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Lu MF, Fu Q, Qiu TY, Yang JH, Peng QH, Hu ZZ. The CaMKII-dependent phosphorylation of GABA B receptors in the nucleus accumbens was involved in cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization in rats. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023; 29:1345-1356. [PMID: 36756679 PMCID: PMC10068462 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have established that the regulation of prolonged, distal neuronal inhibition by the GABAB heteroreceptor (GABAB R) is determined by its stability, and hence residence time, on the plasma membrane. AIMS Here, we show that GABAB R in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of rats affects the development of cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization by mediating its perinucleus internalization and membrane expression. MATERIALS & METHODS By immunofluorescent labeling, flow cytometry analysis, Co-immunoprecipitation and open field test, we measured the role of Ca2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) to the control of GABAB R membrane anchoring and cocaine induced-behavioral sensitization. RESULTS Repeated cocaine treatment in rats (15 mg/kg) significantly decreases membrane levels of GABAB1 R and GABAB2 R in the NAc after day 3, 5 and 7. The membrane fluorescence and protein levels of GABAB R was also decreased in NAc GAD67 + neurons post cocaine (1 μM) treatment after 5 min. Moreover, the majority of internalized GABAB1 Rs exhibited perinuclear localization, a decrease in GABAB1 R-pHluroin signals was observed in cocaine-treated NAc neurons. By contrast, membrane expression of phosphorylated CaMKII (pCaMKII) post cocaine treatment was significantly increased after day 1, 3, 5 and 7. Baclofen blocked the cocaine induced behavioral sensitization via inhibition of cocaine enhanced-pCaMKII-GABAB1 R interaction. CONCLUSION These findings reveal a new mechanism by which pCaMKII-GABAB R signaling can promote psychostimulant-induced behavioral sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming F Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathogens and Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Schools of Basic Medical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Respiration, Department Two, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Tian Y Qiu
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathogens and Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Schools of Basic Medical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jian H Yang
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qing H Peng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhen Z Hu
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathogens and Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Schools of Basic Medical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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Kołosowska K, Lehner M, Skórzewska A, Gawryluk A, Tomczuk F, Sobolewska A, Turzyńska D, Liguz-Lęcznar M, Bednarska-Makaruk M, Maciejak P, Wisłowska-Stanek A. Molecular pattern of a decrease in the rewarding effect of cocaine after an escalating-dose drug regimen. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:85-98. [PMID: 36586075 PMCID: PMC9889529 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-022-00443-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term cocaine exposure leads to dysregulation of the reward system and initiates processes that ultimately weaken its rewarding effects. Here, we studied the influence of an escalating-dose cocaine regimen on drug-associated appetitive behavior after a withdrawal period, along with corresponding molecular changes in plasma and the prefrontal cortex (PFC). METHODS We applied a 5 day escalating-dose cocaine regimen in rats. We assessed anxiety-like behavior at the beginning of the withdrawal period in the elevated plus maze (EPM) test. The reinforcement properties of cocaine were evaluated in the Conditioned Place Preference (CPP) test along with ultrasonic vocalization (USV) in the appetitive range in a drug-associated context. We assessed corticosterone, proopiomelanocortin (POMC), β-endorphin, CART 55-102 levels in plasma (by ELISA), along with mRNA levels for D2 dopaminergic receptor (D2R), κ-receptor (KOR), orexin 1 receptor (OX1R), CART 55-102, and potential markers of cocaine abuse: miRNA-124 and miRNA-137 levels in the PFC (by PCR). RESULTS Rats subjected to the escalating-dose cocaine binge regimen spent less time in the cocaine-paired compartment, and presented a lower number of appetitive USV episodes. These changes were accompanied by a decrease in corticosterone and CART levels, an increase in POMC and β-endorphin levels in plasma, and an increase in the mRNA for D2R and miRNA-124 levels, but a decrease in the mRNA levels for KOR, OX1R, and CART 55-102 in the PFC. CONCLUSIONS The presented data reflect a part of a bigger picture of a multilevel interplay between neurotransmitter systems and neuromodulators underlying processes associated with cocaine abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Kołosowska
- grid.418955.40000 0001 2237 2890Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Lehner
- grid.418955.40000 0001 2237 2890Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Skórzewska
- grid.418955.40000 0001 2237 2890Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Gawryluk
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Filip Tomczuk
- grid.418955.40000 0001 2237 2890Department of Genetics, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alicja Sobolewska
- grid.418955.40000 0001 2237 2890Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Danuta Turzyńska
- grid.418955.40000 0001 2237 2890Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Liguz-Lęcznar
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Bednarska-Makaruk
- grid.418955.40000 0001 2237 2890Department of Genetics, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Maciejak
- grid.418955.40000 0001 2237 2890Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Wisłowska-Stanek
- grid.13339.3b0000000113287408Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology (CePT), 1B Banacha Street, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
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3
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Unravelling biological roles and mechanisms of GABA BR on addiction and depression through mood and memory disorders. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113700. [PMID: 36152411 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The metabotropic γ-aminobutyric acid type B receptor (GABABR) remains a hotspot in the recent research area. Being an idiosyncratic G-protein coupled receptor family member, the GABABR manifests adaptively tailored functionality under multifarious modulations by a constellation of agents, pointing to cross-talk between receptors and effectors that converge on the domains of mood and memory. This review systematically summarizes the latest achievements in signal transduction mechanisms of the GABABR-effector-regulator complex and probes how the up-and down-regulation of membrane-delimited GABABRs are associated with manifold intrinsic and extrinsic agents in synaptic strength and plasticity. Neuropsychiatric conditions depression and addiction share the similar pathophysiology of synapse inadaptability underlying negative mood-related processes, memory formations, and impairments. In the attempt to emphasize all convergent discoveries, we hope the insights gained on the GABABR system mechanisms of action are conducive to designing more therapeutic candidates so as to refine the prognosis rate of diseases and minimize side effects.
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Ong ZY, McNally GP. CART in energy balance and drug addiction: Current insights and mechanisms. Brain Res 2020; 1740:146852. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.146852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Yang M, Ma H, Jia M, Li Y, Miao D, Cui C, Wu L. The role of the nucleus accumbens OXR1 in cocaine-induced locomotor sensitization. Behav Brain Res 2019; 379:112365. [PMID: 31743729 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Re-exposure to drug or drug-associated cues after withdrawal can induce behavioral sensitization expression in animals or increase in the expected effect to drug in humans, which mean an enhanced drug seeking/taking motivation to trigger relapse after abstinence. The Nucleus accumbens (NAc) is known to play a key role in mediating this motivation. Recently, it has been shown that systemic administration of orexin receptor 1 (OXR1) antagonist attenuates animals' motivation behavior to take drug by self-administration paradigm, which is more effectively than orexin receptor 2 (OXR2) antagonist. However, the effect of OXR1 in the NAc on drug-induced locomotor sensitization remains elusive. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of OXR1 in the NAc on chronic cocaine-induced locomotor sensitization. Rats were given 10 mg/kg cocaine intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) for five consecutive days, followed by 10 mg/kg cocaine re-exposure (challenge) on the 14th day of withdrawal. Results showed that re-exposure to cocaine after withdrawal could induce locomotor sensitization expression in cocaine-sensitized rats. Simultaneously, the number of OXR1 positive neurons and OXR1 membrane protein level in the NAc core but not the shell were significantly increased following the cocaine re-exposure. Further, micro-infusion of SB-334867, an OXR1 selective antagonist, into the NAc core but not the shell before cocaine re-exposure, significantly attenuated the expression of locomotor sensitization in rats. The findings demonstrate that OXR1 in the NAc core partially mediates the expression of chronic cocaine-induced locomotor sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingda Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience of the Ministry of Education and National Health Commission, Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Ma
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience of the Ministry of Education and National Health Commission, Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Jia
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience of the Ministry of Education and National Health Commission, Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yijing Li
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience of the Ministry of Education and National Health Commission, Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Degen Miao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience of the Ministry of Education and National Health Commission, Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Cailian Cui
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience of the Ministry of Education and National Health Commission, Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Liuzhen Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience of the Ministry of Education and National Health Commission, Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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Wisłowska-Stanek A, Płaźnik A, Kołosowska K, Skórzewska A, Turzyńska D, Liguz-Lęcznar M, Krząścik P, Gryz M, Szyndler J, Sobolewska A, Lehner M. Differences in the dopaminergic reward system in rats that passively and actively behave in the Porsolt test. Behav Brain Res 2018; 359:181-189. [PMID: 30366032 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess appetitive responses and central dopaminergic neurotransmission in passive and active rats divided according to their immobility time in the Porsolt swim test and exposed to restraint stress. Passive rats had more episodes of appetitive 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalization (USV) during rat encounter after social isolation and spent significantly more time in the amphetamine-associated context in conditioned place preference test, compared to active rats. Restraint stress decreased sucrose preference, but increased appetitive vocalization and reinforced the conditioned place preference only in passive animals that was associated with increased dopamine concentration in the amygdala. Restraint stress increased also the level of Cocaine- and Amphetamine Regulated Transcript (CART) peptide, a neuromodulator linked to dopamine neurotransmission, in the central nucleus of amygdala, while decreasing it the nucleus accumbens shell in passive rats. In the parvocellular region of paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus passive animals had a higher expression of CART compared to passive restraint rats and active control rats. The obtained results show that active and passive rats in the Porsolt test differ significantly in response to appetitive stimuli, which can be additionally changed under stress conditions. The underlying mechanisms are probably associated with differences in dopaminergic activity and CART signaling in reward system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Wisłowska-Stanek
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, Centre For Preclinical Research and Technology (CEPT), 1B Banacha Street, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Adam Płaźnik
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, Centre For Preclinical Research and Technology (CEPT), 1B Banacha Street, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland; Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Kołosowska
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Skórzewska
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Danuta Turzyńska
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Liguz-Lęcznar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Krząścik
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, Centre For Preclinical Research and Technology (CEPT), 1B Banacha Street, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marek Gryz
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Janusz Szyndler
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, Centre For Preclinical Research and Technology (CEPT), 1B Banacha Street, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alicja Sobolewska
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Lehner
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland
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Meng Q, Kim HC, Oh S, Lee YM, Hu Z, Oh KW. Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript (CART) Peptide Plays Critical Role in Psychostimulant-Induced Depression. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2018; 26:425-431. [PMID: 30157614 PMCID: PMC6131014 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2018.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptide is a widely distributed neurotransmitter expressed in the central nervous systems. Previously, several reports demonstrated that nucleus accumbal-injected CART peptide positively modulated behavioral sensitization induced by psychostimulants and regulated the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic pathway. It is confirmed that CART peptide exerted inhibitory effect on psychostimulant-enhanced dopamine receptors signaling, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase signaling and crucial transcription factors expression. Besides modulation of dopamine receptors-related pathways, CART peptide also exhibited elaborated interactions with other neurotransmitter receptors, such as glutamate receptors and γ-aminobutyric acid receptors, which further account for attribution of CART peptide to inhibition of psychostimulant-potentiated locomotor activity. Recently, CART peptide has been shown to have anxiolytic functions on the aversive mood and uncontrolled drug-seeking behaviors following drug withdrawal. Moreover, microinjection of CART peptide has been shown to have an anti-depressant effect, which suggests its potential utility in the mood regulation and avoidance of depression-like behaviors. In this review, we discuss CART pathways in neural circuits and their interactions with neurotransmitters associated with psychostimulant-induced depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Meng
- Queen Mary Institute, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 33006, China
| | - Hyoung-Chun Kim
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Toxicology Program, College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Seikwan Oh
- Department of Molecular Medicine and TIDRC, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07985, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Moon Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Osong 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Zhenzhen Hu
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 33006, China
| | - Ki-Wan Oh
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Osong 28160, Republic of Korea
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8
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Xiong L, Meng Q, Sun X, Lu X, Fu Q, Peng Q, Yang J, Oh KW, Hu Z. Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide in the nucleus accumbens shell inhibits cocaine-induced locomotor sensitization to transient over-expression of α-Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II. J Neurochem 2018; 146:289-303. [PMID: 29313985 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptide is a widely distributed neurotransmitter that attenuates cocaine-induced locomotor activity when injected into the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Our previous work first confirmed that the inhibitory mechanism of the CART peptide on cocaine-induced locomotor activity is related to a reduction in cocaine-enhanced phosphorylated Ca2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinaseIIα (pCaMKIIα) and the enhancement of cocaine-induced D3R function. This study investigated whether CART peptide inhibited cocaine-induced locomotor activity via inhibition of interactions between pCaMKIIα and the D3 dopamine receptor (D3R). We demonstrated that lentivirus-mediated gene transfer transiently increased pCaMKIIα expression, which peaked at 10 days after microinjection into the rat NAc shell, and induced a significant increase in Ca2+ influx along with greater behavioral sensitivity in the open field test after intraperitoneal injections of cocaine (15 mg/kg). However, western blot analysis and coimmunoprecipitation demonstrated that CART peptide treatment in lentivirus-transfected CaMKIIα-over-expressing NAc rat tissues or cells prior to cocaine administration inhibited the cocaine-induced Ca2+ influx and attenuated the cocaine-increased pCaMKIIα expression in lentivirus-transfected CaMKIIα-over-expressing cells. CART peptide decreased the cocaine-enhanced phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (pCREB) expression via inhibition of the pCaMKIIα-D3R interaction, which may account for the prolonged locomotor sensitization induced by repeated cocaine treatment in lentivirus-transfected CaMKIIα-over-expressing cells. These results provide strong evidence for the inhibitory modulation of CART peptide in cocaine-induced locomotor sensitization. Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14187.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Xiong
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qing Meng
- Queen Mary Institute, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xi Sun
- Anhui Sinobioway Cell Therapy CO., LTD, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiangtong Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Respiration, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Department of Respiration, Department Two, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qinghua Peng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jianhua Yang
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ki-Wan Oh
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Zhenzhen Hu
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Jiangxi Province Key laboratory of Tumor Pathogens and Molecular Pathology and the Department of Pathology, Schools of Basic Medical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanchang University Medical College, Nanchang, China
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9
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Yu C, Zhou X, Fu Q, Peng Q, Oh KW, Hu Z. A New Insight into the Role of CART in Cocaine Reward: Involvement of CaMKII and Inhibitory G-Protein Coupled Receptor Signaling. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:244. [PMID: 28860971 PMCID: PMC5559471 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptides are neuropeptides that are expressed in brain regions associated with reward, such as the nucleus accumbens (NAc), and play a role in cocaine reward. Injection of CART into the NAc can inhibit the behavioral effects of cocaine, and injecting CART into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) reduces cocaine-seeking behavior. However, the exact mechanism of these effects is not clear. Recent research has demonstrated that Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and inhibitory G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling are involved in the mechanism of the effect of CART on cocaine reward. Hence, we review the role of CaMKII and inhibitory GPCR signaling in the effect of CART on cocaine reward and provide a new insight into the mechanism of that effect. In this article, we will first review the biological function of CART and discuss the role of CART in cocaine reward. Then, we will focus on the role of CaMKII and inhibitory GPCR signaling in cocaine reward. Furthermore, we will discuss how CaMKII and inhibitory GPCR signaling are involved in the mechanistic action of CART in cocaine reward. Finally, we will provide our opinions regarding the future directions of research on the role of CaMKII and inhibitory GPCR signaling in the effect of CART on cocaine reward.
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Affiliation(s)
- ChengPeng Yu
- The Second Clinic Medical College, School of Medicine, Nanchang UniversityNanchang, China
| | - XiaoYan Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Nanchang UniversityNanchang, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Respiration, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang UniversityNanchang, China.,Department of Respiration, Department Two, Jiangxi Provincial People's HospitalNanchang, China
| | - QingHua Peng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang UniversityNanchang, China
| | - Ki-Wan Oh
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National UniversityCheongju, South Korea
| | - ZhenZhen Hu
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Nanchang UniversityNanchang, China.,Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathogens and Molecular Pathology and Department of Pathology, Schools of Basic Medical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanchang University Medical CollegeNanchang, China
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10
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Rakovska A, Baranyi M, Windisch K, Petkova-Kirova P, Gagov H, Kalfin R. Neurochemical evidence that cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) 55-102 peptide modulates the dopaminergic reward system by decreasing the dopamine release in the mouse nucleus accumbens. Brain Res Bull 2017; 134:246-252. [PMID: 28802898 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2017.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
CART (Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript) peptide is a neurotransmitter naturally occurring in the CNS and found mostly in nucleus accumbens, ventrotegmental area, ventral pallidum, amygdalae and striatum, brain regions associated with drug addiction. In the nucleus accumbens, known for its significant role in motivation, pleasure, reward and reinforcement learning, CART peptide inhibits cocaine and amphetamine-induced dopamine-mediated increases in locomotor activity and behavior, suggesting a CART peptide interaction with the dopaminergic system. Thus in the present study, we examined the effect of CART (55-102) peptide on the basal, electrical field stimulation-evoked (EFS-evoked) (30V, 2Hz, 120 shocks) and returning basal dopamine (DA) release and on the release of the DA metabolites 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl acetaldehyde (DOPAL), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol (DOPET), 3-methoxytyramine (3-MT) as well as on norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine-o-quinone (Daq) in isolated mouse nucleus accumbens, in a preparation, in which any CART peptide effects on the dendrites or soma of ventral tegmental projection neurons have been excluded. We further extended our study to assess the effect of CART (55-102) peptide on basal cocaine-induced release of dopamine and its metabolites DOPAL, DOPAC, HVA, DOPET and 3-MT as well as on NE and Daq. To analyze the amount of [3H]dopamine, dopamine metabolites, Daq and NE in the nucleus accumbens superfusate, a high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), coupled with electrochemical, UV and radiochemical detections was used. CART (55-102) peptide, 0.1μM, added alone, exerted: (i) a significant decrease in the basal and EFS-evoked levels of extracellular dopamine (ii) a significant increase in the EFS-evoked and returning basal levels of the dopamine metabolites DOPAC and HVA, major products of dopamine degradation and (iii) a significant decrease in the returning basal levels of DOPET. At the same concentration, 0.1μM, CART (55-102) peptide did not have any effect on the release of noradrenaline. In the presence of CART (55-102) peptide, 0.1μM, the effect of cocaine, 30μM, on the basal dopamine release was inhibited and the effect on the basal DOPAC release substantially increased. To our knowledge, our findings are the first to show direct neurochemical evidence that CART (55-102) peptide plays a neuromodulatory role on the dopaminergic reward system by decreasing dopamine in the mouse nucleus accumbens and by attenuating cocaine-induced effects on dopamine release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Rakovska
- Lab. "Neuropeptides", Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 23, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Maria Baranyi
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szigony u. 43, H-1083, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Windisch
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szigony u. 43, H-1083, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Polina Petkova-Kirova
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str. bl. 21, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Hristo Gagov
- Faculty of Biology, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Dragan Tsankov Str. 8, 1164, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Reni Kalfin
- Lab. "Neuropeptides", Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., bl. 23, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
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11
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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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12
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Fu Q, Zhou X, Dong Y, Huang Y, Yang J, Oh KW, Hu Z. Decreased Caffeine-Induced Locomotor Activity via Microinjection of CART Peptide into the Nucleus Accumbens Is Linked to Inhibition of the pCaMKIIa-D3R Interaction. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159104. [PMID: 27404570 PMCID: PMC4942143 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to characterize the inhibitory modulation of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptides, particularly with respect to the function of the D3 dopamine receptor (D3R), which is activated by its interaction with phosphorylated CaMKIIα (pCaMKIIα) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). After repeated oral administration of caffeine (30 mg/kg) for five days, microinjection of CART peptide (0.08 μM/0.5 μl/hemisphere) into the NAc affected locomotor behavior. The pCaMKIIα-D3R interaction, D3R phosphorylation and cAMP/PKA/phosphorylated CREB (pCREB) signaling pathway activity were measured in NAc tissues, and Ca2+ influx and pCaMKIIα levels were measured in cultured NAc neurons. We found that CART attenuated the caffeine-mediated enhancement of depolarization-induced Ca2+ influx and CaMKIIα phosphorylation in cultured NAc neurons. Repeated microinjection of CART peptides into the NAc decreased the caffeine-induced enhancement of Ca2+ channels activity, pCaMKIIα levels, the pCaMKIIα-D3R interaction, D3R phosphorylation, cAMP levels, PKA activity and pCREB levels in the NAc. Furthermore, behavioral sensitization was observed in rats that received five-day administration of caffeine following microinjection of saline but not in rats that were treated with caffeine following microinjection of CART peptide. These results suggest that caffeine-induced CREB phosphorylation in the NAc was ameliorated by CART peptide due to its inhibition of D3R phosphorylation. These effects of CART peptides may play a compensatory role by inhibiting locomotor behavior in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Fu
- Department of Respiration, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Respiration, Department Two, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yun Dong
- Department of Breast Surgery, Jiangxi Tumor Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yonghong Huang
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jianhua Yang
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ki-Wan Oh
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Zhenzhen Hu
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- * E-mail: ;
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13
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Abstract
Earlier studies suggesting an involvement of cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript peptide (CARTp) in the actions of drugs of abuse are confirmed in the most recent publications. This seems especially true for the psychostimulants where CARTp in the nucleus accumbens inhibits or regulates the actions of these drugs; the regulation is lost after repeated drug use which may be an important mechanism in addiction. The other drugs, including nicotine, alcohol, opiates, and perhaps caffeine can affect CARTp or CART mRNA levels. While the exact mechanism is not always clear, the hope is that these findings may provide some insight for the development of medications. While binding studies indicate the existence of specific G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) receptors for CARTp, major work to be done is the cloning of these receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Kuhar
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
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14
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Luo YX, Han H, Shao J, Gao Y, Yin X, Zhu WL, Han Y, Shi HS. mTOR signalling in the nucleus accumbens shell is critical for augmented effect of TFF3 on behavioural response to cocaine. Sci Rep 2016; 6:27895. [PMID: 27282818 PMCID: PMC4901260 DOI: 10.1038/srep27895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides play important roles in modulating the rewarding value of abused drugs. Trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) was recently reported to modulate withdrawal syndrome of morphine, but the effects of TFF3 on the cocaine-induced behavioral changes are still elusive. In the present study, cocaine-induced hyperlocomotion and conditioned place preference (CPP) rat paradigms were provided to investigate the role of TFF3 in the reward response to cocaine. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was used to analyse the dopamine concentration. The results showed that systemic TFF3 administration (0.1 mg/kg i.p.) significantly augmented cocaine- induced hyperlocomotion and CPP formation, without any effects on locomotor activity and aversive or rewarding effects per se. TFF3 significantly augmented the increment of the dopamine concentration in the NAc and the activity of the mTOR signalling pathway induced by acute cocaine exposure (10 mg/kg, i.p.) in the NAc shell, but not the core. The Intra-NAc shell infusion of rapamycin blocked TFF3-induced hyperactivity in cocaine-treatment rats. These findings indicated that TFF3 could potentiate behavioural response to cocaine, which may be associated with regulating dopamine concentration. Furthermore, the findings indicated that mTOR signalling pathway in the NAc shell is important for TFF3-induced enhancement on the cocaine-induced behavioral changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Xiao Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Hua Han
- Department of gynecology and obstetrics, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050051, China
| | - Juan Shao
- Department of Senile Disease, the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of basic medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Xi Yin
- Department of Functional region of Diagnosis, Hebei Medical University Fourth Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Wei-Li Zhu
- National Institute on Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ying Han
- National Institute on Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Hai-Shui Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of basic medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.,National Institute on Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
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15
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Sun WL, Quizon PM, Zhu J. Molecular Mechanism: ERK Signaling, Drug Addiction, and Behavioral Effects. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2015; 137:1-40. [PMID: 26809997 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Addiction to psychostimulants has been considered as a chronic psychiatric disorder characterized by craving and compulsive drug seeking and use. Over the past two decades, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that repeated drug exposure causes long-lasting neurochemical and cellular changes that result in enduring neuroadaptation in brain circuitry and underlie compulsive drug consumption and relapse. Through intercellular signaling cascades, drugs of abuse induce remodeling in the rewarding circuitry that contributes to the neuroplasticity of learning and memory associated with addiction. Here, we review the role of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase, and its related intracellular signaling pathways in drug-induced neuroadaptive changes that are associated with drug-mediated psychomotor activity, rewarding properties and relapse of drug seeking behaviors. We also discuss the neurobiological and behavioral effects of pharmacological and genetic interferences with ERK-associated molecular cascades in response to abused substances. Understanding the dynamic modulation of ERK signaling in response to drugs may provide novel molecular targets for therapeutic strategies to drug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Lun Sun
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Pamela M Quizon
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jun Zhu
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA.
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16
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Baliño P, Ledesma JC, Aragon CMG. Role of phosphodiesterase-4 on ethanol elicited locomotion and narcosis. Neuropharmacology 2015; 101:271-8. [PMID: 26449868 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The cAMP signaling pathway has emerged as an important modulator of the pharmacological effects of ethanol. In this respect, the cAMP-dependent protein kinase has been shown to play an important role in the modulation of several ethanol-induced behavioral actions. Cellular levels of cAMP are maintained by the activity of adenylyl cyclases and phosphodiesterases. In the present work we have focused on ascertaining the role of PDE4 in mediating the neurobehavioral effects of ethanol. For this purpose, we have used the selective PDE4 inhibitor Ro 20-1724. This compound has been proven to enhance cellular cAMP response by PDE4 blockade and can be administered systemically. Swiss mice were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with Ro 20-1724 (0-5 mg/kg; i.p.) at different time intervals before ethanol (0-4 g/kg; i.p.) administration. Immediately after the ethanol injection, locomotor activity, loss of righting reflex, PKA footprint and enzymatic activity were assessed. Pretreatment with Ro 20-1724 increased ethanol-induced locomotor stimulation in a dose-dependent manner. Doses that increased locomotor stimulation did not modify basal locomotion or the suppression of motor activity produced by high doses of this alcohol. Ro 20-1724 did not alter the locomotor activation produced by amphetamine or cocaine. The time of loss of righting reflex evoked by ethanol was increased after pretreatment with Ro 20-1724. This effect was selective for the narcotic effects of ethanol since Ro 20-1724 did not affect pentobarbital-induced narcotic effects. Moreover, Ro 20-1724 administration increased the PKA footprint and enzymatic activity response elicited by ethanol. These data provide further evidence of the key role of the cAMP signaling pathway in the central effects of ethanol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Baliño
- Área de Psicobiología, Universtitat Jaume I, Avda. Sos Baynat s/n, 12071, Castellón, Spain.
| | - Juan Carlos Ledesma
- Área de Psicobiología, Universtitat Jaume I, Avda. Sos Baynat s/n, 12071, Castellón, Spain.
| | - Carlos M G Aragon
- Área de Psicobiología, Universtitat Jaume I, Avda. Sos Baynat s/n, 12071, Castellón, Spain.
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17
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Cho JH, Cho YH, Kim HY, Cha SH, Ryu H, Jang W, Shin KH. Increase in cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) in specific areas of the mouse brain by acute caffeine administration. Neuropeptides 2015; 50:1-7. [PMID: 25820086 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2015.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Caffeine produces a variety of behavioral effects including increased alertness, reduced food intake, anxiogenic effects, and dependence upon repeated exposure. Although many of the effects of caffeine are mediated by its ability to block adenosine receptors, it is possible that other neural substrates, such as cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), may be involved in the effects of caffeine. Indeed, a recent study demonstrated that repeated caffeine administration increases CART in the mouse striatum. However, it is not clear whether acute caffeine administration alters CART in other areas of the brain. To explore this possibility, we investigated the dose- and time-dependent changes in CART immunoreactivity (CART-IR) after a single dose of caffeine in mice. We found that a high dose of caffeine (100 mg/kg) significantly increased CART-IR 2 h after administration in the nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh), dorsal bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (dBNST), central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN), arcuate hypothalamic nucleus (Arc), and locus coeruleus (LC), and returned to control levels after 8 h. But this increase was not observed in other brain areas. In addition, caffeine administration at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg appears to produce dose-dependent increases in CART-IR in these brain areas; however, the magnitude of increase in CART-IR observed at a dose of 50 mg/kg was similar or greater than that observed at a dose of 100 mg/kg. This result suggests that CART-IR in AcbSh, dBNST, CeA, PVN, Arc, and LC is selectively affected by caffeine administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Hee Cho
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Anam-Dong, Sungbuk-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Ha Cho
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Anam-Dong, Sungbuk-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Young Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Anam-Dong, Sungbuk-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Ha Cha
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Anam-Dong, Sungbuk-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Ryu
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Anam-Dong, Sungbuk-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wooyoung Jang
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Anam-Dong, Sungbuk-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Ho Shin
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Anam-Dong, Sungbuk-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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18
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Yoon HS, Adachi N, Kunugi H. Microinjection of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript 55-102 peptide into the nucleus accumbens could modulate anxiety-related behavior in rats. Neuropeptides 2014; 48:319-25. [PMID: 25256086 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Revised: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptide is abundantly expressed in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and is involved in stress, anxiety and reward responses. To examine the role of CART peptide in anxiety-related behavior, naïve rats were bilaterally injected with CART 55-102 peptide (0.5, 1.0 or 2.5 µg/0.5 µl/side) or vehicle into the NAcc. Following this, their anxiety-related behavior was assessed using the elevated plus maze and the open field tests with a one-week interval between the tests. There was no difference in the time spent in open arms, or number of entries into open arms on the elevated plus maze in the CART-treated animals at any dose, when compared with the vehicle-treated group. However, there was a significant increase in the time spent in the center of the open field with administration of the low dose of CART peptide (0.5 µg/0.5 µl/side), although this effect disappeared at the high dose (2.5 µg/0.5 µl/side). None of the doses of CART peptide altered total locomotion in these tests. To further determine the possible anxiety-modulating effect of CART peptide at low dosages, the light and dark test was performed. Additional groups of rats given doses of 0.01 µg/0.5 µl/side or 0.5 µg/0.5 µl/side of CART peptide showed increased exploration time in the light side. These results suggest that accumbal-CART peptide reduces anxiety-like behavior in a dose-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung Shin Yoon
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1, Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
| | - Naoki Adachi
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1, Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kunugi
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1, Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan.
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