activity. Our findings also indicate that the adolescent brain is more sensitive to MPH than previously thought, and dose ranges need to be reconsidered for age as well as size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly R Urban
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA.,Department of General Anesthesia, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yan-Chun Li
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
| | - Bo Xing
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
| | - Wen-Jun Gao
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA
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16
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Nazari SK, Nikoui V, Ostadhadi S, Chegini ZH, Oryan S, Bakhtiarian A. Possible involvement of ATP-sensitive potassium channels in the antidepressant-like effect of baclofen in mouse forced swimming test. Pharmacol Rep 2016; 68:1214-1220. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2016.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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17
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Nazari M, Komaki A, Karamian R, Shahidi S, Sarihi A, Asadbegi M. The interactive role of CB1 and GABAB receptors in hippocampal synaptic plasticity in rats. Brain Res Bull 2016; 120:123-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2015.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Khan MI, Ostadhadi S, Zolfaghari S, Ejtemaei Mehr S, Hassanzadeh G, Dehpour AR. The involvement of NMDA receptor/NO/cGMP pathway in the antidepressant like effects of baclofen in mouse force swimming test. Neurosci Lett 2015; 612:52-61. [PMID: 26679225 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2015.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Revised: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In the current study, the involvement of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) and nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) system in the antidepressant-like effects of baclofen was evaluated by using animal model in forced swimming test. Followed by an open field test for the evaluation of locomotor activity, the immobility time for mice in force swimming test was recorded. Only the last four min was analyzed. Administration of Baclofen (0.5 and 1mg/kg, i.p.) reduced the immobility interval in the FST. Prior administration of l-arginine (750mg/kg, i.p.,) a nitric oxide synthase substrate or sildenafil (5mg/kg, i.p.) a phosphodiesterase 5 into mice suppressed the antidepressant-like activity of baclofen (1mg/kg, i.p.).Co-treatment of 7-nitroindazole (50mg/kg, i.p.,) an inhibitor of neuronal nitric oxide synthase, L-NAME (10mg/kg, i.p.,) a non-specific inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase or MK-801 (0.05mg/kg, i.p.) an NMDA receptor antagonist with subeffective dose of baclofen (0.1mg/kg, i.p.), reduced the immobility time in the FST as compared to the drugs when used alone. Co-administrated of lower doses of MK-801 (0.01mg/kg) or l-NAME (1mg/kg) failed to effect immobility time however, simultaneous administration of these two agents in same dose with subeffective dose of baclofen (0.1mg/kg, i.p.), minimized the immobility time in the FST. Thus, our results support the role of NMDA receptors and l-arginine-NO-GMP pathway in the antidepressant-like action of baclofen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Imran Khan
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Science, Iran
| | - Sattar Ostadhadi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Brain and Spinal Injury Repair Research Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Zolfaghari
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences Iran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Shahram Ejtemaei Mehr
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hassanzadeh
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Science, Iran
| | - Ahmad-Reza Dehpour
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Brain and Spinal Injury Repair Research Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Cunningham JJ, Orr E, Lothian BC, Morgen J, Brebner K. Effects of fendiline on cocaine-seeking behavior in the rat. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:4401-10. [PMID: 26345344 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-4061-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE L-type Ca(2+) channels (LTCC) and GABAB receptors are both possible targets in the development of new pharmacological compounds for cocaine addiction. Drugs that target either receptor attenuate a wide range of cocaine-seeking behaviors in the rat. However, there is no current human-approved pharmacotherapeutic intervention for psychostimulant addiction. OBJECTIVES This study examined the effects of a human-approved LTCC blocker, fendiline, on cocaine-taking and cocaine-seeking behavior in rats. The effects of combining fendiline with the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen on cocaine self-administration were also tested. METHODS Male Wistar rats were trained to self-administer cocaine, and the effects of fendiline pretreatment (vehicle, 1.78, 3.16, 5.62 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (IP)) were tested on progressive ratio responding and cue- and drug-induced reinstatement. The effects of baclofen (vehicle, 0.56, 1.78, 3.16, 5.62 mg/kg, IP) combined with fendiline (5.62 mg/kg, IP) were tested on progressive ratio responding. Control experiments measured locomotor activity and lever pressing for food in rats that received both baclofen and fendiline prior to the test session. RESULTS Acute injections of fendiline prior to cue- or drug-induced reinstatement significantly attenuated lever-pressing behavior (p < 0.05). Fendiline and baclofen, but not fendiline alone, not only significantly attenuated breakpoints, but also impaired general motor behavior and naturalistic reinforcement (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION These data suggest that the LTCC blocker fendiline may represent a novel pharmacotherapeutic intervention to prevent reinstatement to cocaine seeking. Also, co-administration of fendiline and baclofen not only can attenuate the motivation to take cocaine, but also impairs general motor behavior and naturalistic reinforcement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Cunningham
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Detwiller Pavilion, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 2A1, Canada.
| | - Erin Orr
- Department of Psychology, St. Francis Xavier University, 2320 Notre Dame Blvd., Antigonish, Nova Scotia, B2G 2W5, Canada
| | - Barbara C Lothian
- Department of Psychology, St. Francis Xavier University, 2320 Notre Dame Blvd., Antigonish, Nova Scotia, B2G 2W5, Canada
| | - Jennifer Morgen
- Department of Psychology, St. Francis Xavier University, 2320 Notre Dame Blvd., Antigonish, Nova Scotia, B2G 2W5, Canada
| | - Karen Brebner
- Department of Psychology, St. Francis Xavier University, 2320 Notre Dame Blvd., Antigonish, Nova Scotia, B2G 2W5, Canada.
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Filip M, Frankowska M, Sadakierska-Chudy A, Suder A, Szumiec Ł, Mierzejewski P, Bienkowski P, Przegaliński E, Cryan JF. GABAB receptors as a therapeutic strategy in substance use disorders: Focus on positive allosteric modulators. Neuropharmacology 2015; 88:36-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Revised: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Jing L, Qiu Y, Zhang Y, Li JX. Effects of the cannabinoid CB₁ receptor allosteric modulator ORG 27569 on reinstatement of cocaine- and methamphetamine-seeking behavior in rats. Drug Alcohol Depend 2014; 143:251-6. [PMID: 25169627 PMCID: PMC4161648 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabinoid CB1 receptors play an essential role in drug addiction. Given the side effect profiles of orthosteric CB1 antagonism, new strategies have been attempted to modulate this target, such as CB1 receptor allosteric modulation. However, the effect of CB1 allosteric modulation in drug addiction is unknown. The present study examined the effects of the CB1 receptor allosteric modulator ORG27569 on the reinstatement of cocaine- and methamphetamine-seeking behavior in rats. METHODS Rats were trained to self-administer 0.75 mg/kg cocaine or 0.05 mg/kg methamphetamine in 2-h daily sessions for 14 days which was followed by 7 days of extinction sessions in which rats responded on the levers with no programmed consequences. On reinstatement test sessions, rats were administered ORG27569 (1.0, 3.2, 5.6 mg/kg, i.p.) or SR141716A (3.2 mg/kg, i.p.) 10 min prior to re-exposure to cocaine- or methamphetamine-paired cues or a priming injection of cocaine (10mg/kg, i.p.) or methamphetamine (1mg/kg, i.p.). RESULTS Both cues and a priming injection of cocaine or methamphetamine significantly reinstated the extinguished active lever responding. Pretreatment with ORG27569 resulted in a dose-related attenuation of both cue- and drug-induced reinstatement of cocaine- and methamphetamine-seeking behavior. SR141716A also exhibited similar inhibitory action on reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior. CONCLUSION Negative allosteric modulation of CB1 receptors can produce similar functional antagonism as orthosteric CB1 receptor antagonists on reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior. Thus, ORG27569 or other negative allosteric modulators deserve further study as potentially effective pharmacotherapy for drug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Jing
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanyan Qiu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jun-Xu Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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Forray A, Sofuoglu M. Future pharmacological treatments for substance use disorders. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2014; 77:382-400. [PMID: 23039267 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2012.04474.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2012] [Accepted: 09/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Substance use disorders represent a serious public health and social issue worldwide. Recent advances in our understanding of the neurobiological basis of the addictive processes have led to the development of a growing number of pharmacological agents to treat addictions. Despite this progress, there are no approved pharmacological treatments for cocaine, methamphetamine and cannabis addiction. Moving treatment development to the next stage will require novel ways of approaching substance use disorders. One such novel approach is to target individual vulnerabilities, such as cognitive function, sex differences and psychiatric comorbidities. This review provides a summary of promising pharmacotherapies for alcohol, opiate, stimulant and nicotine addictions. Many medications that target positive and negative reinforcement of drugs, as well as individual vulnerabilities to addiction, are in different phases of development. Clinical trials testing the efficacy of these medications for substance use disorder are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Forray
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is increasing evidence encouraging the development of drugs that positively modulate the γ-aminobutyric acid type B (GABA(B)) receptor for combating addiction. Compounds that target GABA(B) receptors are unique as anti-abuse therapies because of their impact against multiple addictive drugs. AREAS COVERED The authors present the basic information concerning the drug actions of GABA and GABA(B) receptor orthosteric agonists and positive allosteric modulators (PAM). Furthermore, they discuss several recent excellent reviews and newer results pertaining to GABA(B) receptor drug effects on responses to and self-administration of: alcohol (ethanol), nicotine, cocaine, (meth)amphetamine, and opioids. Preclinical and clinical data are considered. EXPERT OPINION Clinical data exist only for baclofen and mostly for alcohol use disorders. Additional trials are needed, but effects are promising. Whether PAMs, given alone or in combination with a direct GABA(B) receptor agonist, will be clinically effective and have fewer side effects requires investigation. The sedative effects of baclofen, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug, become less severe over time. Based on existing data, baclofen is well-tolerated. However, genetic and physiological differences are likely to contribute to individual responses to different therapeutic agents. The more immediate development of baclofen as a therapeutic for alcohol use disorders may be of significant benefit to some individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara J Phillips
- Oregon Health & Science University, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Department of Behavioral Neuroscience , 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Rd, Portland, OR 97239 , USA +1 503 220 8262 Ext. 56674 ; +1 503 721 1029 ;
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Cedillo LN, Miranda F. Effects of co-administration of the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen and a positive allosteric modulator of the GABAB receptor, CGP7930, on the development and expression of amphetamine-induced locomotor sensitization in rats. Pharmacol Rep 2014; 65:1132-43. [PMID: 24399709 DOI: 10.1016/s1734-1140(13)71471-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2012] [Revised: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several of the behavioral effects of amphetamine (AMPH) are mediated by an increase in dopamine neurotransmission in the nucleus accumbens. However, evidence shows that γ-aminobutyric acid B (GABAB) receptors are involved in the behavioral effects of psychostimulants, including AMPH. Here, we examined the effects of co-administration of the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen and a positive allosteric modulator of the GABAB receptor, CGP7930, on AMPH-induced locomotor sensitization. METHODS In a series of experiments, we examined whether baclofen (2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 mg/kg), CGP7930 (5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 mg/kg), or co-administration of CGP7930 (5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 mg/kg) with a lower dose of baclofen (2.0 mg/kg) could prevent the development and expression of locomotor sensitization produced by AMPH (1.0 mg/kg). RESULTS The results showed that baclofen treatment prevented both the development and expression of AMPH-induced locomotor sensitization in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the positive allosteric modulator of the GABAB receptor, CGP7930, increased the effects of a lower dose of baclofen on AMPH-induced locomotor sensitization under both conditions. CONCLUSION These data provide further evidence that GABAB receptor ligands may modulate psychostimulant-induced behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura N Cedillo
- FES Iztacala, National Autonomous University of México, Av. de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala Tlalnepantla, Edo. de México 54090, México.
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Effect of fendiline on the maintenance and expression of methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference in Sprague-Dawley rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:2019-29. [PMID: 24264565 PMCID: PMC3988275 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-013-3347-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Fendiline is a GABAB receptor-positive allosteric modulator and L-type Ca²⁺ channel blocker that is safe for human use. Based on these pharmacological properties, fendiline may be useful to disrupt associative memories that can drive relapse to drug use in drug-addicted individuals OBJECTIVE The current study evaluated the potential of fendiline to inhibit the maintenance and expression of learned associations between methamphetamine (meth) and an environmental context using conditioned place preference (CPP) in rats, to model for the associative learning that occurs during drug abuse by humans METHODS Following meth conditioning (1 mg/kg), fendiline (5 mg/kg) was administered at various post-conditioning times to ascertain if there was a temporal window during which fendiline would be effective. RESULTS Two once-daily injections of fendiline did not influence the maintenance of CPP regardless of the post-conditioning treatment time while 10 once-daily fendiline treatments inhibited CPP maintenance (p < 0.05). Fendiline administered immediately prior to the CPP test inhibited expression of meth-induced CPP in rats with a fendiline treatment history of 10 once-daily injections (p < 0.05) or those that received two injections that corresponded to the last 2 days of the 10-day treatment (p < 0.05). Fendiline did not produce preference or aversion on its own, nor did it alter motivated motor behavior. CONCLUSION Maintenance and expression of meth CPP is mitigated by repeated fendiline treatments when administered during the days that precede CPP testing. Reduction in the significance of meth-associated cues can reduce relapse; therefore, fendiline may be of value for addiction therapy in abstinent, meth-addicted humans.
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Li X, Semenova S, D'Souza MS, Stoker AK, Markou A. Involvement of glutamatergic and GABAergic systems in nicotine dependence: Implications for novel pharmacotherapies for smoking cessation. Neuropharmacology 2014; 76 Pt B:554-65. [PMID: 23752091 PMCID: PMC3830589 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2013] [Revised: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Tobacco smoking continues to be a major global health hazard despite significant public awareness of its harmful consequences. Although several treatment options are currently available for smoking cessation, these medications are effective in only a small subset of smokers, and relapse rates continue to be high. Therefore, a better understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms that mediate tobacco dependence is essential for the development of effective smoking cessation medications. Nicotine is the primary psychoactive component of tobacco that drives the harmful tobacco smoking habit. Nicotine binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain, resulting in the release of a wide range of neurotransmitters, including glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This review article focuses on the role of the excitatory glutamate system and inhibitory GABA system in nicotine dependence. Accumulating evidence suggests that blockade of glutamatergic transmission or facilitation of GABAergic transmission attenuates the positive reinforcing and incentive motivational aspects of nicotine, inhibits the reward-enhancing and conditioned rewarding effects of nicotine, and blocks nicotine-seeking behavior. Chronic nicotine exposure produced long-term neuroadaptations that contribute to nicotine withdrawal, but the role of GABA and glutamate transmission in nicotine withdrawal is less understood. Overall, the findings presented in this review provide strong converging evidence for the potential effectiveness of glutamatergic and GABAergic medications in nicotine dependence. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'NIDA 40th Anniversary Issue'.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Astrid K. Stoker
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Athina Markou
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Frankowska M, Marcellino D, Adamczyk P, Filip M, Fuxe K. Effects of cocaine self-administration and extinction on D2 -like and A2A receptor recognition and D2 -like/Gi protein coupling in rat striatum. Addict Biol 2013; 18:455-66. [PMID: 22500978 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2012.00452.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Striatal adenosine (A)2 -dopamine (D)2 receptor (R) heteromers exist with antagonistic interactions. We have studied these Rs and their interactions during cocaine self-administration and extinction using a 'yoked' protocol to understand the role of motivational mechanisms behind the adaptive observed. In the ventral striatum, a significant increase in the A2A R density was observed in rats that received 'yoked' cocaine during maintenance phase and following its extinction while this significant increase was only observed after extinction from cocaine self-administration. In the dorsal striatum, a significant increase in the affinity of A2A Rs was determined in the two groups of rats that received cocaine during maintenance. D2 -like Rs were significantly increased in the dorsal striatum of animals that received 'yoked' cocaine during maintenance. In the rat dorsal, but not the ventral, striatum significant reductions in the EC50 values for dopamine and increases in the guanosine5'-([γ]-thio)triphosphate (GTPγS) accumulation were observed following active and passive cocaine injections during maintenance. After 10-day extinction, a significant reduction of the Bmax value of GTPγS accumulation was demonstrated in the dorsal striatum of rats previously self-administered cocaine, while a significant reduction of the EC50 value for dopamine in the ventral striatum was found in the 'yoked' cocaine group. By comparing the cocaine self-administration group with the 'yoked' cocaine group, evidence for the existence of motivational mechanisms that guide adaptive changes in the A2A R and D2 R and in the D2 -Gi coupling differentially developed in the ventral and dorsal striatum during cocaine maintenance and its extinction has been demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Frankowska
- Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Smetna 12, Kraków, Poland.
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Mugnaini C, Pedani V, Casu A, Lobina C, Casti A, Maccioni P, Porcu A, Giunta D, Lamponi S, Solinas M, Dragoni S, Valoti M, Colombo G, Castelli MP, Gessa GL, Corelli F. Synthesis and pharmacological characterization of 2-(acylamino)thiophene derivatives as metabolically stable, orally effective, positive allosteric modulators of the GABAB receptor. J Med Chem 2013; 56:3620-35. [PMID: 23544432 DOI: 10.1021/jm400144w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Two recently reported hit compounds, COR627 and COR628, underpinned the development of a series of 2-(acylamino)thiophene derivatives. Some of these compounds displayed significant activity in vitro as positive allosteric modulators of the GABAB receptor by potentiating GTPγS stimulation induced by GABA at 2.5 and 25 μM while failing to exhibit intrinsic agonist activity. Compounds were also found to be effective in vivo, potentiating baclofen-induced sedation/hypnosis in DBA mice when administered either intraperitoneally or intragastrically. Although displaying a lower potency in vitro than the reference compound GS39783, the new compounds 6, 10, and 11 exhibited a higher efficacy in vivo: combination of these compounds with a per se nonsedative dose of baclofen resulted in shorter onset and longer duration of the loss of righting reflex in mice. Test compounds showed cytotoxic effects at concentrations comparable to or higher than those of GS39783 or BHF177.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Mugnaini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via A. Moro, Siena, Italy
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Wydra K, Golembiowska K, Zaniewska M, Kamińska K, Ferraro L, Fuxe K, Filip M. Accumbal and pallidal dopamine, glutamate and GABA overflow during cocaine self-administration and its extinction in rats. Addict Biol 2013; 18:307-24. [PMID: 23311632 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the changes in dopamine (DA), glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) during cocaine self-administration in rats implanted with guide cannulae into the nucleus accumbens and ventral pallidum. After stabilized cocaine self-administration, separate groups of rats underwent extinction (10 days) procedure in which cocaine infusion was replaced by saline injections. With using a 'yoked' procedure, the effects of cocaine or its withdrawal on the level of neurotransmitters were evaluated by dual-probe microdialysis. Repeated cocaine administration reduced basal glutamate levels in the nucleus accumbens and ventral pallidum, whereas it did not affect basal accumbal DA levels. Only rats that self-administered cocaine had increased basal GABA overflow in both examined brain structures. Active or passive cocaine administration elevated extracellular accumbal DA, however, the extent of cocaine-evoked DA level was significantly higher in rats that self-administered cocaine while both groups of animals showed also an attenuation of GABA level in the nucleus accumbens. On day 10 of extinction training, rats previously given cocaine revealed decreases in the basal accumbal concentration of glutamate while the basal GABA levels were significantly enhanced as compared with baseline of saline-yoked controls. Potassium depolarization delayed the reduction of the accumbal and pallidal extracellular glutamate levels in the active and passive cocaine groups. The present data indicate that changes in DA and GABA neurotransmission during maintenance phase mirror the motivational aspects of cocaine intake. Depending on acute (24 hours) or late (10 days) cocaine withdrawal, different neurotransmitter systems (i.e. glutamate or GABA) seem to be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Wydra
- Laboratory of Drug Addiction Pharmacology; Department of Pharmacology; Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences; Poland
| | - Krystyna Golembiowska
- Department of Pharmacology; Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences; Poland
| | - Magdalena Zaniewska
- Laboratory of Drug Addiction Pharmacology; Department of Pharmacology; Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences; Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kamińska
- Department of Pharmacology; Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences; Poland
| | - Luca Ferraro
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology; LTTA Centre; University of Ferrara; Italy
| | - Kjell Fuxe
- Department of Neuroscience; Karolinska Institutet; Sweden
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Agabio R, Preti A, Gessa GL. Efficacy and tolerability of baclofen in substance use disorders: a systematic review. Eur Addict Res 2013; 19:325-45. [PMID: 23775042 DOI: 10.1159/000347055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been reported that baclofen, a drug used in the treatment of spasticity, reduces the severity of withdrawal symptoms and substance use disorders (SUDs) for some psychoactive drugs. AIMS AND METHODS To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of baclofen in the treatment of withdrawal syndrome and/or SUDs, providing (1) an outline of its pharmacological features; (2) a summary of studies that have suggested its possible effectiveness in the treatment of SUDs, and (3) a review of randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) on baclofen and SUDs. RESULTS Baclofen tolerability is generally considered to be good. Eleven RCTs investigated its effectiveness in the treatment of SUDs. Of these, 5 RCTs found that baclofen is effective, 5 RCTs found that it is ineffective and the results of 1 RCT were not appreciable because it did not achieve the preplanned level of participation. CONCLUSIONS The number of RCTs on baclofen and SUDs is still low, and their results are divergent. Further RCTs should be undertaken, particularly with higher doses of baclofen. Its administration may be suggested in patients who fail to respond to other approved drugs or who are affected by liver disease that prevents their administration, or in patients affected by SUDs for which no approved drugs are available. Treatment should be conducted under strict medical supervision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Agabio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Koek W, Cheng K, Rice KC. Discriminative stimulus effects of the GABAB receptor-positive modulator rac-BHFF: comparison with GABAB receptor agonists and drugs of abuse. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2012; 344:553-60. [PMID: 23275067 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.112.202226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
GABA(B) receptor-positive modulators are thought to have advantages as potential medications for anxiety, depression, and drug addiction. They may have fewer side effects than GABA(B) receptor agonists, because selective enhancement of activated receptors could have effects different from nonselective activation of all receptors. To examine this, pigeons were trained to discriminate the GABA(B) receptor-positive modulator (R,S)-5,7-di-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-3-trifluoromethyl-3H-benzofuran-2-one (rac-BHFF) from its vehicle. The discriminative stimulus effects of rac-BHFF were not mimicked by the GABA(B) receptor agonists baclofen and γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), not by diazepam, and not by alcohol, cocaine, and nicotine, whose self-administration has been reported to be attenuated by GABA(B) receptor-positive modulators. The discriminative stimulus effects of rac-BHFF were not antagonized by the GABA(B) receptor antagonist 3-aminopropyl (diethoxymethyl)phosphinic acid (CGP35348) but were attenuated by the less efficacious GABA(B) receptor-positive modulator 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-(3-hydroxy-2,2-dimethylpropyl)phenol (CGP7930), suggesting the possibility that rac-BHFF produces its discriminative stimulus effects by directly activating GABA(B2) subunits of GABA(B) receptors. At a dose 10-fold lower than the training dose, rac-BHFF enhanced the discriminative stimulus effects of baclofen, but not of GHB. This study provides evidence that the effects of GABA(B) receptor-positive modulators are not identical to those of GABA(B) receptor agonists. In addition, the results suggest that positive modulation of GABA(B) receptors does not produce discriminative stimulus effects similar to those of benzodiazepines, alcohol, cocaine, and nicotine. Finally, the finding that rac-BHFF enhanced effects of baclofen but not of GHB is consistent with converging evidence that the populations of GABA(B) receptors mediating the effects of baclofen and GHB are not identical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Koek
- Department of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, Mail Code 7792, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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Hearing MC, Zink AN, Wickman K. Cocaine-induced adaptations in metabotropic inhibitory signaling in the mesocorticolimbic system. Rev Neurosci 2012; 23:325-51. [PMID: 22944653 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2012-0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 06/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The addictive properties of psychostimulants such as cocaine are rooted in their ability to activate the mesocorticolimbic dopamine (DA) system. This system consists primarily of dopaminergic projections arising from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and projecting to the limbic and cortical brain regions, such as the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and prefrontal cortex (PFC). While the basic anatomy and functional relevance of the mesocorticolimbic DA system is relatively well-established, a key challenge remaining in addiction research is to understand where and how molecular adaptations and corresponding changes in function of this system facilitate a pathological desire to seek and take drugs. Several lines of evidence indicate that inhibitory signaling, particularly signaling mediated by the Gi/o class of heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins (G proteins), plays a key role in the acute and persistent effects of drugs of abuse. Moreover, recent evidence argues that these signaling pathways are targets of drug-induced adaptations. In this review we discuss inhibitory signaling pathways involving DA and the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in two brain regions - the VTA and PFC - that are central to the effects of acute and repeated cocaine exposure and represent sites of adaptations linked to addiction-related behaviors including sensitization, craving, and relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Hearing
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Orrù A, Fujani D, Cassina C, Conti M, Di Clemente A, Cervo L. Operant, oral alcoholic beer self-administration by C57BL/6J mice: effect of BHF177, a positive allosteric modulator of GABA(B) receptors. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2012; 222:685-700. [PMID: 22411427 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-012-2672-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2011] [Accepted: 02/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE With its high palatability, near-beer has been successfully used in rats as a vehicle to induce ethanol oral self-administration. OBJECTIVES The study aimed to develop an operant model of oral alcoholic beer self-administration promoting a stable intake of pharmacologically relevant amounts of ethanol in free-feeding C57BL/6J mice. It also aimed to assess the model's predictive validity by evaluating the influence of baclofen, a GABA(B) agonist, and BHF177, a GABA(B) positive allosteric modulator, on alcoholic beer self-administration. METHODS Mice were trained to self-administer, under a fixed ratio three schedule of reinforcement, 10 μl of beer containing increasing ethanol concentrations (0-18% v/v) in daily 30-min sessions. The effects on motor coordination (rotarod), locomotor activity (open field, automated cages) and anxiety-like behavior (elevated plus maze, EPM) were examined. Baclofen (1.25-5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal, i.p.) and BHF177 (3.75-30 mg/kg, i.p.) were used to see the effects on 9% alcoholic beer and near-beer self-administration. RESULTS Near-beer stably maintained operant oral self-administration in mice. Adding ethanol to near-beer reduced the number of active lever presses, while the corresponding amount of ethanol self-administration increased (0.8-1.0 g/kg/session). Motor impairment was observed when more than 1.3 g/kg/session of ethanol was self-administered with beer and slight but consistent hyperlocomotion with more than 0.9-1.0 g/kg/session. BHF177 (15 mg/kg) preferentially reduced 9% alcoholic beer self-administration, while the higher dose (30 mg/kg)-like baclofen 5 mg/kg-also reduced near-beer self-administration. CONCLUSIONS The operant model of oral alcoholic beer self-administration in C57BL/6J mice should prove useful for studying ethanol-reinforced behaviors and to identify candidate compounds for the pharmacological management of alcohol addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Orrù
- Experimental Psychopharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, "Mario Negri" Institute for Pharmacological Research, Via La Masa 19, 20156 Milan, Italy.
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Villas Boas GR, Zamboni CG, Peretti MC, Correia D, Rueda AVL, Camarini R, Brunialti-Godard AL, Boerngen-Lacerda R. GABA(B) receptor agonist only reduces ethanol drinking in light-drinking mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2012; 102:233-40. [PMID: 22579911 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2012.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2011] [Revised: 04/25/2012] [Accepted: 04/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Baclofen, a GABA(B) agonist, reduces ethanol intake in animals and humans, but the contrary or no effect was also reported. Our previous study demonstrated that mice characterized as "loss of control over ethanol intake" had different Gabbr1 and Gabbr2 transcription levels, which express, respectively, the GABA(B1) and GABA(B2) subunits in brain areas related to addictive behavior. In the present study, we tested baclofen on ethanol intake in mice exposed to the free-choice paradigm. Adult male Swiss mice, individually housed, had free access to three bottles: ethanol (5% and 10%) and water. The protocol had four phases: acquisition (AC, 10 weeks), withdrawal (W, 4 cycles during 2 weeks of 2 day-free-choice and 2 day-only-water), reexposure (RE, 2 weeks), and adulteration of ethanol solutions with quinine (AD, 2 weeks). Mice characterized as "loss of control" (A, n=11, preference for ethanol in AC and maintenance of ethanol intake levels in AD), heavy (H, n=11, preference for ethanol in AC and reduction of ethanol intake levels in AD), and light (L, n=16, preference for water in all phases) drinkers were randomly distributed into two subgroups receiving either intraperitoneal injections of all doses of baclofen (1.25, 2.5, and 5.0mg/kg, given each dose twice in consecutive days) or saline, being exposed to free-choice. Fluid consumption was measured 24h later. Baclofen reduced ethanol intake in group L. In group H a reduction compared to AC was observed. Group A maintained their high ethanol intake even after baclofen treatment. Activation of the GABA(B) receptor depends on the precise balance between the GABA(B1) and GABA(B2) subunits, so the disproportionate transcription levels, we reported in group A, could explain this lack of response to baclofen. These data highlight the importance to test baclofen in individuals with different ethanol drinking profiles, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Roberto Villas Boas
- Departmento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Jardim das Américas, Curitiba, Paraná 81531-990, Brazil
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Maccioni P, Zaru A, Loi B, Lobina C, Carai MAM, Gessa GL, Capra A, Mugnaini C, Pasquini S, Corelli F, Hyytiä P, Lumeng L, Colombo G. Comparison of the effect of the GABAΒ receptor agonist, baclofen, and the positive allosteric modulator of the GABAB receptor, GS39783, on alcohol self-administration in 3 different lines of alcohol-preferring rats. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2012; 36:1748-66. [PMID: 22486245 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2012.01782.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2011] [Accepted: 02/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Administration of the GABA(B) receptor agonist, baclofen, and positive allosteric modulator, GS39783, has been repeatedly reported to suppress multiple alcohol-related behaviors, including operant oral alcohol self-administration, in rats. This study was designed to compare the effect of baclofen and GS39783 on alcohol self-administration in 3 lines of selectively bred, alcohol-preferring rats: Indiana alcohol-preferring (P), Sardinian alcohol-preferring (sP), and Alko Alcohol (AA). METHODS Rats of each line were initially trained to respond on a lever, on a fixed ratio (FR) 4 (FR4) schedule of reinforcement, to orally self-administer alcohol (15%, v/v) in daily 30-minute sessions. Once responding reached stable levels, rats were exposed to a sequence of experiments testing baclofen (0, 1, 1.7, and 3 mg/kg; i.p.) and GS39783 (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg; i.g.) on FR4 and progressive ratio (PR) schedules of reinforcement. Finally, to assess the specificity of baclofen and GS39783 action, rats were slightly food-deprived and trained to lever-respond for food pellets. RESULTS The rank of order of the reinforcing and motivational properties of alcohol was P>sP>AA rats. Under both FR and PR schedules of reinforcement, the rank of order of potency and efficacy of baclofen and GS39783 in suppressing alcohol self-administration was P>sP>AA rats. Only the highest dose of baclofen reduced lever-responding for food pellets; this effect was common to all 3 rat lines. Conversely, no dose of GS39783 altered lever-responding for food in any rat line. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that: (i) the strength of the reinforcing and motivational properties of alcohol differ among P, sP, and AA rats; (ii) the reinforcing and motivational properties of alcohol in P, sP, and AA rats are differentially sensitive to treatment with baclofen and GS39783; (iii) the heterogeneity in sensitivity to baclofen and GS39783 of alcohol self-administration in P, sP, and AA rats may resemble the differential effectiveness of pharmacotherapies among the different typologies of human alcoholics; and (iv) the GABA(B) receptor is part of the neural substrate mediating the reinforcing and motivational properties of alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Maccioni
- Section of Cagliari, Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy, Monserrato, Italy
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Voigt RM, Herrold AA, Napier TC. Baclofen facilitates the extinction of methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference in rats. Behav Neurosci 2012; 125:261-7. [PMID: 21463025 DOI: 10.1037/a0022893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The powerful, long-lasting association between the rewarding effects of a drug and contextual cues associated with drug administration can be studied using conditioned place preference (CPP). The GABA(B) receptor agonist baclofen facilitates the extinction of morphine-induced CPP in mice. The current study extended this work by determining if baclofen could enhance the extinction of methamphetamine (Meth) CPP. CPP was established using a six-day conditioning protocol wherein Meth-pairings were alternated with saline-pairings. Rats were subsequently administered baclofen (2 mg/kg i.p. or vehicle) immediately after each daily forced extinction session, which consisted of a saline injection immediately prior to being placed into the previously Meth- or saline-paired chamber. One extinction training cycle, consisted of six once-daily forced extinction sessions, mimicking the alternating procedure established during conditioning, followed by a test for preference (Ext test). CPP persisted for at least four extinction cycles in vehicle-treated rats. In contrast, CPP was inhibited following a single extinction training cycle. These data indicate that Meth-induced CPP was resistant to extinction, but extinction training was rendered effective when the training was combined with baclofen. These findings converge with the prior demonstration of baclofen facilitating the extinction of morphine-induced CPP indicating that GABA(B) receptor actions are independent of the primary (unconditioned) stimulus (i.e., the opiate or the stimulant) and likely reflect mechanisms engaged by extinction learning processes per se. Thus, baclofen administered in conjunction with extinction training may be of value for addiction therapy regardless of the class of drug being abused.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin M Voigt
- Rush University Medical Center, 1735 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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Koek W, France CP, Cheng K, Rice KC. Effects of the GABAB receptor-positive modulators CGP7930 and rac-BHFF in baclofen- and γ-hydroxybutyrate-discriminating pigeons. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2012; 341:369-76. [PMID: 22319197 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.111.190975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In vivo effects of GABA(B) receptor-positive modulators suggest them to have therapeutic potential to treat central nervous system disorders such as anxiety and drug abuse. Although these effects are thought to be mediated by positive modulation of GABA(B) receptors, such modulation has been examined primarily in vitro. This study further examined the in vivo properties of the GABA(B) receptor-positive modulators 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-(3-hydroxy-2,2-dimethylpropyl) phenol (CGP7930) and (R,S)-5,7-di-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-3-trifluoromethyl-3H-benzofuran-2-one (rac-BHFF). In pigeons discriminating baclofen from saline, γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) produced 100% baclofen-appropriate responding, and the GABA(B) antagonist 3-aminopropyl(dimethoxymethyl) phosphinic acid (CGP35348) blocked the effects of both drugs. CGP7930 and rac-BHFF produced at most 41 and 74% baclofen-appropriate responding, respectively, and enhanced the discriminative stimulus effects of baclofen, but not of GHB. In pigeons discriminating GHB from saline, CGP7930 and rac-BHFF produced at most 1 and 49% GHB-appropriate responding, respectively, and enhanced the effects of baclofen, but not of GHB. Enhancement of the discriminative stimulus effects of baclofen by rac-BHFF and CGP7930 is further evidence of their effectiveness as GABA(B) receptor-positive modulators in vivo. Furthermore, lack of complete substitution of the positive modulators rac-BHFF and CGP7930 for baclofen and GHB suggests that their discriminative stimulus effects differ from those of GABA(B) receptor agonists. Finally, together with converging evidence that the GABA(B) receptor populations mediating the effects of baclofen and GHB are not identical, the present findings suggest that these populations differ in their susceptibility to positive modulatory effects. Such differences could allow for more selective therapeutic targeting of the GABA(B) system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Koek
- Departments of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, Mail Code 7792, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA.
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Castelli MP, Casu A, Casti P, Lobina C, Carai MAM, Colombo G, Solinas M, Giunta D, Mugnaini C, Pasquini S, Tafi A, Brogi S, Gessa GL, Corelli F. Characterization of COR627 and COR628, two novel positive allosteric modulators of the GABA(B) receptor. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2011; 340:529-38. [PMID: 22129594 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.111.186460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential efficacy of GABA(B) receptor agonists in the treatment of pain, drug addiction, epilepsy, cognitive dysfunctions, and anxiety disorders is supported by extensive preclinical and clinical evidence. However, the numerous side effects produced by the GABA(B) receptor agonist baclofen considerably limit the therapeutic use of this compound. The identification of positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the GABA(B) receptor may constitute a novel approach in the pharmacological manipulation of the GABA(B) receptor, leading to fewer side effects. The present study reports the identification of two novel compounds, methyl 2-(1-adamantanecarboxamido)-4-ethyl-5-methylthiophene-3-carboxylate (COR627) and methyl 2-(cyclohexanecarboxamido)-4-ethyl-5-methylthiophene-3-carboxylate (COR628), which act as GABA(B) PAMs in 1) rat cortical membranes and 2) in vivo assay. Both compounds potentiated GABA- and baclofen-stimulated guanosine 5'-O-(3-[(35)S]thio)-triphosphate binding to native GABA(B) receptors, while producing no effect when given alone. GABA concentration-response curves in the presence of fixed concentrations of COR627 and COR628 revealed an increase of potency of GABA rather than its maximal efficacy. In radioligand binding experiments [displacement of the GABA(B) receptor antagonist, 3-N-[1-((S)-3,4dichlorophenyl)-ethylaminol]-2-(S)hydroxypropyl cyclo-hexylmethyl phosphinic acid ([(3)H]CGP54626)], both COR627 and COR628 increased the affinity of high- and low-affinity binding sites for GABA, producing no effect when administered alone up to a concentration of 1 mM. In vivo experiments indicated that pretreatment with per se ineffective doses of COR627 and COR628 potentiated the sedative/hypnotic effect of baclofen. In conclusion, COR627 and COR628 may represent two additional tools for use in investigating the roles and functions of positive allosteric modulatory binding sites of the GABA(B) receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Paola Castelli
- Department of Neuroscience Bernard B. Brodie, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Halbout B, Quarta D, Valerio E, Heidbreder CA, Hutcheson DM. The GABA-B positive modulator GS39783 decreases psychostimulant conditioned-reinforcement and conditioned-reward. Addict Biol 2011; 16:416-27. [PMID: 21309927 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2010.00278.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Baclofen, a γ-amino-butyric-acid (GABA)(B) receptor agonist, can reduce cue-enhanced cocaine-seeking in rats and attenuate cue-evoked craving in cocaine addicts. However, baclofen also has sedative effects that might interfere with its efficacy in reducing cocaine's rewarding effects. The present study aimed at comparing the effects of baclofen with the GABA(B) -receptor positive allosteric modulator GS39783 on psychostimulant conditioned cues. Two identically trained groups of male Lister-Hooded rats were baselined on a new responding for a light stimulus previously paired with cocaine self-administration. One group was treated with the GABA(B) -receptor positive allosteric modulator GS39783 (0, 10, 30, 100 mg/kg, i.p.), the other with baclofen (0, 0.6, 1.25, 1.9, 2.5 mg/kg, i.p.). In another series of experiments, male Wistar rats received GS39783 (0, 10, 30, 100 mg/kg, i.p.) or baclofen (1.25 mg/kg) prior to the expression of a conditioned place preference (CPP) to amphetamine (2 mg/kg i.p.). Both GS39783 (30 and 100 mg/kg) and baclofen (2.5 mg/kg) significantly decreased responding for the cocaine cue; however, only GS39783 (30 mg/kg) reduced lever pressing responding without interfering with locomotor activity. Both GS39783 (30 and 100 mg/kg) and baclofen (1.25 mg/kg), significantly blocked the expression of amphetamine CPP without affecting locomotor activity. These findings suggest that GABA(B) positive allosteric modulators can modulate discrete and contextual psychostimulant conditioned stimuli in a manner dissociable from unwanted sedative effects and may offer a novel therapeutic approach to treat cravings and relapse to drug-taking triggered by stimuli associated with psychostimulant use.
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Abstract
gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the predominant inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain which acts through different receptor subtypes. Metabotropic GABA(B) receptors are widely distributed throughout the brain. Alterations in GABA signaling through pharmacological activation or deactivation of the GABA(B) receptor regulate behavior and brain reward processes. GABA(B) receptor agonists and, most recently, positive modulators have been found to inhibit the reinforcing effects of drugs of abuse, such as cocaine, amphetamine, nicotine, ethanol, and opiates. This converging evidence of the effects of GABA(B) compounds on the reinforcing properties of addictive drugs is based on behavioral studies that used a variety of procedures with relevance to reward processes and drug abuse liability, including intracranial self-stimulation, intravenous self-administration under both fixed- and progressive-ratio schedules of reinforcement, reinstatement, and conditioned place preference. GABA(B) receptor agonists and positive modulators block the reinforcing effects of drugs of abuse in these animal models. However, GABA(B) receptor agonists also have undesirable side-effects. GABA(B) receptor modulators have potential advantages as medications for drug addiction. These compounds have a better side-effect profile than GABA(B) agonists because they are devoid of intrinsic agonistic activity in the absence of GABA. They only exert their modulatory actions in concert with endogenous GABAergic activity. Thus, GABA(B) receptor positive modulators are promising therapeutics for the treatment of various aspects of dependence (e.g., initiation, maintenance, and relapse) on various drugs of abuse, such as cocaine, nicotine, heroin, and alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Styliani Vlachou
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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Koek W, France CP, Cheng K, Rice KC. GABAB receptor-positive modulators: enhancement of GABAB receptor agonist effects in vivo. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2010; 335:163-71. [PMID: 20628000 PMCID: PMC2957789 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.110.171116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2010] [Accepted: 07/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In vivo effects of GABA(B) receptor-positive modulators suggest that they have therapeutic potential for treating central nervous system disorders such as anxiety, depression, and drug abuse. Although these effects generally are thought to be mediated by positive modulation of GABA(B) receptors, such modulation has been examined primarily in vitro. The present study was aimed at further examining the in vivo positive modulatory properties of the GABA(B) receptor-positive modulators, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-(3-hydroxy-2,2-dimethylpropyl) phenol (CGP7930) and (R,S)-5,7-di-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-3-trifluoromethyl-3H-benzofuran-2-one (rac-BHFF). Both compounds enhanced loss of righting induced by baclofen in mice. However, CGP7930 was less effective and rac-BHFF was less potent for enhancing loss of righting induced by γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), which, like baclofen, has GABA(B) receptor agonist properties. In contrast with baclofen- and GHB-induced loss of righting, the hypothermic effects of baclofen and GHB were not enhanced by rac-BHFF but were enhanced by CGP7930 only at doses that produced hypothermia when given alone. CGP7930-induced hypothermia was not attenuated by the GABA(B) receptor antagonist 3-aminopropyl(diethoxymethyl)phosphinic acid (CGP35348), at doses that blocked baclofen-induced hypothermia, and was not increased by the nitric-oxide synthase inhibitor N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, at doses that increased the hypothermic effects of baclofen and GHB. The results provide evidence that CGP7930 and rac-BHFF act in vivo as positive modulators at GABA(B) receptors mediating loss of righting, but not at GABA(B) receptors mediating hypothermia. Conceivably, CGP7930, but not rac-BHFF, acts as an allosteric agonist at these latter receptors. Taken together, the results provide further evidence of pharmacologically distinct GABA(B) receptor subtypes, possibly allowing for a more selective therapeutic interference with the GABA(B) system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Koek
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA.
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Voigt RM, Herrold AA, Riddle JL, Napier TC. Administration of GABA(B) receptor positive allosteric modulators inhibit the expression of previously established methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference. Behav Brain Res 2010; 216:419-23. [PMID: 20804788 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2010.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2010] [Revised: 08/17/2010] [Accepted: 08/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the role of GABA(B) receptors (GABA(B)Rs) in the maintenance of memories associated with using abused substances. We have embarked on a series of studies designed to determine if enhancing the efficacy of GABA-occupied GABA(B)Rs with positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) can negate previously established conditioned place preference (CPP) induced by methamphetamine. In the current study, we evaluated the effects of acute administration of GABA(B)R PAMs, GS39783 and CGP7930. We determined that post-conditioning treatments with these PAMs, administered in the home cage, blocked the subsequent expression of methamphetamine-induced CPP. These data indicate that selectively augmenting GABA-occupied GABA(B)R signaling is sufficient to reduce memory maintenance and/or the salience of contextual cues previously associated with methamphetamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin M Voigt
- Department of Pharmacology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, United States.
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Frankowska M, Nowak E, Filip M. Effects of GABAB receptor agonists on cocaine hyperlocomotor and sensitizing effects in rats. Pharmacol Rep 2010; 61:1042-9. [PMID: 20081239 DOI: 10.1016/s1734-1140(09)70166-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2009] [Revised: 10/23/2009] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The present study was designed to find out whether pharmacological activation of GABA(B) receptors played a role in cocaine sensitization. To this end, male Wistar rats were injected with baclofen or 3-aminopropyl(methyl)phosphinic acid (SKF 97541), the potent and selective GABA(B) receptor agonists. The rats, which were repeatedly (for 5 days) administered with cocaine (10 mg/kg) and then challenged with cocaine (10 mg/kg) after 5-day withdrawal period, showed significantly higher locomotor hyperactivity in comparison with the effect observed in saline-pretreated and cocaine challenged rats. Baclofen (1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg), administered for 5 days prior to cocaine, dose-dependently attenuated cocaine sensitization. When injected in the same treatment regimen, SKF 97541 (0.03 mg/kg) reduced the development of cocaine sensitization. To examine the effects of baclofen and SKF 97541 on the expression of cocaine sensitization, the drugs were given acutely before a challenge dose of cocaine (10 mg/kg) on day 10. Either baclofen (2.5 and 5 mg/kg) or SKF 97541 (0.1 mg/kg) decreased sensitization to cocaine. Our findings implicate a role of GABA(B) receptors in locomotor responses to cocaine. More specifically, they show that stimulation of GABA(B) receptors exerted inhibitory actions on acute locomotor responses to cocaine and on the expression of cocaine sensitization, what may offer a therapeutic potential of GABA(B) receptor agonists in the treatment of cocaine dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Frankowska
- Laboratory of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12, PL 31-343 Kraków, Poland
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Frankowska M, Gołda A, Wydra K, Gruca P, Papp M, Filip M. Effects of imipramine or GABAB receptor ligands on the immobility, swimming and climbing in the forced swim test in rats following discontinuation of cocaine self-administration. Eur J Pharmacol 2010; 627:142-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2009.10.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2009] [Revised: 09/25/2009] [Accepted: 10/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Froestl W. Chemistry and Pharmacology of GABAB Receptor Ligands. GABABRECEPTOR PHARMACOLOGY - A TRIBUTE TO NORMAN BOWERY 2010; 58:19-62. [DOI: 10.1016/s1054-3589(10)58002-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Cryan JF, Slattery DA. GABAB Receptors and Depression: Current Status. GABABRECEPTOR PHARMACOLOGY - A TRIBUTE TO NORMAN BOWERY 2010; 58:427-51. [DOI: 10.1016/s1054-3589(10)58016-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Maccioni P, Colombo G. Role of the GABA(B) receptor in alcohol-seeking and drinking behavior. Alcohol 2009; 43:555-8. [PMID: 19913200 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2009.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2008] [Revised: 05/06/2009] [Accepted: 08/11/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The present paper summarizes experimental data demonstrating the reducing effect of direct agonists and positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the gamma-aminobutyric acid(B) (GABA(B)) receptor on different alcohol-related behaviors. Different lines of evidence indicate that direct agonists, including baclofen, effectively suppress acquisition and maintenance of alcohol drinking behavior, relapse-like drinking, and alcohol's reinforcing, rewarding, stimulating, and motivational properties in rats and mice. More recently, the discovery of a positive allosteric modulatory binding site, together with the synthesis of in vivo effective ligands, opened a new avenue of research in GABA(B) pharmacology. Accumulating lines of evidence suggest that PAMs retain baclofen's capcity to suppress alcohol consumption and alcohol's reinforcing and motivational properties in rats; these effects occur at doses far from those producing behavioral toxicity.
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Maccioni P, Carai MA, Kaupmann K, Guery S, Froestl W, Leite-Morris KA, Gessa GL, Colombo G. Reduction of Alcohol’s Reinforcing and Motivational Properties by the Positive Allosteric Modulator of the GABABReceptor, BHF177, in Alcohol-Preferring Rats. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2009; 33:1749-56. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2009.01012.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Anti-relapse medications: preclinical models for drug addiction treatment. Pharmacol Ther 2009; 124:235-47. [PMID: 19683019 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2009.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2009] [Accepted: 06/12/2009] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Addiction is a chronic relapsing brain disease and treatment of relapse to drug-seeking is considered the most challenging part of treating addictive disorders. Relapse can be modeled in laboratory animals using reinstatement paradigms, whereby behavioral responding for a drug is extinguished and then reinstated by different trigger factors, such as environmental cues or stress. In this review, we first describe currently used animal models of relapse, different relapse triggering factors, and the validity of this model to assess relapse in humans. We further summarize the growing body of pharmacological interventions that have shown some promise in treating relapse to psychostimulant addiction. Moreover, we present an overview on the drugs tested in cocaine or methamphetamine addicts and examine the overlap of existing preclinical and clinical data. Finally, based on recent advances in our understanding of the neurobiology of relapse and published preclinical data, we highlight the most promising areas for future anti-relapse medication development.
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