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Matzeu A, Martin-Fardon R. Blockade of Orexin Receptors in the Posterior Paraventricular Nucleus of the Thalamus Prevents Stress-Induced Reinstatement of Reward-Seeking Behavior in Rats With a History of Ethanol Dependence. Front Integr Neurosci 2020; 14:599710. [PMID: 33240054 PMCID: PMC7683390 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2020.599710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural systems involved in processing natural rewards and drugs of abuse overlap and exposure to drugs of abuse induce neuroadaptations that can cause compulsive-like behavior. For example, the recruitment of the orexin (Orx) system by drugs of abuse has been proposed to induce neuroadaptations that in turn alter its function, reflected by maladaptive, compulsive, and addictive behavior. Orexin neurons project to the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT)—particularly the posterior part (pPVT), a structure that plays a key role in stress regulation. This study investigated whether Orx transmission in the pPVT plays a role in stress-induced reinstatement of reward-seeking behavior toward ethanol (EtOH) and a highly palatable food reward [sweetened condensed milk (SCM)] in rats and whether this role changes with EtOH dependence. After being trained to orally self-administer EtOH or SCM, the rats were made dependent (EtOHD and SCMD) by chronic intermittent EtOH vapor exposure. The control nondependent groups (EtOHND and SCMND) were exposed to air. Following extinction, the rats were tested for stress-induced reinstatement of EtOH- and SCM-seeking behavior. Stress reinstated EtOH- and SCM-seeking behavior in all groups (EtOHD/ND and SCMD/ND). Administration of the dual Orx receptor (OrxR) antagonist TCS1102 (15 μg) in the pPVT prevented stress-induced reinstatement only in dependent rats (EtOHD and SCMD). In parallel, the qPCR analysis showed that Orx mRNA expression in the hypothalamus and OrxR1/R2 mRNA expression in the pPVT were increased at the time of testing in the EtOHD and SCMD groups. These results are the first to implicate Orx transmission in the pPVT in the stress-induced reinstatement of reward-seeking behavior in EtOH dependent rats and indicate the maladaptive recruitment of Orx transmission in the pPVT by EtOH dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Matzeu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Rémi Martin-Fardon
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
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James MH, Fragale JE, O'Connor SL, Zimmer BA, Aston-Jones G. The orexin (hypocretin) neuropeptide system is a target for novel therapeutics to treat cocaine use disorder with alcohol coabuse. Neuropharmacology 2020; 183:108359. [PMID: 33091458 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
An estimated 50-90% of individuals with cocaine use disorder (CUD) also report using alcohol. Cocaine users report coabusing alcohol to 'self-medicate' against the negative emotional side effects of the cocaine 'crash', including the onset of anxiety. Thus, pharmaceutical strategies to treat CUD would ideally reduce the motivational properties of cocaine, alcohol, and their combination, as well as reduce the onset of anxiety during drug withdrawal. The hypothalamic orexin (hypocretin) neuropeptide system offers a promising target, as orexin neurons are critically involved in activating behavioral and physiological states to respond to both positive and negative motivators. Here, we seek to describe studies demonstrating efficacy of orexin receptor antagonists in reducing cocaine, alcohol- and stress-related behaviors, but note that these studies have largely focused on each of these phenomena in isolation. For orexin-based compounds to be viable in the clinical setting, we argue that it is imperative that their efficacy be tested in animal models that account for polysubstance use patterns. To begin to examine this, we present new data showing that rats' preferred level of cocaine intake is significantly increased following chronic homecage access to alcohol. We also report that cocaine intake and motivation are reduced by a selective orexin-1 receptor antagonist when rats have a history of cocaine + alcohol, but not a limited history of cocaine alone. In light of these proof-of-principle data, we outline what we believe to be the key priorities going forward with respect to further examining the orexin system in models of polysubstance use. This article is part of the special issue on Neurocircuitry Modulating Drug and Alcohol Abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan H James
- Department of Psychiatry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University and Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Brain Health Institute, Rutgers University and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jennifer E Fragale
- Brain Health Institute, Rutgers University and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Shayna L O'Connor
- Department of Psychiatry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University and Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Brain Health Institute, Rutgers University and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Benjamin A Zimmer
- Brain Health Institute, Rutgers University and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Gary Aston-Jones
- Department of Psychiatry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University and Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, Piscataway, NJ, USA; Brain Health Institute, Rutgers University and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
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Moorman DE. The hypocretin/orexin system as a target for excessive motivation in alcohol use disorders. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:1663-1680. [PMID: 29508004 PMCID: PMC5949267 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4871-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The hypocretin/orexin (ORX) system has been repeatedly demonstrated to regulate motivation for drugs of abuse, including alcohol. In particular, ORX seems to be critically involved in highly motivated behaviors, as is observed in high-seeking individuals in a population, in the seeking of highly palatable substances, and in models of dependence. It seems logical that this system could be considered as a potential target for treatment for addiction, particularly alcohol addiction, as ORX pharmacological manipulations significantly reduce drinking. However, the ORX system also plays a role in a wide range of other behaviors, emotions, and physiological functions and is disrupted in a number of non-dependence-associated disorders. It is therefore important to consider how the ORX system might be optimally targeted for potential treatment for alcohol use disorders either in combination with or separate from its role in other functions or diseases. This review will focus on the role of ORX in alcohol-associated behaviors and whether and how this system could be targeted to treat alcohol use disorders while avoiding impacts on other ORX-relevant functions. A brief overview of the ORX system will be followed by a discussion of some of the factors that makes it particularly intriguing as a target for alcohol addiction treatment, a consideration of some potential challenges associated with targeting this system and, finally, some future directions to optimize new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Moorman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Neuroscience and Behavior Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 528 Tobin Hall, 135 Hicks Way, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
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Łupina M, Tarnowski M, Baranowska-Bosiacka I, Talarek S, Listos P, Kotlińska J, Gutowska I, Listos J. SB-334867 (an Orexin-1 Receptor Antagonist) Effects on Morphine-Induced Sensitization in Mice-a View on Receptor Mechanisms. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 55:8473-8485. [PMID: 29557083 PMCID: PMC6153720 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-0993-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The present study focused upon the role of SB-334867, an orexin-1 receptor antagonist, in the acquisition of morphine-induced sensitization to locomotor activity in mice. Behavioral sensitization is an enhanced systemic reaction to the same dose of an addictive substance, which assumingly increases both the desire for the drug and the risk of relapse to addiction. Morphine-induced sensitization in mice was achieved by sporadic doses (five injections every 3 days) of morphine (10 mg/kg, i.p.), while a challenge dose of morphine (10 mg/kg) was injected 7 days later. In order to assess the impact of orexin system blockade on the acquisition of sensitization, SB-334867 was administered before each morphine injection, except the morphine challenge dose. The locomotor activity test was performed on each day of morphine administration. Brain structures (striatum, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex) were collected after behavioral tests for molecular experiments in which mRNA expression of orexin, dopamine, and adenosine receptors was explored by the qRT-PCR technique. Additionally, the mRNA expression of markers, such as GFAP and Iba-1, was also analyzed by the same technique. SB-334867 inhibited the acquisition of morphine-induced sensitization to locomotor activity of mice. Significant alterations were observed in mRNA expression of orexin, dopamine, and adenosine receptors and in the expression of GFAP and Iba-1, showing a broad range of interactions in the mesolimbic system among orexin, dopamine, adenosine, and glial cells during behavioral sensitization. Summing up, the orexin system may be an effective measure to inhibit morphine-induced behavioral sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Łupina
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a St., 20-093, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Maciej Tarnowski
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstańców Wlkp. 72 Av., 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Irena Baranowska-Bosiacka
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstańców Wlkp. 72 Av., 70-111, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Sylwia Talarek
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a St., 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Piotr Listos
- Department and Clinic of Animal Internal Diseases, Sub-Department of Pathomorphology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 30 Av, 20-612, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jolanta Kotlińska
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a St., 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Izabela Gutowska
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Nutrition, Pomeranian Medical University, Broniewskiego 24 Str., 71-460, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Joanna Listos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a St., 20-093, Lublin, Poland
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Anderson RI, Moorman DE, Becker HC. Contribution of Dynorphin and Orexin Neuropeptide Systems to the Motivational Effects of Alcohol. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2018. [PMID: 29526023 DOI: 10.1007/164_2018_100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the neural systems that drive alcohol motivation and are disrupted in alcohol use disorders is of critical importance in developing novel treatments. The dynorphin and orexin/hypocretin neuropeptide systems are particularly relevant with respect to alcohol use and misuse. Both systems are strongly associated with alcohol-seeking behaviors, particularly in cases of high levels of alcohol use as seen in dependence. Furthermore, both systems also play a role in stress and anxiety, indicating that disruption of these systems may underlie long-term homeostatic dysregulation seen in alcohol use disorders. These systems are also closely interrelated with one another - dynorphin/kappa opioid receptors and orexin/hypocretin receptors are found in similar regions and hypocretin/orexin neurons also express dynorphin - suggesting that these two systems may work together in the regulation of alcohol seeking and may be mutually disrupted in alcohol use disorders. This chapter reviews studies demonstrating a role for each of these systems in motivated behavior, with a focus on their roles in regulating alcohol-seeking and self-administration behaviors. Consideration is also given to evidence indicating that these neuropeptide systems may be viable targets for the development of potential treatments for alcohol use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel I Anderson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.,Science and Technology Policy Fellowships, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Washington, DC, USA
| | - David E Moorman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Neuroscience and Behavior Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Howard C Becker
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA. .,Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA. .,Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA. .,Department of Veterans Affairs, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA.
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Abstract
Addiction is a chronic relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and drug taking despite negative consequences. Alcohol abuse and addiction have major social and economic consequences and cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Currently available therapeutics are inadequate, outlining the need for alternative treatments. Detailed knowledge of the neurocircuitry and brain chemistry responsible for aberrant behavior patterns should enable the development of novel pharmacotherapies to treat addiction. Therefore it is important to expand our knowledge and understanding of the neural pathways and mechanisms involved in alcohol seeking and abuse. The orexin (hypocretin) neuropeptide system is an attractive target, given the recent FDA and PMDA approval of suvorexant for the treatment of insomnia. Orexin is synthesized exclusively in neurons located in the lateral (LH), perifornical (PEF), and dorsal medial (DMH) hypothalamus. These neurons project widely throughout the neuraxis with regulatory roles in a wide range of behavioral and physiological responses, including sleep-wake cycle neuroendocrine regulation, anxiety, feeding behavior, and reward seeking. Here we summarize the literature to date, which have evaluated the interplay between alcohol and the orexin system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh C Walker
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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Barson JR, Leibowitz SF. Hypothalamic neuropeptide signaling in alcohol addiction. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2016; 65:321-9. [PMID: 25689818 PMCID: PMC4537397 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2015.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Revised: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamus is now known to regulate alcohol intake in addition to its established role in food intake, in part through neuromodulatory neurochemicals termed neuropeptides. Certain orexigenic neuropeptides act in the hypothalamus to promote alcohol drinking, although they affect different aspects of the drinking response. These neuropeptides, which include galanin, the endogenous opioid enkephalin, and orexin/hypocretin, appear to stimulate alcohol intake not only through mechanisms that promote food intake but also by enhancing reward and reinforcement from alcohol. Moreover, these neuropeptides participate in a positive feedback relationship with alcohol, whereby they are upregulated by alcohol intake to promote even further consumption. They contrast with other orexigenic neuropeptides, such as melanin-concentrating hormone and neuropeptide Y, which promote alcohol intake under limited circumstances, are not consistently stimulated by alcohol, and do not enhance reward. They also contrast with neuropeptides that can be anorexigenic, including the endogenous opioid dynorphin, corticotropin-releasing factor, and melanocortins, which act in the hypothalamus to inhibit alcohol drinking as well as reward and therefore counter the ingestive drive promoted by orexigenic neuropeptides. Thus, while multiple hypothalamic neuropeptides may work together to regulate different aspects of the alcohol drinking response, excessive signaling from orexigenic neuropeptides or inadequate signaling from anorexigenic neuropeptides can therefore allow alcohol drinking to become dysregulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R. Barson
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, Box 278, New York, NY, 10065 USA
| | - Sarah F. Leibowitz
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, Box 278, New York, NY, 10065 USA
,Corresponding author at: Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, Box 278, New York, NY, 10065 USA. Tel.: +1 212 327 8378; fax: +1 212 327 8447
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Effect of fendiline on the maintenance and expression of methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference in Sprague-Dawley rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:2019-29. [PMID: 24264565 PMCID: PMC3988275 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-013-3347-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Fendiline is a GABAB receptor-positive allosteric modulator and L-type Ca²⁺ channel blocker that is safe for human use. Based on these pharmacological properties, fendiline may be useful to disrupt associative memories that can drive relapse to drug use in drug-addicted individuals OBJECTIVE The current study evaluated the potential of fendiline to inhibit the maintenance and expression of learned associations between methamphetamine (meth) and an environmental context using conditioned place preference (CPP) in rats, to model for the associative learning that occurs during drug abuse by humans METHODS Following meth conditioning (1 mg/kg), fendiline (5 mg/kg) was administered at various post-conditioning times to ascertain if there was a temporal window during which fendiline would be effective. RESULTS Two once-daily injections of fendiline did not influence the maintenance of CPP regardless of the post-conditioning treatment time while 10 once-daily fendiline treatments inhibited CPP maintenance (p < 0.05). Fendiline administered immediately prior to the CPP test inhibited expression of meth-induced CPP in rats with a fendiline treatment history of 10 once-daily injections (p < 0.05) or those that received two injections that corresponded to the last 2 days of the 10-day treatment (p < 0.05). Fendiline did not produce preference or aversion on its own, nor did it alter motivated motor behavior. CONCLUSION Maintenance and expression of meth CPP is mitigated by repeated fendiline treatments when administered during the days that precede CPP testing. Reduction in the significance of meth-associated cues can reduce relapse; therefore, fendiline may be of value for addiction therapy in abstinent, meth-addicted humans.
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