1
|
Avgana H, Toledano RS, Akirav I. Examining the Role of Oxytocinergic Signaling and Neuroinflammatory Markers in the Therapeutic Effects of MDMA in a Rat Model for PTSD. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:846. [PMID: 39065697 PMCID: PMC11279644 DOI: 10.3390/ph17070846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy has shown potential as an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Preclinical studies involving rodents have demonstrated that MDMA can facilitate the extinction of fear memories. It has been noted that MDMA impacts oxytocin neurons and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the role of oxytocinergic signaling and neuroinflammatory markers in the therapeutic effects of MDMA. To achieve this, male rats were subjected to a model of PTSD involving exposure to shock and situational reminders. MDMA was microinjected into the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) before extinction training, followed by behavioral tests assessing activity levels, anxiety, and social function. Our findings indicate that MDMA treatment facilitated fear extinction and mitigated the shock-induced increase in freezing, as well as deficits in social behavior. Shock exposure led to altered expression of the gene coding for OXT-R and neuroinflammation in the mPFC and basolateral amygdala (BLA), which were restored by MDMA treatment. Importantly, the OXT-R antagonist L-368,899 prevented MDMA's therapeutic effects on extinction and freezing behavior. In conclusion, MDMA's therapeutic effects in the PTSD model are associated with alterations in OXT-R expression and neuroinflammation, and MDMA's effects on extinction and anxiety may be mediated by oxytocinergic signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haron Avgana
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (H.A.); (R.S.T.)
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Roni Shira Toledano
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (H.A.); (R.S.T.)
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Irit Akirav
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (H.A.); (R.S.T.)
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Esaki H, Sasaki Y, Nishitani N, Kamada H, Mukai S, Ohshima Y, Nakada S, Ni X, Deyama S, Kaneda K. Role of 5-HT 1A receptors in the basolateral amygdala on 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-induced prosocial effects in mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 946:175653. [PMID: 36907260 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175653] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), a recreational drug, induces euphoric sensations and psychosocial effects, such as increased sociability and empathy. Serotonin, also called 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is a neurotransmitter that has been associated with MDMA-induced prosocial effects. However, the detailed neural mechanisms remain elusive. In the present study, we investigated whether 5-HT neurotransmission in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the basolateral nucleus of amygdala (BLA) is involved in MDMA-induced prosocial effects using the social approach test in male ICR mice. Systemic administration of (S)-citalopram, a selective 5-HT transporter inhibitor, before administration of MDMA failed to suppress MDMA-induced prosocial effects. On the other hand, systemic administration of the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY100635, but not 5-HT1B, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, or 5-HT4 receptor antagonist, significantly suppressed MDMA-induced prosocial effects. Furthermore, local administration of WAY100635 into the BLA but not into the mPFC suppressed MDMA-induced prosocial effects. Consistent with this finding, intra-BLA MDMA administration significantly increased sociability. Together, these results suggest that MDMA induces prosocial effects through the stimulation of 5-HT1A receptors in the BLA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hirohito Esaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Yuki Sasaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Naoya Nishitani
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Hikari Kamada
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Satoko Mukai
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Ohshima
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Sao Nakada
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Xiyan Ni
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Satoshi Deyama
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Katsuyuki Kaneda
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chaliha D, Mamo JC, Albrecht M, Lam V, Takechi R, Vaccarezza M. A Systematic Review of the MDMA Model to Address Social Impairment in Autism. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 19:1101-1154. [PMID: 33388021 PMCID: PMC8686313 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210101130258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by repetitive behaviours, cognitive rigidity/inflexibility, and social-affective impairment. Unfortunately, no gold-standard treatments exist to alleviate the core socio-behavioural impairments of ASD. Meanwhile, the prosocial empathogen/entactogen 3,4-methylene-dioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) is known to enhance sociability and empathy in both humans and animal models of psychological disorders. OBJECTIVE We review the evidence obtained from behavioural tests across the current literature, showing how MDMA can induce prosocial effects in animals and humans, where controlled experiments were able to be performed. METHODS Six electronic databases were consulted. The search strategy was tailored to each database. Only English-language papers were reviewed. Behaviours not screened in this review may have affected the core ASD behaviours studied. Molecular analogues of MDMA have not been investigated. RESULTS We find that the social impairments may potentially be alleviated by postnatal administration of MDMA producing prosocial behaviours in mostly the animal model. CONCLUSION MDMA and/or MDMA-like molecules appear to be an effective pharmacological treatment for the social impairments of autism, at least in animal models. Notably, clinical trials based on MDMA use are now in progress. Nevertheless, larger and more extended clinical studies are warranted to prove the assumption that MDMA and MDMA-like molecules have a role in the management of the social impairments of autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Mauro Vaccarezza
- Address correspondence to this author at the Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, P.O. Box 6845, WA 6102 Perth, Australia; Tel: 08 9266 7671; E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mukai S, Nakada S, Kamada H, Yaguchi R, Deyama S, Kaneda K. Differential sensitivity to detect prosocial effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in different social approach paradigms in mice. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep 2020; 40:297-301. [PMID: 32608059 PMCID: PMC7722663 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
A recreational drug, 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), has prosocial effects including increased sociability, enhancement of trust feelings, and empathy. Although several methods, such as the social interaction and three chamber tests, have been used, the neural mechanisms underlying the prosocial effects have not been well understood. In the present study, based on a social approach paradigm using a single‐chamber apparatus, we have developed two reproducible and simple social approach tests, SAT1 and SAT2, in ICR mice. In the SAT1, an unfamiliar mouse was set in a wire mesh cylinder cage that was placed in the center of a rectangular open field, while in the SAT2, an unfamiliar mouse was set in a wire mesh rectangular cage that was placed along a wall of a rectangular open field. Although MDMA treatment enhanced sociability in both SAT1 and SAT2, the ratio of high sociability mice was higher in the SAT2 than in the SAT1, indicating a differential sensitivity to detect the prosocial effects. Thus, we suggest that the SAT2 is a promising and suitable method to explore the neuronal mechanisms underlying the effects of MDMA. A recreational drug, 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), has prosocial effects including increased sociability and empathy, yet the neural mechanisms underlying the prosocial effects have not been well understood. In this study, based on a social approach paradigm using a single‐chamber apparatus, we have developed two reproducible and simple social approach tests, SAT1 and SAT2, in ICR mice. Although MDMA treatment enhanced sociability in both SAT1 and SAT2, the ratio of high sociability mice was higher in the SAT2 than in the SAT1, suggesting that the SAT2 is a promising and suitable method to explore the neuronal mechanisms underlying the effects of MDMA.
![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoko Mukai
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Sao Nakada
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hikari Kamada
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Ryuma Yaguchi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Satoshi Deyama
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Katsuyuki Kaneda
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tan O, Martin LJ, Bowen MT. Divergent pathways mediate 5-HT 1A receptor agonist effects on close social interaction, grooming and aggressive behaviour in mice: Exploring the involvement of the oxytocin and vasopressin systems. J Psychopharmacol 2020; 34:795-805. [PMID: 32312154 DOI: 10.1177/0269881120913150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 5-HT1A receptor (5-HT1AR) abnormalities are implicated in aggression, and there has been considerable interest in developing 5-HT1AR agonists for treating aggression. Endogenous oxytocin (OXT) released upon stimulation of 5-HT1ARs in the hypothalamus mediates at least some of the effects of 5-HT1AR agonists on social behaviour. AIMS Given 5-HT1AR, OXT receptor (OXTR) and vasopressin V1a receptor (V1aR) agonists can all reduce aggression, the current study aimed to determine whether the anti-aggressive effects of 5-HT1AR stimulation can also be explained by downstream actions at OXTRs and/or V1aRs in a mouse model of non-territorial, hyper-aggressive behaviour. METHODS Male Swiss mice (N=80) were socially isolated or group housed for six weeks prior to the start of testing. Testing involved placing two unfamiliar weight- and condition-matched mice together in a neutral context for 10 minutes. RESULTS Social isolation led to a pronounced increase in aggressive behaviour, which was dose-dependently inhibited by the 5-HT1AR agonist 8-OH-DPAT (0.1, 0.3 and 1 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.)), with accompanying increases in close social contact (huddling) and grooming. The effects of 8-OH-DPAT on aggression, huddling and grooming were blocked by pretreatment with a selective 5-HT1AR antagonist (WAY-100635; 0.1 mg/kg i.p.). The anti-aggressive effects of 8-OH-DPAT were unaffected by an OXTR antagonist (L-368,899; 10 mg/kg i.p.), whereas the effects on huddling and grooming were inhibited. Pretreatment with a V1aR antagonist (SR49059; 20 mg/kg i.p.) had no effect. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that stimulation of endogenous oxytocin is involved in the effects of 5-HT1AR activation on close social contact and grooming but not aggression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Tan
- The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, Australia.,The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lewis J Martin
- The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, Australia.,The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael T Bowen
- The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, Australia.,The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Aguilar MA, García-Pardo MP, Parrott AC. Of mice and men on MDMA: A translational comparison of the neuropsychobiological effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine ('Ecstasy'). Brain Res 2020; 1727:146556. [PMID: 31734398 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
MDMA (3,4-methylendioxymethamphetamine), also known as Ecstasy, is a stimulant drug recreationally used by young adults usually in dance clubs and raves. Acute MDMA administration increases serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline by reversing the action of the monoamine transporters. In this work, we review the studies carried out over the last 30 years on the neuropsychobiological effects of MDMA in humans and mice and summarise the current knowledge. The two species differ with respect to the neurochemical consequences of chronic MDMA, since it preferentially induces serotonergic dysfunction in humans and dopaminergic neurotoxicity in mice. However, MDMA alters brain structure and function and induces hormonal, psychomotor, neurocognitive, psychosocial and psychiatric outcomes in both species, as well as physically damaging and teratogen effects. Pharmacological and genetic studies in mice have increased our knowledge of the neurochemical substrate of the multiple effects of MDMA. Future work in this area may contribute to developing pharmacological treatments for MDMA-related disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Aguilar
- Department of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, Valencia University, Valencia, Spain.
| | | | - Andrew C Parrott
- Department of Psychology, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom; Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Towards an animal model of callousness. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 91:121-129. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
|
8
|
Curry DW, Young MB, Tran AN, Daoud GE, Howell LL. Separating the agony from ecstasy: R(-)-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine has prosocial and therapeutic-like effects without signs of neurotoxicity in mice. Neuropharmacology 2018; 128:196-206. [PMID: 28993129 PMCID: PMC5714650 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
S,R(+/-)-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (SR-MDMA) is an amphetamine derivative with prosocial and putative therapeutic effects. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating it as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other conditions. However, its potential for adverse effects such as hyperthermia and neurotoxicity may limit its clinical viability. We investigated the hypothesis that one of the two enantiomers of SR-MDMA, R-MDMA, would retain the prosocial and therapeutic effects but with fewer adverse effects. Using male Swiss Webster and C57BL/6 mice, the prosocial effects of R-MDMA were measured using a social interaction test, and the therapeutic-like effects were assessed using a Pavlovian fear conditioning and extinction paradigm relevant to PTSD. Locomotor activity and body temperature were tracked after administration, and neurotoxicity was evaluated post-mortem. R-MDMA significantly increased murine social interaction and facilitated extinction of conditioned freezing. Yet, unlike racemic MDMA, it did not increase locomotor activity, produce signs of neurotoxicity, or increase body temperature. A key pharmacological difference between R-MDMA and racemic MDMA is that R-MDMA has much lower potency as a dopamine releaser. Pretreatment with a selective dopamine D1 receptor antagonist prevented SR-MDMA-induced hyperthermia, suggesting that differential dopamine signaling may explain some of the observed differences between the treatments. Together, these results indicate that the prosocial and therapeutic effects of SR-MDMA may be separable from the stimulant, thermogenic, and potential neurotoxic effects. To what extent these findings translate to humans will require further investigation, but these data suggest that R-MDMA could be a more viable therapeutic option for the treatment of PTSD and other disorders for which SR-MDMA is currently being investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Curry
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Matthew B Young
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Andrew N Tran
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Georges E Daoud
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Leonard L Howell
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
King CE, Griffin WC, Luderman LN, Kates MM, McGinty JF, Becker HC. Oxytocin Reduces Ethanol Self-Administration in Mice. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2017; 41:955-964. [PMID: 28212464 PMCID: PMC5404956 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive ethanol (EtOH) consumption remains an important health concern and effective treatments are lacking. The central oxytocin system has emerged as a potentially important therapeutic target for alcohol and drug addiction. These studies tested the hypothesis that oxytocin reduces EtOH consumption. METHODS Male C57BL/6J mice were given access to EtOH (20% v/v) using a model of binge-like drinking ("drinking in the dark") that also included the use of lickometer circuits to evaluate the temporal pattern of intake as well as 2-bottle choice drinking in the home cage. In addition, EtOH (12% v/v) and sucrose (5% w/v) self-administration on fixed- and progressive-ratio schedules were also evaluated. A wide range of systemically administered oxytocin doses were tested (0 to 10 mg/kg) in these models. RESULTS Oxytocin (0, 0.3, 1, 3, or 10 mg/kg) dose dependently reduced EtOH consumption (maximal 45% reduction) in the binge drinking model, with lower effective doses having minimal effects on general locomotor activity. Oxytocin's effect was blocked by pretreatment with an oxytocin receptor antagonist, and the pattern of contacts (licks) at the EtOH bottle suggested a reduction in motivation to drink EtOH. Oxytocin decreased 2-bottle choice drinking without altering general fluid intake. Oxytocin also reduced operant responding for EtOH and sucrose in a dose-related manner. However, oxytocin decreased responding and motivation (breakpoint values) for EtOH at doses that did not alter responding for sucrose. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that oxytocin reduces EtOH consumption in different models of self-administration. The effects are not likely due to a general sedative effect of the neuropeptide. Further, oxytocin reduces motivation for EtOH at doses that do not alter responding for a natural reward (sucrose). While some evidence supports a role for oxytocin receptors in mediating these effects, additional studies are needed to further elucidate underlying mechanisms. Nevertheless, these results support the therapeutic potential of oxytocin as a treatment for alcohol use disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney E. King
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina & VAMC, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - William C. Griffin
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina & VAMC, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Lauryn N. Luderman
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina & VAMC, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Malcolm M. Kates
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina & VAMC, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Jacqueline F. McGinty
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina & VAMC, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Howard C. Becker
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina & VAMC, Charleston, SC 29425
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ponzoni L, Braida D, Bondiolotti G, Sala M. The Non-Peptide Arginine-Vasopressin v 1a Selective Receptor Antagonist, SR49059, Blocks the Rewarding, Prosocial, and Anxiolytic Effects of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine and Its Derivatives in Zebra Fish. Front Psychiatry 2017; 8:146. [PMID: 28855876 PMCID: PMC5557732 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and its derivatives, 2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromo-amphetamine hydrobromide (DOB) and para-methoxyamphetamine (PMA), are recreational drugs whose pharmacological effects have recently been attributed to serotonin 5HT2A/C receptors. However, there is growing evidence that the oxytocin (OT)/vasopressin system can modulate some the effects of MDMA. In this study, MDMA (2.5-10 mg/kg), DOB (0.5 mg/kg), or PMA (0.005, 0.1, or 0.25 mg/kg) were administered intramuscularly to adult zebra fish, alone or in combination with the V1a vasopressin antagonist, SR49059 (0.01-1 ng/kg), before carrying out conditioned place preference (CPP), social preference, novel tank diving, and light-dark tests in order to evaluate subsequent rewarding, social, and emotional-like behavior. The combination of SR49059 and each drug progressively blocked: (1) rewarding behavior as measured by CPP in terms of time spent in drug-paired compartment; (2) prosocial effects measured on the basis of the time spent in the proximity of a nacre fish picture; and (3) anxiolytic effects in terms of the time spent in the upper half of the novel tank and in the white compartment of the tank used for the light-dark test. Antagonism was obtained at SR49059 doses which, when given alone, did not change motor function. In comparison with a control group, receiving vehicle alone, there was a three to five times increase in the brain release of isotocin (the analog of OT in fish) after treatment with the most active doses of MDMA (10 mg/kg), DOB (0.5 mg/kg), and PMA (0.1 mg/kg) as evaluated by means of bioanalytical reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Taken together, these findings show that the OT/vasopressin system is involved in the rewarding, prosocial, and anxiolytic effects of MDMA, DOB, and PMA in zebra fish and underline the association between this system and the behavioral alterations associated with disorders related to substance abuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniela Braida
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianpietro Bondiolotti
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariaelvina Sala
- Institute of Neuroscience, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Muller CL, Anacker AMJ, Veenstra-VanderWeele J. The serotonin system in autism spectrum disorder: From biomarker to animal models. Neuroscience 2016; 321:24-41. [PMID: 26577932 PMCID: PMC4824539 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 319] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Revised: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Elevated whole blood serotonin, or hyperserotonemia, was the first biomarker identified in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and is present in more than 25% of affected children. The serotonin system is a logical candidate for involvement in ASD due to its pleiotropic role across multiple brain systems both dynamically and across development. Tantalizing clues connect this peripheral biomarker with changes in brain and behavior in ASD, but the contribution of the serotonin system to ASD pathophysiology remains incompletely understood. Studies of whole blood serotonin levels in ASD and in a large founder population indicate greater heritability than for the disorder itself and suggest an association with recurrence risk. Emerging data from both neuroimaging and postmortem samples also indicate changes in the brain serotonin system in ASD. Genetic linkage and association studies of both whole blood serotonin levels and of ASD risk point to the chromosomal region containing the serotonin transporter (SERT) gene in males but not in females. In ASD families with evidence of linkage to this region, multiple rare SERT amino acid variants lead to a convergent increase in serotonin uptake in cell models. A knock-in mouse model of one of these variants, SERT Gly56Ala, recapitulates the hyperserotonemia biomarker and shows increased brain serotonin clearance, increased serotonin receptor sensitivity, and altered social, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Data from other rodent models also suggest an important role for the serotonin system in social behavior, in cognitive flexibility, and in sensory development. Recent work indicates that reciprocal interactions between serotonin and other systems, such as oxytocin, may be particularly important for social behavior. Collectively, these data point to the serotonin system as a prime candidate for treatment development in a subgroup of children defined by a robust, heritable biomarker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C L Muller
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - A M J Anacker
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, Mail Unit 78, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - J Veenstra-VanderWeele
- Sackler Institute for Developmental Psychobiology, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University; Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, New York Presbyterian Hospital; New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, Mail Unit 78, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ballesta S, Reymond G, Pozzobon M, Duhamel JR. Effects of MDMA Injections on the Behavior of Socially-Housed Long-Tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis). PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147136. [PMID: 26840064 PMCID: PMC4739726 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methyl amphetamine (MDMA) is one of the few known molecules to increase human and rodent prosocial behaviors. However, this effect has never been assessed on the social behavior of non-human primates. In our study, we subcutaneously injected three different doses of MDMA (1.0, 1.5 or 2.0mg/kg) to a group of three, socially housed, young male long-tailed macaques. More than 200 hours of behavioral data were recorded, during 68 behavioral sessions, by an automatic color-based video device that tracked the 3D positions of each animal and of a toy. This data was then categorized into 5 exclusive behaviors (resting, locomotion, foraging, social contact and object play). In addition, received and given social grooming was manually scored. Results show several significant dose-dependent behavioral effects. At 1.5mg/kg only, MDMA induces a significant increase in social grooming behavior, thus confirming the prosocial effect of MDMA in macaques. Additionally, at 1.5 and 2.0 mg/kg MDMA injection substantially decreases foraging behavior, which is consistent with the known anorexigenic effect of this compound. Furthermore, at 2.0 mg/kg MDMA injection induces an increase in locomotor behavior, which is also in accordance with its known stimulant property. Interestingly, MDMA injected at 1.0mg/kg increases the rate of object play, which might be interpreted as a decrease of the inhibition to manipulate a unique object in presence of others, or, as an increase of the intrinsic motivation to manipulate this object. Together, our results support the effectiveness of MDMA to study the complex neurobiology of primates' social behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Ballesta
- Centre de Neuroscience Cognitive, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 69675 Bron, France
- Département de Biologie Humaine, Université Lyon 1, 69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Gilles Reymond
- Centre de Neuroscience Cognitive, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 69675 Bron, France
- Département de Biologie Humaine, Université Lyon 1, 69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Matthieu Pozzobon
- Centre de Neuroscience Cognitive, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 69675 Bron, France
- Département de Biologie Humaine, Université Lyon 1, 69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Jean-René Duhamel
- Centre de Neuroscience Cognitive, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 69675 Bron, France
- Département de Biologie Humaine, Université Lyon 1, 69622 Villeurbanne, France
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Blanco-Gandía MC, Mateos-García A, García-Pardo MP, Montagud-Romero S, Rodríguez-Arias M, Miñarro J, Aguilar MA. Effect of drugs of abuse on social behaviour. Behav Pharmacol 2015. [DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
|