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Sturaro C, Ruzza C, Ferrari F, Pola P, Argentieri M, Frezza A, Marzola E, Bettegazzi B, Cattaneo S, Pietra C, Malfacini D, Calò G. In vitro pharmacological characterization of growth hormone secretagogue receptor ligands using the dynamic mass redistribution and calcium mobilization assays. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 981:176880. [PMID: 39128804 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Ghrelin modulates several biological functions via selective activation of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). GHSR agonists may be useful for the treatment of anorexia and cachexia, while antagonists and inverse agonists may represent new drugs for the treatment of metabolic and substance use disorders. Thus, the identification and pharmacodynamic characterization of new GHSR ligands is of high interest. In the present work the label-free dynamic mass redistribution (DMR) assay has been used to evaluate the pharmacological activity of a panel of GHSR ligands. This includes the endogenous peptides ghrelin, desacyl-ghrelin and LEAP2(1-14). Among synthetic compounds, the agonists anamorelin and HM01, the antagonists HM04 and YIL-781, and the inverse agonist PF-05190457 have been tested, together with HM03, R011, and H1498 from patent literature. The DMR results have been compared to those obtained in parallel experiments with the calcium mobilization assay. Ghrelin, anamorelin, HM01, and HM03 behaved as potent full GHSR agonists. YIL-781 behaved as a partial GHSR agonist and R011 as antagonist in both the assays. LEAP2(1-14) resulted a GHSR inverse agonist in DMR but not in calcium mobilization assay. PF-05190457, HM04, and H1498 behaved as GHSR inverse agonists in DMR experiments, while they acted as antagonists in calcium mobilization studies. In conclusion, this study provided a systematic pharmacodynamic characterization of several GHSR ligands in two different pharmacological assays. It demonstrated that the DMR assay can be successfully used particularly to discriminate between antagonists and inverse agonists. This study may be useful for the selection of the most appropriate compounds to be used in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Sturaro
- U.O. Neurological Clinic of the University Hospital of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, Technopole of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Federica Ferrari
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pietro Pola
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michela Argentieri
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessia Frezza
- U.O. Neurological Clinic of the University Hospital of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Erika Marzola
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calò
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Italy
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Pierce-Messick ZJ, Brink AK, Anna Vo T, Corbit LH. Ghrelin receptor antagonism and satiety attenuate Pavlovian-instrumental transfer. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2024; 207:107864. [PMID: 38000462 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2023.107864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Animals rely on learned cues to guide their behaviour for rewards such as food. The Pavlovian-instrumental transfer (PIT) task can be used to investigate the influence of Pavlovian stimuli on instrumental responding. Ghrelin, an orexigenic peptide, and its receptor, growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1A (GHS-R1A), has received growing interest for its role in reward-motivated learning and behaviours. A significant population of GHS-R1A have been identified within the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a critical node in the mesolimbic reward circuit that is necessary for the expression of PIT. As ghrelin has been found to increase dopaminergic activity in the VTA, we predicted that GHS-R1A antagonism with JMV-2959 would attenuate PIT. Further, given the relationship between hunger levels and changes in ghrelin signalling, we sought to compare the effects GHS-R1A antagonism with those of satiety, hypothesizing parallel effects, with each attenuating PIT. Rats received daily sessions of Pavlovian and then instrumental training over 3 weeks. Across three experiments, we examined the effects of a shift to satiety, or treatment with the GHS-R1A antagonist JMV-2959, either peripherally or directly into the VTA. We found that presentations of a stimulus paired with food reward enhanced responding for food across all conditions, thus demonstrating the expected PIT effect. Further, GHS-R1A antagonism, both peripherally and within the VTA, as well as satiety significantly reduced the magnitude of the PIT effect compared to control conditions. These results clarify our understanding of ghrelin signalling in PIT and begin to elucidate the role of feeding-related peptides in the modulation of reward-related responding.
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Merritt CR, Garcia EJ, Brehm VD, Fox RG, Moeller FG, Anastasio NC, Cunningham KA. Ghrelin receptor antagonist JMV2959 blunts cocaine and oxycodone drug-seeking, but not self-administration, in male rats. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1268366. [PMID: 37795028 PMCID: PMC10545966 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1268366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The drug overdose crisis has spawned serious health consequences, including the increased incidence of substance use disorders (SUDs), conditions manifested by escalating medical and psychological impairments. While medication management is a key adjunct in SUD treatment, this crisis has crystallized the need to develop additional therapeutics to facilitate extended recovery from SUDs. The "hunger hormone" ghrelin acts by binding to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1α (GHS1αR) to control homeostatic and hedonic aspects of food intake and has been implicated in the mechanisms underlying SUDs. Preclinical studies indicate that GHS1αR antagonists and inverse agonists suppress reward-related signaling associated with cocaine and opioids. In the present study, we found that the GHS1αR antagonist JMV2959 was efficacious to suppress both cue-reinforced cocaine and oxycodone drug-seeking, but not cocaine or oxycodone self-administration in male Sprague-Dawley rats. These data suggest a role of the ghrelin-GHS1αR axis in mediating overlapping reward-related aspects of cocaine and oxycodone and premises the possibility that a GHS1αR antagonist may be a valuable therapeutic strategy for relapse vulnerability in SUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina R. Merritt
- Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, John Sealy School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Erik J. Garcia
- Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, John Sealy School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Victoria D. Brehm
- Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, John Sealy School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Robert G. Fox
- Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, John Sealy School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - F. Gerard Moeller
- C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Departments of Psychiatry and Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Noelle C. Anastasio
- Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, John Sealy School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Kathryn A. Cunningham
- Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, John Sealy School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
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Passeri A, Municchi D, Cavalieri G, Babicola L, Ventura R, Di Segni M. Linking drug and food addiction: an overview of the shared neural circuits and behavioral phenotype. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1240748. [PMID: 37767338 PMCID: PMC10520727 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1240748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite a lack of agreement on its definition and inclusion as a specific diagnosable disturbance, the food addiction construct is supported by several neurobiological and behavioral clinical and preclinical findings. Recognizing food addiction is critical to understanding how and why it manifests. In this overview, we focused on those as follows: 1. the hyperpalatable food effects in food addiction development; 2. specific brain regions involved in both food and drug addiction; and 3. animal models highlighting commonalities between substance use disorders and food addiction. Although results collected through animal studies emerged from protocols differing in several ways, they clearly highlight commonalities in behavioral manifestations and neurobiological alterations between substance use disorders and food addiction characteristics. To develop improved food addiction models, this heterogeneity should be acknowledged and embraced so that research can systematically investigate the role of specific variables in the development of the different behavioral features of addiction-like behavior in preclinical models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Passeri
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology and Center “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Diana Municchi
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology and Center “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Cavalieri
- Department of Psychology and Center “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Rossella Ventura
- Department of Psychology and Center “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS San Raffaele, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Di Segni
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology and Center “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Geisler CE, Hayes MR. Metabolic hormone action in the VTA: Reward-directed behavior and mechanistic insights. Physiol Behav 2023; 268:114236. [PMID: 37178855 PMCID: PMC10330780 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunctional signaling in midbrain reward circuits perpetuates diseases characterized by compulsive overconsumption of rewarding substances such as substance abuse, binge eating disorder, and obesity. Ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopaminergic activity serves as an index for how rewarding stimuli are perceived and triggers behaviors necessary to obtain future rewards. The evolutionary linking of reward with seeking and consuming palatable foods ensured an organism's survival, and hormone systems that regulate appetite concomitantly developed to regulate motivated behaviors. Today, these same mechanisms serve to regulate reward-directed behavior around food, drugs, alcohol, and social interactions. Understanding how hormonal regulation of VTA dopaminergic output alters motivated behaviors is essential to leveraging therapeutics that target these hormone systems to treat addiction and disordered eating. This review will outline our current understanding of the mechanisms underlying VTA action of the metabolic hormones ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide-1, amylin, leptin, and insulin to regulate behavior around food and drugs of abuse, highlighting commonalities and differences in how these five hormones ultimately modulate VTA dopamine signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E Geisler
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Matthew R Hayes
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Engel JA, Pålsson E, Vallöf D, Jerlhag E. Ghrelin activates the mesolimbic dopamine system via nitric oxide associated mechanisms in the ventral tegmental area. Nitric Oxide 2023; 131:1-7. [PMID: 36513266 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Besides enhanced feeding, the orexigenic peptide ghrelin activates the mesolimbic dopamine system to cause reward as measured by locomotor stimulation, dopamine release in nucleus accumbens shell (NAcS), and conditioned place preference. Although the ventral tegmental area (VTA) appears to be a central brain region for this ghrelin-reward, the underlying mechanisms within this area are unknown. The findings that the gaseous neurotransmitter nitric oxide (NO) modulate the ghrelin enhanced feeding, led us to hypothesize that ghrelin increases NO levels in the VTA, and thereby stimulates reward-related behaviors. We initially demonstrated that inhibition of NO synthesis blocked the ghrelin-induced activation of the mesolimbic dopamine system. We then established that antagonism of downstream signaling of NO in the VTA, namely sGC, prevents the ability of ghrelin to stimulate the mesolimbic dopamine system. The association of ghrelin to NO was further strengthened by in vivo electrochemical recordings showing that ghrelin enhances the NO release in the VTA. Besides a GABAB -receptor agonist, known to reduce NO and cGMP, blocks the stimulatory properties of ghrelin. The present series of experiments reveal that ablated NO signaling, through pharmacologically inhibiting the production of NO and/or cGMP, prevents the ability of ghrelin to induced reward-related behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörgen A Engel
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Pharmacology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Erik Pålsson
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Neurochemistry and Psychiatry, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Daniel Vallöf
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Pharmacology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Jerlhag
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Pharmacology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Jerlhag E. Animal studies reveal that the ghrelin pathway regulates alcohol-mediated responses. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1050973. [PMID: 36970276 PMCID: PMC10030715 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1050973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is often described as repeated phases of binge drinking, compulsive alcohol-taking, craving for alcohol during withdrawal, and drinking with an aim to a reduce the negative consequences. Although multifaceted, alcohol-induced reward is one aspect influencing the former three of these. The neurobiological mechanisms regulating AUD processes are complex and one of these systems is the gut-brain peptide ghrelin. The vast physiological properties of ghrelin are mediated via growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR, ghrelin receptor). Ghrelin is well known for its ability to control feeding, hunger, and metabolism. Moreover, ghrelin signaling appears central for alcohol-mediated responses; findings reviewed herein. In male rodents GHSR antagonism reduces alcohol consumption, prevents relapse drinking, and attenuates the motivation to consume alcohol. On the other hand, ghrelin increases the consumption of alcohol. This ghrelin-alcohol interaction is also verified to some extent in humans with high alcohol consumption. In addition, either pharmacological or genetic suppression of GHSR decreases several alcohol-related effects (behavioral or neurochemical). Indeed, this suppression blocks the alcohol-induced hyperlocomotion and dopamine release in nucleus accumbens as well as ablates the alcohol reward in the conditioned place preference model. Although not fully elucidated, this interaction appears to involve areas central for reward, such as the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and brain nodes targeted by VTA projections. As reviewed briefly, the ghrelin pathway does not only modulate alcohol-mediated effects, it regulates reward-related behaviors induced by addictive drugs. Although personality traits like impulsivity and risk-taking behaviors are common in patients with AUD, the role of the ghrelin pathway thereof is unknown and remains to be studied. In summary, the ghrelin pathway regulates addiction processes like AUD and therefore the possibility that GHSR antagonism reduces alcohol or drug-taking should be explored in randomized clinical trials.
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Involvement of the ghrelin system in the maintenance and reinstatement of cocaine-motivated behaviors: a role of adrenergic action at peripheral β1 receptors. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:1449-1460. [PMID: 34923576 PMCID: PMC9206024 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01249-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine addiction is a significant medical and public concern. Despite decades of research effort, development of pharmacotherapy for cocaine use disorder remains largely unsuccessful. This may be partially due to insufficient understanding of the complex biological mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of this disorder. In the present study, we show that: (1) elevation of ghrelin by cocaine plays a critical role in maintenance of cocaine self-administration and cocaine-seeking motivated by cocaine-conditioned stimuli; (2) acquisition of cocaine-taking behavior is associated with the acquisition of stimulatory effects of cocaine by cocaine-conditioned stimuli on ghrelin secretion, and with an upregulation of ghrelin receptor mRNA levels in the ventral tegmental area (VTA); (3) blockade of ghrelin signaling by pretreatment with JMV2959, a selective ghrelin receptor antagonist, dose-dependently inhibits reinstatement of cocaine-seeking triggered by either cocaine or yohimbine in behaviorally extinguished animals with a history of cocaine self-administration; (4) JMV2959 pretreatment also inhibits brain stimulation reward (BSR) and cocaine-potentiated BSR maintained by optogenetic stimulation of VTA dopamine neurons in DAT-Cre mice; (5) blockade of peripheral adrenergic β1 receptors by atenolol potently attenuates the elevation in circulating ghrelin induced by cocaine and inhibits cocaine self-administration and cocaine reinstatement triggered by cocaine. These findings demonstrate that the endogenous ghrelin system plays an important role in cocaine-related addictive behaviors and suggest that manipulating and targeting this system may be viable for mitigating cocaine use disorder.
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Giorgioni G, Del Bello F, Quaglia W, Botticelli L, Cifani C, Micioni Di Bonaventura E, Micioni Di Bonaventura MV, Piergentili A. Advances in the Development of Nonpeptide Small Molecules Targeting Ghrelin Receptor. J Med Chem 2022; 65:3098-3118. [PMID: 35157454 PMCID: PMC8883476 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c02191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin is an octanoylated peptide acting by the activation of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor, namely, GHS-R1a. The involvement of ghrelin in several physiological processes, including stimulation of food intake, gastric emptying, body energy balance, glucose homeostasis, reduction of insulin secretion, and lipogenesis validates the considerable interest in GHS-R1a as a promising target for the treatment of numerous disorders. Over the years, several GHS-R1a ligands have been identified and some of them have been extensively studied in clinical trials. The recently resolved structures of GHS-R1a bound to ghrelin or potent ligands have provided useful information for the design of new GHS-R1a drugs. This perspective is focused on the development of recent nonpeptide small molecules acting as GHS-R1a agonists, antagonists, and inverse agonists, bearing classical or new molecular scaffolds, as well as on radiolabeled GHS-R1a ligands developed for imaging. Moreover, the pharmacological effects of the most studied ligands have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfabio Giorgioni
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Fabio Del Bello
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Wilma Quaglia
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Luca Botticelli
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Carlo Cifani
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - E Micioni Di Bonaventura
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - M V Micioni Di Bonaventura
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Alessandro Piergentili
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy
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Sustkova-Fiserova M, Charalambous C, Khryakova A, Certilina A, Lapka M, Šlamberová R. The Role of Ghrelin/GHS-R1A Signaling in Nonalcohol Drug Addictions. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:761. [PMID: 35054944 PMCID: PMC8776007 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug addiction causes constant serious health, social, and economic burden within the human society. The current drug dependence pharmacotherapies, particularly relapse prevention, remain limited, unsatisfactory, unreliable for opioids and tobacco, and even symptomatic for stimulants and cannabinoids, thus, new more effective treatment strategies are researched. The antagonism of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor type A (GHS-R1A) has been recently proposed as a novel alcohol addiction treatment strategy, and it has been intensively studied in experimental models of other addictive drugs, such as nicotine, stimulants, opioids and cannabinoids. The role of ghrelin signaling in these drugs effects has also been investigated. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of preclinical and clinical studies focused on ghrelin's/GHS-R1A possible involvement in these nonalcohol addictive drugs reinforcing effects and addiction. Although the investigation is still in its early stage, majority of the existing reviewed experimental results from rodents with the addition of few human studies, that searched correlations between the genetic variations of the ghrelin signaling or the ghrelin blood content with the addictive drugs effects, have indicated the importance of the ghrelin's/GHS-R1As involvement in the nonalcohol abused drugs pro-addictive effects. Further research is necessary to elucidate the exact involved mechanisms and to verify the future potential utilization and safety of the GHS-R1A antagonism use for these drug addiction therapies, particularly for reducing the risk of relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Sustkova-Fiserova
- Department of Pharmacology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruska 87, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (C.C.); (A.K.); (A.C.); (M.L.)
| | - Chrysostomos Charalambous
- Department of Pharmacology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruska 87, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (C.C.); (A.K.); (A.C.); (M.L.)
| | - Anna Khryakova
- Department of Pharmacology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruska 87, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (C.C.); (A.K.); (A.C.); (M.L.)
| | - Alina Certilina
- Department of Pharmacology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruska 87, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (C.C.); (A.K.); (A.C.); (M.L.)
| | - Marek Lapka
- Department of Pharmacology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruska 87, 100 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (C.C.); (A.K.); (A.C.); (M.L.)
| | - Romana Šlamberová
- Department of Physiology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ke Karlovu 4, 120 00 Prague, Czech Republic;
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Shevchouk OT, Tufvesson-Alm M, Jerlhag E. An Overview of Appetite-Regulatory Peptides in Addiction Processes; From Bench to Bed Side. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:774050. [PMID: 34955726 PMCID: PMC8695496 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.774050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a substantial need for new pharmacological treatments of addiction, and appetite-regulatory peptides are implied as possible candidates. Appetite regulation is complex and involves anorexigenic hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and amylin, and orexigenic peptides like ghrelin and all are well-known for their effects on feeding behaviors. This overview will summarize more recent physiological aspects of these peptides, demonstrating that they modulate various aspects of addiction processes. Findings from preclinical, genetic, and experimental clinical studies exploring the association between appetite-regulatory peptides and the acute or chronic effects of addictive drugs will be introduced. Short or long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonists independently attenuate the acute rewarding properties of addictive drugs or reduce the chronic aspects of drugs. Genetic variation of the GLP-1 system is associated with alcohol use disorder. Also, the amylin pathway modulates the acute and chronic behavioral responses to addictive drugs. Ghrelin has been shown to activate reward-related behaviors. Moreover, ghrelin enhances, whereas pharmacological or genetic suppression of the ghrelin receptor attenuates the responses to various addictive drugs. Genetic studies and experimental clinical studies further support the associations between ghrelin and addiction processes. Further studies should explore the mechanisms modulating the ability of appetite-regulatory peptides to reduce addiction, and the effects of combination therapies or different diets on substance use are warranted. In summary, these studies provide evidence that appetite-regulatory peptides modulate reward and addiction processes, and deserve to be investigated as potential treatment target for addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olesya T Shevchouk
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maximilian Tufvesson-Alm
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Jerlhag
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Colvin KJ, Killen HS, Kanter MJ, Halperin MC, Engel L, Dickinson MB, Fimmel AI, Holland JG, Currie PJ. Differential effects of intra-ventral tegmental area ghrelin and glucagon-like peptide-1 on the stimulatory action of D-amphetamine and cocaine-induced ethanol intake in male Sprague Dawley rats. Behav Brain Res 2021; 421:113726. [PMID: 34954300 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In order to further elucidate the role of mesolimbic peptides in the expression of ethanol reward, the present study investigated the effects of ghrelin and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) on ethanol intake, in addition to ethanol intake stimulated by systemic d-amphetamine or cocaine treatment. While a number of studies suggest that ghrelin plays an important role in mesolimbic reward, emerging data now indicate that GLP-1 receptor mechanisms inhibit reward signaling, possibly by directly or indirectly inhibiting ghrelinergic activity within the mesolimbic system. In the present study all rats were initially habituated to a 6% ethanol solution. We then demonstrated that intraperitoneal injections of d-amphetamine and cocaine increased ethanol intake compared to the vehicle condition. In subsequent testing we examined the effects of ventral tegmental area (VTA) ghrelin or vehicle paired with a fixed dose of d-amphetamine or vehicle. In separate rats we then investigated the impact of the GLP-1 agonist exendin-4 (Ex-4), injected into the VTA, on ethanol intake alone, or when Ex-4 was co-administered with d-amphetamine or cocaine. Our results indicated that VTA ghrelin significantly increased ethanol intake, and most importantly, potentiated the effect of d-amphetamine and cocaine on ethanol consumption. Conversely, VTA Ex-4 inhibited ethanol intake and antagonized the stimulatory effect of d-amphetamine and cocaine on ethanol consumption. In a final study we further demonstrated that VTA Ex-4 treatment significantly inhibited the combined stimulatory effects of ghrelin paired with d-amphetamine or ghrelin paired with cocaine. Overall our findings are consistent with a critical role for both ghrelin and GLP-1 receptor mechanisms in mesolimbic ethanol reward circuitry. Moreover, our results further suggest that ghrelin and GLP-1 modulate the stimulatory effect of psychostimulants on ethanol intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla J Colvin
- Department of Psychology, Reed College, 3203 SE Woodstock Blvd., Portland, OR 97202, USA
| | - Henry S Killen
- Department of Psychology, Reed College, 3203 SE Woodstock Blvd., Portland, OR 97202, USA
| | - Maxwell J Kanter
- Department of Psychology, Reed College, 3203 SE Woodstock Blvd., Portland, OR 97202, USA
| | - Maximilian C Halperin
- Department of Psychology, Reed College, 3203 SE Woodstock Blvd., Portland, OR 97202, USA
| | - Liv Engel
- Department of Psychology, Reed College, 3203 SE Woodstock Blvd., Portland, OR 97202, USA
| | - Matthew B Dickinson
- Department of Psychology, Reed College, 3203 SE Woodstock Blvd., Portland, OR 97202, USA
| | - Anna I Fimmel
- Department of Psychology, Reed College, 3203 SE Woodstock Blvd., Portland, OR 97202, USA
| | - James G Holland
- Department of Psychology, Reed College, 3203 SE Woodstock Blvd., Portland, OR 97202, USA
| | - Paul J Currie
- Department of Psychology, Reed College, 3203 SE Woodstock Blvd., Portland, OR 97202, USA.
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13
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Contribution of growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) signaling in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the regulation of social motivation in male mice. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:230. [PMID: 33879778 PMCID: PMC8058340 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01350-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Most psychiatric disorders are characterized by deficits in the ability to interact socially with others. Ghrelin, a hormone normally associated with the regulation of glucose utilization and appetite, is also implicated in the modulation of motivated behaviors including those associated with food and sex rewards. Here we hypothesized that deficits in ghrelin receptor (growth hormone secretagogue receptor; GHSR) signaling are also associated with deficits in social motivation in male mice. To test this hypothesis, we compared social motivation in male mice lacking GHSR or mice treated with the GHSR antagonist JMV2959 with that of WT or vehicle-treated mice. GHSR signaling in dopamine cells of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) has been implicated in the control of sexual behavior, thus we further hypothesized that GHSR signaling in the VTA is important for social motivation. Thus, we conducted studies where we delivered JMV2959 to block GHSR in the VTA of mice, and studies where we rescued the expression of GHSR in the VTA of GHSR knockout (KO) mice. Mice lacking GHSR or injected with JMV2959 peripherally for 3 consecutive days displayed lower social motivation as reflected by a longer latency to approach a novel conspecific and shorter interaction time compared to WT or vehicle-treated controls. Furthermore, intra-VTA infusion of JMV2959 resulted in longer latencies to approach a novel conspecific, whereas GHSR KO mice with partial rescue of the GHSR showed decreased latencies to begin a novel social interaction. Together, these data suggest that GHSR in the VTA facilitate social approach in male mice, and GHSR-signaling deficits within the VTA result in reduced motivation to interact socially.
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14
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Verdejo-Garcia A, Crossin R. Nutritional and metabolic alterations arising from stimulant use: A targeted review of an emerging field. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 120:303-306. [PMID: 33188822 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
People with stimulant use disorders are usually underweight. Current accepted knowledge is that they are skinny because stimulants suppress appetite - they eat less. But is it that simple? Here we review the relationship between stimulant use, food intake, metabolism and body weight, and highlight key points that may challenge current knowledge: 1) Stimulants interact with the hormonal signals that regulate appetite including ghrelin and leptin, and can produce long-term alterations in the ability to monitor and compensate energy deficits. 2) The diet of people with stimulant use disorders might be characterised by altered nutritional geometry, rather than overall reduction of food intake. 3) Long-term changes in homeostatic signals and nutrient intake can produce metabolic deficits that contribute to unhealthy low weight. Based on this knowledge we advocate for increasing awareness about the nuances of stimulant-related nutritional and metabolic deficits among addiction clinicians, and increased research on the interaction between stimulant use, appetite signaling, and metabolic deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rose Crossin
- Department of Population Health, University of Otago, New Zealand; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Australia
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15
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Cornejo MP, Mustafá ER, Barrile F, Cassano D, De Francesco PN, Raingo J, Perello M. THE INTRIGUING LIGAND-DEPENDENT AND LIGAND-INDEPENDENT ACTIONS OF THE GROWTH HORMONE SECRETAGOGUE RECEPTOR ON REWARD-RELATED BEHAVIORS. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 120:401-416. [PMID: 33157147 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) is a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) highly expressed in the brain, and also in some peripheral tissues. GHSR activity is evoked by the stomach-derived peptide hormone ghrelin and abrogated by the intestine-derived liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2). In vitro, GHSR displays ligand-independent actions, including a high constitutive activity and an allosteric modulation of other GPCRs. Beyond its neuroendocrine and metabolic effects, cumulative evidence shows that GHSR regulates the activity of the mesocorticolimbic pathway and modulates complex reward-related behaviors towards different stimuli. Here, we review current evidence indicating that ligand-dependent and ligand-independent actions of GHSR enhance reward-related behaviors towards appetitive stimuli and drugs of abuse. We discuss putative neuronal networks and molecular mechanisms that GHSR would engage to modulate such reward-related behaviors. Finally, we briefly discuss imaging studies showing that ghrelin would also regulate reward processing in humans. Overall, we conclude that GHSR is a key regulator of the mesocorticolimbic pathway that influences its activity and, consequently, modulates reward-related behaviors via ligand-dependent and ligand-independent actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- María P Cornejo
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA). National University of La Plata], 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Emilio R Mustafá
- Laboratory of Electrophysiology of the IMBICE, 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Franco Barrile
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA). National University of La Plata], 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniela Cassano
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA). National University of La Plata], 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo N De Francesco
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA). National University of La Plata], 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jesica Raingo
- Laboratory of Electrophysiology of the IMBICE, 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mario Perello
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA). National University of La Plata], 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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