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Payandemehr B, Bahremand A, Ebrahimi A, Nasrabady SE, Rahimian R, Bahremand T, Sharifzadeh M, Dehpour AR. Protective effects of lithium chloride on seizure susceptibility: Involvement of α2-adrenoceptor. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2015; 133:37-42. [PMID: 25824982 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2015.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2014] [Revised: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
For more than 60years, lithium has been the mainstay in the treatment of mental disorders as a mood stabilizer. In addition to the antimanic and antidepressant responses, lithium also shows some anticonvulsant properties. In spite of the ascertained neuroprotective effects of this alkali metal, the underlying mechanisms through which lithium regulates behavior are still poorly understood. Among different targets, some authors suggest neuromodulatory effects of lithium are the consequences of interaction of this agent with the brain neurotransmitters including adrenergic system. In order to study the involvement of α2-adrenergic system in anticonvulsant effect of lithium, we used a model of clonic seizure induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in male NMRI mice. Injection of a single effective dose of lithium chloride (30mg/kg, i.p.) significantly increased the seizure threshold (p<0.01). The anticonvulsant effect of an effective dose of lithium was prevented by pre-treatment with low and per se non-effective dose of clonidine [α2-adrenoceptor agonist] (0.05, 0.1 and 0.25mg/kg). On the other hand, yohimbine [α2-adrenoceptor antagonist] augmented the anticonvulsant effect of sub-effective dose of lithium (10mg/kgi.p.) at relatively low doses (0.1, 0.5, 1 and 2.5mg/kg). Moreover, UK14304 [a potent and selective α2-adrenoceptor agonist] (0.05 and 0.1mg/kg) and RX821008 [a potent and selective α2D-adrenoceptor antagonist] (0.05, 0.1 and 0.25mg/kg) repeated the same results confirming that these modulatory effects are conducted specifically through the α2D-adrenoceptors. In summary, our findings demonstrated that α2-adrenoceptor pathway could be involved in the anticonvulsant properties of lithium chloride in the model of chemically induced clonic seizure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borna Payandemehr
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash Bahremand
- Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Ali Ebrahimi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Ebrahimi Nasrabady
- Motor Neuron Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center, NY, USA
| | - Reza Rahimian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Taraneh Bahremand
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sharifzadeh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Dehpour
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran" to the Ahmad reza Dehpour.
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Bahamonde-Padilla VE, Espinoza J, Weiss-López BE, Cascales JJL, Montecinos R, Araya-Maturana R. Effect of lithium on the properties of a liquid crystal formed by sodium dodecylsulphate and decanol in aqueous solution. J Chem Phys 2013; 139:014703. [DOI: 10.1063/1.4811678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Zhang L, Chen X, Feng W, Cui Y, Xu S, Che Y. Enhancing effects of chronic lithium treatment on detour learning in chicks. Biol Trace Elem Res 2012; 148:38-43. [PMID: 22290294 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-012-9334-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 01/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Lithium is the first line of therapeutic drugs used to treat both mania and depression in bipolar disorder.Although a body of research suggests that lithium acts as a cognitive enhancer, other animal studies suggest that lithium induces cognitive deficits. Comparatively, the effects of lithium on cognitive behaviour in these studies are inconsistent and contradictory. Further investigations in different species of animals and behavioural tasks are important to evaluate the possibility that lithium may act as a cognitive enhancer. In the present study, the chicks were treated intraperitoneally with lithium chloride (120 mg/kg), and the effects of chronic lithium treatment on chick cognitive behaviour were examined using a detour learning task.Additionally, the effects of chronic lithium treatment on BDNF messenger RNA (mRNA) expression were measured in RTPCR. We found that chronic lithium treatment(120 mg/kg) had no effect on spontaneous motor activity or weight gain of the chicks and that the chicks had a general healthy appearance, while chronic lithium treatment significantly promoted the response latency of detour learning and BDNF mRNA expression. These results suggest that chronic lithium treatment may improve cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, People’s Republic of China
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Cherlyn SYT, Woon PS, Liu JJ, Ong WY, Tsai GC, Sim K. Genetic association studies of glutamate, GABA and related genes in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: a decade of advance. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2010; 34:958-77. [PMID: 20060416 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2010.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2009] [Revised: 01/01/2010] [Accepted: 01/04/2010] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD) are debilitating neurobehavioural disorders likely influenced by genetic and non-genetic factors and which can be seen as complex disorders of synaptic neurotransmission. The glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission systems have been implicated in both diseases and we have reviewed extensive literature over a decade for evidence to support the association of glutamate and GABA genes in SZ and BD. Candidate-gene based population and family association studies have implicated some ionotrophic glutamate receptor genes (GRIN1, GRIN2A, GRIN2B and GRIK3), metabotropic glutamate receptor genes (such as GRM3), the G72/G30 locus and GABAergic genes (e.g. GAD1 and GABRB2) in both illnesses to varying degrees, but further replication studies are needed to validate these results. There is at present no consensus on specific single nucleotide polymorphisms or haplotypes associated with the particular candidate gene loci in these illnesses. The genetic architecture of glutamate systems in bipolar disorder need to be better studied in view of recent data suggesting an overlap in the genetic aetiology of SZ and BD. There is a pressing need to integrate research platforms in genomics, epistatic models, proteomics, metabolomics, neuroimaging technology and translational studies in order to allow a more integrated understanding of glutamate and GABAergic signalling processes and aberrations in SZ and BD as well as their relationships with clinical presentations and treatment progress over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suat Ying Tan Cherlyn
- Institute of Mental Health/Woodbridge Hospital, 10 Buangkok View, Singapore 539747, Singapore
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Millan MJ. Dual- and triple-acting agents for treating core and co-morbid symptoms of major depression: novel concepts, new drugs. Neurotherapeutics 2009; 6:53-77. [PMID: 19110199 PMCID: PMC5084256 DOI: 10.1016/j.nurt.2008.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The past decade of efforts to find improved treatment for major depression has been dominated by genome-driven programs of rational drug discovery directed toward highly selective ligands for nonmonoaminergic agents. Selective drugs may prove beneficial for specific symptoms, for certain patient subpopulations, or both. However, network analyses of the brain and its dysfunction suggest that agents with multiple and complementary modes of action are more likely to show broad-based efficacy against core and comorbid symptoms of depression. Strategies for improved multitarget exploitation of monoaminergic mechanisms include triple inhibitors of dopamine, serotonin (5-HT) and noradrenaline reuptake, and drugs interfering with feedback actions of monoamines at inhibitory 5-HT(1A), 5-HT(1B) and possibly 5-HT(5A) and 5-HT(7) receptors. Specific subsets of postsynaptic 5-HT receptors mediating antidepressant actions are under study (e.g., 5-HT(4) and 5-HT(6)). Association of a clinically characterized antidepressant mechanism with a nonmonoaminergic component of activity is an attractive strategy. For example, agomelatine (a melatonin agonist/5-HT(2C) antagonist) has clinically proven activity in major depression. Dual neurokinin(1) antagonists/5-HT reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) and melanocortin(4) antagonists/SRIs should display advantages over their selective counterparts, and histamine H(3) antagonists/SRIs, GABA(B) antagonists/SRIs, glutamatergic/SRIs, and cholinergic agents/SRIs may counter the compromised cognitive function of depression. Finally, drugs that suppress 5-HT reuptake and blunt hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocorticotrophic axis overdrive, or that act at intracellular proteins such as GSK-3beta, may abrogate the negative effects of chronic stress on mood and neuronal integrity. This review discusses the discovery and development of dual- and triple-acting antidepressants, focusing on novel concepts and new drugs disclosed over the last 2 to 3 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Millan
- Psychopharmacology Department, Institut du Recherches Servier, Centre de Recherches de Croissy, Paris, France.
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Abstract
The brain is the key organ of the response to stress because it determines what is threatening and, therefore, potentially stressful, as well as the physiological and behavioral responses which can be either adaptive or damaging. Stress involves two-way communication between the brain and the cardiovascular, immune, and other systems via neural and endocrine mechanisms. Beyond the "flight-or-fight" response to acute stress, there are events in daily life that produce a type of chronic stress and lead over time to wear and tear on the body ("allostatic load"). Yet, hormones associated with stress protect the body in the short-run and promote adaptation ("allostasis"). The brain is a target of stress, and the hippocampus was the first brain region, besides the hypothalamus, to be recognized as a target of glucocorticoids. Stress and stress hormones produce both adaptive and maladaptive effects on this brain region throughout the life course. Early life events influence life-long patterns of emotionality and stress responsiveness and alter the rate of brain and body aging. The hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex undergo stress-induced structural remodeling, which alters behavioral and physiological responses. As an adjunct to pharmaceutical therapy, social and behavioral interventions such as regular physical activity and social support reduce the chronic stress burden and benefit brain and body health and resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce S McEwen
- Harold and Margaret Milliken Hatch, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10021, USA.
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Suwalsky M, Fierro P, Villena F, Sotomayor CP. Effects of lithium on the human erythrocyte membrane and molecular models. Biophys Chem 2007; 129:36-42. [PMID: 17532553 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2007.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2007] [Revised: 05/03/2007] [Accepted: 05/07/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism whereby lithium carbonate controls manic episodes and possibly influences affective disorders is not yet known. There is evidence, however, that lithium alters sodium transport and may interfere with ion exchange mechanisms and nerve conduction. For these reasons it was thought of interest to study its perturbing effects upon membrane structures. The effects of lithium carbonate (Li+) on the human erythrocyte membrane and molecular models have been investigated. The molecular models consisted in bilayers of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and dimyristoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DMPE), representing classes of phospholipids located in the outer and inner monolayers of the erythrocyte membrane, respectively. This report presents the following evidence that Li+ interacts with cell membranes: a) X-ray diffraction indicated that Li+ induced structural perturbation of the polar head group and of the hydrophobic acyl regions of DMPC and DMPE; b) experiments performed on DMPC large unilamellar vesicles (LUV) by fluorescence spectroscopy also showed that Li+ interacted with the lipid polar groups and hydrophobic acyl chains, and c) in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies on intact human erythrocytes the formation of echinocytes was observed, effect that might be due to the insertion of Li+ in the outer monolayer of the red cell membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Suwalsky
- Faculty of Chemical Sciences, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
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Millan MJ. Multi-target strategies for the improved treatment of depressive states: Conceptual foundations and neuronal substrates, drug discovery and therapeutic application. Pharmacol Ther 2006; 110:135-370. [PMID: 16522330 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2005.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 388] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2005] [Accepted: 11/28/2005] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Major depression is a debilitating and recurrent disorder with a substantial lifetime risk and a high social cost. Depressed patients generally display co-morbid symptoms, and depression frequently accompanies other serious disorders. Currently available drugs display limited efficacy and a pronounced delay to onset of action, and all provoke distressing side effects. Cloning of the human genome has fuelled expectations that symptomatic treatment may soon become more rapid and effective, and that depressive states may ultimately be "prevented" or "cured". In pursuing these objectives, in particular for genome-derived, non-monoaminergic targets, "specificity" of drug actions is often emphasized. That is, priority is afforded to agents that interact exclusively with a single site hypothesized as critically involved in the pathogenesis and/or control of depression. Certain highly selective drugs may prove effective, and they remain indispensable in the experimental (and clinical) evaluation of the significance of novel mechanisms. However, by analogy to other multifactorial disorders, "multi-target" agents may be better adapted to the improved treatment of depressive states. Support for this contention is garnered from a broad palette of observations, ranging from mechanisms of action of adjunctive drug combinations and electroconvulsive therapy to "network theory" analysis of the etiology and management of depressive states. The review also outlines opportunities to be exploited, and challenges to be addressed, in the discovery and characterization of drugs recognizing multiple targets. Finally, a diversity of multi-target strategies is proposed for the more efficacious and rapid control of core and co-morbid symptoms of depression, together with improved tolerance relative to currently available agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Millan
- Institut de Recherches Servier, Centre de Recherches de Croissy, Psychopharmacology Department, 125, Chemin de Ronde, 78290-Croissy/Seine, France.
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