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Merlo SA, Belluscio MA, Pedreira ME, Merlo E. Memory persistence: from fundamental mechanisms to translational opportunities. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:98. [PMID: 38355584 PMCID: PMC10867010 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02808-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Memory persistence is a double edge sword. Persistence of adaptive memories is essential for survival and even determines who we are. Neurodegenerative conditions with significant memory loss such as Alzheimer's disease, testify how defects of memory persistence have severe and irreversible effects on personality, among other symptoms. Yet, maintenance of overly strong maladaptive memories underlies highly debilitating psychiatric conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder, specific phobia, substance dependence and binge eating disorder. Here we review the neurobiological mechanisms supporting memory formation, persistence, inhibition and forgetting. We then shift the focus to how such mechanisms have been exploited to alter the persistence of laboratory-generated memories in human healthy volunteers as a proof of concept. Finally, we review the effect of behavioural and pharmacological interventions in anxiety and addiction disorder patients, highlighting key findings, gaps, and future directions for basic and translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Abel Merlo
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas and Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas and Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratorio Bases Neuronales del Comportamiento, Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariano Andrés Belluscio
- Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas and Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratorio Bases Neuronales del Comportamiento, Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Eugenia Pedreira
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas and Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Milton AL. Drug memory reconsolidation: from molecular mechanisms to the clinical context. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:370. [PMID: 38040677 PMCID: PMC10692359 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02666-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its rediscovery at the beginning of the 21st Century, memory reconsolidation has been proposed to be a therapeutic target for reducing the impact of emotional memories that can go awry in mental health disorders such as drug addiction (substance use disorder, SUD). Addiction can be conceptualised as a disorder of learning and memory, in which both pavlovian and instrumental learning systems become hijacked into supporting drug-seeking and drug-taking behaviours. The past two decades of research have characterised the details of the molecular pathways supporting the reconsolidation of pavlovian cue-drug memories, with more recent work indicating that the reconsolidation of instrumental drug-seeking memories also relies upon similar mechanisms. This narrative review considers what is known about the mechanisms underlying the reconsolidation of pavlovian and instrumental memories associated with drug use, how these approaches have translated to experimental medicine studies, and the challenges and opportunities for the clinical use of reconsolidation-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Milton
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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3
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Deng Y, Song D, Ni J, Qing H, Quan Z. Reward prediction error in learning-related behaviors. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1171612. [PMID: 37662112 PMCID: PMC10471312 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1171612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Learning is a complex process, during which our opinions and decisions are easily changed due to unexpected information. But the neural mechanism underlying revision and correction during the learning process remains unclear. For decades, prediction error has been regarded as the core of changes to perception in learning, even driving the learning progress. In this article, we reviewed the concept of reward prediction error, and the encoding mechanism of dopaminergic neurons and the related neural circuities. We also discussed the relationship between reward prediction error and learning-related behaviors, including reversal learning. We then demonstrated the evidence of reward prediction error signals in several neurological diseases, including Parkinson's disease and addiction. These observations may help to better understand the regulatory mechanism of reward prediction error in learning-related behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujun Deng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Da Song
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Junjun Ni
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Qing
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
- Department of Biology, Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhenzhen Quan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
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4
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Milton AL, Das RK, Merlo E. The challenge of memory destabilisation: From prediction error to prior expectations and biomarkers. Brain Res Bull 2023; 194:100-104. [PMID: 36708846 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The re-ignition of memory reconsolidation research sparked by Karim Nader in the early 2000s led to great excitement that 'reconsolidation-based' interventions might be developed for mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder. Two decades on, it is clear that reconsolidation-based interventions have been more challenging to translate to the clinic than initially thought. We argue that this challenge could be addressed with a better understanding of how prior expectations interact with information presented in a putative memory reactivation / cue reminder session, and through the identification of non-invasive biomarkers for memory destabilisation that would allow reminder sessions to be 'tuned' to enhance memory lability in an ad hoc manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Milton
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Ravi K Das
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Emiliano Merlo
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
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5
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Rosenthal A, Ebrahimi C, Wedemeyer F, Romanczuk-Seiferth N, Beck A. The Treatment of Substance Use Disorders: Recent Developments and New Perspectives. Neuropsychobiology 2022; 81:451-472. [PMID: 35724634 DOI: 10.1159/000525268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Substance-related disorders are complex psychiatric disorders that are characterized by continued consumption in spite of harmful consequences. Addiction affects various brain networks critically involved in learning, reward, and motivation, as well as inhibitory control. Currently applied therapeutic approaches aim at modification of behavior that ultimately leads to decrease of consumption or abstinence in individuals with substance use disorders. However, traditional treatment methods might benefit from recent neurobiological and cognitive neuroscientific research findings. Novel cognitive-behavioral approaches in the treatment of addictive behavior aim at enhancement of strategies to cope with stressful conditions as well as craving-inducing cues and target erroneous learning mechanisms, including cognitive bias modification, reconsolidation-based interventions, mindfulness-based interventions, virtual-reality-based cue exposure therapy as well as pharmacological augmentation strategies. This review discusses therapeutic strategies that target dysregulated neurocognitive processes associated with the development and maintenance of disordered substance use and may hold promise as effective treatments for substance-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Rosenthal
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences
- CCM, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Ebrahimi
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences
- CCM, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Friederike Wedemeyer
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences
- CCM, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nina Romanczuk-Seiferth
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences
- CCM, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Beck
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences
- CCM, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Health and Medical University, Campus Potsdam, Faculty of Health, Potsdam, Germany
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6
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Zaizar ED, Papini S, O'Connor P, Telch MJ. Impact of cannabidiol-rich hemp extract oil on reconsolidation disruption of naturalistic interoceptive aversive memory in humans: Protocol for a randomized clinical trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2022; 119:106847. [PMID: 35811050 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2022.106847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical experiments with rodents demonstrate that cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychotomimetic constituent of the Cannabis sativa plant, disrupts reconsolidation of aversive memories conditioned in the laboratory when administered within the memory reconsolidation window (< 6 h. post-retrieval) by indirectly activating cannabinoid type-1 (CB1) receptors in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC). Based on these findings, we aim to test whether administration of 300 mg CBD-rich hemp extract oil following fear reactivation of an aversive interoceptive threat memory can disrupt reconsolidation of naturalistic aversive memories in humans. More specifically, naturalistic interoceptive aversive memories, a form of transdiagnostic fear memory that contributes to the pathogenesis of fear-related disorders such as panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and illness anxiety disorder. METHODS For this proof-of-concept, placebo-controlled double-blind trial, volunteers (n = 99) reporting elevated fears of somatic sensations will be stratified on biological sex and randomized to one of three intervention arms: (a). CBD-rich oil administered within the reconsolidation window, (b) Placebo oil administered within the reconsolidation window; or (c) CBD-rich oil administered outside of the reconsolidation window. Change in emotional reactivity to a 35% CO2 challenge from baseline to two-week follow-up will serve as our primary outcome. CONCLUSION Study findings may contribute towards the development of a novel brief transdiagnostic intervention guided by reconsolidation theory for individuals prone to fear-related psychiatric disorders. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04726475.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric D Zaizar
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, USA; Institute for Mental Health Research, The University of Texas at Austin, USA
| | - Santiago Papini
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, USA
| | - Patrick O'Connor
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, USA; Institute for Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, USA
| | - Michael J Telch
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, USA; Institute for Mental Health Research, The University of Texas at Austin, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, USA.
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Jardine KH, Huff AE, Wideman CE, McGraw SD, Winters BD. The evidence for and against reactivation-induced memory updating in humans and nonhuman animals. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 136:104598. [PMID: 35247380 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Systematic investigation of reactivation-induced memory updating began in the 1960s, and a wave of research in this area followed the seminal articulation of "reconsolidation" theory in the early 2000s. Myriad studies indicate that memory reactivation can cause previously consolidated memories to become labile and sensitive to weakening, strengthening, or other forms of modification. However, from its nascent period to the present, the field has been beset by inconsistencies in researchers' abilities to replicate seemingly established effects. Here we review these many studies, synthesizing the human and nonhuman animal literature, and suggest that these failures-to-replicate reflect a highly complex and delicately balanced memory modification system, the substrates of which must be finely tuned to enable adaptive memory updating while limiting maladaptive, inaccurate modifications. A systematic approach to the entire body of evidence, integrating positive and null findings, will yield a comprehensive understanding of the complex and dynamic nature of long-term memory storage and the potential for harnessing modification processes to treat mental disorders driven by pervasive maladaptive memories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen H Jardine
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - A Ethan Huff
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Cassidy E Wideman
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Shelby D McGraw
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Boyer D Winters
- Department of Psychology and Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
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Simeonov L, Peniket M, Das R. No-think, No drink? Assessing the ability of reconsolidation interference by intentional forgetting to suppress alcohol memories in hazardous drinkers. Behav Res Ther 2022; 152:104055. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2022.104055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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9
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Piazza GG, Iskandar G, Hennessy V, Zhao H, Walsh K, McDonnell J, Terhune DB, Das RK, Kamboj SK. Pharmacological modelling of dissociation and psychosis: an evaluation of the Clinician Administered Dissociative States Scale and Psychotomimetic States Inventory during nitrous oxide ('laughing gas')-induced anomalous states. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:2317-2329. [PMID: 35348804 PMCID: PMC9205822 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06121-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE A significant obstacle to an improved understanding of pathological dissociative and psychosis-like states is the lack of readily implemented pharmacological models of these experiences. Ketamine has dissociative and psychotomimetic effects but can be difficult to use outside of medical and clinical-research facilities. Alternatively, nitrous oxide (N2O) - like ketamine, a dissociative anaesthetic and NMDAR antagonist - has numerous properties that make it an attractive alternative for modelling dissociation and psychosis. However, development and testing of such pharmacological models relies on well-characterized measurement instruments. OBJECTIVES To examine the factor structures of the Clinician Administered Dissociative States Scale (CADSS) and Psychotomimetic States Inventory (PSI) administered during N2O inhalation in healthy volunteers. METHODS Secondary analyses of data pooled from three previous N2O studies with healthy volunteers. RESULTS Effect sizes for N2O-induced dissociation and psychotomimesis were comparable to effects reported in experimental studies with sub-anaesthetic ketamine in healthy volunteers. Although, like ketamine, a three-factor representation of N2O-induced dissociation was confirmed, and a more parsimonious two-factor model might be more appropriate. Bayesian exploratory factor analysis suggested that N2O-induced psychosis-like symptoms were adequately represented by two negative and two positive symptom factors. Hierarchical cluster analysis indicated minimal item overlap between the CADSS and PSI. CONCLUSION N2O and ketamine produce psychometrically similar dissociative states, although parallels in their psychosis-like effects remain to be determined. The CADSS and PSI tap largely non-overlapping experiences under N2O and we propose the use of both measures (or similar instruments) to comprehensively assess anomalous subjective states produced by dissociative NMDAR antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia G. Piazza
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Georges Iskandar
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK ,grid.439749.40000 0004 0612 2754Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| | - Vanessa Hennessy
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Hannah Zhao
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Katie Walsh
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jeffrey McDonnell
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Devin B. Terhune
- grid.4464.20000 0001 2161 2573Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, UK
| | - Ravi K. Das
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sunjeev K. Kamboj
- grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
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Gale G, Walsh K, Hennessy VE, Stemerding LE, Ni KS, Thomas E, Kamboj SK, Das RK. Long-term behavioural rewriting of maladaptive drinking memories via reconsolidation-update mechanisms. Psychol Med 2021; 51:2875-2885. [PMID: 32539883 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720001531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol use disorders can be conceptualised as a learned pattern of maladaptive alcohol-consumption behaviours. The memories encoding these behaviours centrally contribute to long-term excessive alcohol consumption and are therefore an important therapeutic target. The transient period of memory instability sparked during memory reconsolidation offers a therapeutic window to directly rewrite these memories using targeted behavioural interventions. However, clinically-relevant demonstrations of the efficacy of this approach are few. We examined key retrieval parameters for destabilising naturalistic drinking memories and the ability of subsequent counterconditioning to effect long-term reductions in drinking. METHODS Hazardous/harmful beer-drinking volunteers (N = 120) were factorially randomised to retrieve (RET) or not retrieve (No RET) alcohol reward memories with (PE) or without (No PE) alcohol reward prediction error. All participants subsequently underwent disgust-based counterconditioning of drinking cues. Acute responses to alcohol were assessed pre- and post-manipulation and drinking levels were assessed up to 9 months. RESULTS Greater long-term reductions in drinking were found when counterconditioning was conducted following retrieval (with and without PE), despite a lack of short-term group differences in motivational responding to acute alcohol. Large variability in acute levels of learning during counterconditioning was noted. 'Responsiveness' to counterconditioning predicted subsequent responses to acute alcohol in RET + PE only, consistent with reconsolidation-update mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS The longevity of behavioural interventions designed to reduce problematic drinking levels may be enhanced by leveraging reconsolidation-update mechanisms to rewrite maladaptive memory. However, inter-individual variability in levels of corrective learning is likely to determine the efficacy of reconsolidation-updating interventions and should be considered when designing and assessing interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Gale
- Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, UCL, 26 Bedford Way, LondonWC1H 0AP, UK
| | - Katie Walsh
- Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, UCL, 26 Bedford Way, LondonWC1H 0AP, UK
| | - Vanessa E Hennessy
- Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, UCL, 26 Bedford Way, LondonWC1H 0AP, UK
| | - L E Stemerding
- Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, UCL, 26 Bedford Way, LondonWC1H 0AP, UK
| | - Koa Sher Ni
- Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, UCL, 26 Bedford Way, LondonWC1H 0AP, UK
| | - Emily Thomas
- Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, UCL, 26 Bedford Way, LondonWC1H 0AP, UK
| | - Sunjeev K Kamboj
- Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, UCL, 26 Bedford Way, LondonWC1H 0AP, UK
| | - Ravi K Das
- Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, UCL, 26 Bedford Way, LondonWC1H 0AP, UK
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11
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Rafei P, Rezapour T, Bickel WK, Ekhtiari H. Imagining the Future to Reshape the Past: A Path to Combine Cue Extinction and Memory Reconsolidation With Episodic Foresight for Addiction Treatment. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:692645. [PMID: 34366921 PMCID: PMC8333691 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.692645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Parnian Rafei
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tara Rezapour
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Sciences Studies, Tehran, Iran
| | - Warren K. Bickel
- Addiction Recovery Research Center, Center for Transformative Research on Health Behaviors, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Hamed Ekhtiari
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, United States
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12
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Kamboj SK, Zhao H, Troebinger L, Piazza G, Cawley E, Hennessy V, Iskandar G, Das RK. Rewarding Subjective Effects of the NMDAR Antagonist Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) Are Moderated by Impulsivity and Depressive Symptoms in Healthy Volunteers. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 24:551-561. [PMID: 33667308 PMCID: PMC8299821 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyab009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an anesthetic gas with both therapeutic and abuse potential. Because N2O is an NMDA receptor (NMDAR) antagonist, its effects are expected to resemble those of the prototypical NMDAR antagonist, ketamine. In this study, we examined the subjective rewarding effects of N2O using measures previously employed in studies of ketamine. We also tested for moderation of these effects by bipolar phenotype, depressive symptoms, and impulsivity. METHODS Healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to either 50% N2O (n = 40) or medical air (n = 40). Self-reported rewarding (liking and wanting), and alcohol-like effects were assessed pre-, peri- and post inhalation. RESULTS Effect sizes for the various rewarding/alcohol-like effects of N2O were generally similar to those reported in studies of moderate-dose ketamine. Impulsivity moderated the subjective reinforcing (liking) effects of inhaled gas, while depressive symptoms moderated motivational (wanting [more]) effects. However, depression and impulsivity had opposite directional influences, such that higher impulsivity was associated with higher N2O liking, and higher depression, with lower N2O wanting. CONCLUSION To the extent that static (versus longitudinal) subjective rewarding effects are a reliable indicator of future problematic drug use, our findings suggests that impulsivity and depression may predispose and protect, respectively, against N2O abuse. Future studies should examine if these moderators are relevant for other NMDAR antagonists, including ketamine, and novel ketamine-like therapeutic and recreational drugs. Similarities between moderate-dose N2O and moderate-dose ketamine in the intensity of certain subjective effects suggest that N2O may, at least to some extent, serve as substitute for ketamine as a safe and easily implemented experimental tool for probing reward-related NMDAR function and dysfunction in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunjeev K Kamboj
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department Clinical Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom,Correspondence: Sunjeev K. Kamboj, DClinPsy, PhD, ()
| | - Hannah Zhao
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department Clinical Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Luzia Troebinger
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department Clinical Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giulia Piazza
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department Clinical Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Cawley
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department Clinical Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vanessa Hennessy
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department Clinical Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Georges Iskandar
- Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ravi K Das
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department Clinical Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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13
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Walsh K, Iskandar G, Kamboj SK, Das RK. An assessment of rapamycin for weakening binge-eating memories via reconsolidation: a pre-registered, double-blind randomised placebo-controlled experimental study. Psychol Med 2021; 51:158-167. [PMID: 31736460 DOI: 10.1017/s003329171900312x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maladaptive learning linking environmental food cues to high-palatability food reward plays a central role in overconsumption in obesity and binge eating disorders. The process of memory reconsolidation offers a mechanism to weaken such learning, potentially ameliorating over-eating behaviour. Here we investigated whether putatively interfering with synaptic plasticity using the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, rapamycin, could weaken retrieved chocolate reward memories through blockade of reconsolidation. METHODS Seventy five healthy volunteers with a tendency to binge eat chocolate were randomised to retrieve chocolate reward memory under 10 mg rapamycin (RET + RAP, active condition), or placebo (RET + PBO), or they received 10 mg rapamycin without subsequent retrieval (NO RET + RAP). Indices of chocolate reward memory strength were assessed one week pre and post manipulation and at one month follow-up. RESULTS Contrary to hypotheses, the RET + RAP group did not show any greater reduction than control groups on indices of motivational salience of chocolate cues, motivation to consume chocolate or liking of chocolate. Mild evidence of improvement in the RET + RAP group was found, but this was limited to reduced chocolate binge episodes and improved healthy food choices. CONCLUSIONS We did not find convincing evidence of comprehensive naturalistic chocolate reward memory reconsolidation blockade by rapamycin. The effects on chocolate bingeing and food choices may warrant further investigation. These limited positive findings may be attributable to insufficient interference with mTOR signalling with 10 mg rapamycin, or failure to destabilise chocolate memories during retrieval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Walsh
- Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT
| | - Georges Iskandar
- University College Hospital and University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street, London, UK
| | - Sunjeev K Kamboj
- Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT
| | - Ravi K Das
- Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT
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Alfei JM, Ferrer Monti RI, Molina VA, De Bundel D, Luyten L, Beckers T. Generalization and recovery of post-retrieval amnesia. J Exp Psychol Gen 2020; 149:2063-2083. [PMID: 32297779 PMCID: PMC7116269 DOI: 10.1037/xge0000765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Selective amnesia for previously established memories can be induced by administering drugs that impair protein synthesis shortly after memory reactivation. Competing theoretical accounts attribute this selective post-retrieval amnesia to drug-induced engram degradation (reconsolidation blockade) or to incorporation of sensory features of the reactivation experience into the memory representation, hampering later retrieval in a drug-free state (memory integration). Here we present evidence that critically challenges both accounts. In contextual fear conditioning in rats, we find that amnesia induced by administration of midazolam (MDZ) after reexposure to the training context A generalizes readily to a similar context B. Amnesia is also observed when animals are exposed to the similar context B prior to MDZ administration and later tested for fear to context B but recovers when instead testing for fear to the original training context A or an equally similar but novel context C. Next to their theoretical implications for the nature of forgetting, our findings raise important questions about the viability of reconsolidation-based interventions for the treatment of emotional disorders. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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15
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Cofresí RU, Bartholow BD, Piasecki TM. Evidence for incentive salience sensitization as a pathway to alcohol use disorder. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 107:897-926. [PMID: 31672617 PMCID: PMC6878895 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The incentive salience sensitization (ISS) theory of addiction holds that addictive behavior stems from the ability of drugs to progressively sensitize the brain circuitry that mediates attribution of incentive salience (IS) to reward-predictive cues and its behavioral manifestations. In this article, we establish the plausibility of ISS as an etiological pathway to alcohol use disorder (AUD). We provide a comprehensive and critical review of evidence for: (1) the ability of alcohol to sensitize the brain circuitry of IS attribution and expression; and (2) attribution of IS to alcohol-predictive cues and its sensitization in humans and non-human animals. We point out gaps in the literature and how these might be addressed. We also highlight how individuals with different alcohol subjective response phenotypes may differ in susceptibility to ISS as a pathway to AUD. Finally, we discuss important implications of this neuropsychological mechanism in AUD for psychological and pharmacological interventions attempting to attenuate alcohol craving and cue reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto U Cofresí
- University of Missouri, Department of Psychological Sciences, Columbia, MO 65211, United States.
| | - Bruce D Bartholow
- University of Missouri, Department of Psychological Sciences, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Thomas M Piasecki
- University of Missouri, Department of Psychological Sciences, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
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16
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Sinclair AH, Barense MD. Prediction Error and Memory Reactivation: How Incomplete Reminders Drive Reconsolidation. Trends Neurosci 2019; 42:727-739. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2019.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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17
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Paulus DJ, Kamboj SK, Das RK, Saladin ME. Prospects for reconsolidation-focused treatments of substance use and anxiety-related disorders. Curr Opin Psychol 2019; 30:80-86. [PMID: 30986617 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Memories are often conceptualized as permanent entities; however, retrieval of memories via stimulus prompts can return them to an active state, which initiates a period of lability before the memories are reconsolidated into long-term storage. Importantly, during this period, memories can be disrupted/altered. A growing body of work has focused on translating animal and experimental science into reconsolidation-based interventions for clinical disorders maintained by maladaptive memories. Interventions targeting reward-based and fear-based memories undergirding substance use and anxiety-related disorders, respectively, have shown significant potential. There are several promising pharmacological agents and behavioral approaches that have been used to therapeutically target memory reconsolidation. Here, we discuss the current state of science with special emphasis on the clinical utility of these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Paulus
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sunjeev K Kamboj
- Clinical Psychopharamacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational, and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ravi K Das
- Clinical Psychopharamacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational, and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Michael E Saladin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Department of Health Sciences and Research, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, SC, USA.
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18
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Walsh KH, Das RK, Saladin ME, Kamboj SK. Modulation of naturalistic maladaptive memories using behavioural and pharmacological reconsolidation-interfering strategies: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical and 'sub-clinical' studies. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:2507-2527. [PMID: 30091003 PMCID: PMC6132663 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4983-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Consolidated memories can undergo enduring modification through retrieval-dependent treatments that modulate reconsolidation. This represents a potentially transformative strategy for weakening or overwriting the maladaptive memories that underlie substance use and anxiety/trauma-related disorders. However, modulation of naturalistic maladaptive memories may be limited by 'boundary conditions' imposed on the reconsolidation process by the nature of these memories. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analyses of behavioural and pharmacological studies examining retrieval-dependent modulation of reward- and threat-related memories in (sub) clinical substance use and anxiety/trauma, respectively. RESULTS Of 4938 publications assessed for eligibility, 8 studies of substance use and 10 of anxiety (phobia)- and trauma-related symptoms were included in the meta-analyses. Overall, the findings were in the predicted direction, with most studies favouring the 'retrieval + treatment' condition. However, the magnitude of effects was dependent upon the nature of treatment, with pharmacological interventions showing a medium-sized effect (g = 0.59, p = 0.03) and behavioural treatments, a relatively small effect (g = 0.32, p = 0.10) in studies of phobia/trauma. Among studies of substance use, post-retrieval behavioural interventions yielded a larger effect (g = 0.60, p < 0.001) relative to pharmacological treatments (g = - 0.03, p = 0.91), with treatment type being a statistically significant moderator (χ2(1) = 4.20, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION Modification of naturalistic maladaptive memories during reconsolidation appears to be a viable treatment strategy for substance use and phobias/trauma disorders. However, high levels of heterogeneity and methodological variation limit the strength of conclusions that can be drawn from the reviewed studies at this stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie H Walsh
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Ravi K Das
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Michael E Saladin
- Department of Health Sciences and Research, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA
| | - Sunjeev K Kamboj
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
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