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Cao DN, Li F, Wu N, Li J. Insights into the mechanisms underlying opioid use disorder and potential treatment strategies. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:862-878. [PMID: 34128238 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioid use disorder is a worldwide societal problem and public health burden. Strategies for treating opioid use disorder can be divided into those that target the opioid receptor system and those that target non-opioid receptor systems, including the dopamine and glutamate receptor systems. Currently, the clinical drugs used to treat opioid use disorder include the opioid receptor agonists methadone and buprenorphine, which are limited by their abuse liability, and the opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone, which is limited by poor compliance. Therefore, the development of effective medications with lower abuse liability and better potential for compliance is urgently needed. Based on recent advances in the understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying opioid use disorder, potential treatment strategies and targets have emerged. This review focuses on the progress made in identifying potential targets and developing medications to treat opioid use disorder, including progress made by our laboratory, and provides insights for future medication development. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Advances in Opioid Pharmacology at the Time of the Opioid Epidemic. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.7/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Ni Cao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
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Deng L, Chu Z, Liu P, Li B, Lei G, Li S, Ma Y, Dang Y. Effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and adeno-associated viral vector on morphine-induced condition through target concentration changes in the ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens. Behav Brain Res 2023; 445:114385. [PMID: 36889465 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114385] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Morphine remains the standard analgesic for severe pain. However, the clinical use of morphine is limited by the innate tendency of opiates to become addictive. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a growth factor that is protective against many mental disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the protective function of BDNF on morphine addiction based on the behavioural sensitisation (BS) model and assess potential changes in downstream molecular tropomyosin-related kinase receptor B (TrkB) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (CREB) expression caused by overexpression of BDNF. We divided 64 male C57BL/6 J mice into saline, morphine, morphine plus adeno-associated viral vector (AAV), and morphine plus BDNF groups. After administering the treatments, behavioural tests were conducted during the development and expression phases of BS, followed by a western blot analysis. All data were analysed by one- or two-way analysis of variance. The overexpression of BDNF in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) caused by BDNF-AAV injection decreased the total distance of locomotion in mice who underwent morphine-induced BS and increased the concentrations of BDNF, TrkB, and CREB in the VTA and nucleus accumbens (NAc). BDNF exerts protective effects against morphine-induced BS by altering target gene expression in the VTA and NAc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisha Deng
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; College of Medicine & Forensics, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zheng Chu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Basic Medicine Science, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Baijia Li
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Gang Lei
- College of Medicine & Forensics, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shaofu Li
- College of Medicine & Forensics, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yongkang Ma
- College of Medicine & Forensics, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yonghui Dang
- College of Medicine & Forensics, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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Altered Accumbal Dopamine Terminal Dynamics Following Chronic Heroin Self-Administration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158106. [PMID: 35897682 PMCID: PMC9332320 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Administration of heroin results in the engagement of multiple brain regions and the rewarding and addictive effects are mediated, at least partially, through activation of the mesolimbic dopamine system. However, less is known about dopamine system function following chronic exposure to heroin. Withdrawal from chronic heroin exposure is likely to drive a state of low dopamine in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), as previously observed during withdrawal from other drug classes. Thus, we aimed to investigate alterations in NAc dopamine terminal function following chronic heroin self-administration to identify a mechanism for dopaminergic adaptations. Adult male Long Evans rats were trained to self-administer heroin (0.05 mg/kg/inf, IV) and then placed on a long access (FR1, 6-h, unlimited inf, 0.05 mg/kg/inf) protocol to induce escalation of intake. Following heroin self-administration, rats had decreased basal extracellular levels of dopamine and blunted dopamine response following a heroin challenge (0.1 mg/kg/inf, IV) in the NAc compared to saline controls. FSCV revealed that heroin-exposed rats exhibited reduced stimulated dopamine release during tonic-like, single-pulse stimulations, but increased phasic-like dopamine release during multi-pulse stimulation trains (5 pulses, 5–100 Hz) in addition to an altered dynamic range of release stimulation intensities when compared to controls. Further, we found that presynaptic D3 autoreceptor and kappa-opioid receptor agonist responsivity were increased following heroin self-administration. These results reveal a marked low dopamine state following heroin exposure and suggest the combination of altered dopamine release dynamics may contribute to increased heroin seeking.
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Gondré-Lewis MC, Elman I, Alim T, Chapman E, Settles-Reaves B, Galvao C, Gold MS, Baron D, Kazmi S, Gardner E, Gupta A, Dennen C, Blum K. Frequency of the Dopamine Receptor D3 (rs6280) vs. Opioid Receptor µ1 (rs1799971) Polymorphic Risk Alleles in Patients with Opioid Use Disorder: A Preponderance of Dopaminergic Mechanisms? Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040870. [PMID: 35453620 PMCID: PMC9027142 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
While opioids are a powerful class of drugs that inhibit transmission of pain signals, their use is tarnished by the current epidemic of opioid use disorder (OUD) and overdose deaths. Notwithstanding published reports, there remain gaps in our knowledge of opioid receptor mechanisms and their role in opioid seeking behavior. Thus, novel insights into molecular, neurogenetic and neuropharmacological bases of OUD are needed. We propose that an addictive endophenotype may not be entirely specific to the drug of choice but rather may be generalizable to altered brain reward circuits impacting net mesocorticolimbic dopamine release. We suggest that genetic or epigenetic alterations across dopaminergic reward systems lead to uncontrollable self-administration of opioids and other drugs. For instance, diminished availability via knockout of dopamine D3 receptor (DRD3) increases vulnerability to opioids. Building upon this concept via the use of a sophisticated polymorphic risk analysis in a human cohort of chronic opioid users, we found evidence for a higher frequency of polymorphic DRD3 risk allele (rs6280) than opioid receptor µ1 (rs1799971). In conclusion, while opioidergic mechanisms are involved in OUD, dopamine-related receptors may have primary influence on opioid-seeking behavior in African Americans. These findings suggest OUD-targeted novel and improved neuropharmacological therapies may require focus on DRD3-mediated regulation of dopaminergic homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjorie C. Gondré-Lewis
- Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA (C.G.)
- Correspondence: (M.C.G.-L.); (K.B.)
| | - Igor Elman
- Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA or
| | - Tanya Alim
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA; (T.A.); (E.C.)
| | - Edwin Chapman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA; (T.A.); (E.C.)
| | - Beverlyn Settles-Reaves
- Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA (C.G.)
| | - Carine Galvao
- Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA (C.G.)
| | - Mark S. Gold
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
| | - David Baron
- Graduate College, Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA;
| | - Shan Kazmi
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA or
| | - Eliot Gardner
- Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA;
| | - Ashim Gupta
- Future Biologics, Lawrenceville, GA 30043, USA;
| | - Catherine Dennen
- The Kenneth Blum Behavioral & Neurogenetic Institute, Austin, TX 78701, USA;
| | - Kenneth Blum
- Graduate College, Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA;
- The Kenneth Blum Behavioral & Neurogenetic Institute, Austin, TX 78701, USA;
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Addiction, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Egyetem tér 1-3, 1053 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
- Centre for Genomics and Applied Gene Technology, Institute of Integrative Omics and Applied Biotechnology, Nonakuri, Purba Medinipur 721172, West Bengal, India
- Department of Psychiatry, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine and Dayton VA Medical Centre, Dayton, OH 45324, USA
- Correspondence: (M.C.G.-L.); (K.B.)
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Marrero-Cristobal G, Gelpi-Dominguez U, Morales-Silva R, Alvarado-Torres J, Perez-Torres J, Perez-Perez Y, Sepulveda-Orengo M. Aerobic exercise as a promising nonpharmacological therapy for the treatment of substance use disorders. J Neurosci Res 2021; 100:1602-1642. [PMID: 34850988 PMCID: PMC9156662 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Despite the prevalence and public health impact of substance use disorders (SUDs), effective long-term treatments remain elusive. Aerobic exercise is a promising, nonpharmacological treatment currently under investigation as a strategy for preventing drug relapse. Aerobic exercise could be incorporated into the comprehensive treatment regimens for people with substance abuse disorders. Preclinical studies of SUD with animal models have shown that aerobic exercise diminishes drug-seeking behavior, which leads to relapse, in both male and female rats. Nevertheless, little is known regarding the effects of substance abuse-induced cellular and physiological adaptations believed to be responsible for drug-seeking behavior. Accordingly, the overall goal of this review is to provide a summary and an assessment of findings to date, highlighting evidence of the molecular and neurological effects of exercise on adaptations associated with SUD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ursula Gelpi-Dominguez
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA
| | - Roberto Morales-Silva
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA
| | - John Alvarado-Torres
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA
| | - Joshua Perez-Torres
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA
| | - Yobet Perez-Perez
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA
| | - Marian Sepulveda-Orengo
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA
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6
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Zhang H, Wang Q, Sun Q, Qin F, Nie D, Li Q, Gu Y, Jiang Y, Lu S, Lu Z. Effects of Compound 511 on BDNF-TrkB Signaling in the Mice Ventral Tegmental Area in Morphine-Induced Conditioned Place Preference. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 41:961-975. [PMID: 32323150 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00848-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Compound 511 (511) is specially developed for opioid addiction treatment based on the Ancient Chinese drug rehabilitation literature, and its composition has profound effects in the treatment of drug addiction in various clinical trials and animal experiments. The effect of 511 on the rewarding properties of morphine and craving responses and its potential mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we have applied a conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm in mice to measure morphine-induced rewarding effects under the treatment of 511. Then we used the RNA sequencing strategy to screen its potential mechanisms. In our research, firstly, we found 511 could decrease CPP score, locomotor activity, self-administration, jumping behavior, weight loss, wet-dog shakes, and stereotyped behavior. Then the brain VTA region tissues were performed mRNA sequencing to detect potential mechanisms. We found the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) were downregulated in morphine-induced CPP, whereas the decreased BDNF and TrkB were reversed after 511 treatment. We retested the levels of BDNF and TrkB using qRT-PCR and Western blot and found the similar results to mRNA sequencing. It has been widely reported that BDNF-TrkB signaling in the VTA is involved in multiple facets of addiction, including reward and motivation, so we focused on the BDNF-TrkB signaling to investigate the anti-addiction mechanisms of 511 in morphine addiction mice. We studied the downstream pathway of BDNF-TrkB and the soma size of dopaminergic neurons. The results showed 511 could increase the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and AKT, which were decreased in morphine-induced CPP. Simultaneously, 511 could decrease the level of PLCγ1 and the phosphorylation levels of ERK and S6K, which were increased in morphine-induced CPP. In addition, 511 also enlarged the soma size of VTA dopaminergic neurons, which was reduced in morphine-induced CPP. Hence, our research indicated 511 maybe mediate the BDNF-TrkB signaling in VTA to improve morphine addiction behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qisheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qinmei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Fenfen Qin
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Dengyun Nie
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qian Li
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yun Gu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yongwei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Shengfeng Lu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zhigang Lu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China.
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
- Jiang Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Microinjection of the BDNF receptor antagonist ANA-12 into the nucleus accumbens and medial-prefrontal cortex attenuates morphine-induced reward memory, and alterations of BDNF levels and apoptotic cells in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 201:173111. [PMID: 33444602 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
This study was designed to examine the effects of intra- nucleus accumbens (NAc) of BDNF receptor antagonist ANA-12 on the acquisition and expression and intra- medial-prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of ANA-12 on the extinction and reinstatement of morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) and also BDNF levels and apoptotic neurons in the NAc and mPFC of rats. In this study, adult male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were used. Two separate cannulas were inserted bilaterally into the NAc and/or mPFC. ANA-12 (3 μg/0.5 μl/side) was injected into the NAc and/or mPFC to evaluate the rewarding effects of morphine using a CPP paradigm. Then, the levels of BDNF and apoptotic in the NAc and mPFC were assessed at the end of each treatment phase using ELISA and TUNEL methods, respectively. All of vehicle-treated rats following morphine CPP showed the increase of BDNF levels and apoptotic neurons in the NAc and mPFC. ANA-12 significantly attenuated the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced CPP, BDNF levels and apoptotic neurons in the NAc during the acquisition, but not the expression phase. Also, ANA-12 significantly facilitated the extinction, but no effect on reinstatement of morphine CPP, and decreased BDNF levels and apoptotic neurons in the mPFC during the extinction, but not the reinstatement. We conclude that blocking TrkB with ANA-12 showed therapeutic effects on morphine-associated reward memory and neuronal death in the NAc and mPFC induced by morphine CPP. Thus, the BDNF-TrkB signaling may be important in the acquisition, expression, extinction, but not the reinstatement of morphine CPP.
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BDNF receptor antagonism during the induction of morphine dependence exacerbates the severity of physical dependence and ameliorates psychological dependence in rats. Neurosci Lett 2020; 737:135332. [PMID: 32860885 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.135332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the effects of systemic administration of the TrkB receptor antagonist (ANA-12) during induction of morphine dependence on the severity of physical and psychological dependence and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) BDNF levels in morphine-dependent and withdrawn rats. Rats became morphine-dependent by increasing daily doses of morphine for 7 days, along with ANA-12 injection. Then, rats were tested for the severity of physical dependence on morphine (spontaneous withdrawal signs), anxiety-like (the elevated plus maze), depressive-like (sucrose preference test) behaviors after spontaneous morphine withdrawal. Also, the CSF BDNF levels were assessed 2 h after the last dose of morphine and day 13 after morphine withdrawal in morphine-dependent and withdrawn rats. We found that the morphine withdrawal signs were significantly higher in morphine dependent rats receiving ANA-12 on days of 5-7 after morphine withdrawal, also ANA-12 exacerbated overall dependence severity. While, the percentage of time spent in the open arms and sucrose preference were higher in morphine-dependent rats receiving ANA-12 than morphine-dependent rats receiving saline. Also, the ANA-12 injection decreased the CSF BDNF levels following morphine dependence, while increased it after morphine withdrawal. We conclude that the ANA-12 exacerbated the severity of physical morphine dependence but attenuated the anxiety/depressive-like behaviors in morphine-dependent and withdrawn rats. Also, ANA-12 injection was able to reverse the changes in the CSF BDNF levels. Therefore, ANA-12 is not more likely to complete treatment for opiate addiction.
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Dopamine receptor D3 agonist (Pramipexole) reduces morphine-induced cardiac fibrosis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 529:1080-1085. [PMID: 32819568 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.06.137] [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] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Morphine is routinely used for pain management in heart failure patients. However, extended morphine exposure associates with major adverse cardiovascular events. Reports link the dopamine receptor D2-family with morphine-induced nociception modulation. This study first assessed whether morphine induces cardiac remodeling in healthy mice, then whether DRD3 agonist (DRD3ag, D2-family member) adjunct therapy prevents morphine-induced cardiac remodeling. Mice received morphine (2 mg/kg/day i. p.) for 7 days (D7) and were either euthanized at D7 or kept 7 more days without morphine (i.e. withdrawal period, D8-D14): G1, morphine; G2, morphine/DRD3ag; G3, morphine + withdrawal; G4, morphine/DRD3ag + withdrawal; G5, morphine + withdrawal/DRD3ag. A separate cohort of animals were used as naïve tissues. We evaluated functional and molecular parameters of cardiac remodeling. Although we did not observe significant differences in systolic function, morphine induced both interstitial fibrosis and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Interestingly, DRD3ag abolished these effects. Compared to naïve tissues, collagen 1 increased after withdrawal in G3 and G4 and collagen 3 increased in G1-G4 but at higher levels in G1 and G2. Only G5 did not show collagen differences compared to naïve, suggesting DRD3ag treatment during withdrawal may be beneficial and prevent morphine-induced fibrosis. Smad2/3 phosphorylation increased during withdrawal, indicating a likely upstream pathway for the observed morphine-induced fibrosis. Overall, our data suggest that DRD3ag adjunct therapy decreases morphine-induced adverse cardiac remodeling.
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Chen Z, Zhijie C, Yuting Z, Shilin X, Qichun Z, Jinying O, Chaohua L, Jing L, Zhixian M. Antibiotic-Driven Gut Microbiome Disorder Alters the Effects of Sinomenine on Morphine-Dependent Zebrafish. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:946. [PMID: 32670209 PMCID: PMC7326116 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphine is one of the most severely abused drugs in the world. Previous research on morphine addiction has focused on the central nervous system (CNS). Studies have shown that a two-way regulation of the brain and gut microbiota (GM), suggesting a link between GM and CNS disease. However, the functional mechanism underlying the relationship between intestinal flora and morphine dependence is unclear. In this study, the effect of sinomenine on morphine addiction was evaluated based on the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA). The results show that the GM plays an important role in morphine dependence. Morphine treatment induced zebrafish conditional position preference (CPP), and significantly changed zebrafish GM characteristics and the expression of MGBA-related genes in the zebrafish brain and intestine. Importantly, sinomenine, an alkaloid with a similar structure to morphine, can reverse these morphine-induced changes. Subsequently, morphine-dependent CPP training was performed after antibiotic administration. After antibiotic treatment, zebrafish CPP behavior, the composition and proportions of the zebrafish GM, and the expression of MGBA-related genes in zebrafish were changed. More interestingly, sinomenine was no longer effective in treating morphine dependence, indicating that antibiotic-driven intestinal flora imbalance alters the efficacy of sinomenine on morphine-dependent zebrafish. This study confirms that the MGBA is bidirectionally regulated, highlighting the key role of the GM in the formation and treatment of morphine dependence, and may provide new treatment strategies for using traditional Chinese medicine to treat drug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chen Zhijie
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhou Yuting
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Shilin
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhou Qichun
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ou Jinying
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Luo Chaohua
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Jing
- Central Laboratory, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mo Zhixian
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Selective dopamine D3 receptor antagonist YQA14 inhibits morphine-induced behavioral sensitization in wild type, but not in dopamine D3 receptor knockout mice. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2019; 40:583-588. [PMID: 30224637 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-018-0153-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing preclinical evidence demonstrates that dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) antagonists are a potential option for the treatment of drug addiction. The reinstatement of the addiction can be triggered by environmental stimuli that acquire motivational salience through repeated associations with the drug's effects. YQA14 is a novel D3R antagonist that has exhibited pharmacotherapeutic efficacy in reducing cocaine and amphetamine reward and relapse to drug seeking in mice. In this study we investigated the effects of YQA14 on morphine-induced context-specific locomotor sensitization in mice. We showed that repeated injection of YQA14 (6.25-25 mg/kg every day ip) prior to morphine (10 mg/kg every day sc) not only inhibited the acquisition, but also significantly attenuated the expression of morphine-induced locomotor sensitization. Furthermore, in the expression phase, one single injection of YQA14 (6.25-25 mg/kg, ip) dose-dependently inhibited the expression of morphine-induced behavioral sensitization. Moreover, YQA14 inhibited the expression of morphine-induced behavioral sensitization in wild mice (WT), but not in D3R knockout (D3R-/-) mice in the expression phase. In addition, D3R-/- mice also displayed the reduction in the expression phase compared with WT mice. In summary, this study demonstrates that blockade or knockout of the D3R inhibits morphine-induced behavior sensitization, suggesting that D3R plays an important role in the pathogenesis and etiology of morphine addiction, and it might be a potential target for clinical management of opioid addiction.
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12
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Khalil-Khalili M, Rashidy-Pour A, Bandegi AR, Yousefi B, Jorjani H, Miladi-Gorji H. Effects of BDNF receptor antagonist on the severity of physical and psychological dependence, morphine-induced locomotor sensitization and the ventral tegmental area-nucleus accumbens BDNF levels in morphine- dependent and withdrawn rats. Neurosci Lett 2018; 668:7-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.12.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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13
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Bakhtazad A, Vousooghi N, Garmabi B, Zarrindast MR. Evaluation of the CART peptide expression in morphine sensitization in male rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 802:52-59. [PMID: 28238767 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.02.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The importance of Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptide in reinforcing effects of addictive drugs specially alcohol and psychostimulants has been stablished. Involvement of CART peptide in rewarding effects of opioids in brain has recently been reported. Here we have studied the expression of CART mRNA and peptide in the reward pathway in morphine-induced sensitization phenomenon and also evaluated the peptide level fluctuations in CSF and plasma. Male Wistar rats received 7-day morphine injection (20mg/kg) and then after a 7-day washout period, a challenge dose of 10mg/kg morphine was administered and locomotor activity and oral stereotypical behaviors were recorded. Besides, the expression level of CART mRNA and peptide in four important areas of the mesocorticolimbic reward pathway including nucleus accumbens, striatum, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus were measured by real-time PCR and western blotting, respectively. The level of the peptide in CSF and plasma was measured by Elisa method. The expression level of CART mRNA and protein in brain regions and also the peptide level in CSF and plasma were significantly down-regulated after 7-day morphine administration. These reduced levels returned to nearly normal rates after 7-day wash-out period. Administration of morphine challenge dose led to significant upregulation of CART gene expression (both mRNA and peptide) in the brain, and elevation of peptide level in CSF and plasma in morphine-sensitized rats. It can be concluded that CART is released in the framework of reward pathway and may serve as an important neurotransmitter in the process of morphine dependence and sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Bakhtazad
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasim Vousooghi
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Genetics Laboratory, Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behzad Garmabi
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zarrindast
- Genetics Laboratory, Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies, Tehran, Iran; Genomics Center, School of Advanced Sciences, Tehran Medical Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; School of Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Studies in Theoretical Physics and Mathematics, Tehran, Iran.
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14
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Subedi L, Huang H, Pant A, Westgate PM, Bada HS, Bauer JA, Giannone PJ, Sithisarn T. Plasma Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Newborn Infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. Front Pediatr 2017; 5:238. [PMID: 29164087 PMCID: PMC5675851 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2017.00238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a type of growth factor that promotes growth and survival of neurons. Fetal exposure to opiates can lead to postnatal withdrawal syndrome, which is referred as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Preclinical and clinical studies have shown an association between opiates exposure and alteration in BDNF expression in the brain and serum levels in adult. However, to date, there are no data available on the effects of opiate exposure on BDNF levels in infant who are exposed to opiates in utero and whether BDNF level may correlate with the severity of NAS. OBJECTIVE To compare plasma BDNF levels among NAS and non-NAS infants and to determine the correlation of BDNF levels and the severity of NAS. METHODS This is a prospective cohort study with no intervention involved. Infants ≥35 weeks of gestation were enrolled. BDNF level was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique from blood samples drawn within 48 h of life. The severity of NAS was determined by the length of hospital stay, number of medications required to treat NAS. RESULTS 67 infants were enrolled, 34 NAS and 33 non-NAS. Mean gestational age did not differ between the two groups. Mean birth weight of NAS infants was significantly lower than the non-NAS infants (3,070 ± 523 vs. 3,340 ± 459 g, p = 0.028). Mean BDNF level in NAS group was 252.2 ± 91.6 ng/ml, significantly higher than 211.3 ± 66.3 ng/ml in the non-NAS group (p = 0.04). There were no differences in BDNF levels between NAS infants that required one medication vs. more than one medication (254 ± 91 vs. 218 ± 106 ng/ml, p = 0.47). There was no correlation between the BDNF levels and length of hospital stay (p = 0.68) among NAS infants. Overall, there were no significant correlations between BDNF levels and NAS scores except at around 15 h after admission (correlation 0.35, p = 0.045). CONCLUSION Plasma BDNF level was significantly increased in NAS infants during the first 48 h when compared to non-NAS infants. The correlations between plasma BDNF levels and the severity of NAS warrant further study. These results suggest that BDNF may play a neuromodulatory role during withdrawal after in utero opiate exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lochan Subedi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Hong Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Amrita Pant
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Philip M Westgate
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Henrietta S Bada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - John A Bauer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Peter J Giannone
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Thitinart Sithisarn
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
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15
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Morphine exposure during early life alters thermal and mechanical thresholds in rats. Int J Dev Neurosci 2016; 60:78-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2016.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 12/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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16
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Microinjection of histone deacetylase inhibitor into the ventrolateral orbital cortex potentiates morphine induced behavioral sensitization. Brain Res 2016; 1646:418-425. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2015] [Revised: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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17
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Zhang J, Wang N, Chen B, Wang Y, He J, Cai X, Zhang H, Wei S, Li S. Blockade of Cannabinoid CB1 receptor attenuates the acquisition of morphine-induced conditioned place preference along with a downregulation of ERK, CREB phosphorylation, and BDNF expression in the nucleus accumbens and hippocampus. Neurosci Lett 2016; 630:70-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2016.07.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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18
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Context- and time-dependent neurobiological and behavioral sensitization induced by a single morphine exposure in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:1147-55. [PMID: 26728895 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-4197-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Drug-induced sensitization in the mesocorticolimbic systems is thought to play an important role in certain aspects of drug addiction, including the involvement of drug-associated cues and environments in mediating drug-seeking behaviors. Our previous studies have identified the significance of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) in the development of a single morphine exposure-induced behavioral sensitization. OBJECTIVES The present study expands upon these findings by investigating the effect of environment on the expression of behavioral sensitization induced by a single morphine exposure, and the potential involvement of Hsp70 protein levels in these effects. METHODS Mice were pretreated with a single morphine injection in test chambers (morphine-paired) or home cages (morphine-unpaired) on day 1 and challenged on day 2 or 8, in test chambers. Hsp70 expression in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) was analyzed after the challenge. RESULTS The expression of single morphine exposure-induced behavioral sensitization was accompanied by a significant increase in Hsp70 expression in NAc. In contrast, the unpaired morphine-treated group failed to exhibit behavioral sensitization or higher Hsp70 expression. Additionally, by adding a habituation process prior to the challenge, we demonstrated that conditioned hyperactivity, which was not accompanied by an increased expression of Hsp70, is not essential for behavioral sensitization. CONCLUSIONS Behavioral sensitization induced by a single morphine exposure in mice exhibits context and time dependency, with environmental context likely functioning via an inhibitory conditioning mechanism. Furthermore, alterations in Hsp70 expression in the NAc may represent a neurobiological sensitization mechanism mediating context- and time-dependent behavioral sensitization.
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19
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Galaj E, Manuszak M, Babic S, Ananthan S, Ranaldi R. The selective dopamine D3 receptor antagonist, SR 21502, reduces cue-induced reinstatement of heroin seeking and heroin conditioned place preference in rats. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 156:228-233. [PMID: 26429728 PMCID: PMC4633332 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 09/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because the role of dopamine (DA) D3 receptors has been investigated primarily in relation to cocaine-related behaviors little is known of the role of these receptors in heroin seeking. PURPOSES To investigate the effect of the selective DA D3 receptor antagonist, SR 21502, on cue-induced reinstatement of heroin seeking and heroin conditioned place preference (CPP). METHODS In experiment 1, rats were trained to self-administer intravenous heroin for 15 days followed by extinction. Following extinction animals were treated with one of several SR 21502 doses (0, 7.5, 10 or 15mg/kg) and a cue-induced reinstatement test was conducted. In experiment 2, animals were conditioned to experience heroin in one compartment of a CPP apparatus and saline in the other. On the test day animals were treated with 0, 3.75, 7.5, 10 or 15mg/kg of SR 21502 and tested for their CPP. RESULTS The results from experiment 1 showed a significant dose-related reduction in cue-induced reinstatement of active lever pressing in the 7.5 and 10mg groups and an absence of the reinstatement effect in the 15mg group. In experiment 2, animals treated with vehicle or 3.75mg of SR 21502 showed significant heroin place preferences but those treated with the higher doses showed no CPP. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that DA D3 receptors play a significant role in heroin approach behaviors driven by conditioned stimuli. As such, we propose that SR 21502 holds potential as an effective pharmacotherapeutic agent for relapse prevention and should be studied further.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Conditioning, Classical/drug effects
- Conditioning, Classical/physiology
- Cues
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Extinction, Psychological/drug effects
- Extinction, Psychological/physiology
- Female
- Heroin/administration & dosage
- Heroin Dependence/physiopathology
- Heroin Dependence/rehabilitation
- Imidazoles/pharmacology
- Male
- Pyridines/pharmacology
- Rats
- Rats, Long-Evans
- Receptors, Dopamine D3/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Dopamine D3/physiology
- Recurrence
- Self Administration
- Substance Abuse, Intravenous/physiopathology
- Substance Abuse, Intravenous/rehabilitation
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Galaj
- CUNY Graduate Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Monica Manuszak
- Queens College of the City University of New York, Department of Psychology, Flushing, NY, United States
| | - Sandra Babic
- Queens College of the City University of New York, Department of Psychology, Flushing, NY, United States
| | - Subramaniam Ananthan
- Department of Chemistry, Drug Discovery Division, Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Robert Ranaldi
- CUNY Graduate Center, New York, NY, United States; Queens College of the City University of New York, Department of Psychology, Flushing, NY, United States.
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20
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Ciudad-Roberts A, Camarasa J, Ciudad CJ, Pubill D, Escubedo E. Alcohol enhances the psychostimulant and conditioning effects of mephedrone in adolescent mice; postulation of unique roles of D3 receptors and BDNF in place preference acquisition. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:4970-84. [PMID: 26228024 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Revised: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The psychostimulant mephedrone is often consumed in combination with alcohol (EtOH). This kind of drug consumption during adolescence is a matter of concern. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We studied, in adolescent CD-1 mice, whether EtOH could enhance the psychostimulant (locomotor acivity) and rewarding [conditioned place preference (CPP)] effects of mephedrone. We also determined the transcriptional changes associated with a conditioning treatment with these drugs. KEY RESULTS Mephedrone (10 mg·kg(-1)) increased locomotor activity, which was further enhanced by 40% when combined with EtOH (1 g·kg(-1)). This enhancement was blocked by haloperidol. Furthermore, mephedrone (25 mg·kg(-1)) induced CPP, which increased by 70% when administered with a dose of EtOH that was not conditioning by itself (0.75 g·kg(-1)). There was enhanced expression of the D3 dopamine receptor mRNA (Drd3) and Arpc5 in all drug-treated groups. The D3 receptor antagonist SB-277011A and the BDNF receptor antagonist ANA-12 completely prevented CPP as well as the increases in Drd3 in all groups. Accordingly, increased expression of BDNF mRNA in medial prefrontal cortex was detected at 2 and 4 h after mephedrone administration. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS If translated to humans, the enhancement of mephedrone effects by ethanol could result in increased abuse liability. D3 receptors and BDNF play a key role in the establishment of CPP by mephedrone, although an accompanying increase in other synaptic plasticity-related genes may also be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Ciudad-Roberts
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry (Pharmacology Section), Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge Camarasa
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry (Pharmacology Section), Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos J Ciudad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Pubill
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry (Pharmacology Section), Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Escubedo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry (Pharmacology Section), Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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21
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Le Foll B, Di Ciano P. Neuronal circuitry underlying the impact of D3 receptor ligands in drug addiction. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 25:1401-9. [PMID: 25266821 PMCID: PMC4362926 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2014.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Revised: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Since the cloning of the D3 receptor in the early 1990s, there has been a great deal of interest in this receptor as a possible therapeutic target for drug addiction. The development of a D3 ligand suitable for use in humans has remained elusive, so the study of the function of the D3 receptor and its possible therapeutic efficacy has largely been restricted to animals. Pre-clinical studies have established that systemic administration of D3 ligands, particularly antagonists and partial agonists, can alter drug-seeking in animals. Despite over a decade of research, few studies have investigated the effects of intra-cerebral infusion of D3 ligands on drug-seeking. In the present review, these studies are summarized, which have largely focused on stimulus-controlled behaviors. Converging evidence from studies of D3 receptor expression, Fos and pharmacological Magnetic Resonance Imaging (phMRI) is also provided to delineate some of the D3 brain systems involved in drug-seeking and taking. The data so far indicate that different brain systems may be involved in different types of stimulus control as well as drug taking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Le Foll
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 2S1; Alcohol Research and Treatment Clinic, Addiction Medicine Services, Ambulatory Care and Structured Treatments, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6J 1H4; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 2S1; Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Division of Brain and Therapeutics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Patricia Di Ciano
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 2S1
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22
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Keck TM, Burzynski C, Shi L, Newman AH. Beyond small-molecule SAR: using the dopamine D3 receptor crystal structure to guide drug design. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY 2014; 69:267-300. [PMID: 24484980 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-420118-7.00007-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The dopamine D3 receptor is a target of pharmacotherapeutic interest in a variety of neurological disorders including schizophrenia, restless leg syndrome, and drug addiction. The high protein sequence homology between the D3 and D2 receptors has posed a challenge to developing D3 receptor-selective ligands whose behavioral actions can be attributed to D3 receptor engagement, in vivo. However, through primarily small-molecule structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, a variety of chemical scaffolds have been discovered over the past two decades that have resulted in several D3 receptor-selective ligands with high affinity and in vivo activity. Nevertheless, viable clinical candidates remain limited. The recent determination of the high-resolution crystal structure of the D3 receptor has invigorated structure-based drug design, providing refinements to the molecular dynamic models and testable predictions about receptor-ligand interactions. This chapter will highlight recent preclinical and clinical studies demonstrating potential utility of D3 receptor-selective ligands in the treatment of addiction. In addition, new structure-based rational drug design strategies for D3 receptor-selective ligands that complement traditional small-molecule SAR to improve the selectivity and directed efficacy profiles are examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Keck
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse-Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Caitlin Burzynski
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse-Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics and Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA
| | - Amy Hauck Newman
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse-Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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23
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Hill RA, Kiss Von Soly S, Ratnayake U, Klug M, Binder MD, Hannan AJ, van den Buuse M. Long-term effects of combined neonatal and adolescent stress on brain-derived neurotrophic factor and dopamine receptor expression in the rat forebrain. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2014; 1842:2126-35. [PMID: 25159716 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2014.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2014] [Revised: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Altered brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signalling and dopaminergic neurotransmission have been shown in the forebrain in schizophrenia. The 'two hit' hypothesis proposes that two major disruptions during development are involved in the pathophysiology of this illness. We therefore used a 'two hit' rat model of combined neonatal and young-adult stress to assess effects on BDNF signalling and dopamine receptor expression. Wistar rats were exposed to neonatal maternal separation (MS) stress and/or adolescent/young-adult corticosterone (CORT) treatment. At adulthood the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), caudate putamen (CPu) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) were analysed by qPCR and Western blot. The 'two hit' combination of MS and CORT treatment caused significant increases in BDNF mRNA and protein levels in the mPFC of male, but not female rats. BDNF mRNA expression was unchanged in the CPu but was significantly reduced by CORT in the NAc. DR3 and DR2 mRNA were significantly up-regulated in the mPFC of two-hit rats and a positive correlation was found between BDNF and DR3 expression in male, but not female rats. DR2 and DR3 expression were significantly increased following CORT treatment in the NAc and a significant negative correlation between BDNF and DR3 and DR2 mRNA levels was found. Our data demonstrate male-specific two-hit effects of developmental stress on BDNF and DR3 expression in the mPFC. Furthermore, following chronic adolescent CORT treatment, the relationship between BDNF and dopamine receptor expression was significantly altered in the NAc. These results elucidate the long-term effects of 'two hit' developmental stress on behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Hill
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Szerenke Kiss Von Soly
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Udani Ratnayake
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Maren Klug
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Psychology, Swinburne University, Hawthorn, Australia
| | - Michele D Binder
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Maarten van den Buuse
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
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24
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Xing X, Wang H, Liang J, Bai Y, Liu Z, Zheng X. Mineralocorticoid receptors in the ventral hippocampus are involved in extinction memory in rats. Psych J 2014; 3:201-13. [DOI: 10.1002/pchj.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Xing
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health; Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Hongbo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health; Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Jing Liang
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health; Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Yunjing Bai
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health; Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Zhengkui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health; Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Xigeng Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health; Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
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25
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Nikulina EM, Johnston CE, Wang J, Hammer RP. Neurotrophins in the ventral tegmental area: Role in social stress, mood disorders and drug abuse. Neuroscience 2014; 282:122-38. [PMID: 24875178 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Revised: 05/04/2014] [Accepted: 05/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
This review discusses the impact of neurotrophins and other trophic factors, including fibroblast growth factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, on mood disorders, weight regulation and drug abuse, with an emphasis on stress- and drug-induced changes in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Neurotrophins, comprising nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and neurotrophins 3 and 4/5 play important roles in neuronal plasticity and the development of different psychopathologies. In the VTA, most research has focused on the role of BDNF, because other neurotrophins are not found there in significant quantities. BDNF originating in the VTA provides trophic support to dopamine neurons. The diverse intracellular signaling pathways activated by BDNF may underlie precise physiological functions specific to the VTA. In general, VTA BDNF expression increases after psychostimulant exposures, and enhanced BDNF level in the VTA facilitates psychostimulant effects. The impact of VTA BDNF on the behavioral effects of psychostimulants relies primarily on its action within the mesocorticolimbic circuit. In the case of opiates, VTA BDNF expression and effects seem to be dependent on whether an animal is drug-naïve or has a history of drug use, only the latter of which is related to dopamine mechanisms. Social defeat stress that is continuous in mice or intermittent in rats increases VTA BDNF expression, and is associated with depressive and social avoidance behaviors. Intermittent social defeat stress induces persistent VTA BDNF expression that triggers psychostimulant cross-sensitization. Understanding the cellular and molecular substrates of neurotrophin effects may lead to novel therapeutic approaches for the prevention and treatment of substance use and mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Nikulina
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
| | - C E Johnston
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, USA; Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - J Wang
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - R P Hammer
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, USA; Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
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26
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Liu XS, Hou Y, Yan TL, Guo YY, Han W, Guan FL, Chen T, Li T. Dopamine D3 receptor-regulated NR2B subunits of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors in the nucleus accumbens involves in morphine-induced locomotor activity. CNS Neurosci Ther 2014; 20:823-9. [PMID: 24797707 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2013] [Revised: 03/29/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Dopamine and glutamate receptors are densely expressed in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Active interactions between these receptors contribute to the development of neuropsychiatric diseases, such as drug addiction and relapse. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions remain unclear. METHODS This study established a mouse model of intermittent morphine-induced mouse behavioral sensitization model. Western blot and electrophysiological recording methods were performed to directly identify the affective components of morphine behavioral sensitization. RESULTS Interval morphine administration could cause significant locomotor sensitization. Hyperlocomotion and behavioral locomotor sensitization were significantly suppressed when ifenprodil (5 mg/kg), a selective NR2B subunit-containing N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, or nafadotride (25 μg/kg), a dopamine D3 receptor (D3R)-preferring antagonist, was coadministered with morphine. Western blot analysis showed that morphine behavioral sensitization induced a region-specific increase in phosphorylation of NR2B (pNR2B) and total levels of NR2B (NR2B) expression in the NAc. Systemically administered nafadotride attenuated behavioral locomotor sensitization induced by morphine and significantly reversed the overexpression of pNR2B and NR2B subunit-containing NMDA receptor in the NAc. NMDA receptor-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents in the NAc were also significantly reduced by nafadotride. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that D3Rs are involved in morphine-induced behavioral locomotor sensitization in mice by regulating the NR2B subunits of NMDA receptors in the NAc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-She Liu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; The Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi, China
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Xi ZX, Li X, Li J, Peng XQ, Song R, Gaál J, Gardner EL. Blockade of dopamine D3 receptors in the nucleus accumbens and central amygdala inhibits incubation of cocaine craving in rats. Addict Biol 2013; 18:665-77. [PMID: 22913325 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2012.00486.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Cue-induced drug seeking progressively increases over time of withdrawal from drug self-administration in rats, a phenomenon called 'incubation of craving'. The underlying mechanisms have been linked to increased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and GluR2-lacking AMPA receptors in the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system and also to increased extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation in the central amygdala (CeA). However, it remains unclear whether any DA mechanism is also involved in incubation of craving. Recent research demonstrates that cue-induced cocaine seeking appears to parallel increased DA D3 , but not D1 or D2 , receptor expression in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of rats over time of withdrawal, suggesting possible involvement of D3 receptors (D3 Rs) in incubation of cocaine craving. Here, we report that systemic or local administration of SB-277011A, a highly selective D3 R antagonist, into the NAc (core and shell) or the CeA, but not the dorsal striatum or basolateral amygdala, significantly inhibits expression of incubation of cocaine craving in rats after 2-30 days of withdrawal from previous cocaine self-administration but had no effect on sucrose-seeking behavior in rats after 10-30 days of withdrawal. These data suggest that DA D3 Rs in both the NAc and the CeA play an important role in incubation of cocaine craving in rats and support the potential utility of D3 R antagonists in the treatment of cocaine addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Intramural Research Program; National Institute on Drug Abuse; Baltimore; MD; USA
| | - Xia Li
- Intramural Research Program; National Institute on Drug Abuse; Baltimore; MD; USA
| | - Jie Li
- Intramural Research Program; National Institute on Drug Abuse; Baltimore; MD; USA
| | - Xiao-Qing Peng
- Intramural Research Program; National Institute on Drug Abuse; Baltimore; MD; USA
| | - Rui Song
- Intramural Research Program; National Institute on Drug Abuse; Baltimore; MD; USA
| | | | - Eliot L. Gardner
- Intramural Research Program; National Institute on Drug Abuse; Baltimore; MD; USA
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Pre- and postsynaptic twists in BDNF secretion and action in synaptic plasticity. Neuropharmacology 2013; 76 Pt C:610-27. [PMID: 23791959 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Revised: 05/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Overwhelming evidence collected since the early 1990's strongly supports the notion that BDNF is among the key regulators of synaptic plasticity in many areas of the mammalian central nervous system. Still, due to the extremely low expression levels of endogenous BDNF in most brain areas, surprisingly little data i) pinpointing pre- and postsynaptic release sites, ii) unraveling the time course of release, and iii) elucidating the physiological levels of synaptic activity driving this secretion are available. Likewise, our knowledge regarding pre- and postsynaptic effects of endogenous BDNF at the single cell level in mediating long-term potentiation still is sparse. Thus, our review will discuss the data currently available regarding synaptic BDNF secretion in response to physiologically relevant levels of activity, and will discuss how endogenously secreted BDNF affects synaptic plasticity, giving a special focus on spike timing-dependent types of LTP and on mossy fiber LTP. We will attempt to open up perspectives how the remaining challenging questions regarding synaptic BDNF release and action might be addressed by future experiments. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'BDNF Regulation of Synaptic Structure, Function, and Plasticity'.
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Neonatal Morphine Administration Leads to Changes in Hippocampal BDNF Levels and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity in the Adult Life of Rats. Neurochem Res 2012; 38:494-503. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-012-0941-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Revised: 11/10/2012] [Accepted: 11/26/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Abstract
This paper is the thirty-fourth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2011 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior (Section 2), and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia (Section 3); stress and social status (Section 4); tolerance and dependence (Section 5); learning and memory (Section 6); eating and drinking (Section 7); alcohol and drugs of abuse (Section 8); sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (Section 9); mental illness and mood (Section 10); seizures and neurologic disorders (Section 11); electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (Section 12); general activity and locomotion (Section 13); gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (Section 14); cardiovascular responses (Section 15); respiration (Section 16); and immunological responses (Section 17).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, United States.
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31
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Banasikowski TJ, Beninger RJ. Reduced expression of haloperidol conditioned catalepsy in rats by the dopamine D3 receptor antagonists nafadotride and NGB 2904. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2012; 22:761-8. [PMID: 22410316 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2012.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2011] [Revised: 01/30/2012] [Accepted: 02/16/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Haloperidol, a dopamine (DA) D2 receptor-preferring antagonist, produces catalepsy whereby animals maintain awkward posture for a period of time. Sub-threshold doses of haloperidol fail to produce catalepsy initially, however, when the drug is given repeatedly in the same test environment, gradual day-to-day increases in catalepsy are observed. More importantly, if sensitized rats are injected with saline instead of haloperidol they continue to be cataleptic in the test environment suggesting that environment-drug associations may play a role. DA D3 receptors have been implicated in a number of conditioned behaviors. We were interested if DA D3 receptors contribute to catalepsy sensitization and conditioning in rats. We tested this hypothesis using the DA D3 receptor-selective antagonist NGB 2904 (0.5, 1.8 mg/kg) and the DA D3 receptor-preferring antagonist nafadotride (0.1, 0.5 mg/kg). For 10 consecutive conditioning days rats were treated with one of the D3 receptor antagonists alone or in combination with haloperidol (0.25 mg/kg) and tested for catalepsy, quantified by the time a rat remained with its forepaws on a horizontal bar. On test day (day 11), rats were injected with saline or the D3 receptor antagonist and tested for conditioned catalepsy in the previously drug-paired environment. Rats treated with NGB 2904 or nafadotride alone did not develop catalepsy. Rats treated with haloperidol or haloperidol plus NGB 2904 or nafadotride developed catalepsy sensitization with repeated conditioning. When injected with saline they continued to exhibit catalepsy in the test environment--now conditioned. On the other hand, NGB 2904 (1.8 mg/kg) or nafadotride (0.5 mg/kg) given on the test day (after sensitization to haloperidol) significantly attenuated the expression of conditioned catalepsy. Our data suggest that the D3 receptor antagonist NGB 2904 (1.8 mg/kg) and nafadotride (0.5 mg/kg) significantly attenuate conditioned catalepsy in rats when given in test but not when given during sensitization. Results implicate DA D3 receptors in regulating the expression of conditioned catalepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomek J Banasikowski
- Center Neurosci Studies, Department Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada K7L 3 N6
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Expression levels of the BDNF gene and histone modifications around its promoters in the ventral tegmental area and locus ceruleus of rats during forced abstinence from morphine. Neurochem Res 2012; 37:1517-23. [PMID: 22410736 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-012-0746-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2011] [Revised: 01/09/2012] [Accepted: 02/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a role in mediating molecular, cellular, and behavioral adaptations underlying drug addiction. Here, we examined the influence of withdrawal from repeated morphine treatment on the expression of BDNF mRNA in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and locus coeruleus (LC) of the rat brain. We also studied whether alternations in mRNA levels of BDNF in these tissues are associated with histone modifications around promoters II and III of the BDNF gene. Thus, chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP) and quantitative (q)-PCR were employed to assess acetylation of histone H3 at K9/K14 and trimethylation of histone H3 at K9. Results of qRT-PCR showed that levels of BDNF mRNA in both VTA and LC were significantly increased 7 days rather than 2 h or 24 h following the last injection of morphine. Consistently, CHIP and qPCR analysis revealed that on day 7 of morphine abstinence, both VTA and LC levels of histone methylation at BDNF promoters II and III of morphine treated rats were significantly lower than control animals. Morphine withdrawal caused only a significant increase in H3 acetylation at the promoter II in the LC. These data demonstrate the involvement of histone H3 methylation in the regulation of gene expression in the VTA and LC of rats during forced abstinence of morphine.
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Hippocampal GluA1-containing AMPA receptors mediate context-dependent sensitization to morphine. J Neurosci 2012; 31:16279-91. [PMID: 22072679 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3835-11.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamatergic systems, including AMPA receptors (AMPARs), are involved in opiate-induced neuronal and behavioral plasticity, although the mechanisms underlying these effects are not fully understood. In the present study, we investigated the effects of repeated morphine administration on AMPAR expression, synaptic plasticity, and context-dependent behavioral sensitization to morphine. We found that morphine treatment produced changes of synaptic AMPAR expression in the hippocampus, a brain area that is critically involved in learning and memory. These changes could be observed 1 week after the treatment, but only when mice developed context-dependent behavioral sensitization to morphine in which morphine treatment was associated with drug administration environment. Context-dependent behavioral sensitization to morphine was also associated with increased basal synaptic transmission and disrupted hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), whereas these effects were less robust when morphine administration was not paired with the drug administration environment. Interestingly, some effects may be related to the prior history of morphine exposure in the drug-associated environment, since alterations of AMPAR expression, basal synaptic transmission, and LTP were observed in mice that received a saline challenge 1 week after discontinuation of morphine treatment. Furthermore, we demonstrated that phosphorylation of GluA1 AMPAR subunit plays a critical role in the acquisition and expression of context-dependent behavioral sensitization, as this behavior is blocked by a viral vector that disrupts GluA1 phosphorylation. These data provide evidence that glutamatergic signaling in the hippocampus plays an important role in context-dependent sensitization to morphine and supports further investigation of glutamate-based strategies for treating opiate addiction.
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