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Flerlage WJ, Simmons SC, Thomas EH, Gouty S, Cox BM, Nugent FS. Dysregulation of kappa opioid receptor neuromodulation of lateral habenula synaptic function following a repetitive mild traumatic brain injury. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024; 243:173838. [PMID: 39067532 PMCID: PMC11344655 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2024.173838] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) increases the risk of affective disorders, anxiety and substance use disorder. The lateral habenula (LHb) plays an important role in pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. Recently, we demonstrated a causal link between mTBI-induced LHb hyperactivity due to excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalance and motivational deficits in male mice using a repetitive closed head injury mTBI model. A major neuromodulatory system that is responsive to traumatic brain injuries, influences affective states and also modulates LHb activity is the dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor (Dyn/KOR) system. However, the effects of mTBI on KOR neuromodulation of LHb function are unknown. Here, we first used retrograde tracing in male and female Cre mouse lines and identified several major KOR-expressing and two prominent Dyn-expressing inputs projecting to the mouse LHb, highlighting the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) as the main LHb-projecting Dyn inputs that regulate KOR signaling to the LHb. We then functionally evaluated the effects of in vitro KOR modulation of spontaneous synaptic activity within the LHb of male and female sham and mTBI mice at 4 week post-injury. We observed sex-specific differences in spontaneous release of glutamate and GABA from presynaptic terminals onto LHb neurons with higher levels of presynaptic glutamate and GABA release in females compared to male mice. However, KOR effects on the spontaneous E/I ratios and synaptic drive ratio within the LHb did not differ between male and female sham and mTBI mice. KOR activation generally suppressed spontaneous glutamatergic transmission without altering GABAergic transmission, resulting in a significant but sex-similar reduction in net spontaneous E/I and synaptic drive ratios in LHb neurons of sham mice. Following mTBI, while responses to KOR activation at LHb glutamatergic synapses remained intact, LHb GABAergic synapses acquired an additional sensitivity to KOR-mediated inhibition where we observed a reduction in GABA release probability in response to KOR stimulation in LHb neurons of mTBI mice. Further analysis of percent change in spontaneous synaptic ratios induced by KOR activation revealed that independent of sex mTBI switches KOR-driven synaptic inhibition of LHb neurons (normally observed in sham mice) in a subset of mTBI mice toward synaptic excitation resulting in mTBI-induced divergence of KOR actions within the LHb. Overall, we uncovered the sources of major Dyn/KOR-expressing synaptic inputs projecting to the mouse LHb. We demonstrate that an engagement of intra-LHb Dyn/KOR signaling provides a global KOR-driven synaptic inhibition within the mouse LHb independent of sex. The additional engagement of KOR-mediated action on LHb GABAergic transmission by mTBI could contribute to the E/I imbalance after mTBI, with Dyn/KOR signaling serving as a disinhibitory mechanism for LHb neurons of a subset of mTBI mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Flerlage
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
| | - Sarah C Simmons
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
| | - Emily H Thomas
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
| | - Shawn Gouty
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
| | - Brian M Cox
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
| | - Fereshteh S Nugent
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
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Wingfield KK, Misic T, Jain K, McDermott CS, Abney NM, Richardson KT, Rubman MB, Beierle JA, Miracle SA, Sandago EJ, Baskin BM, Lynch WB, Borrelli KN, Yao EJ, Wachman EM, Bryant CD. The ultrasonic vocalization (USV) syllable profile during neonatal opioid withdrawal and a kappa opioid receptor component to increased USV emissions in female mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.02.601766. [PMID: 39005445 PMCID: PMC11244951 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.02.601766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Opioid use during pregnancy can lead to negative infant health outcomes, including neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). NOWS comprises gastrointestinal, autonomic nervous system, and neurological dysfunction that manifest during spontaneous withdrawal. Variability in NOWS severity necessitates a more individualized treatment approach. Ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in neonatal mice are emitted in isolation as a stress response and are increased during opioid withdrawal, thus modeling a negative affective state that can be utilized to test new treatments. OBJECTIVES We sought to identify the behavioral and USV profile, brainstem transcriptomic adaptations, and role of kappa opioid receptors in USVs during neonatal opioid withdrawal. METHODS We employed a third trimester-approximate opioid exposure model, where neonatal inbred FVB/NJ pups were injected twice-daily with morphine (10mg/kg, s.c.) or saline (0.9%, 20 ul/g, s.c.) from postnatal day(P) 1 to P14. This protocol induces reduced weight gain, hypothermia, thermal hyperalgesia, and increased USVs during spontaneous morphine withdrawal. RESULTS On P14, there were increased USV emissions and altered USV syllables during withdrawal, including an increase in Complex 3 syllables in FVB/NJ females (but not males). Brainstem bulk mRNA sequencing revealed an upregulation of the kappa opioid receptor (Oprk1), which contributes to withdrawal-induced dysphoria. The kappa opioid receptor (KOR) antagonist, nor-BNI (30 mg/kg, s.c.), significantly reduced USVs in FVB/NJ females, but not males during spontaneous morphine withdrawal. Furthermore, the KOR agonist, U50,488h (0.625 mg/kg, s.c.), was sufficient to increase USVs on P10 (both sexes) and P14 (females only) in FVB/NJ mice. CONCLUSIONS We identified an elevated USV syllable, Complex 3, and a female-specific recruitment of the dynorphin/KOR system in increased USVs associated with neonatal opioid withdrawal severity.
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Namchuk AB, Tsuda MC, Lucki I, Browne CA. Kappa opioid receptor mediated operant performance in male and female rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024; 244:173847. [PMID: 39151827 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2024.173847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Anhedonia and avolition are emotions frequently endorsed by individuals with stress related disorders. Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) activation can induce negative emotions and recent clinical evidence suggests that KOR antagonism can alleviate anhedonia in a transdiagnostic cohort of patients. However, the behavioral consequences of KOR activation and antagonism in modulating motivation, as assessed by schedule-controlled behavioral performance without preexisting conditions (stress or substance use), have not been formally assessed. To address this gap in the literature, this report utilized male and female Sprague Dawley rats to (1) evaluate the impact of the selective KOR agonist U50,488, on the performance of animals responding for sucrose pellets under a progressive ratio (PR) schedule and (2) determine the effects of the short-acting KOR antagonist LY2444296 alone and on U50,488 mediated reductions in PR performance. Overall, U50,488 5 mg/kg significantly reduced the breakpoint and number of rewards obtained by animals. This occurred in the absence of motor impairment and independent of evidence for satiation. LY2444296 did not alter PR performance when administered alone but effectively blocked the deficits induced by U50,488. To further delineate the behavioral alterations that underlie these reductions in responding, a more detailed analysis was conducted on PR performance in the first 15 min of the session, the period of time when animals obtained the most reinforcers. During this period, U50,488 increased the length of the post-reinforcement pause and reduced the running rate on PR schedules. These changes in behavior produced by acute activation of KORs are consistent with a reduction of effort-related motivation in rodents. These data contribute to the understanding of how KORs modulate motivation, which is critical to future efforts to evaluate performance in the context of stress and assess how KOR antagonists alleviate anhedonic behaviors associated with stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda B Namchuk
- Department of Pharmacology & Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States of America
| | - Mumeko C Tsuda
- Preclinical Behavior & Modelling Core, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States of America
| | - Irwin Lucki
- Department of Pharmacology & Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States of America; Preclinical Behavior & Modelling Core, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States of America
| | - Caroline A Browne
- Department of Pharmacology & Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States of America.
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Flerlage WJ, Simmons SC, Thomas EH, Gouty S, Cox BM, Nugent FS. Dysregulation of Kappa Opioid Receptor Neuromodulation of Lateral Habenula Synaptic Function following a Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.01.592017. [PMID: 38746139 PMCID: PMC11092670 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.01.592017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) increases the risk of cognitive deficits, affective disorders, anxiety and substance use disorder in affected individuals. Substantial evidence suggests a critical role for the lateral habenula (LHb) in pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. Recently, we demonstrated a causal link between persistent mTBI-induced LHb hyperactivity due to synaptic excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalance and motivational deficits in self-care grooming behavior in young adult male mice using a repetitive closed head injury mTBI model. One of the major neuromodulatory systems that is responsive to traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, influences affective states and also modulates LHb activity is the dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor (Dyn/KOR) system. However, the effects of mTBI on KOR neuromodulation of LHb function is unknown. To address this, we first used retrograde tracing to anatomically verify that the mouse LHb indeed receives Dyn/KOR expressing projections. We identified several major KOR-expressing and Dyn-expressing synaptic inputs projecting to the mouse LHb. We then functionally evaluated the effects of in vitro KOR modulation of spontaneous synaptic activity within the LHb of male and female sham and mTBI mice at 4week post-injury using the repetitive closed head injury mTBI model. Similar to what we previously reported in the LHb of male mTBI mice, mTBI presynaptically diminished spontaneous synaptic activity onto LHb neurons, while shifting synaptic E/I toward excitation in female mouse LHb. Furthermore, KOR activation in either mouse male/female LHb generally suppressed spontaneous glutamatergic transmission without altering GABAergic transmission, resulting in a significant reduction in E/I ratios and decreased excitatory synaptic drive to LHb neurons of male and female sham mice. Interestingly following mTBI, while responses to KOR activation at LHb glutamatergic synapses were observed comparable to those of sham, LHb GABAergic synapses acquired an additional sensitivity to KOR-mediated inhibition. Thus, in contrast to sham LHb, we observed a reduction in GABA release probability in response to KOR stimulation in mTBI LHb, resulting in a chronic loss of KOR-mediated net synaptic inhibition within the LHb. Overall, our findings uncovered the previously unknown sources of major Dyn/KOR-expressing synaptic inputs projecting to the mouse LHb. Further, we demonstrate that an engagement of intra-LHb Dyn/KOR signaling provides a global suppression of excitatory synaptic drive to the mouse LHb which could act as an inhibitory braking mechanism to prevent LHb hyperexcitability. The additional engagement of KOR-mediated modulatory action on LHb GABAergic transmission by mTBI could contribute to the E/I imbalance after mTBI, with Dyn/KOR signaling serving as a disinhibitory mechanism for LHb neurons in male and female mTBI mice.
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Wallace CW, Holleran KM, Slinkard CY, Centanni SW, Jones SR. Kappa Opioid Receptors Negatively Regulate Real Time Spontaneous Dopamine Signals by Reducing Release and Increasing Uptake. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.05.578840. [PMID: 38370660 PMCID: PMC10871279 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.05.578840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
The role of the dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system in dopamine (DA) regulation has been extensively investigated. KOR activation reduces extracellular DA concentrations and increases DA transporter (DAT) activity and trafficking to the membrane. To explore KOR influences on real-time DA fluctuations, we used the photosensor dLight1.2 with fiber photometry in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core of freely moving male and female C57BL/6 mice. First, we established that the rise and fall of spontaneous DA signals were due to DA release and reuptake, respectively. Then mice were systemically administered the KOR agonist U50,488H (U50), with or without pretreatment with the KOR antagonist aticaprant (ATIC). U50 reduced both the amplitude and width of spontaneous signals in males, but only reduced width in females. Further, the slope of the correlation between amplitude and width was increased in both sexes, suggesting that DA uptake rates were increased. U50 also reduced the frequency of signals in both males and females. All effects of KOR activation were stronger in males. Overall, KORs exerted significant inhibitory control over spontaneous DA signaling, acting through at least three mechanisms - inhibiting DA release, promoting DAT-mediated uptake, and reducing the frequency of signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conner W Wallace
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Katherine M Holleran
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Clare Y Slinkard
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Samuel W Centanni
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Sara R Jones
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
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Wang X, Zhuang Y, Lin Z, Chen S, Chen L, Huang H, Lin H, Wu S. Research hotspots and trends on neuropathic pain-related mood disorders: a bibliometric analysis from 2003 to 2023. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1233444. [PMID: 38179224 PMCID: PMC10764508 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1233444] [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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neuropathic Pain (NP) is often accompanied by mood disorders, which seriously affect the quality of life of patients. This study aimed to analyze the hotspots and trends in NP-related mood disorder research using bibliometric methods and to provide valuable predictions for future research in this field. Methods Articles and review articles on NP-related mood disorders published from January 2003 to May 2023 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. We used CiteSpace to analyze publications, countries, institutions, authors, cited authors, journals, cited journals, references, cited references, and keywords. We also analyzed collaborative network maps and co-occurrence network maps. Results A total of 4,540 studies were collected for analysis. The number of publications concerning NP-related mood disorders every year shows an upward trend. The United States was a major contributor in this field. The University of Toronto was the most productive core institution. C GHELARDINI was the most prolific author, and RH DWORKIN was the most frequently cited author. PAIN was identified as the journal with the highest productivity and citation rate. The current research hotspots mainly included quality of life, efficacy, double-blind methodology, gabapentin, pregabalin, postherpetic neuralgia, and central sensitization. The frontiers in research mainly focused on the mechanisms associated with microglia activation, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and NP-related mood disorders. Discussion In conclusion, the present study provided insight into the current state and trends in NP-related mood disorder research over the past 20 years. Consequently, researchers will be able to identify new perspectives on potential collaborators and cooperative institutions, hot topics, and research frontiers in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Wang
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yueyang Zhuang
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Zhigang Lin
- Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Technology, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Shuijin Chen
- Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Technology, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Lechun Chen
- Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Technology, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Hongye Huang
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Hui Lin
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Shiye Wu
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
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Karkhanis AN, West AM, Jones SR. Kappa opioid receptor agonist U50,488 inhibits dopamine more in caudal than rostral nucleus accumbens core. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 133:526-534. [PMID: 37539456 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
The nucleus accumbens (NAc) core is involved in regulating stress and shaping reward seeking behaviours. Multiple neuromodulators, including dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor (KOR) and dopamine systems, converge in this area to influence behavioural outcomes. KOR activation acutely inhibits dopamine release and chronically depresses overall dopamine transmission. Recently, studies in the NAc shell have revealed that the impact of KOR activation on behaviour is regionally specific, and these rostro-caudal differences are likely driven by greater control of KORs over dopamine inhibition in the caudal compared with rostral subregion. Given the importance of NAc core, particularly the interaction between KORs and dopamine in regulating reward seeking behaviours, we examined the impact of KOR activation on dopamine release and uptake along the rostro-caudal axis in the NAc core of male and female mice. Using ex vivo fast scan cyclic voltammetry, we observed that KOR mediated inhibition of dopamine release was significantly greater in caudal compared with rostral NAc core with no significant sex differences observed. These data suggest that KORs regulate dopamine release differentially along the rostro-caudal axis, providing a new axis on which to examine the process by which the KOR/dopamine system controls reward encoding.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alyssa M West
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sara R Jones
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
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Xiao S, Sun H, Zhu Y, Shen Z, Zhu X, Yao PA, Wang Y, Zhang C, Yu W, Wu Z, Sun J, Xu C, Du J, He X, Fang J, Shao X. Electroacupuncture alleviates the relapse of pain-related aversive memory by activating KOR and inhibiting GABAergic neurons in the insular cortex. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:10711-10721. [PMID: 37679857 PMCID: PMC10560575 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain-related aversive memory is common in chronic pain patients. Electroacupuncture has been demonstrated to block pain-related aversive memory. The insular cortex is a key region closely related to aversive behaviors. In our study, a potential mechanism underlying the effect of electroacupuncture treatment on pain-related aversive memory behaviors relative to the insular cortex was investigated. Our study used the chemogenetic method, pharmacological method, electroacupuncture intervention, and behavioral detection. Our study showed that both inhibition of gamma-aminobutyric acidergic neurons and activation of the kappa opioid receptor in the insular cortex blocked the pain-related aversive memory behaviors induced by 2 crossover injections of carrageenan in mice; conversely, both the activation of gamma-aminobutyric acidergic neurons and inhibition of kappa opioid receptor in the insular cortex play similar roles in inducing pain-related aversive memory behaviors following 2 crossover injections of carrageenan. In addition, activation of gamma-aminobutyric acidergic neurons in the insular cortex reversed the effect of kappa opioid receptor activation in the insular cortex. Moreover, electroacupuncture effectively blocked pain-related aversive memory behaviors in model mice, which was reversed by both activation of gamma-aminobutyric acidergic neurons and inhibition of kappa opioid receptor in the insular cortex. The effect of electroacupuncture on blocking pain-related aversive memory behaviors may be related to the activation of the kappa opioid receptor and inhibition of gamma-aminobutyric acidergic neurons in the insular cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Haiju Sun
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yichen Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Zui Shen
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Xixiao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Ping-an Yao
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yifang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Wei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Zemin Wu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310060, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Chi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Junying Du
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Xiaofen He
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jianqiao Fang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Xiaomei Shao
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
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Ozdemir D, Allain F, Kieffer BL, Darcq E. Advances in the characterization of negative affect caused by acute and protracted opioid withdrawal using animal models. Neuropharmacology 2023; 232:109524. [PMID: 37003572 PMCID: PMC10844657 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic brain disease which originates from long-term neuroadaptations that develop after repeated opioid consumption and withdrawal episodes. These neuroadaptations lead among other things to the development of a negative affect, which includes loss of motivation for natural rewards, higher anxiety, social deficits, heightened stress reactivity, an inability to identify and describe emotions, physical and/or emotional pain, malaise, dysphoria, sleep disorders and chronic irritability. The urge for relief from this negative affect is one of major causes of relapse, and thus represents a critical challenge for treatment and relapse prevention. Animal models of negative affect induced by opioid withdrawal have recapitulated the development of a negative emotional state with signs such as anhedonia, increased anxiety responses, increased despair-like behaviour and deficits in social interaction. This research has been critical to determine neurocircuitry adaptations during chronic opioid administration or upon withdrawal. In this review, we summarize the recent literature of rodent models of (i) acute withdrawal, (ii) protracted abstinence from passive administration of opioids, (iii) withdrawal or protracted abstinence from opioid self-administration. Finally, we describe neurocircuitry involved in acute withdrawal and protracted abstinence. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Opioid-induced changes in addiction and pain circuits".
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Affiliation(s)
- Dersu Ozdemir
- INSERM U1114, Centre de Recherche en Biomédecine de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, France
| | - Florence Allain
- INSERM U1114, Centre de Recherche en Biomédecine de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, France
| | - Brigitte L Kieffer
- INSERM U1114, Centre de Recherche en Biomédecine de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, France
| | - Emmanuel Darcq
- INSERM U1114, Centre de Recherche en Biomédecine de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, France.
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Littlepage-Saunders M, Hochstein MJ, Chang DS, Johnson KA. G protein-coupled receptor modulation of striatal dopamine transmission: Implications for psychoactive drug effects. Br J Pharmacol 2023:10.1111/bph.16151. [PMID: 37258878 PMCID: PMC10687321 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Dopamine transmission in the striatum is a critical mediator of the rewarding and reinforcing effects of commonly misused psychoactive drugs. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that bind a variety of neuromodulators including dopamine, endocannabinoids, acetylcholine and endogenous opioid peptides regulate dopamine release by acting on several components of dopaminergic circuitry. Striatal dopamine release can be driven by both somatic action potential firing and local mechanisms that depend on acetylcholine released from striatal cholinergic interneurons. GPCRs that primarily regulate somatic firing of dopamine neurons via direct effects or modulation of synaptic inputs are likely to affect distinct aspects of behaviour and psychoactive drug actions compared with those GPCRs that primarily regulate local acetylcholine-dependent dopamine release in striatal regions. This review will highlight mechanisms by which GPCRs modulate dopaminergic transmission and the relevance of these findings to psychoactive drug effects on physiology and behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mydirah Littlepage-Saunders
- Department of Pharmacology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael J Hochstein
- Department of Pharmacology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Doris S Chang
- Department of Pharmacology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kari A Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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11
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Hosseinzadeh Sahafi O, Sardari M, Alijanpour S, Rezayof A. Shared Mechanisms of GABAergic and Opioidergic Transmission Regulate Corticolimbic Reward Systems and Cognitive Aspects of Motivational Behaviors. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13050815. [PMID: 37239287 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13050815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The functional interplay between the corticolimbic GABAergic and opioidergic systems plays a crucial role in regulating the reward system and cognitive aspects of motivational behaviors leading to the development of addictive behaviors and disorders. This review provides a summary of the shared mechanisms of GABAergic and opioidergic transmission, which modulate the activity of dopaminergic neurons located in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), the central hub of the reward mechanisms. This review comprehensively covers the neuroanatomical and neurobiological aspects of corticolimbic inhibitory neurons that express opioid receptors, which act as modulators of corticolimbic GABAergic transmission. The presence of opioid and GABA receptors on the same neurons allows for the modulation of the activity of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area, which plays a key role in the reward mechanisms of the brain. This colocalization of receptors and their immunochemical markers can provide a comprehensive understanding for clinicians and researchers, revealing the neuronal circuits that contribute to the reward system. Moreover, this review highlights the importance of GABAergic transmission-induced neuroplasticity under the modulation of opioid receptors. It discusses their interactive role in reinforcement learning, network oscillation, aversive behaviors, and local feedback or feedforward inhibitions in reward mechanisms. Understanding the shared mechanisms of these systems may lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches for addiction, reward-related disorders, and drug-induced cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oveis Hosseinzadeh Sahafi
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran 14155-6465, Iran
- Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Maryam Sardari
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran 14155-6465, Iran
| | - Sakineh Alijanpour
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad Kavous 4971799151, Iran
| | - Ameneh Rezayof
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran 14155-6465, Iran
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12
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Margolis EB, Moulton MG, Lambeth PS, O'Meara MJ. The life and times of endogenous opioid peptides: Updated understanding of synthesis, spatiotemporal dynamics, and the clinical impact in alcohol use disorder. Neuropharmacology 2023; 225:109376. [PMID: 36516892 PMCID: PMC10548835 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The opioid G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) strongly modulate many of the central nervous system structures that contribute to neurological and psychiatric disorders including pain, major depressive disorder, and substance use disorders. To better treat these and related diseases, it is essential to understand the signaling of their endogenous ligands. In this review, we focus on what is known and unknown about the regulation of the over two dozen endogenous peptides with high affinity for one or more of the opioid receptors. We briefly describe which peptides are produced, with a particular focus on the recently proposed possible synthesis pathways for the endomorphins. Next, we describe examples of endogenous opioid peptide expression organization in several neural circuits and how they appear to be released from specific neural compartments that vary across brain regions. We discuss current knowledge regarding the strength of neural activity required to drive endogenous opioid peptide release, clues about how far peptides diffuse from release sites, and their extracellular lifetime after release. Finally, as a translational example, we discuss the mechanisms of action of naltrexone (NTX), which is used clinically to treat alcohol use disorder. NTX is a synthetic morphine analog that non-specifically antagonizes the action of most endogenous opioid peptides developed in the 1960s and FDA approved in the 1980s. We review recent studies clarifying the precise endogenous activity that NTX prevents. Together, the works described here highlight the challenges and opportunities the complex opioid system presents as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elyssa B Margolis
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Madelyn G Moulton
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Philip S Lambeth
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Matthew J O'Meara
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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13
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Estave PM, Sun H, Peck EG, Holleran KM, Chen R, Jones SR. Cocaine self-administration augments kappa opioid receptor system-mediated inhibition of dopamine activity in the mesolimbic dopamine system. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2023; 14:129-137. [PMID: 36748012 PMCID: PMC9898071 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Prior studies examining the effects of cocaine on the dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor (Dyn/KOR) system primarily focus on non-contingent cocaine exposure, but the effects of self-administration, which more closely reflects human drug-taking behaviors, are not well studied. In this study we characterized the effects of escalated intravenous cocaine self-administration on the functional state of the Dyn/KOR system and its interaction with mesolimbic dopamine signaling. Rats self-administered cocaine in an extended access, limited intake cocaine procedure, in which animals obtained 40 infusions per day (1.5 mg/kg/inf) for 5 consecutive days to ensure comparable consumption levels. Following single day tests of cue reactivity and progressive ratio responding, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure levels of Oprk and Pdyn transcripts in the ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens. Additionally, after self-administration, ex vivo fast-scan cyclic voltammetry in the NAc was used to examine the ability of the KOR agonist U50,488 to inhibit dopamine release. We found that KOR-induced inhibition of dopamine release was enhanced in animals that self-administered cocaine compared to controls, suggesting upregulated Dyn/KOR activity after cocaine self-administration. Furthermore, expression levels of Pdyn in the nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area, and Oprk in the nucleus accumbens, were elevated in cocaine animals compared to controls. Additionally, Pdyn expression in the nucleus accumbens was negatively correlated with progressive ratio breakpoints, a measure of motivation to self-administer cocaine. Overall, these data suggest that cocaine self-administration elevates KOR/Dyn system activity in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Sara R. Jones
- Correspondence to: Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
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14
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Leconte C, Mongeau R, Noble F. Traumatic Stress-Induced Vulnerability to Addiction: Critical Role of the Dynorphin/Kappa Opioid Receptor System. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:856672. [PMID: 35571111 PMCID: PMC9091501 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.856672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Substance use disorders (SUD) may emerge from an individual’s attempt to limit negative affective states and symptoms linked to stress. Indeed, SUD is highly comorbid with chronic stress, traumatic stress, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and treatments approved for each pathology individually often failed to have a therapeutic efficiency in such comorbid patients. The kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) and its endogenous ligand dynorphin (DYN), seem to play a key role in the occurrence of this comorbidity. The DYN/KOR function is increased either in traumatic stress or during drug use, dependence acquisition and DYN is released during stress. The behavioural effects of stress related to the DYN/KOR system include anxiety, dissociative and depressive symptoms, as well as increased conditioned fear response. Furthermore, the DYN/KOR system is implicated in negative reinforcement after the euphoric effects of a drug of abuse ends. During chronic drug consumption DYN/KOR functions increase and facilitate tolerance and dependence. The drug-seeking behaviour induced by KOR activation can be retrieved either during the development of an addictive behaviour, or during relapse after withdrawal. DYN is known to be one of the most powerful negative modulators of dopamine signalling, notably in brain structures implicated in both reward and fear circuitries. KOR are also acting as inhibitory heteroreceptors on serotonin neurons. Moreover, the DYN/KOR system cross-regulate with corticotropin-releasing factor in the brain. The sexual dimorphism of the DYN/KOR system could be the cause of the gender differences observed in patients with SUD or/and traumatic stress-related pathologies. This review underlies experimental and clinical results emphasizing the DYN/KOR system as common mechanisms shared by SUD or/and traumatic stress-related pathologies, and suggests KOR antagonist as a new pharmacological strategy to treat this comorbidity.
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15
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Vitale EM, Smith AS. Neurobiology of Loneliness, Isolation, and Loss: Integrating Human and Animal Perspectives. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:846315. [PMID: 35464141 PMCID: PMC9029604 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.846315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In social species such as humans, non-human primates, and even many rodent species, social interaction and the maintenance of social bonds are necessary for mental and physical health and wellbeing. In humans, perceived isolation, or loneliness, is not only characterized by physical isolation from peers or loved ones, but also involves negative perceptions about social interactions and connectedness that reinforce the feelings of isolation and anxiety. As a complex behavioral state, it is no surprise that loneliness and isolation are associated with dysfunction within the ventral striatum and the limbic system - brain regions that regulate motivation and stress responsiveness, respectively. Accompanying these neural changes are physiological symptoms such as increased plasma and urinary cortisol levels and an increase in stress responsivity. Although studies using animal models are not perfectly analogous to the uniquely human state of loneliness, studies on the effects of social isolation in animals have observed similar physiological symptoms such as increased corticosterone, the rodent analog to human cortisol, and also display altered motivation, increased stress responsiveness, and dysregulation of the mesocortical dopamine and limbic systems. This review will discuss behavioral and neuropsychological components of loneliness in humans, social isolation in rodent models, and the neurochemical regulators of these behavioral phenotypes with a neuroanatomical focus on the corticostriatal and limbic systems. We will also discuss social loss as a unique form of social isolation, and the consequences of bond disruption on stress-related behavior and neurophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika M. Vitale
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Adam S. Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
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16
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Abraham AD, Casello SM, Land BB, Chavkin C. Optogenetic stimulation of dynorphinergic neurons within the dorsal raphe activate kappa opioid receptors in the ventral tegmental area and ablation of dorsal raphe prodynorphin or kappa receptors in dopamine neurons blocks stress potentiation of cocaine reward. ADDICTION NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 1. [PMID: 36176476 PMCID: PMC9518814 DOI: 10.1016/j.addicn.2022.100005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Behavioral stress exposure increases the risk of drug-taking in individuals with substance use disorders by mechanisms involving the dynorphins, which are the endogenous neuropeptides for the kappa opioid receptor (KOR). KOR agonists have been shown to encode dysphoria, aversion, and changes in reward valuation, and kappa opioid antagonists are in clinical development for treating substance use disorders. In this study, we confirmed that KORs were expressed in dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of male C57BL6/J mice. Genetic ablation of KORs from dopamine neurons blocked the potentiating effects of repeated forced swim stress on cocaine conditioned place preference (CPP). KOR activation inhibited dopamine neuron GCaMP6m calcium activity in VTA during swim stress and caused a rebound enhancement during the period after stress exposure. Transient optogenetic inhibition of VTA dopamine neurons with AAV5-DIO-SwiChR was acutely aversive in a real time place preference assay and blunted cocaine CPP when inhibition was administered concurrently with cocaine conditioning. However, when inhibition preceded cocaine conditioning by 30 min, cocaine CPP was enhanced. Retrograde tracing with CAV2-DIO-ZsGreen identified a population of prodynorphinCre neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) projecting to the VTA. Optogenetic stimulation of dynorphinergic neurons within the DRN by Channelrhodopsin2 activated KOR in VTA and ablation of prodynorphin blocked stress potentiation of cocaine CPP. Together, these studies demonstrate the presence of a dynorphin/KOR midbrain circuit that projects from the DRN to VTA and is involved in altering the dynamic response of dopamine neuron activity to enhance drug reward learning.
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17
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Current Understanding of the Neural Circuitry in the Comorbidity of Chronic Pain and Anxiety. Neural Plast 2022; 2022:4217593. [PMID: 35211169 PMCID: PMC8863453 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4217593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain patients often develop mental disorders, and anxiety disorders are common. We hypothesize that the comorbid anxiety results from an imbalance between the reward and antireward system due to persistent pain, which leads to the dysfunction of the pain and anxiety regulatory system. In this review, we will focus on changes in neuroplasticity, especially in neural circuits, during chronic pain and anxiety as observed in animal studies. Several neural circuits within specific regions of the brain, including the nucleus accumbens, lateral habenular, parabrachial nucleus, medial septum, anterior cingulate cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex, and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, will be discussed based on novel findings after chemogenetic or optogenetic manipulation. We believe that these animal studies provide novel insights into human conditions and can guide clinical practice.
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18
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Estave PM, Spodnick MB, Karkhanis AN. KOR Control over Addiction Processing: An Exploration of the Mesolimbic Dopamine Pathway. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2022; 271:351-377. [PMID: 33301050 PMCID: PMC8192597 DOI: 10.1007/164_2020_421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Drug addiction is a complex, persistent, and chronically relapsing neurological disorder exacerbated by acute and chronic stress. It is well known that the dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system regulates stress perception and responsivity, while the mesolimbic dopamine system plays a role in reward and reinforcement associated with alcohol and substance use disorders. Interestingly, the dopamine and dynorphin/KOR systems are highly integrated in mesolimbic areas, with KOR activation leading to inhibition of dopamine release, further altering the perception of reinforcing and aversive stimuli. Chronic or repeated exposure to stress or drugs potentiates KOR function ultimately contributing to a hypodopaminergic state. This hypodopaminergic state is one of the hallmarks of hyperkatifeia, defined as the hypersensitivity to emotional distress that is exacerbated during drug withdrawal and abstinence. The relationship between stress and drug addiction is bidirectional; repeated/chronic stress promotes pro-addictive behaviors, and repeated cycles of drug exposure and withdrawal, across various drug classes, produces stress. Neuroadaptations driven by this bidirectional relationship ultimately influence the perception of the reinforcing value of rewarding stimuli. In this chapter, we address the involvement of the dopamine and dynorphin/KOR systems and their interactions in shaping reinforcement value processing after drug and stress exposure, as well as a combinatorial impact of both drugs and stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige M Estave
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Mary B Spodnick
- Department of Psychology, Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Center for Developmental and Behavioral Neuroscience, Binghamton University - SUNY, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Anushree N Karkhanis
- Department of Psychology, Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Center for Developmental and Behavioral Neuroscience, Binghamton University - SUNY, Binghamton, NY, USA.
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19
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Shokri-Kojori E, Naganawa M, Ramchandani VA, Wong DF, Wang GJ, Volkow ND. Brain opioid segments and striatal patterns of dopamine release induced by naloxone and morphine. Hum Brain Mapp 2021; 43:1419-1430. [PMID: 34873784 PMCID: PMC8837588 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25733] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioid receptors are expressed throughout the brain and play a major role in regulating striatal dopamine (DA) release. Clinical studies have shown that naloxone (NAL, a nonspecific opioid antagonist) in individuals with opioid use disorder and morphine (MRP, a nonspecific opioid agonist) in healthy controls, resulted in DA release in the dorsal and ventral striatum, respectively. It is not known whether the underlying patterns of striatal DA release are associated with the striatal distribution of opioid receptors. We leveraged previously published PET datasets (collected in independent cohorts) to study the brain‐wide distribution of opioid receptors and to compare striatal opioid receptor availability with striatal DA release patterns. We identified three major gray matter segments based on availability maps of DA and opioid receptors: striatum, and primary and secondary opioid segments with high and intermediate opioid receptor availability, respectively. Patterns of DA release induced by NAL and MRP were inversely associated and correlated with kappa (NAL: r(68) = −0.81, MRP: r(68) = 0.54), and mu (NAL: r(68) = −0.62, MRP: r(68) = 0.46) opioid receptor availability. Kappa opioid receptor availability accounted for a unique part of variance in NAL‐ and MRP‐DA release patterns (ΔR2 >0.14, p <.0001). In sum, distributions of opioid receptors distinguished major cortical and subcortical regions. Patterns of NAL‐ and MRP‐induced DA release had inverse associations with striatal opioid receptor availability. Our approach provides a pattern‐based characterization of drug‐induced DA targets and is relevant for modeling the role of opioid receptors in modulating striatal DA release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Shokri-Kojori
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mika Naganawa
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Vijay A Ramchandani
- Human Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Dean F Wong
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Gene-Jack Wang
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nora D Volkow
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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20
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Stelly CE, Fadok JP. Neurobiology: Novel peptide pathways impact threat discrimination. Curr Biol 2021; 31:R1117-R1119. [PMID: 34637710 PMCID: PMC10885684 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.08.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Discriminating dangerous predictive stimuli from non-threatening stimuli is vital for maintaining optimal behavioral strategies. A new study finds that novel stress-related peptide pathways to the dopaminergic midbrain play a fundamental role in threat generalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E Stelly
- Department of Psychology and Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
| | - Jonathan P Fadok
- Department of Psychology and Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA.
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21
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Abstract
Pain is complex and is a unique experience for individuals in that no two people will have exactly the same physiological and emotional response to the same noxious stimulus or injury. Pain is composed of two essential processes: a sensory component that allows for discrimination of the intensity and location of a painful stimulus and an emotional component that underlies the affective, motivational, unpleasant, and aversive response to a painful stimulus. Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) activation in the periphery and throughout the neuroaxis modulates both of these components of the pain experience. In this chapter we focus on recent findings that KORs contribute to the emotional, aversive nature of chronic pain, including how expression in the limbic circuitry contributes to anhedonic states and components of opioid misuse disorder. While the primary focus is on preclinical pain models, we also highlight clinical or human research where there is strong evidence for KOR involvement in negative affective states associated with chronic pain and opioid misuse.
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22
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Margolis EB, Wallace TL, Van Orden LJ, Martin WJ. Differential effects of novel kappa opioid receptor antagonists on dopamine neurons using acute brain slice electrophysiology. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232864. [PMID: 33373369 PMCID: PMC7771853 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) contributes to the aversive properties of stress, and modulates key neuronal circuits underlying many neurobehavioral disorders. KOR agonists directly inhibit ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopaminergic neurons, contributing to aversive responses (Margolis et al. 2003, 2006); therefore, selective KOR antagonists represent a novel therapeutic approach to restore circuit function. We used whole cell electrophysiology in acute rat midbrain slices to evaluate pharmacological properties of four novel KOR antagonists: BTRX-335140, BTRX-395750, PF-04455242, and JNJ-67953964. Each compound concentration-dependently reduced the outward current induced by the KOR selective agonist U-69,593. BTRX-335140 and BTRX-395750 fully blocked U-69,593 currents (IC50 = 1.2 ± 0.9 and 1.2 ± 1.3 nM, respectively). JNJ-67953964 showed an IC50 of 3.0 ± 4.6 nM. PF-04455242 exhibited partial antagonist activity asymptoting at 55% blockade (IC50 = 6.7 ± 15.1 nM). In 3/8 of neurons, 1 μM PF-04455242 generated an outward current independent of KOR activation. BTRX-335140 (10 nM) did not affect responses to saturating concentrations of the mu opioid receptor (MOR) agonist DAMGO or the delta opioid receptor (DOR) agonist DPDPE, while JNJ-67953964 (10 nM) partially blocked DAMGO and DPDPE responses. Importantly, BTRX-335140 (10 nM) rapidly washed out with complete recovery of U-69,593 responses within 10 min. Collectively, we show electrophysiological evidence of key differences amongst KOR antagonists that could impact their therapeutic potential and have not been observed using recombinant systems. The results of this study demonstrate the value of characterizing compounds in native neuronal tissue and within circuits implicated in the neurobehavioral disorders of interest.
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MESH Headings
- Analgesics, Opioid/pharmacology
- Animals
- Benzamides/pharmacology
- Biphenyl Compounds/pharmacology
- Dopaminergic Neurons/drug effects
- Dopaminergic Neurons/metabolism
- Electrophysiology
- Enkephalin, D-Penicillamine (2,5)-/pharmacology
- Male
- Membrane Potentials/drug effects
- Mesencephalon/metabolism
- Narcotic Antagonists/pharmacology
- Oxadiazoles/pharmacology
- Patch-Clamp Techniques/methods
- Piperidines/pharmacology
- Pyrrolidines/pharmacology
- Quinolines/pharmacology
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/metabolism
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/metabolism
- Sulfonamides/pharmacology
- Ventral Tegmental Area/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Elyssa B. Margolis
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Tanya L. Wallace
- BlackThorn Therapeutics, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | | | - William J. Martin
- BlackThorn Therapeutics, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
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23
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Simmons SC, Shepard RD, Gouty S, Langlois LD, Flerlage WJ, Cox BM, Nugent FS. Early life stress dysregulates kappa opioid receptor signaling within the lateral habenula. Neurobiol Stress 2020; 13:100267. [PMID: 33344720 PMCID: PMC7739170 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The lateral habenula (LHb) is an epithalamic brain region associated with value-based decision making and stress evasion through its modulation of dopamine (DA)-mediated reward circuitry. Specifically, increased activity of the LHb is associated with drug addiction, schizophrenia and stress-related disorders such as depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder. Dynorphin (Dyn)/Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) signaling is a mediator of stress response in reward circuitry. Previously, we have shown that maternal deprivation (MD), a severe early life stress, increases LHb spontaneous neuronal activity and intrinsic excitability while blunting the response of LHb neurons to extrahypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) signaling, another stress mediator. CRF pathways also interact with Dyn/KOR signaling. Surprisingly, there has been little study of direct KOR regulation of the LHb despite its distinct role in stress, reward and aversion processing. To test the functional role of Dyn/KOR signaling in the LHb, we utilized ex-vivo electrophysiology combined with pharmacological tools in rat LHb slices. We show that activation of KORs by a KOR agonist (U50,488) exerted differential effects on the excitability of two distinct sub-populations of LHb neurons that differed in their expression of hyperpolarization-activated cation currents (HCN, Ih). Specifically, KOR stimulation increased neuronal excitability in LHb neurons with large Ih currents (Ih+) while decreasing neuronal excitability in small/negative Ih (Ih-) neurons. We found that an intact fast-synaptic transmission was required for the effects of U50,488 on the excitability of both Ih- and Ih+ LHb neuronal subpopulations. While AMPAR-, GABAAR-, or NMDAR-mediated synaptic transmission alone was sufficient to mediate the effects of U50,488 on excitability of Ih- neurons, either GABAAR- or NMDAR-mediated synaptic transmission could mediate these effects in Ih+ neurons. Consistently, KOR activation also altered both glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic transmission where stimulation of presynaptic KORs uniformly suppressed glutamate release onto LHb neurons while primarily decreased or in some cases increased GABA release. We also found that MD significantly increased immunolabeled Dyn (the endogenous KOR agonist) labeling in neuronal fibers in LHb while significantly decreasing mRNA levels of KORs in LHb tissues compared to those from non-maternally deprived (non-MD) control rats. Moreover, the U50,488-mediated increase in LHb neuronal firing observed in non-MD rats was absent following MD. Altogether, this is the first demonstration of the existence of functional Dyn/KOR signaling in the LHb that can be modulated in response to severe early life stressors such as MD.
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Key Words
- Dynorphin
- Early life stress
- KOR
- Kappa opioid receptor
- Kappa opioid receptor, (KOR)
- LHb
- Lateral habenula
- action potential, (AP)
- adverse childhood experiences, (ACE)
- artificial cerebral spinal fluid, (ACSF)
- corticotropin-releasing factor, (CRF)
- dopamine, (DA)
- dynorphin, (Dyn)
- early life stress, (ELS)
- fastafterhyperpolarization, (fAHP)
- hyperpolarization activated cation current, (HCN, Ih)
- input resistance, (Rin)
- inter-event interval, (IEI)
- maternal deprivation, (MD)
- medium afterhyperpolarization, (mAHP)
- miniature excitatory postsynaptic current, (mEPSC)
- miniature inhibitory postsynaptic current, (mIPSC)
- non-maternally deprived, (non-MD)
- nucleus accumbens, (NAc)
- postnatal age, (PN)
- raphe nuclei, (RN)
- rostromedial tegmental area, (RMTg)
- serotonin, (5HT)
- ventral tegmental area, (VTA)
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C. Simmons
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Ryan D. Shepard
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Shawn Gouty
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Ludovic D. Langlois
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - William J. Flerlage
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Brian M. Cox
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Fereshteh S. Nugent
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
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Vergara F, Sardi NF, Pescador AC, Guaita GO, Jark Stern CA, Chichorro JG, Fischer L. Contribution of mesolimbic dopamine and kappa opioid systems to the transition from acute to chronic pain. Neuropharmacology 2020; 178:108226. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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A projection from the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus to the shell of the nucleus accumbens contributes to footshock stress-induced social avoidance. Neurobiol Stress 2020; 13:100266. [PMID: 33344719 PMCID: PMC7739169 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) is an area of the dorsal midline thalamus that contributes to footshock induced anxiety. The PVT sends a dense projection to the shell of the nucleus accumbens (NAcSh) and the present study explored if this projection is involved in the behavioral changes produced by a single exposure of rats to inescapable footshocks. The inhibitory Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) hM4Di was transduced in PVT neurons that project to the NAcSh. Rats were exposed to an episode of moderately intense footshock (1.5 mA × 2 s × 5) and assigned to either high-responder (HR) or low-responder groups (LR) according to their level of fear generalization 24 h later. The effect of chemogenetic inhibition of the PVT-NAcSh projection on anxiety- and fear-like behaviors was assessed at approximately 2 weeks post-footshock. HR showed a higher level of social avoidance compared to non-shocked animals and LR. The elevated level of social avoidance was attenuated in the HR treated with the hM4Di agonist clozapine (0.01 mg/kg, i.p.) or clozapine N-oxide (CNO) administrations in the NAcSh while avoidance of open spaces and contextual fear expression were not affected. Analysis of protein product of the early to immediate gene cfos indicated that these effects were mediated by dynorphin neurons in the NAcSh. This study provides evidence for a role of a projection from the PVT to the NAcSh in stress-induced social avoidance independent of anxiety to non-social stimuli and contextual fear mechanisms.
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Kappa-opioid receptor-dependent changes in dopamine and anxiety-like or approach-avoidance behavior occur differentially across the nucleus accumbens shell rostro-caudal axis. Neuropharmacology 2020; 181:108341. [PMID: 33011200 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Neural circuit engagement within the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell is implicated in the regulation of both negative and positive affect. Classically, the dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system in the NAc was believed to promote aversion, while dopamine was viewed as interacting with reward behavior, and KOR activation was known to inhibit dopamine release. Recently, however, both the KOR and dopamine systems have, separately, been shown to have differential effects across the rostro-caudal axis of the NAc shell on hedonic responses. Whether or not this is due to interactions between KORs and dopamine, and if it extends to anxiety-like or approach-avoidance behaviors, remains to be determined. In this study, we examined in rats the relationship between the KOR and dopamine systems in both the rostral and caudal NAc shell using ex vivo fast scan cyclic voltammetry and the impact of KOR activation on affective behavior using exploration-based tasks. We report here that activation of KORs in the caudal NAc shell significantly inhibits dopamine release, stimulates rearing behavior in a novel environment, increases anxiety-like or avoidance behavior, and reduces locomotor activity. In contrast, activation of KORs in the rostral NAc shell inhibits dopamine release to a lesser extent and instead reduces anxiety-like behavior or increases approach behavior. Taken together, these results indicate that there is heterogeneity across the rostro-caudal axis of the NAc shell in the effects of KOR stimulation on affective behaviors, and they suggest that this might be due to differences in KOR control over dopamine release.
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Spasov AA, Zvartau EE, Grechko OI, Eliseeva NV, Semenova YV, Dravolina OA, Vasiliev PM, Anisimova VA. Study of aversive and p38 mapk-inhibitory properties of kappa-agonist with analgesic activity – compound RU-1205. RESEARCH RESULTS IN PHARMACOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.3897/rrpharmacology.6.54558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The clinical use of kappa-opioid agonists, despite their lack of significant drug potential, is limited by the development of severe sedation, dysphoria, depression, and anhedonia. To this date, there are kappa-opioid receptor agonists lacking these side effects due to the selective activation of intracellular signal transmission pathways without p38-MAPK-kinase activation.
Materials and methods: We analyzed assessment of the docking energy of compound RU-1205 to the p38-MAPK active center by the method of similarity to SB203580. The study of possible aversive properties of RU-1205 (0.01–1 mg/kg s.c.) conducted in the tests of the intravenous self-administration and drug differentiation with butorphanol (0.01–0.3 mg/kg). The study of p38 MAPK-inhibitory activity was studied by the ability of RU-1205 to change the aversive properties of U50488 (10 mg/kg i.p.) compared to MAPK-kinase inhibitor SB203580 in the conditioned place avoidance test.
Results: The spatial similarity coefficient of the RU-1205 molecule with SB203580 by the molecular conformation method was 1.14 (high similarity), and the docking energy was -8.7 Kcal/mol. RU-1205 did not possess any properties similar to those of butorphanol and did not demonstrate any primary reinforcing aversive properties in the development of intravenous self-administration reaction. Compound RU-1205 did not demonstrate any aversive properties in the conditioned place avoidance test, and reduced the development of aversion caused by U-50488, when they were used together.
Discussion: The in silico analysis suggested that, in addition to agonism towards the kappa-opioid receptor, RU-1205 compound exhibits the properties of a p38 MAPK kinase inhibitor, which means it may have a double pharmacological activity.
Conclusion: Kappa agonist – compound RU-1205 – is not a trigger of the development of behavioral patterns in animals corresponding to the development of addiction/dysphoria. The mechanism of such an activity may be associated with an inhibitory effect of compound RU-1205 on neuronal p38-MAPK-kinase.
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Walters SH, Shu Z, Michael AC, Levitan ES. Regional Variation in Striatal Dopamine Spillover and Release Plasticity. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:888-899. [PMID: 32073248 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent optical observations of dopamine at axon terminals and kinetic modeling of evoked dopamine responses measured by fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) support local restriction of dopamine diffusion at synaptic release sites. Yet, how this diffusion barrier affects synaptic and volume transmission is unknown. Here, a deficiency in a previous kinetic model's fitting of stimulus trains is remedied by replacing an earlier assumption that dopamine transporters (DATs) are present only on the outer side of the diffusion barrier with the assumption that they are present on both sides. This is consistent with the known distribution of DATs, which does not show obvious DAT-free zones proximal to dopamine release sites. A simultaneous multifitting strategy is then shown to enable unique model fits to sets of evoked dopamine FSCV responses acquired in vivo or in brain slices. This data analysis technique permits, for the first time, the calculation of the fraction of dopamine which spills over from what appears to be the perisynaptic space, as well as other parameters such as dopamine release, release plasticity, and uptake. This analysis shows that dopamine's diffusion away from its release sites is remarkably hindered (τ = 5 s), but dopamine responses are rapid because of DAT activity. Furthermore, the new analysis reveals that uptake inhibitors can inhibit dopamine release during a stimulus train, apparently by depleting the releasable pool. It is suggested that ongoing uptake is critical for maintaining ongoing synaptic dopamine release and that the previously reported and also herein claimed increase of the initial dopamine release of some uptake inhibitors might be an important mechanism in addiction. Finally, brain mapping data reveal that the diffusion barrier is conserved, but there are variations in perisynaptic uptake, volume transmission, and release plasticity within the rat striatum. Therefore, an analysis paradigm is developed to quantify previously unmeasured features of brain dopaminergic transmission and to reveal regional functional differences among dopamine synapses.
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Escobar ADP, Casanova JP, Andrés ME, Fuentealba JA. Crosstalk Between Kappa Opioid and Dopamine Systems in Compulsive Behaviors. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:57. [PMID: 32132923 PMCID: PMC7040183 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The strength of goal-oriented behaviors is regulated by midbrain dopamine neurons. Dysfunctions of dopaminergic circuits are observed in drug addiction and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Compulsive behavior is a feature that both disorders share, which is associated to a heightened dopamine neurotransmission. The activity of midbrain dopamine neurons is principally regulated by the homeostatic action of dopamine through D2 receptors (D2R) that decrease the firing of neurons as well as dopamine synthesis and release. Dopamine transmission is also regulated by heterologous neurotransmitter systems such as the kappa opioid system, among others. Much of our current knowledge of the kappa opioid system and its influence on dopamine transmission comes from preclinical animal models of brain diseases. In 1988, using cerebral microdialysis, it was shown that the acute activation of the Kappa Opioid Receptors (KOR) decreases synaptic levels of dopamine in the striatum. This inhibitory effect of KOR opposes to the facilitating influence of drugs of abuse on dopamine release, leading to the proposition of the use of KOR agonists as pharmacological therapy for compulsive drug intake. Surprisingly, 30 years later, KOR antagonists are instead proposed to treat drug addiction. What may have happened during these years that generated this drastic change of paradigm? The collected evidence suggested that the effect of KOR on synaptic dopamine levels is complex, depending on the frequency of KOR activation and timing with other incoming stimuli to dopamine neurons, as well as sex and species differences. Conversely to its acute effect, chronic KOR activation seems to facilitate dopamine neurotransmission and dopamine-mediated behaviors. The opposing actions exerted by acute versus chronic KOR activation have been associated with an initial aversive and a delayed rewarding effect, during the exposure to drugs of abuse. Compulsive behaviors induced by repeated activation of D2R are also potentiated by the sustained co-activation of KOR, which correlates with decreased synaptic levels of dopamine and sensitized D2R. Thus, the time-dependent activation of KOR impacts directly on dopamine levels affecting the tuning of motivated behaviors. This review analyzes the contribution of the kappa opioid system to the dopaminergic correlates of compulsive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélica Del Pilar Escobar
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaíso, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - José Patricio Casanova
- Departamento de Neurociencia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Núcleo Milenio NUMIND Biology of Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - María Estela Andrés
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - José Antonio Fuentealba
- Department of Pharmacy and Interdisciplinary Center of Neuroscience, Faculty of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Stress-induced plasticity and functioning of ventral tegmental dopamine neurons. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 108:48-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Funk D, Coen K, Tamadon S, Lê AD. Effects of the Alpha-1 Antagonist Prazosin on KOR Agonist-Induced Reinstatement of Alcohol Seeking. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2019; 22:724-734. [PMID: 31556948 PMCID: PMC6872965 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyz049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress is associated with relapse to alcohol seeking during abstinence, but the processes underlying this relationship are poorly understood. Noradrenaline is a key transmitter in stress responses and in stress-induced drug seeking. The alpha-1 adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin has been investigated as a treatment for alcoholism and for chronic stress disorders that are frequently comorbid with alcoholism. In rats, we previously showed that prazosin blocks reinstatement of alcohol seeking induced by footshock and yohimbine stressors and reduces yohimbine-induced brain activation. The role of alpha-1 adrenoceptors in reinstatement induced by other stressors is not known. Our most recent work is on the role of kappa opioid receptors in stress-induced reinstatement of alcohol seeking and have reported that the selective kappa opioid receptor agonist U50,488 induces reinstatement and neuronal activation in stress- and relapse-related brain regions. Here we determine the involvement of alpha-1 receptors in reinstatement and brain activation induced by U50,488. METHODS We trained male Long-Evans rats to self-administer alcohol (12% w/v), extinguished alcohol-reinforced responding, and then determined the effects of prazosin (1 mg/kg) on U50,488 (2.5 mg/kg)-induced reinstatement and regional Fos expression. RESULTS Prazosin blocked U50,488-induced reinstatement and decreased U50,488-induced Fos expression in the orbitofrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens core, ventral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, central and basolateral amygdalar nuclei and ventral tegmental area. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that prazosin may reduce U50,488-induced relapse by inhibiting activity in 1 or more of these brain areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Funk
- Neurobiology of Alcohol Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada,Correspondence: Douglas Funk; Neurobiology of Alcohol Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 2S1 ()
| | - Kathleen Coen
- Neurobiology of Alcohol Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sahar Tamadon
- Neurobiology of Alcohol Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - A D Lê
- Neurobiology of Alcohol Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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