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Gallegos E, Ascona M, Monroy J, Castro-Manrreza ME, Aragón-Martínez A, Ayala ME. p-Chloroamphetamine decreases serotonin and induces apoptosis in granulosa cells and follicular atresia in prepubertal female rats. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 110:150-160. [PMID: 35460820 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.04.006] [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: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Amphetamine derivatives negatively impact serotonin (5-HT) production, which triggers apoptosis in different tissues, depending on the receptor they bind. 5-HT in the ovary stimulates estradiol secretion, a survival factor of granulosa cells. The effect of amphetamine derivatives on the serotonergic system of the ovary and follicular development is unknown. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of p-chloroamphetamine (pCA), derived from amphetamines, on estradiol production, follicular development, apoptosis of granulosa cells, and serotonin 5-HT7 receptor (R5-HT7) expression. Female rats (30 days old) were injected with 10mg/kg of pCA intraperitoneally and were euthanized 48 or 120h after treatment. The concentration of 5-HT in the hypothalamus decreased at 48 and 120h after treatment and in the ovary at 120h. The serum concentration of estradiol decreased at all times studied. Follicular atresia, TUNEL-positive (apoptotic) granulosa cells and Bax expression were elevated by pCA, but none of these effects was associated with R5-HT7 expression. These results suggest that pCA induces the dysregulation of the serotonergic system in the hypothalamus and the ovary, negatively impacting estradiol production and follicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloir Gallegos
- Laboratorio de Pubertad, Unidad Multidisciplinaria de Investigación, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 9-020, C.P. 15000, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Marisol Ascona
- Laboratorio de Pubertad, Unidad Multidisciplinaria de Investigación, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 9-020, C.P. 15000, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Juana Monroy
- Laboratorio de Pubertad, Unidad Multidisciplinaria de Investigación, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 9-020, C.P. 15000, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Marta Elena Castro-Manrreza
- Laboratorio de Inmunología y Células Madre, Unidad Multidisciplinaria de Investigación, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 9-020, C.P. 15000, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Andrés Aragón-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Gametos y Desarrollo tecnológico, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, C.P. 54090, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - María Elena Ayala
- Laboratorio de Pubertad, Unidad Multidisciplinaria de Investigación, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, AP 9-020, C.P. 15000, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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2
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Li IH, Shih JH, Yeh TY, Lin HC, Chen MH, Huang YS. Lysosomal Dysfunction and Autophagy Blockade Contribute to MDMA-Induced Neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells. Chem Res Toxicol 2020; 33:903-914. [PMID: 32186374 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.9b00437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a psychostimulant with high abuse potential and severe neurotoxicity. According to our previous study, MDMA promotes autophagosome accumulation and contributes to cell death in cultured cortical and serotonergic neurons. However, the detailed mechanism underlying autophagy dysfunction remains unclear. Lysosomes play an important role in autophagic degradation. The present study aimed to examine the role of lysosomal function in autophagic flux in neuronal cultures exposed to MDMA. We showed that MDMA induced enlarged vesicles that accumulate in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. In addition, we demonstrated that MDMA stimulated dynamin-dependent but clathrin-independent endocytosis, which might contribute to vacuole expansion. Morphological and Western blot analyses revealed that MDMA induced lysosomal swelling, whereas the activity of the lysosomal hydrolytic enzymes cathepsin B and cathepsin D was decreased in SH-SY5Y and cultured cortical neurons, which might lead to autophagosome accumulation and autophagic degradation blockage. Intriguingly, inactivation of cathepsins B and D led to cell death and autophagy-lysosomal dysregulation, which mimicked MDMA-induced neurotoxicity. Consequently, impairment of lysosomal proteolysis and blockage of autophagy degradation contributed to MDMA-induced neurotoxicity in neuronal cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Hsun Li
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei 114, Taiwan.,School of Pharmacy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Hu Shih
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei 114, Taiwan.,School of Pharmacy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yin Yeh
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Che Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hua Chen
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Armed Forces Taoyuan General Hospital, Taoyuan 325, Taiwan.,Department of Neurology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuahn-Sieh Huang
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
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3
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Cajanding RJM. MDMA-Associated Liver Toxicity: Pathophysiology, Management, and Current State of Knowledge. AACN Adv Crit Care 2020; 30:232-248. [PMID: 31462520 DOI: 10.4037/aacnacc2019852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) has become a popular recreational drug of abuse among young adults, partly because of the belief that it is relatively safe compared with other drugs with the same stimulant and hallucinogenic effects. However, MDMA use has been associated with a wide spectrum of organ toxicities, with the liver being severely affected by its deleterious effects. This article discusses the essential pharmacology of MDMA and describes the effects MDMA has on various organ systems of the body, with particular focus on the liver. The putative mechanisms by which MDMA can cause liver damage are explored, with emphasis on patient-related factors that explain why some individuals are more susceptible than others to damage from MDMA. The incidence of hepatotoxicity related to MDMA use is presented, and the nursing management of patients who develop acute liver failure due to MDMA overuse is explored in light of current evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruff Joseph Macale Cajanding
- Ruff Joseph Macale Cajanding is Charge Nurse, Adult Critical Care Unit, 6th Floor, King George V Building, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, 2 King Edward Street, London EC1A 1HQ, United Kingdom
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4
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Ribosomal DNA transcription in prefrontal pyramidal neurons is decreased in suicide. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2020; 270:859-867. [PMID: 30859295 PMCID: PMC7474709 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-019-00996-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Prefrontal cortical regions, which are crucial for the regulation of emotionally influenced behaviour, play most probably a dominant role in the pathogenesis of suicide. The study was carried out on paraffin-embedded brain tissue blocks containing specimens from the anterior cingulate cortex (dorsal and ventral parts), the orbitofrontal cortex, and the dorsolateral cortex obtained from 23 suicide completers (predominantly violent) with unknown psychiatric diagnosis and 25 non-suicidal controls. The transcriptional activity of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) as a surrogate marker of protein biosynthesis was evaluated separately in layers III and V pyramidal neurons in regions of interest (ROIs) mentioned above by the AgNOR silver staining method bilaterally. The overall statistical analysis revealed a decrease of AgNOR area suggestive of attenuated rDNA activity in suicide victims versus controls, particularly in male subjects. Further ROI-specific post-hoc analyses revealed decreases of the median AgNOR area in suicides compared to non-suicides in all 16 ROIs. However, this effect was only significant in the layer V pyramidal neurons of the right ventral anterior cingulate cortex. Our findings suggest that decreased rDNA transcription in prefrontal pyramidal neurons plays possibly an important role in suicide pathogenesis.
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5
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Long-term administration of high-dose methylphenidate-induced cerebellar morphology and function damage in adult rats. J Chem Neuroanat 2020; 103:101712. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2019.101712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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6
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Soares J, Costa VM, Gaspar H, Santos S, de Lourdes Bastos M, Carvalho F, Capela JP. Structure-cytotoxicity relationship profile of 13 synthetic cathinones in differentiated human SH-SY5Y neuronal cells. Neurotoxicology 2019; 75:158-173. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2019.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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7
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Cholanians AB, Phan AV, Lau SS, Monks TJ. Concurrent Inhibition of Vesicular Monoamine Transporter 2 Does Not Protect Against 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (Ecstasy) Induced Neurotoxicity. Toxicol Sci 2019; 170:157-166. [PMID: 30923810 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfz085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
3, 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a hallucinogenic amphetamine derivative. The acute effects of MDMA are hyperthermia, hyperactivity, and behavioral changes, followed by long-term serotonergic neurotoxicity in rats and primates. However, the underlying mechanisms of MDMA neurotoxicity remain elusive. We reported that pretreatment of rats with Ro 4-1284, a reversible inhibitor of the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), reduced MDMA-induced hyperactivity in rats, abolished the hyperthermic response, and the long-term neurotoxicity. Current studies focused on the effects of co- and/or postinhibition of VMAT2 on the acute and chronic effects of MDMA and on the dose-response relationship between MDMA-induced elevations in body temperature and subsequent reductions in indolamine concentrations. Sprague Dawley rats were treated with MDMA (20, 25, or 27.5 mg/kg sc), and either co- and/or posttreatment with the VMAT2 inhibitor (10 mg/kg ip). Rats simultaneously treated with Ro 4-1284 and MDMA exhibited a more rapid increase in body temperature compared to just MDMA. However, the duration of the elevated body temperature was significantly shortened (approximately 3 h vs approximately 8 h, respectively). A similar body temperature response was observed in rats posttreated (7 h after MDMA) with Ro 4-1284. Despite decreases in the area under the curve (Δtemp X time) of body temperature caused by Ro 4-1284, there were no significant differences in the degree of indolamine depletion between any of the MDMA-treated groups. The results suggest that the neuroprotective effects of VMAT2 inhibition is likely due to the indirect monoamine depleting effects of the Ro 4-1284 pretreatment, rather than by the direct inhibition of VMAT2 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aram B Cholanians
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721
| | - Andy V Phan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado 80045
| | - Serrine S Lau
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48201
| | - Terrence J Monks
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48201
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8
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Shih JH, Chiu CH, Ma KH, Huang YS, Shiue CY, Yeh TY, Kao LT, Lin YY, Li IH. Autophagy inhibition plays a protective role against 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-induced loss of serotonin transporters and depressive-like behaviors in rats. Pharmacol Res 2019; 142:283-293. [PMID: 30826457 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a popular recreational drug, which ultimately leads to serotonergic (5-HT) neurotoxicity and psychiatric disorders. Previous in vitro studies have consistently demonstrated that MDMA provokes autophagic activation, as well as damage of 5-HT axons and nerve fibers. So far, whether autophagy, a well-conserved cellular process that is critical for cell fate, also participates in MDMA-induced neurotoxicity in vivo remains elusive. Here, we first examined time-course of autophagy-related changes during repeated administration of MDMA (10 mg/kg s.c. twice daily for 4 consecutive days) using immunofluorescent staining for tryptophan hydroxylase and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta in rats. We also evaluated the protective effects of 3-methyadanine (3-MA, an autophagy inhibitor, 15 mg/kg i.p.) against MDMA-induced acute and long-term reductions in serotonin transporters (SERT) density in various brain regions using immunohistochemical staining and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging respectively. Plasma corticosterone measurements and forced swim tests were performed to evaluate the depressive performance. The staining results showed that repeated administration of MDMA increased expression of autophagosome and caused reduction in SERT densities of striatum and frontal cortex, which was ameliorated in the presence of 3-MA. PET imaging data also revealed that 3-MA could ameliorate MDMA-induced long-term decreased SERT availability in various brain regions of rats. Furthermore, immobility time of forced swim tests and plasma corticosterone levels were less in the group of MDMA co-injected with 3-MA compared with that of MDMA group. Together, these findings suggest that autophagy inhibition may confer protection against neurobiological and behavioral changes induced by MDMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jui-Hu Shih
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Pharmacy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chuang-Hsin Chiu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Hsing Ma
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuahn-Sieh Huang
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chyng-Yann Shiue
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yin Yeh
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ting Kao
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Life Science, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yang-Yi Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - I-Hsun Li
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Pharmacy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
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9
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Lv XF, Tao LM, Zhong H. Long-term systemic administration with low dose of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine causes photoreceptor cell damage in CD1 mice. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2018; 38:81-87. [PMID: 30360644 DOI: 10.1080/15569527.2018.1539007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE As a powerful psychostimulant with high potential for abuse, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) causes long-lasting neurotoxicity. This study was to investigate the effects of systemic administration of MDMA on retinal damage in CD1 mice and its underlying mechanisms. MATERIAL AND METHODS CD1 mice were randomly divided into two groups (n = 10): group 1 receiving PBS by intraperitoneal injection daily; group 2 receiving 2 mg/kg MDMA by intraperitoneal injection daily for 3 months. The retinal function was tested by electroretinography (ERG). The retinal morphology and histology was evaluated by Toluidine blue staining and TUNEL assay, respectively. Inflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA assays. Gene and protein expression was detected by real-time PCR and western blot. RESULTS Results demonstrated that retinal damage was caused by MDMA after 3-month treatment, evidenced by retinal dysfunction through photoreceptor cell apoptosis induced by inflammatory response and oxidative stress. CONCLUSION Our study indicated that systemic administration of MDMA increased inflammatory response in photoreceptor cells to cause retinal dysfunction on CD1 mice, providing the scientific rationale for the photoreceptor cell damage caused by the MDMA abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-Fang Lv
- a Department of Ophthalmology , the Second Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University , Hefei , People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Ming Tao
- a Department of Ophthalmology , the Second Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University , Hefei , People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Zhong
- b Department of Ophthalmology , Shenzhen Children's Hospital , Shenzhen , People's Republic of China
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Górska AM, Kamińska K, Wawrzczak-Bargieła A, Costa G, Morelli M, Przewłocki R, Kreiner G, Gołembiowska K. Neurochemical and Neurotoxic Effects of MDMA (Ecstasy) and Caffeine After Chronic Combined Administration in Mice. Neurotox Res 2018; 33:532-548. [PMID: 29134560 PMCID: PMC5871650 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-017-9831-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a psychostimulant popular as a recreational drug because of its effect on mood and social interactions. MDMA acts at dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT) and serotonin (5-HT) transporter (SERT) and is known to induce damage of dopamine and serotonin neurons. MDMA is often ingested with caffeine. Caffeine as a non-selective adenosine A1/A2A receptor antagonist affects dopaminergic and serotonergic transmissions. The aim of the present study was to determine the changes in DA and 5-HT release in the mouse striatum induced by MDMA and caffeine after their chronic administration. To find out whether caffeine aggravates MDMA neurotoxicity, the content of DA and 5-HT, density of brain DAT and SERT, and oxidative damage of nuclear DNA were determined. Furthermore, the effect of caffeine on MDMA-induced changes in striatal dynorphin and enkephalin and on behavior was assessed. The DA and 5-HT release was determined with in vivo microdialysis, and the monoamine contents were measured by HPLC with electrochemical detection. DNA damage was assayed with the alkaline comet assay. DAT and SERT densities were determined by immunohistochemistry, while prodynorphin (PDYN) and proenkephalin were determined by quantitative PCR reactions. The behavioral changes were measured by the open-field (OF) test and novel object recognition (NOR) test. Caffeine potentiated MDMA-induced DA release while inhibiting 5-HT release in the mouse striatum. Caffeine also exacerbated the oxidative damage of nuclear DNA induced by MDMA but diminished DAT decrease in the striatum and worsened a decrease in SERT density produced by MDMA in the frontal cortex. Neither the striatal PDYN expression, increased by MDMA, nor exploratory and locomotor activities of mice, decreased by MDMA, were affected by caffeine. The exploration of novel object in the NOR test was diminished by MDMA and caffeine. Our data provide evidence that long-term caffeine administration has a powerful influence on functions of dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons in the mouse brain and on neurotoxic effects evoked by MDMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Górska
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12 Street, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kamińska
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12 Street, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Wawrzczak-Bargieła
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Micaela Morelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ryszard Przewłocki
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Kreiner
- Department of Brain Biochemistry, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Krystyna Gołembiowska
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12 Street, 31-343, Kraków, Poland.
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11
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Rubio-Casillas A, Fernández-Guasti A. The dose makes the poison: from glutamate-mediated neurogenesis to neuronal atrophy and depression. Rev Neurosci 2018; 27:599-622. [PMID: 27096778 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2015-0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Experimental evidence has demonstrated that glutamate is an essential factor for neurogenesis, whereas another line of research postulates that excessive glutamatergic neurotransmission is associated with the pathogenesis of depression. The present review shows that such paradox can be explained within the framework of hormesis, defined as biphasic dose responses. Low glutamate levels activate adaptive stress responses that include proteins that protect neurons against more severe stress. Conversely, abnormally high levels of glutamate, resulting from increased release and/or decreased removal, cause neuronal atrophy and depression. The dysregulation of the glutamatergic transmission in depression could be underlined by several factors including a decreased inhibition (γ-aminobutyric acid or serotonin) or an increased excitation (primarily within the glutamatergic system). Experimental evidence shows that the activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors (AMPAR) can exert two opposite effects on neurogenesis and neuron survival depending on the synaptic or extrasynaptic concentration. Chronic stress, which usually underlies experimental and clinical depression, enhances glutamate release. This overactivates NMDA receptors (NMDAR) and consequently impairs AMPAR activity. Various studies show that treatment with antidepressants decreases plasma glutamate levels in depressed individuals and regulates glutamate receptors by reducing NMDAR function by decreasing the expression of its subunits and by potentiating AMPAR-mediated transmission. Additionally, it has been shown that chronic treatment with antidepressants having divergent mechanisms of action (including tricyclics, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and ketamine) markedly reduced depolarization-evoked glutamate release in the hippocampus. These data, taken together, suggest that the glutamatergic system could be a final common pathway for antidepressant treatments.
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12
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Bakhshayesh M, Golab F, Kermanian F, Mehdizadeh M, Katebi AR, Soleimani M, Mohammadzadeh F, Shabani R, Movahed E, Katebi M. The Mediating Role of A 2A Adenosine Receptors in the Mitochondrial Pathway of Apoptotic Hippocampal Cell Death, Following the Administration of MDMA in Rat. Basic Clin Neurosci 2017; 8:317-324. [PMID: 29158882 PMCID: PMC5683689 DOI: 10.18869/nirp.bcn.8.4.317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) is a popular recreational drug and a major source of substance abuse, which ultimately leads to sensations of well-being, elation and euphoria, moderate derealization/depersonalization, and cognitive disruptions, as well as intense sensory awareness. The mechanisms involved in memory impairment induced by MDMA are not completely understood. Methods: The current study used 40 Sprague-Dawley rats, weighted 200 to 250 g. Experiments were performed in four groups, each containing 10 rats. The first group of rats was used as the control, treated with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The second group was treated with MDMA. The third group was treated with MDMA and CGS (the adenosine A2A receptor agonist, 2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl) phenethylamino]-5′-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine) (CGS 21680) and the fourth group was treated with MDMA and SCH (the A2A receptor antagonist [7-(2-phenylethyl)-5-amino-2-(2-furyl-) pyrazolo-[4, 3-e]-1, 2, 4 triazolo [1,5-] pyrimidine]) (SCH 58261). The drugs in all groups were administrated intraperitoneally (i.p.) once a day for 7 days. In 5 rats of each group, following perfusion, samples were taken from hippocampi to investigate apoptosis. Accordingly, the samples were stained using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay kit, and studied by light microscopy. In other rats, fresh tissue was also removed to study the expression of bax and bcl-2 by Western blotting technique. Results: It was observed that the coadministration of MDMA with CGS reduced bax expression and prevented apoptosis of hippocampal cells. The coadministration of MDMA and SCH increased bax expression, and also increased the frequency of hippocampal cell apoptosis. Conclusion: The results of the current study showed that administration of CGS with MDMA decreased the common side effects associated with MDMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoomeh Bakhshayesh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Golab
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Kermanian
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mehdizadeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Reza Katebi
- Department of Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology & Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansooreh Soleimani
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Mohammadzadeh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ronak Shabani
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Movahed
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Katebi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
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13
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Liu X, Zhan LH, Sun XH, Zhang T, Liu ZL, Liang XF, Zhao F, Liu F, Zeng G, Luan CS. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine causes cytotoxicity on 661W cells through inducing macrophage polarization. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2017; 37:143-150. [PMID: 28743199 DOI: 10.1080/15569527.2017.1359838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The abuse of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), a psychedelic drug, can lead to a variety of disorders in neural system, including the death of retinal neural cells. MDMA at lower doses does not cause obvious cytotoxicity to photoreceptor cells, indicating potential indirect mechanisms which have not yet been elucidated. This study investigated the effect of MDMA at nontoxic concentration on macrophage activation state and its resultant toxicity to photoreceptor cells. Using a co-culture system, cytotoxicity was caused by MDMA on 661W cells after co-culturing with RAW264.7 macrophage. Results showed that MDMA induced the macrophages to M1 polarization, releasing more pro-inflammatory cytokines, upregulating the M1-related gene and protein expression. The phenotype, secretion pattern, and cytotoxicity of the macrophages treated by MDMA are comparable to those of the ones stimulated by IFNγ and LPS. Our study demonstrated that MDMA promoted macrophage polarization to M1 and induced inflammatory response, providing the scientific rationale for the photoreceptor cell damage caused by the MDMA abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- a Department of Ophthalmology , Daqing Oil General Hospital , Daqing , People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Hui Zhan
- b Department of Ophthalmology , Daqing People's Hospital , Daqing , People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Hong Sun
- a Department of Ophthalmology , Daqing Oil General Hospital , Daqing , People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Zhang
- c Department of Ophthalmology , Secondary People's Hospital of Mudanjiang City , Mudanjiang City , People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Li Liu
- d Department of Opthalmology , Dashiqiao Central Hospital , Yingkou , People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Fang Liang
- e Department of Ophthalmology , Beijing Tiantan Hospital Affiliated to the Capital Medical University , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Zhao
- f Department of Ophthalmology , Shenyang Red Cross Hospital , Shenyang , People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Liu
- a Department of Ophthalmology , Daqing Oil General Hospital , Daqing , People's Republic of China
| | - Guang Zeng
- a Department of Ophthalmology , Daqing Oil General Hospital , Daqing , People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Sheng Luan
- a Department of Ophthalmology , Daqing Oil General Hospital , Daqing , People's Republic of China
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Hassan Z, Bosch OG, Singh D, Narayanan S, Kasinather BV, Seifritz E, Kornhuber J, Quednow BB, Müller CP. Novel Psychoactive Substances-Recent Progress on Neuropharmacological Mechanisms of Action for Selected Drugs. Front Psychiatry 2017; 8:152. [PMID: 28868040 PMCID: PMC5563308 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A feature of human culture is that we can learn to consume chemical compounds, derived from natural plants or synthetic fabrication, for their psychoactive effects. These drugs change the mental state and/or the behavioral performance of an individual and can be instrumentalized for various purposes. After the emergence of a novel psychoactive substance (NPS) and a period of experimental consumption, personal and medical benefits and harm potential of the NPS can be estimated on evidence base. This may lead to a legal classification of the NPS, which may range from limited medical use, controlled availability up to a complete ban of the drug form publically accepted use. With these measures, however, a drug does not disappear, but frequently continues to be used, which eventually allows an even better estimate of the drug's properties. Thus, only in rare cases, there is a final verdict that is no more questioned. Instead, the view on a drug can change from tolerable to harmful but may also involve the new establishment of a desired medical application to a previously harmful drug. Here, we provide a summary review on a number of NPS for which the neuropharmacological evaluation has made important progress in recent years. They include mitragynine ("Kratom"), synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., "Spice"), dimethyltryptamine and novel serotonergic hallucinogens, the cathinones mephedrone and methylone, ketamine and novel dissociative drugs, γ-hydroxybutyrate, γ-butyrolactone, and 1,4-butanediol. This review shows not only emerging harm potentials but also some potential medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zurina Hassan
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia
| | - Oliver G Bosch
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Darshan Singh
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia
| | - Suresh Narayanan
- School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia
| | | | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian P Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Motaghinejad M, Seyedjavadein Z, Motevalian M, Asadi M. The neuroprotective effect of lithium against high dose methylphenidate: Possible role of BDNF. Neurotoxicology 2016; 56:40-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2016.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Revised: 06/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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16
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Li IH, Ma KH, Kao TJ, Lin YY, Weng SJ, Yen TY, Chen LC, Huang YS. Involvement of autophagy upregulation in 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine ('ecstasy')-induced serotonergic neurotoxicity. Neurotoxicology 2015; 52:114-26. [PMID: 26610922 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2015.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
It has been suggested that autophagy plays pathogenetic roles in cerebral ischemia, brain trauma, and neurodegenerative disorders. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ecstasy) is an illicit drug that causes long-term serotonergic neurotoxicity in the brain. Apoptosis and necrosis have been implicated in MDMA-induced neurotoxicity, but the role of autophagy in MDMA-elicited serotonergic toxicity has not been investigated. The present study aimed to examine the contribution of autophagy to neurotoxicity in serotonergic neurons in in vitro and in vivo animal models challenged with MDMA. Here, we demonstrated that in cultured rat serotonergic neurons, MDMA exposure induced LC3B-densely stained autophagosome formation, accompanying by a decrease in neurite outgrowth. Autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) significantly attenuated MDMA-induced autophagosome accumulation, and ameliorated MDMA-triggered serotonergic neurite damage and neuron death. In contrast, enhanced autophagy flux by rapamycin or impaired autophagosome clearance by bafilomycin A1 led to more autophagosome accumulation in serotonergic neurons and aggravated neurite degeneration. In addition, MDMA-induced autophagy activation in cultured serotonergic neurons might be mediated by serotonin transporter (SERT). In an in vivo animal model administered MDMA, neuroimaging showed that 3-MA protected the serotonin system against MDMA-induced downregulation of SERT evaluated by animal-PET with 4-[(18)F]-ADAM, a SERT radioligand. Taken together, our results demonstrated that MDMA triggers upregulation of autophagy in serotonergic neurons, which appears to be detrimental to neuronal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Hsun Li
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Hsing Ma
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Jen Kao
- Graduate Institute of Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Center for Neurotrauma and Neuroregeneration, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yang-Yi Lin
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Ju Weng
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yin Yen
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lih-Chi Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuahn-Sieh Huang
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Barbosa DJ, Capela JP, Feio-Azevedo R, Teixeira-Gomes A, Bastos MDL, Carvalho F. Mitochondria: key players in the neurotoxic effects of amphetamines. Arch Toxicol 2015; 89:1695-725. [PMID: 25743372 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1478-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Amphetamines are a class of psychotropic drugs with high abuse potential, as a result of their stimulant, euphoric, emphathogenic, entactogenic, and hallucinogenic properties. Although most amphetamines are synthetic drugs, of which methamphetamine, amphetamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine ("ecstasy") represent well-recognized examples, the use of natural related compounds, namely cathinone and ephedrine, has been part of the history of humankind for thousands of years. Resulting from their amphiphilic nature, these drugs can easily cross the blood-brain barrier and elicit their well-known psychotropic effects. In the field of amphetamines' research, there is a general consensus that mitochondrial-dependent pathways can provide a major understanding concerning pathological processes underlying the neurotoxicity of these drugs. These events include alterations on tricarboxylic acid cycle's enzymes functioning, inhibition of mitochondrial electron transport chain's complexes, perturbations of mitochondrial clearance mechanisms, interference with mitochondrial dynamics, as well as oxidative modifications in mitochondrial macromolecules. Additionally, other studies indicate that amphetamines-induced neuronal toxicity is closely regulated by B cell lymphoma 2 superfamily of proteins with consequent activation of caspase-mediated downstream cell death pathway. Understanding the molecular mechanisms at mitochondrial level involved in amphetamines' neurotoxicity can help in defining target pathways or molecules mediating these effects, as well as in developing putative therapeutic approaches to prevent or treat the acute- or long-lasting neuropsychiatric complications seen in human abusers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel José Barbosa
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal. .,Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal. .,IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 823, 4150-180, Porto, Portugal.
| | - João Paulo Capela
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.,FP-ENAS (Unidade de Investigação UFP em energia, Ambiente e Saúde), CEBIMED (Centro de Estudos em Biomedicina), Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Fernando Pessoa, Rua 9 de Abril 349, 4249-004, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Feio-Azevedo
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Armanda Teixeira-Gomes
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria de Lourdes Bastos
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Félix Carvalho
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
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18
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Fan LW, Bhatt A, Tien LT, Zheng B, Simpson KL, Lin RCS, Cai Z, Kumar P, Pang Y. Exposure to serotonin adversely affects oligodendrocyte development and myelination in vitro. J Neurochem 2015; 133:532-43. [PMID: 25382136 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2013] [Revised: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) has been implicated to play critical roles in early neural development. Recent reports have suggested that perinatal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) resulted in cortical network miswiring, abnormal social behavior, callosal myelin malformation, as well as oligodendrocyte (OL) pathology in rats. To gain further insight into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying SSRIs-induced OL and myelin abnormalities, we investigated the effect of 5-HT exposure on OL development, cell death, and myelination in cell culture models. First, we showed that 5-HT receptor 1A and 2A subtypes were expressed in OL lineages, using immunocytochemistry, Western blot, as well as intracellular Ca(2+) measurement. We then assessed the effect of serotonin exposure on the lineage development, expression of myelin proteins, cell death, and myelination, in purified OL and neuron-OL myelination cultures. For pure OL cultures, our results showed that 5-HT exposure led to disturbance of OL development, as indicated by aberrant process outgrowth and reduced myelin proteins expression. At higher doses, such exposure triggered a development-dependent cell death, as immature OLs exhibited increasing susceptibility to 5-HT treatment compared to OL progenitor cells (OPC). We showed further that 5-HT-induced immature OL death was mediated at least partially via 5-HT2A receptor, since cell death could be mimicked by 5-HT2A receptor agonist 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane hydrochloride, (±)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine hydrochloride, but atten-uated by pre-treatment with 5-HT2A receptor antagonist ritanserin. Utilizing a neuron-OL myelination co-culture model, our data showed that 5-HT exposure significantly reduced the number of myelinated internodes. In contrast to cell injury observed in pure OL cultures, 5-HT exposure did not lead to OL death or reduced OL density in neuron-OL co-cultures. However, abnormal patterns of contactin-associated protein (Caspr) clustering were observed at the sites of Node of Ranvier, suggesting that 5-HT exposure may affect other axon-derived factors for myelination. In summary, this is the first study to demonstrate that manipulation of serotonin levels affects OL development and myelination, which may contribute to altered neural connectivity noted in SSRIs-treated animals. The current in vitro study demonstrated that exposure to high level of serotonin (5-HT) led to aberrant oligodendrocyte (OL) development, cell injury, and myelination deficit. We propose that elevated extracellular serotonin levels in the fetal brain, such as upon the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy, may adversely affect OL development and/or myelination, thus contributing to altered neural connectivity seen in Autism Spectrum Disorders. OPC = oligodendrocyte progenitor cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lir-Wan Fan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
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Barbosa DJ, Capela JP, de Lourdes Bastos M, Carvalho F. In vitro models for neurotoxicology research. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2015; 4:801-842. [DOI: 10.1039/c4tx00043a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The nervous system has a highly complex organization, including many cell types with multiple functions, with an intricate anatomy and unique structural and functional characteristics; the study of its (dys)functionality following exposure to xenobiotics, neurotoxicology, constitutes an important issue in neurosciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel José Barbosa
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia)
- Laboratório de Toxicologia
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas
- Faculdade de Farmácia
- Universidade do Porto
| | - João Paulo Capela
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia)
- Laboratório de Toxicologia
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas
- Faculdade de Farmácia
- Universidade do Porto
| | - Maria de Lourdes Bastos
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia)
- Laboratório de Toxicologia
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas
- Faculdade de Farmácia
- Universidade do Porto
| | - Félix Carvalho
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia)
- Laboratório de Toxicologia
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas
- Faculdade de Farmácia
- Universidade do Porto
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20
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Teixeira‐Gomes A, Costa VM, Feio‐Azevedo R, Bastos MDL, Carvalho F, Capela JP. The neurotoxicity of amphetamines during the adolescent period. Int J Dev Neurosci 2014; 41:44-62. [PMID: 25482046 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2014.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Revised: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Armanda Teixeira‐Gomes
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de FarmáciaUniversidade do PortoRua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 2284050‐313PortoPortugal
| | - Vera Marisa Costa
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de FarmáciaUniversidade do PortoRua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 2284050‐313PortoPortugal
| | - Rita Feio‐Azevedo
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de FarmáciaUniversidade do PortoRua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 2284050‐313PortoPortugal
| | - Maria de Lourdes Bastos
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de FarmáciaUniversidade do PortoRua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 2284050‐313PortoPortugal
| | - Félix Carvalho
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de FarmáciaUniversidade do PortoRua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 2284050‐313PortoPortugal
| | - João Paulo Capela
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de FarmáciaUniversidade do PortoRua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 2284050‐313PortoPortugal
- Faculdade de Ciências da SaúdeUniversidade Fernando PessoaRua Carlos da Maia, 2964200‐150PortoPortugal
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Nogueira T, da Costa Araújo S, Carvalho F, Pereira F, Fernandes E, Bastos M, Costa V, Capela J. Modeling chronic brain exposure to amphetamines using primary rat neuronal cortical cultures. Neuroscience 2014; 277:417-34. [PMID: 25047998 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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22
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Yun J. Limonene inhibits methamphetamine-induced locomotor activity via regulation of 5-HT neuronal function and dopamine release. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2014; 21:883-887. [PMID: 24462212 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2013.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2013] [Revised: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Methamphetamine is a psychomotor stimulant that produces hyperlocomotion in rodents. Limonene (a cyclic terpene from citrus essential oils) has been reported to induce sedative effects. In this study, we demonstrated that limonene administration significantly inhibited serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT)-induced head twitch response in mice. In rats, pretreatment with limonene decreased hyperlocomotion induced by methamphetamine injection. In addition, limonene reversed the increase in dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens of rats given methamphetamine. These results suggest that limonene may inhibit stimulant-induced behavioral changes via regulating dopamine levels and 5-HT receptor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaesuk Yun
- Pharmaceutical Standardization Research and Testing Division, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Republic of Korea.
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23
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Barbosa DJ, Capela JP, Silva R, Vilas-Boas V, Ferreira LM, Branco PS, Fernandes E, Bastos MDL, Carvalho F. The mixture of “ecstasy” and its metabolites is toxic to human SH-SY5Y differentiated cells at in vivo relevant concentrations. Arch Toxicol 2013; 88:455-73. [PMID: 24101030 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-013-1120-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Yılmaz MB, Tönge M, Emmez H, Kaymaz F, Kaymaz M. Neuroprotective effects of quetiapine on neuronal apoptosis following experimental transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats. J Korean Neurosurg Soc 2013; 54:1-7. [PMID: 24044072 PMCID: PMC3772279 DOI: 10.3340/jkns.2013.54.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2013] [Revised: 04/28/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken in the belief that the atypical antipsychotic drug quetiapine could prevent apoptosis in the penumbra region following ischemia, taking into account findings that show 5-hydroxytryptamine-2 receptor blockers can prevent apoptosis. METHODS We created 5 groups, each containing 6 animals. Nothing was done on the K-I group used for comparisons with the other groups to make sure adequate ischemia had been achieved. The K-II group was sacrificed on the 1st day after transient focal cerebral ischemia and the K-III group on the 3rd day. The D-I group was administered quetiapine following ischemia and sacrificed on the 1st day while the D-II group was administered quetiapine every day following the ischemia and sacrificed on the 3rd day. The samples were stained with the immunochemical TUNEL method and the number of apoptotic cells were counted. RESULTS There was a significant difference between the first and third day control groups (K-II/K-III : p=0.004) and this indicates that apoptotic cell death increases with time. This increase was not encountered in the drug groups (D-I/D-II : p=1.00). Statistical analysis of immunohistochemical data revealed that quetiapine decreased the apoptotic cell death that normally increased with time. CONCLUSION Quetiapine is already in clinical use and is a safe drug, in contrast to many substances that are used to prevent ischemia and are not normally used clinically. Our results and the literature data indicate that quetiapine could help both as a neuronal protector and to resolve neuropsychiatric problems caused by the ischemia in cerebral ischemia cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammet Bahadır Yılmaz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ministry of Health, Training and Research Hospital, Kayseri, Turkey
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25
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Halpin LE, Collins SA, Yamamoto BK. Neurotoxicity of methamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Life Sci 2013; 97:37-44. [PMID: 23892199 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2013.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2013] [Revised: 07/05/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Amphetamines are a class of psychostimulant drugs that are widely abused for their stimulant, euphoric, empathogenic and hallucinogenic properties. Many of these effects result from acute increases in dopamine and serotonin neurotransmission. Subsequent to these acute effects, methamphetamine and 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) produce persistent damage to dopamine and serotonin nerve terminals. This review summarizes the numerous interdependent mechanisms including excitotoxicity, mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress that have been demonstrated to contribute to this damage. Emerging non-neuronal mechanisms by which the drugs may contribute to monoaminergic terminal damage, as well as the neuropsychiatric consequences of this terminal damage are also presented. Methamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) have similar chemical structures and pharmacologic properties compared to other abused substances including cathinone (khat), as well as a relatively new class of novel synthetic amphetamines known as 'bath salts' that have gained popularity among drug abusers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Halpin
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Stuart A Collins
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Bryan K Yamamoto
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, OH 43614, USA.
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26
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Ares-Santos S, Granado N, Moratalla R. The role of dopamine receptors in the neurotoxicity of methamphetamine. J Intern Med 2013; 273:437-53. [PMID: 23600399 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine is a synthetic drug consumed by millions of users despite its neurotoxic effects in the brain, leading to loss of dopaminergic fibres and cell bodies. Moreover, clinical reports suggest that methamphetamine abusers are predisposed to Parkinson's disease. Therefore, it is important to elucidate the mechanisms involved in methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity. Dopamine receptors may be a plausible target to prevent this neurotoxicity. Genetic inactivation of dopamine D1 or D2 receptors protects against the loss of dopaminergic fibres in the striatum and loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Protection by D1 receptor inactivation is due to blockade of hypothermia, reduced dopamine content and turnover and increased stored vesicular dopamine in D1R(-/-) mice. However, the neuroprotective impact of D2 receptor inactivation is partially dependent on an effect on body temperature, as well as on the blockade of dopamine reuptake by decreased dopamine transporter activity, which results in reduced intracytosolic dopamine levels in D2R(-/-) mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ares-Santos
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
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Anneken JH, Cunningham JI, Collins SA, Yamamoto BK, Gudelsky GA. MDMA increases glutamate release and reduces parvalbumin-positive GABAergic cells in the dorsal hippocampus of the rat: role of cyclooxygenase. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2013; 8:58-65. [PMID: 23179355 PMCID: PMC3587367 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-012-9420-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2012] [Accepted: 11/05/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; Ecstasy) is a popular drug of abuse with well-documented acute effects on serotonergic, dopaminergic, and cholinergic transmitter systems, as well as evidence of long-term disruption of serotoninergic systems in the rat brain. Recently, it was demonstrated that MDMA evokes a delayed and sustained increase in glutamate release in the hippocampus. The purpose of the present study was to determine the role of inflammatory mediators in the MDMA-induced increase in glutamate release, as well as the contribution of inflammatory pathways in the persistent neurochemical toxicity associated with repeated MDMA treatment. Treatment with the non-selective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor ketoprofen and the COX-2 selective inhibitor nimesulide attenuated the increase in extracellular glutamate in the hippocampus evoked by repeated MDMA exposure (10 mg/kg, i.p., every 2 h); no attenuation was observed in rats treated with the COX-1 selective inhibitor piroxicam. Reverse dialysis of a major product of COX activity, prostaglandin E2, also resulted in a significant increase in extracellular glutamate in the hippocampus . Repeated exposure to MDMA diminished the number of parvalbumin-positive GABA interneurons in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, an effect that was attenuated by ketoprofen treatment. However, COX inhibition with ketoprofen did not prevent the long-term depletion of 5-HT in the hippocampus evoked by MDMA treatment. These data are supportive of the view that cyclooxygenase activity contributes to the mechanism underlying both the increased release of glutamate and decreased number of GABA interneurons in the rat hippocampus produced by repeated MDMA exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H. Anneken
- James Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Jacobi I. Cunningham
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, OH
| | - Stuart A. Collins
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, OH
| | - Bryan K. Yamamoto
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, OH
| | - Gary A. Gudelsky
- James Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
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Rietjens SJ, Hondebrink L, Westerink RHS, Meulenbelt J. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA): interindividual differences due to polymorphisms and drug-drug interactions. Crit Rev Toxicol 2012; 42:854-76. [PMID: 23030234 DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2012.725029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Clinical outcome following 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) intake ranges from mild entactogenic effects to a life-threatening intoxication. Despite ongoing research, the clinically most relevant mechanisms causing acute MDMA-induced adverse effects remain largely unclear. This complicates the triage and treatment of MDMA users needing medical care. The user's genetic profile and interactions resulting from polydrug use are key factors that modulate the individual response to MDMA and influence MDMA pharmacokinetics and dynamics, and thus clinical outcome. Polymorphisms in CYP2D6, resulting in poor metabolism status, as well as co-exposure of MDMA with specific substances (e.g. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)) can increase MDMA plasma levels, but can also decrease the formation of toxic metabolites and subsequent cellular damage. While pre-exposure to e.g. SSRIs can increase MDMA plasma levels, clinical effects (e.g. blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature) can be reduced, possibly due to a pharmacodynamic interaction at the serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT). Pretreatment with inhibitors of the dopamine or norepinephrine reuptake transporter (DAT or NET), 5-HT(2A) or α-β adrenergic receptor antagonists or antipsychotics prior to MDMA exposure can also decrease one or more MDMA-induced physiological and/or subjective effects. Carvedilol, ketanserin and haloperidol can reduce multiple MDMA-induced clinical and neurotoxic effects. Thus besides supportive care, i.e. sedation using benzodiazepines, intravenous hydration, aggressive cooling and correction of electrolytes, it is worthwhile to investigate the usefulness of carvedilol, ketanserin and haloperidol in the treatment of MDMA-intoxicated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia J Rietjens
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Division of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, National Poisons Information Center (NVIC), P.O. box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Capela JP, da Costa Araújo S, Costa VM, Ruscher K, Fernandes E, Bastos MDL, Dirnagl U, Meisel A, Carvalho F. The neurotoxicity of hallucinogenic amphetamines in primary cultures of hippocampal neurons. Neurotoxicology 2012; 34:254-63. [PMID: 22983118 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2012.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2012] [Revised: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 09/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or "Ecstasy") and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine hydrochloride (DOI) are hallucinogenic amphetamines with addictive properties. The hippocampus is involved in learning and memory and seems particularly vulnerable to amphetamine's neurotoxicity. We evaluated the neurotoxicity of DOI and MDMA in primary neuronal cultures of hippocampus obtained from Wistar rat embryos (E-17 to E-19). Mature neurons after 10 days in culture were exposed for 24 or 48 h either to MDMA (100-800 μM) or DOI (10-100 μM). Both the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and the tetrazolium-based (MTT) assays revealed a concentration- and time-dependent neuronal death and mitochondrial dysfunction after exposure to both drugs. Both drugs promoted a significant increase in caspase-8 and caspase-3 activities. At concentrations that produced similar levels of neuronal death, DOI promoted a higher increase in the activity of both caspases than MDMA. In the mitochondrial fraction of neurons exposed 24h to DOI or MDMA, we found a significant increase in the 67 kDa band of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) by Western blot. Moreover, 24h exposure to DOI promoted an increase in cytochrome c in the cytoplasmatic fraction of neurons. Pre-treatment with an antibody raised against the 5-HT(2A)-receptor (an irreversible antagonist) greatly attenuated neuronal death promoted by 48 h exposure to DOI or MDMA. In conclusion, hallucinogenic amphetamines promoted programmed neuronal death involving both the mitochondria machinery and the extrinsic cell death key regulators. Death was dependent, at least in part, on the stimulation of the 5-HT(2A)-receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Paulo Capela
- REQUIMTE (Rede de Química e Tecnologia), Laboratório de Toxicologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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The dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMNV) in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): pathways leading to apoptosis. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2012; 185:203-10. [PMID: 22975482 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2012.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2012] [Revised: 08/08/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) remains the commonest cause of death in the post-neonatal period in the developed world. A leading hypothesis is that an abnormality in the brainstem of infants who succumb to SIDS, either causes or predisposes to failure to respond appropriately to an exogenous stressor. Neuronal apoptosis can lead to loss of cardiorespiratory reflexes, compromise of the infant's ability to respond to stressors such as hypoxia, and ultimately a sleep-related death. The dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMNV) is a medullary autonomic nucleus where abnormalities have regularly been identified in SIDS research. This review collates neurochemical findings documented over the last 30 years, including data from our laboratory focusing on neuronal apoptosis and the DMNV, and provides potential therapeutic interventions targeting neurotransmitters, growth factors and/or genes.
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Carvalho M, Carmo H, Costa VM, Capela JP, Pontes H, Remião F, Carvalho F, Bastos MDL. Toxicity of amphetamines: an update. Arch Toxicol 2012; 86:1167-231. [PMID: 22392347 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-012-0815-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 261] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2012] [Accepted: 02/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Amphetamines represent a class of psychotropic compounds, widely abused for their stimulant, euphoric, anorectic, and, in some cases, emphathogenic, entactogenic, and hallucinogenic properties. These compounds derive from the β-phenylethylamine core structure and are kinetically and dynamically characterized by easily crossing the blood-brain barrier, to resist brain biotransformation and to release monoamine neurotransmitters from nerve endings. Although amphetamines are widely acknowledged as synthetic drugs, of which amphetamine, methamphetamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) are well-known examples, humans have used natural amphetamines for several millenniums, through the consumption of amphetamines produced in plants, namely cathinone (khat), obtained from the plant Catha edulis and ephedrine, obtained from various plants in the genus Ephedra. More recently, a wave of new amphetamines has emerged in the market, mainly constituted of cathinone derivatives, including mephedrone, methylone, methedrone, and buthylone, among others. Although intoxications by amphetamines continue to be common causes of emergency department and hospital admissions, it is frequent to find the sophism that amphetamine derivatives, namely those appearing more recently, are relatively safe. However, human intoxications by these drugs are increasingly being reported, with similar patterns compared to those previously seen with classical amphetamines. That is not surprising, considering the similar structures and mechanisms of action among the different amphetamines, conferring similar toxicokinetic and toxicological profiles to these compounds. The aim of the present review is to give an insight into the pharmacokinetics, general mechanisms of biological and toxicological actions, and the main target organs for the toxicity of amphetamines. Although there is still scarce knowledge from novel amphetamines to draw mechanistic insights, the long-studied classical amphetamines-amphetamine itself, as well as methamphetamine and MDMA, provide plenty of data that may be useful to predict toxicological outcome to improvident abusers and are for that reason the main focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcia Carvalho
- REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Portugal
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Johnston TH, Millar Z, Huot P, Wagg K, Thiele S, Salomonczyk D, Yong‐Kee CJ, Gandy MN, McIldowie M, Lewis KD, Gomez‐Ramirez J, Lee J, Fox SH, Martin‐Iverson M, Nash JE, Piggott MJ, Brotchie JM. A novel MDMA analogue, UWA‐101, that lacks psychoactivity and cytotoxicity, enhances
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‐DOPA benefit in parkinsonian primates. FASEB J 2012; 26:2154-63. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.11-195016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tom H. Johnston
- Toronto Western Research InstituteToronto Western HospitalUniversity Health NetworkTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Zak Millar
- School of Medicine and PharmacologyThe University of Western AustraliaPerthAustralia
| | - Philippe Huot
- Toronto Western Research InstituteToronto Western HospitalUniversity Health NetworkTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Keith Wagg
- Department of ChemistryThe Australian National UniversityCanberraAustralia
| | - Sherri Thiele
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Toronto at ScarboroughTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Danielle Salomonczyk
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Toronto at ScarboroughTorontoOntarioCanada
| | | | - Michael N. Gandy
- School of Biomedical, Biomolecular, and Chemical SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaPerthAustralia
| | - Matthew McIldowie
- School of Biomedical, Biomolecular, and Chemical SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaPerthAustralia
| | - Katie D. Lewis
- School of Biomedical, Biomolecular, and Chemical SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaPerthAustralia
| | - Jordi Gomez‐Ramirez
- Toronto Western Research InstituteToronto Western HospitalUniversity Health NetworkTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Joohyung Lee
- Toronto Western Research InstituteToronto Western HospitalUniversity Health NetworkTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Susan H. Fox
- Movement Disorders ClinicToronto Western HospitalUniversity Health NetworkTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Mathew Martin‐Iverson
- School of Medicine and PharmacologyThe University of Western AustraliaPerthAustralia
| | - Joanne E. Nash
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Toronto at ScarboroughTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Matthew J. Piggott
- School of Biomedical, Biomolecular, and Chemical SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaPerthAustralia
| | - Jonathan M. Brotchie
- Toronto Western Research InstituteToronto Western HospitalUniversity Health NetworkTorontoOntarioCanada
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Martins J, Castelo-Branco M, Batista A, Oliveiros B, Santiago AR, Galvão J, Fernandes E, Carvalho F, Cavadas C, Ambrósio AF. Effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine administration on retinal physiology in the rat. PLoS One 2011; 6:e29583. [PMID: 22216322 PMCID: PMC3246479 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2011] [Accepted: 11/30/2011] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ecstasy) is known to produce euphoric states, but may also cause adverse consequences in humans, such as hyperthermia and neurocognitive deficits. Although MDMA consumption has been associated with visual problems, the effects of this recreational drug in retinal physiology have not been addressed hitherto. In this work, we evaluated the effect of a single MDMA administration in the rat electroretinogram (ERG). Wistar rats were administered MDMA (15 mg/kg) or saline and ERGs were recorded before (Baseline ERG), and 3 h, 24 h, and 7 days after treatment. A high temperature (HT) saline-treated control group was also included. Overall, significantly augmented and shorter latency ERG responses were found in MDMA and HT groups 3 h after treatment when compared to Baseline. Twenty-four hours after treatment some of the alterations found at 3 h, mainly characterized by shorter latency, tended to return to Baseline values. However, MDMA-treated animals still presented increased scotopic a-wave and b-wave amplitudes compared to Baseline ERGs, which were independent of temperature elevation though the latter might underlie the acute ERG alterations observed 3 h after MDMA administration. Seven days after MDMA administration recovery from these effects had occurred. The effects seem to stem from specific changes observed at the a-wave level, which indicates that MDMA affects subacutely (at 24 h) retinal physiology at the outer retinal (photoreceptor/bipolar) layers. In conclusion, we have found direct evidence that MDMA causes subacute enhancement of the outer retinal responses (most prominent in the a-wave), though ERG alterations resume within one week. These changes in photoreceptor/bipolar cell physiology may have implications for the understanding of the subacute visual manifestations induced by MDMA in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Martins
- Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, IBILI, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, IBILI, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Batista
- Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, IBILI, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Oliveiros
- Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, IBILI, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Raquel Santiago
- Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, IBILI, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Galvão
- Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, IBILI, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Fernandes
- REQUIMTE - Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Félix Carvalho
- REQUIMTE - Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Cavadas
- Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António F. Ambrósio
- Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, IBILI, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- AIBILI, Coimbra, Portugal
- * E-mail:
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Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'Ecstasy'): Neurodegeneration versus Neuromodulation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2011. [PMCID: PMC4058674 DOI: 10.3390/ph4070992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The amphetamine analogue 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ‘ecstasy’) is widely abused as a recreational drug due to its unique psychological effects. Of interest, MDMA causes long-lasting deficits in neurochemical and histological markers of the serotonergic neurons in the brain of different animal species. Such deficits include the decline in the activity of tryptophan hydroxylase in parallel with the loss of 5-HT and its main metabolite 5-hydoxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) along with a lower binding of specific ligands to the 5-HT transporters (SERT). Of concern, reduced 5-HIAA levels in the CSF and SERT density have also been reported in human ecstasy users, what has been interpreted to reflect the loss of serotonergic fibers and terminals. The neurotoxic potential of MDMA has been questioned in recent years based on studies that failed to show the loss of the SERT protein by western blot or the lack of reactive astrogliosis after MDMA exposure. In addition, MDMA produces a long-lasting down-regulation of SERT gene expression; which, on the whole, has been used to invoke neuromodulatory mechanisms as an explanation to MDMA-induced 5-HT deficits. While decreased protein levels do not necessarily reflect neurodegeneration, the opposite is also true, that is, neuroregulatory mechanisms do not preclude the existence of 5-HT terminal degeneration.
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Edut S, Rubovitch V, Schreiber S, Pick CG. The intriguing effects of ecstasy (MDMA) on cognitive function in mice subjected to a minimal traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2011; 214:877-89. [PMID: 21120456 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-010-2098-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2010] [Accepted: 11/04/2010] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The use of ecstasy (MDMA) among young adults has dramatically increased over the years. Since MDMA may impair the users' driving ability, the risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident (MVA) is notably increased. Minimal traumatic brain injury (mTBI) a common consequence of MVAs-produces short- and long-term physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments. OBJECTIVES To investigate the effects of an acute dose of MDMA in mice subjected to closed head mTBI. METHODS Mice received 10 mg/kg MDMA 1 h prior to the induction of mTBI. Behavioral tests were conducted 7 and 30 days post-injury. In addition to the behavioral tests, phosphorylation of IGF-1R, ERK, and levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) were measured. RESULTS mTBI mice showed major cognitive impairments in all cognitive tests conducted. No additional impairments were seen if mTBI was preceded by one dose of MDMA. On the contrary, a beneficial effect was seen in these mice. The western blot analysis of TH revealed a significant decrease in the mTBI mice. These decreases were reversed in mice that were subjected to MDMA prior to the trauma. CONCLUSIONS The presence of MDMA at the time of mTBI minimizes the alteration of visual and spatial memory of the injured mice. The IGF-1R pathway was activated due to mTBI and MDMA but was not the main contributor to the cognitive improvements. MDMA administration inverted the TH decreases seen after injury. We believe this may be the major cause of the cognitive improvements seen in these mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahaf Edut
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel.
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Adamaszek M, Khaw AV, Buck U, Andresen B, Thomasius R. Evidence of neurotoxicity of ecstasy: sustained effects on electroencephalographic activity in polydrug users. PLoS One 2010; 5:e14097. [PMID: 21124854 PMCID: PMC2990767 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0014097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2010] [Accepted: 10/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective According to previous EEG reports of indicative disturbances in Alpha and Beta activities, a systematic search for distinct EEG abnormalities in a broader population of Ecstasy users may especially corroborate the presumed specific neurotoxicity of Ecstasy in humans. Methods 105 poly-drug consumers with former Ecstasy use and 41 persons with comparable drug history without Ecstasy use, and 11 drug naives were investigated for EEG features. Conventional EEG derivations of 19 electrodes according to the 10-20-system were conducted. Besides standard EEG bands, quantitative EEG analyses of 1-Hz-subdivided power ranges of Alpha, Theta and Beta bands have been considered. Results Ecstasy users with medium and high cumulative Ecstasy doses revealed an increase in Theta and lower Alpha activities, significant increases in Beta activities, and a reduction of background activity. Ecstasy users with low cumulative Ecstasy doses showed a significant Alpha activity at 11 Hz. Interestingly, the spectral power of low frequencies in medium and high Ecstasy users was already significantly increased in the early phase of EEG recording. Statistical analyses suggested the main effect of Ecstasy to EEG results. Conclusions Our data from a major sample of Ecstasy users support previous data revealing alterations of EEG frequency spectrum due rather to neurotoxic effects of Ecstasy on serotonergic systems in more detail. Accordingly, our data may be in line with the observation of attentional and memory impairments in Ecstasy users with moderate to high misuse. Despite the methodological problem of polydrug use also in our approach, our EEG results may be indicative of the neuropathophysiological background of the reported memory and attentional deficits in Ecstasy abusers. Overall, our findings may suggest the usefulness of EEG in diagnostic approaches in assessing neurotoxic sequela of this common drug abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Adamaszek
- Neurologisches Rehabilitationszentrum Leipzig, University of Leipzig, Bennewitz, Germany.
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Rossato LG, de Pinho PG, Silva R, Carmo H, Carvalho F, Bastos MDL, Costa VM, Remião F. Development and validation of a GC/IT-MS method for simultaneous quantitation of para and meta-synephrine in biological samples. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2010; 52:721-6. [PMID: 20303689 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2010.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2009] [Revised: 02/12/2010] [Accepted: 02/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Toxicity of ecstasy (MDMA) towards embryonic stem cell-derived cardiac and neural cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2010; 24:1133-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2010.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2009] [Revised: 11/22/2009] [Accepted: 03/10/2010] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Riezzo I, Cerretani D, Fiore C, Bello S, Centini F, D'Errico S, Fiaschi AI, Giorgi G, Neri M, Pomara C, Turillazzi E, Fineschi V. Enzymatic-nonenzymatic cellular antioxidant defense systems response and immunohistochemical detection of MDMA, VMAT2, HSP70, and apoptosis as biomarkers for MDMA (Ecstasy) neurotoxicity. J Neurosci Res 2010; 88:905-16. [PMID: 19798748 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.22245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-induced neurotoxicity leads to the formation of quinone metabolities and hydroxyl radicals and then to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We evaluated the effect of a single dose of MDMA (20 mg/kg, i.p.) on the enzymatic and nonenzymatic cellular antioxidant defense system in different areas of rat brain in the early hours (<6 hr) of the administration itself, and we identified the morphological expressions of neurotoxicity induced by MDMA on the vulnerable brain areas in the first 24 hr. The acute administration of MDMA produces a decrease of reduced and oxidized glutathione ratio, and antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly reduced after 3 hr and after 6 hr in frontal cortex. Ascorbic acid levels strongly increased in striatum, hippocampus, and frontal cortex after 3 and 6 hr. High levels of malonaldehyde with respect to control were measured in striatum after 3 and 6 hr and in hippocampus and frontal cortex after 6 hr. An immunohistochemical investigation on the frontal, thalamic, hypothalamic, and striatal areas was performed. A strong positive reaction to the antivesicular monoamine transporter 2 was observed in the frontal section, in the basal ganglia and thalamus. Cortical positivity, located in the most superficial layer was revealed only for heat shock protein 70 after 24 hr.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Riezzo
- Department of Forensic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
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Kivell B, Day D, Bosch P, Schenk S, Miller J. MDMA causes a redistribution of serotonin transporter from the cell surface to the intracellular compartment by a mechanism independent of phospho-p38-mitogen activated protein kinase activation. Neuroscience 2010; 168:82-95. [PMID: 20298763 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2009] [Revised: 03/08/2010] [Accepted: 03/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) causes long-term serotonin depletion and reduced serotonin transporter (SERT) function in humans and in animal models. Using quantitative Western blotting and real-time PCR, we have shown that total SERT protein in the striatum and nucleus accumbens and mRNA levels in the dorsal raphe nucleus were not significantly changed following MDMA exposure in rats (4 x 2 h i.p. injections, 10 mg/kg each). In mouse neuroblastoma (N(2)A) cells transiently expressing green fluorescent protein-tagged human SERT (GFP-hSERT), we have shown redistribution of SERT from the cell surface to intracellular vesicles on exposure to MDMA using cell surface biotinylation, total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM) and live-cell confocal microscopy. To investigate the mechanism responsible for SERT redistribution, we used specific antibodies to phospho-p38-mitogen activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), a known signalling pathway involved in SERT membrane expression. We found that p38 MAPK activation was not involved in the MDMA-induced redistribution of SERT from the cell-surface to the cell interior. A loss of SERT from the cell surface on acute exposure to MDMA may contribute to the decreased SERT function seen in rats exposed to MDMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Kivell
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn Parade, Wellington, New Zealand.
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Shen KP, Lin HL, Hsieh SL, Kwan AL, Chen IJ, Wu BN. Eugenosedin-A prevents hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia and lipid peroxidation in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet. J Pharm Pharmacol 2010. [DOI: 10.1211/jpp.61.04.0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
Eugenosedin-A is a serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) 5-HT1b/2a and α1/α2/β1-adrenoceptor blocker with anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and free-radical scavenging activities. Previous reports demonstrated that 5-HT2a blockers could diminish hyperlipidaemia. This study therefore aimed to investigate the possible uses and mechanisms of eugenosedin-A and other agents in treating hyperlipidaemia.
Methods
C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into seven groups, fed a regular diet or a high-fat diet alone or supplemented with one of five agents: eugenosedin-A, ketanserin, prazosin, propranolol or atorvastatin (5 mg/kg p.o.) for 8 weeks.
Key findings
Compared with the regular diet, the mice fed the high-fat diet had significantly higher body weight and glucose, insulin and lipid levels. Brain malondialdehyde concentration was increased and liver glutathione peroxidase activity decreased. Addition of eugenosedin-A to the high-fat diet resulted in less weight gain and reduced hyperglycaemia, hyperinsulinaemia and hyperlipidaemia. Lipid and glucose homeostasis were related to decreased hepatic lipogenesis mRNAs and proteins (sterol regulatory element binding protein 1a, fatty acid synthase, sterol-CoA desaturase) and restored adipose peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ expression. Eugenosedin-A also enhanced low-density lipoprotein receptor mRNA expression.
Conclusions
Eugenosedin-A may improve plasma lipid metabolism by increasing low-density lipoprotein receptor and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ expression and diminishing sterol regulatory element binding protein 1a, fatty acid synthase and sterol-CoA desaturase. Reduction of plasma glucose and lipid levels may, in turn, reduce insulin concentration, which would explain the marked improvement in obesity-related hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia. Furthermore, eugenosedin-A affected malondialdehyde concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity, suggesting it may have anti-peroxidation effects in mice fed a high-fat diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Ping Shen
- Department of Early Childhood Care and Education, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Li Lin
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Meiho Institute of Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Su-Ling Hsieh
- Department of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Aij-Lie Kwan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ing-Jun Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Bin-Nan Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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MDMA (Ecstasy) Decreases the Number of Neurons and Stem Cells in Embryonic Cortical Cultures. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2009; 30:13-21. [DOI: 10.1007/s10571-009-9426-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2008] [Accepted: 06/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Capela JP, Carmo H, Remião F, Bastos ML, Meisel A, Carvalho F. Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Ecstasy-Induced Neurotoxicity: An Overview. Mol Neurobiol 2009; 39:210-71. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-009-8064-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2008] [Accepted: 02/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Cowan RL, Joers JM, Dietrich MS. N-acetylaspartate (NAA) correlates inversely with cannabis use in a frontal language processing region of neocortex in MDMA (Ecstasy) polydrug users: a 3 T magnetic resonance spectroscopy study. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2009; 92:105-10. [PMID: 19032963 PMCID: PMC4451227 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2008.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2008] [Revised: 10/18/2008] [Accepted: 10/29/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Impaired verbal memory is common in MDMA (Ecstasy) polydrug users. The contributions of Ecstasy or polydrug exposure to reduced verbal memory are unclear, as is the neural basis for this cognitive deficit. Ecstasy users have reduced gray matter in brain regions mediating verbal memory (BA 18, 21 and 45). N-acetylaspartate (NAA) as a neuronal marker and myoinositol (mI) as a glial marker are inconsistently affected in Ecstasy users. We used 3 T MRS in 17 recreational drug users to test the hypothesis that Ecstasy polydrug use would be associated with altered NAA or mI in BA 18, 21 and 45. No effects were seen for mI. Metabolite ratios for NAA (mean+/-SD) were: BA 18-NAA/Cr (2.030+/-0.188); BA 21-NAA/Cr (1.861+/-0.325); BA 45-NAA/Cr (1.925+/-0.329). Lifetime cannabis use was significantly associated with BA 45 NAA/Cr (r=-0.687, p=0.014) but not with NAA in BA 18 or 21. In contrast, there were no statistically significant associations for lifetime use of Ecstasy, alcohol, or cocaine with NAA. These findings suggest that cannabis use may contribute to altered neuronal integrity in Ecstasy polydrug users in a brain region associated with verbal memory processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald L Cowan
- Psychiatric Neuroimaging Program, 1601 23 Avenue South, Suite 3057, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
- Vanderbilt Addiction Center, 1601 23 Avenue South, 3 Floor, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Sciences, 1161 21 Avenue South, Medical Center North, AA-1105, Nashville, TN 37232-2310, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 1601 23 Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, CCC-1121 Medical Center North, Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - James M Joers
- Psychiatric Neuroimaging Program, 1601 23 Avenue South, Suite 3057, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Sciences, 1161 21 Avenue South, Medical Center North, AA-1105, Nashville, TN 37232-2310, USA
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, CCC-1121 Medical Center North, Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Mary S Dietrich
- Psychiatric Neuroimaging Program, 1601 23 Avenue South, Suite 3057, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 1601 23 Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
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Alves E, Binienda Z, Carvalho F, Alves CJ, Fernandes E, de Lourdes Bastos M, Tavares MA, Summavielle T. Acetyl-L-carnitine provides effective in vivo neuroprotection over 3,4-methylenedioximethamphetamine-induced mitochondrial neurotoxicity in the adolescent rat brain. Neuroscience 2008; 158:514-23. [PMID: 19015003 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2008.10.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2008] [Revised: 10/21/2008] [Accepted: 10/27/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioximethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) is a worldwide abused stimulant drug, with persistent neurotoxic effects and high prevalence among adolescents. The massive release of 5-HT from pre-synaptic storage vesicles induced by MDMA followed by monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) metabolism, significantly increases oxidative stress at the mitochondrial level. l-Carnitine and its ester, acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC), facilitate the transport of long chain free fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane enhancing neuronal anti-oxidative defense. Here, we show the potential of ALC against the neurotoxic effects of MDMA exposure. Adolescent male Wistar rats were assigned to four groups: control saline solution, isovolumetric to the MDMA solution, administered i.p.; MDMA (4x10 mg/kg MDMA, i.p.); ALC/MDMA (100 mg/kg 30 min of ALC prior to MDMA, i.p.) and ALC (100 mg/kg, i.p.). Rats were killed 2 weeks after exposure and brains were analyzed for lipid peroxidation, carbonyl formation, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletion and altered expression of the DNA-encoded subunits of the mitochondrial complexes I (NADH dehydrogenase, NDII) and IV (cytochrome c oxidase, COXI) from the respiratory chain. Levels of 5-HT and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were also assessed. The present work is the first to successfully demonstrate that pretreatment with ALC exerts effective neuroprotection against the MDMA-induced neurotoxicity at the mitochondrial level, reducing carbonyl formation, decreasing mtDNA deletion, improving the expression of the respiratory chain components and preventing the decrease of 5-HT levels in several regions of the rat brain. These results indicate potential benefits of ALC application in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Alves
- IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Molecular Neurobiology, Neuroprotection Laboratory, Rua do Campo Alegre, 823, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal
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Nelson DA, Nirmaier JL, Singh SJ, Tolbert MD, Bost KL. Ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) limits murine gammaherpesvirus-68 induced monokine expression. Brain Behav Immun 2008; 22:912-22. [PMID: 18280699 PMCID: PMC4275657 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2008.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2007] [Revised: 01/07/2008] [Accepted: 01/08/2008] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
While Ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMA) has been shown to modulate immune responses, no studies have addressed drug-induced alterations to viral infection. In this study, bone marrow-derived macrophages were exposed to MDMA, then infected with murine gammaherpesvirus-68, and the expression of monokines assessed. MDMA-induced reductions in virus-stimulated monokine mRNA expression were observed in a dose-dependent manner. In particular, IL-6 mRNA expression and secretion was significantly decreased in gammaherpesvirus-infected macrophages exposed to MDMA. Concentrations of MDMA capable of reducing monokine production did not induce significant cell death and allowed normal viral gene expression. These studies represent the first to demonstrate the ability of this drug of abuse to alter a viral-induced macrophage response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Nelson
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA.
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Enhanced tau phosphorylation in the hippocampus of mice treated with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine ("Ecstasy"). J Neurosci 2008; 28:3234-45. [PMID: 18354027 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0159-08.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) ("Ecstasy") produces neurotoxic effects, which result into an impairment of learning and memory and other neurological dysfunctions. We examined whether MDMA induces increases in tau protein phosphorylation, which are typically associated with Alzheimer's disease and other chronic neurodegenerative disorders. We injected mice with MDMA at cumulative doses of 10-50 mg/kg intraperitoneally, which are approximately equivalent to doses generally consumed by humans. MDMA enhanced the formation of reactive oxygen species and induced reactive gliosis in the hippocampus, without histological evidence of neuronal loss. An acute or 6 d treatment with MDMA increased tau protein phosphorylation in the hippocampus, revealed by both anti-phospho(Ser(404))-tau and paired helical filament-1 antibodies. This increase was restricted to the CA2/CA3 subfields and lasted 1 and 7 d after acute and repeated MDMA treatment, respectively. Tau protein was phosphorylated as a result of two nonredundant mechanisms: (1) inhibition of the canonical Wnt (wingless-type MMTV integration site family) pathway, with ensuing activation of glycogen synthase kinase-3beta; and (2) activation of type-5 cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk5). MDMA induced the expression of the Wnt antagonist, Dickkopf-1, and the expression of the Cdk5-activating protein, p25. In addition, the increase in tau phosphorylation was attenuated by strategies that rescued the Wnt pathway or inhibited Cdk5. Finally, an impairment in hippocampus-dependent spatial learning was induced by doses of MDMA that increased tau phosphorylation, although the impairment outlasted this biochemical event. We conclude that tau hyperphosphorylation in the hippocampus may contribute to the impairment of learning and memory associated with MDMA abuse.
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Cunha-Oliveira T, Rego AC, Oliveira CR. Cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the neurotoxicity of opioid and psychostimulant drugs. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 58:192-208. [PMID: 18440072 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2008.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2008] [Revised: 03/18/2008] [Accepted: 03/18/2008] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Substance abuse and addiction are the most costly of all the neuropsychiatric disorders. In the last decades, much progress has been achieved in understanding the effects of the drugs of abuse in the brain. However, efficient treatments that prevent relapse have not been developed. Drug addiction is now considered a brain disease, because the abuse of drugs affects several brain functions. Neurological impairments observed in drug addicts may reflect drug-induced neuronal dysfunction and neurotoxicity. The drugs of abuse directly or indirectly affect neurotransmitter systems, particularly dopaminergic and glutamatergic neurons. This review explores the literature reporting cellular and molecular alterations reflecting the cytotoxicity induced by amphetamines, cocaine and opiates in neuronal systems. The neurotoxic effects of drugs of abuse are often associated with oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis and inhibition of neurogenesis, among other mechanisms. Understanding the mechanisms that underlie brain dysfunction observed in drug-addicted individuals may contribute to improve the treatment of drug addiction, which may have social and economic consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Cunha-Oliveira
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology and Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
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Neuropeptide Y protects retinal neural cells against cell death induced by ecstasy. Neuroscience 2008; 152:97-105. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2007.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2007] [Revised: 12/09/2007] [Accepted: 12/10/2007] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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