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Colombo G. Positive allosteric modulators of the GABAB receptor: a new class of ligands with therapeutic potential for alcohol use disorder. Alcohol Alcohol 2024; 59:agae018. [PMID: 38566580 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agae018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the GABAB receptor constitute a new class of GABAB-receptor ligands. GABAB PAMs reproduce several pharmacological effects of the orthosteric GABAB receptor agonist, baclofen, although displaying a better safety profile. AIMS This paper reviews the reducing or, frequently, even suppressing effects of all GABAB PAMs tested to date on multiple alcohol-related behaviours in laboratory rodents exposed to validated experimental models of human alcohol use disorder. RESULTS Acute or repeated treatment with CGP7930, GS39783, BHF177, rac-BHFF, ADX71441, CMPPE, COR659, ASP8062, KK-92A, and ORM-27669 reduced excessive alcohol drinking, relapse- and binge-like drinking, operant alcohol self-administration, reinstatement of alcohol seeking, and alcohol-induced conditioned place preference in rats and mice. CONCLUSIONS These effects closely mirrored those of baclofen; notably, they were associated to remarkably lower levels of tolerance and toxicity. The recent transition of ASP8062 to clinical testing will soon prove whether these highly consistent preclinical data translate to AUD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giancarlo Colombo
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, I-09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy
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Cieslik-Starkiewicz A, Noworyta K, Solich J, Korlatowicz A, Faron-Górecka A, Rygula R. Trait sensitivity to positive feedback is a predisposing factor for several aspects of compulsive alcohol drinking in male rats: behavioural, physiological, and molecular correlates. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:33-47. [PMID: 37682294 PMCID: PMC10774643 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06460-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders and a leading cause of mortality worldwide. While the pathophysiology underlying AUD is relatively well known, the cognitive mechanisms of an individual's susceptibility to the development of alcohol dependence remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the theoretical claim that sensitivity to positive feedback (PF), as a stable and enduring behavioural trait, can predict individual susceptibility to the acquisition and maintenance of alcohol-seeking behaviour in rats. METHODS Trait sensitivity to PF was assessed using a series of probabilistic reversal learning tests. The escalation of alcohol intake in rats was achieved by applying a mix of intermittent free access and instrumental paradigms of alcohol drinking. The next steps included testing the influence of sensitivity to PF on the acquisition of compulsive alcohol-seeking behaviour in the seeking-taking punishment task, measuring motivation to seek alcohol, and comparing the speed of extinction and reinstatement of alcohol-seeking after a period of abstinence between rats expressing trait insensitivity and sensitivity to PF. Finally, trait differences in the level of stress hormones and in the expression of genes and proteins in several brain regions of interest were measured to identify potential physiological and neuromolecular mechanisms of the observed interactions. RESULTS We showed that trait sensitivity to PF in rats determines the level of motivation to seek alcohol following the experience of its negative consequences. They also revealed significant differences between animals classified as insensitive and sensitive to PF in their propensity to reinstate alcohol-seeking behaviours after a period of forced abstinence. The abovementioned effects were accompanied by differences in blood levels of stress hormones and differences in the cortical and subcortical expression of genes and proteins related to dopaminergic, serotonergic, and GABAergic neurotransmission. CONCLUSION Trait sensitivity to PF can determine the trajectory of alcohol addiction in rats. This effect is, at least partially, mediated via distributed physiological and molecular changes within cortical and subcortical regions of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Cieslik-Starkiewicz
- Department of Pharmacology, Affective Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smetna Street, 31-343, Krakow, Poland
| | - Karolina Noworyta
- Department of Pharmacology, Affective Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smetna Street, 31-343, Krakow, Poland
| | - Joanna Solich
- Department of Pharmacology, Biochemical Pharmacology Laboratory, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smetna Street, 31-343, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agata Korlatowicz
- Department of Pharmacology, Biochemical Pharmacology Laboratory, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smetna Street, 31-343, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agata Faron-Górecka
- Department of Pharmacology, Biochemical Pharmacology Laboratory, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smetna Street, 31-343, Krakow, Poland
| | - Rafal Rygula
- Department of Pharmacology, Affective Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smetna Street, 31-343, Krakow, Poland.
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Akuzawa S, Irie M, Kanki M, Shirakawa T, Sato Y. Effect of ASP8062 on morphine self-administration and morphine-induced respiratory suppression in monkeys. J Pharmacol Sci 2023; 151:171-176. [PMID: 36925215 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
ASP8062 is an orally available GABAB receptor positive allosteric modulator (PAM). This study assessed the potential of ASP8062 for treating opioid use disorder (OUD). Three rhesus monkeys were pretreated with ASP8062 (0.3, 1 or 3 mg/kg) by oral administration 1 h prior to a 2-h morphine self-administration session (0.03 mg/kg, iv, per injection) under a fixed-ratio 5 schedule. We further examined the potential worsening of morphine-induced respiratory suppression by ASP8062 after coadministration of morphine (10 mg/kg, sc) and ASP8062 (10 mg/kg, po) in cynomolgus monkeys using a custom-made whole-body plethysmograph. Plasma concentrations of ASP8062 (3 or 10 mg/kg, po) were assessed in cynomolgus monkeys using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS). ASP8062 at 3 mg/kg, po decreased the morphine self-administrations with significant differences from the vehicle-treated group (IC50 = 0.97 ± 0.36 mg/kg). Exposure levels at 3 mg/kg observed in monkeys were comparable to the clinical exposure levels which positive pharmacodynamic effects were previously shown. Further, ASP8062 did not potentiate morphine-induced respiratory suppression up to exposure levels higher than the clinically relevant dose. ASP8062 may reduce opioid use in OUD patients without affecting respiratory system, providing justification for further ASP8062 development as a potential treatment option for OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinobu Akuzawa
- Applied Pharmacology, Non-clinical Regulatory Science, Applied Research, Astellas Pharma Inc., 21 Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8585, Japan.
| | - Megumi Irie
- Applied Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, Non-clinical Regulatory Science, Applied Research, Astellas Pharma Inc., 21 Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8585, Japan
| | - Masayuki Kanki
- Applied Safety, Non-clinical Regulatory Science, Applied Research, Astellas Pharma Inc., 21 Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8585, Japan
| | - Takafumi Shirakawa
- Applied Safety, Non-clinical Regulatory Science, Applied Research, Astellas Pharma Inc., 21 Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8585, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Sato
- Research Program Management, Applied Research Management, Applied Research, Astellas Pharma Inc., 21 Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8585, Japan
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Domi E, Xu L, Toivainen S, Wiskerke J, Coppola A, Holm L, Augier E, Petrella M, Heilig M. Activation of GABA B receptors in central amygdala attenuates activity of PKCδ + neurons and suppresses punishment-resistant alcohol self-administration in rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023:10.1038/s41386-023-01543-1. [PMID: 36739350 PMCID: PMC10354045 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01543-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use despite negative consequences is a core phenomenon of alcohol addiction. We recently used alcohol self-administration that is resistant to footshock punishment as a model of this behavior, and found that activity of PKCδ + GABAergic neurons in the central amygdala (CeA) is a determinant of individual susceptibility for punishment resistance. In the present study, we examined whether activation of GABAB receptors in CeA can attenuate the activity of PKCδ + neurons in this region, and whether this will result in suppression of punishment- resistant alcohol self-administration in the minority of rats that show this behavior. Systemic administration of the clinically approved GABAB agonist baclofen (1 and 3 mg/kg) dose- dependently reduced punishment-resistant alcohol self-administration. Bilateral microinjections of baclofen into CeA (64 ng in 0.3 µl/side) reduced the activity of PKCδ + neurons, as measured by Fos expression. This manipulation also selectively suppressed punished alcohol self-administration in punishment-resistant rats. Expression analysis indicated that virtually all CeA PKCδ + neurons express the GABAB receptor. Using in vitro electrophysiology, we found that baclofen induced hyperpolarization of CeA neurons, reducing their firing rate in response to depolarizing current injections. Together, our findings provide a potential mechanism that contributes to the clinical efficacy of baclofen in alcohol addiction. Therapeutic use of baclofen itself is limited by problems of tolerance and need for dose escalation. Our findings support a mechanistic rationale for developing novel, improved alcohol addiction medications that target GABAB receptors, and that lack these limitations, such as e.g., GABAB positive allosteric modulators (PAM:s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Esi Domi
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, S-581 85, Linköping, Sweden. .,School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, Center for Neuroscience, University of Camerino, Camerino, 62032, Italy.
| | - Li Xu
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, S-581 85, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Sanne Toivainen
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, S-581 85, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Joost Wiskerke
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, S-581 85, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Andrea Coppola
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, S-581 85, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Lovisa Holm
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, S-581 85, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Eric Augier
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, S-581 85, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Michele Petrella
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, S-581 85, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Markus Heilig
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, S-581 85, Linköping, Sweden
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Lorrai I, Shankula C, Marquez Gaytan J, Maccioni R, Lobina C, Maccioni P, Brizzi A, Mugnaini C, Gessa GL, Sanna PP, Corelli F, Colombo G. Development of tolerance upon repeated administration with the GABA B receptor positive allosteric modulator, COR659, on alcohol drinking in rodents. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2022; 48:662-672. [PMID: 36095322 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2022.2116713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Background: Recent work has demonstrated that acute administration of the novel positive allosteric modulator of the GABAB receptor, COR659, reduces several alcohol-related behaviors in rodents.Objective: To assess whether COR659 continues to lessen alcohol intake after repeated administration, a fundamental feature of drugs with therapeutic potential.Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice (n = 40) were exposed to daily 2-hour drinking sessions (20% (v/v) alcohol) under the 1-bottle "drinking in the dark" protocol and male Sardinian alcohol-preferring rats (n = 40) were exposed to daily 1-hour drinking sessions under the 2-bottle "alcohol (10%, v/v) vs water" choice regimen. COR659 (0, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg in the mouse experiment; 0, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg in the rat experiment) was administered intraperitoneally before 7 consecutive drinking sessions.Results: Alcohol intake in vehicle-treated mice and rats averaged 2.5-3.0 and 1.5-1.6 g/kg/session, respectively, indicative of high basal levels. In both experiments, treatment with COR659 resulted in an initial, dose-related suppression of alcohol intake (up to 70-80% compared to vehicle treatment; P < .0005 and P < .0001 in mouse and rat experiments, respectively). The magnitude of the reducing effect of COR659 on alcohol drinking diminished progressively, until vanishing over the subsequent 2-4 drinking sessions.Conclusion: COR659 effectively reduced alcohol intake in two different rodent models of excessive alcohol drinking. However, tolerance to the anti-alcohol effects of COR659 developed rapidly. If theoretically transposed to humans, these data would represent a possible limitation to the clinical use of COR659.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Lorrai
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Chase Shankula
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jorge Marquez Gaytan
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Riccardo Maccioni
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Carla Lobina
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Paola Maccioni
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Antonella Brizzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Claudia Mugnaini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Gessa
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Pietro Paolo Sanna
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Federico Corelli
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Colombo
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, Monserrato, Italy
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Bauer MR, Hernández M, Kasten CR, Boehm SL. Systemic administration of racemic baclofen reduces both acquisition and maintenance of alcohol consumption in male and female mice. Alcohol 2022; 103:25-35. [PMID: 35870740 PMCID: PMC9835998 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2022.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Baclofen is a GABAB receptor agonist with proposed use as a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD). In preclinical studies, racemic baclofen decreases alcohol consumption in both mice and rats; however, there is a significant disparity in the efficacy of the drug across species. We previously demonstrated that baclofen is enantioselective, with the racemic enantiomer successfully reducing binge-like alcohol consumption during Drinking-in-the-Dark (DID) in C57BL/6J (B6) mice, as well as 24-h consumption during two-bottle choice (2BC) preference drinking in replicate 1 High Alcohol Preferring (HAP) mice. Here we extend these findings by investigating the effects of racemic baclofen on the acquisition and maintenance of alcohol consumption, locomotor activity, and saccharin drinking in two different mouse genotypes and drinking paradigms. Adult male and female B6 mice were allowed free access to 20% (v/v) alcohol for 2 h daily in a 14-day DID procedure. Adult male and female replicate 2 HAP (HAP2) mice were allowed 24-h access to 10% (v/v) alcohol versus tap water in a 2BC procedure for 14 days. Systemic injections of baclofen (0.0 or 3.0 mg/kg) were given 3 h into the dark cycle on days 1-5 in alcohol acquisition experiments and days 6-10 in alcohol maintenance experiments. We found that racemic baclofen significantly reduces acquisition of DID and 2BC alcohol drinking in male and female B6 and HAP2 mice, whereas it only significantly reduces the maintenance of DID alcohol intake in B6 mice. Racemic baclofen did not alter home cage locomotor activity but did alter saccharin intake, suggesting it may have nonspecific effects. The current data add to literature suggesting that smaller doses of racemic baclofen may be an effective treatment of AUD. Future work should focus on the longitudinal efficacy of racemic baclofen in high-drinking mouse genotypes to further investigate whether it is effective for those with a genetic predisposition to AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith R Bauer
- Indiana Alcohol Research Center and Department of Psychology, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States
| | - Maribel Hernández
- Indiana Alcohol Research Center and Department of Psychology, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States
| | - Chelsea R Kasten
- Indiana Alcohol Research Center and Department of Psychology, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States
| | - Stephen L Boehm
- Indiana Alcohol Research Center and Department of Psychology, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States.
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Shyu C, Chavez S, Boileau I, Foll BL. Quantifying GABA in Addiction: A Review of Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Studies. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12070918. [PMID: 35884725 PMCID: PMC9316447 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12070918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling plays a crucial role in drug reward and the development of addiction. Historically, GABA neurochemistry in humans has been difficult to study due to methodological limitations. In recent years, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS, MRS) has emerged as a non-invasive imaging technique that can detect and quantify human brain metabolites in vivo. Novel sequencing and spectral editing methods have since been developed to allow for quantification of GABA. This review outlines the clinical research utilization of 1H-MRS in understanding GABA neurochemistry in addiction and summarizes current literature that reports GABA measurements by MRS in addiction. Research on alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, and cannabis addiction all suggest medications that modulate GABA signaling may be effective in reducing withdrawal, craving, and other addictive behaviors. Thus, we discuss how improvements in current MRS techniques and design can optimize GABA quantification in future studies and explore how monitoring changes to brain GABA could help identify risk factors, improve treatment efficacy, further characterize the nature of addiction, and provide crucial insights for future pharmacological development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Shyu
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada;
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada; (S.C.); (I.B.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Sofia Chavez
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada; (S.C.); (I.B.)
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Brain and Therapeutics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Isabelle Boileau
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada; (S.C.); (I.B.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Brain and Therapeutics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada;
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada; (S.C.); (I.B.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Brain and Therapeutics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Concurrent Outpatient Medical & Psychosocial Addiction Support Services, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Acute Care Program, Toronto, ON M6J 1H3, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada
- Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Waypoint Research Institute, 500 Church Street, Penetanguishene, ON L9M 1G3, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-416-535-8501
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Melkumyan M, Silberman Y. Subregional Differences in Alcohol Modulation of Central Amygdala Neurocircuitry. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:888345. [PMID: 35866156 PMCID: PMC9294740 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.888345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder is a highly significant medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use, compulsive alcohol seeking behavior, and withdrawal symptoms in the absence of alcohol. Understanding how alcohol modulates neurocircuitry critical for long term and binge-like alcohol use, such as the central amygdala (CeA), may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies to treat alcohol use disorder. In clinical studies, reduction in the volume of the amygdala has been linked with susceptibility to relapse to alcohol use. Preclinical studies have shown the involvement of the CeA in the effects of alcohol use, with lesions of the amygdala showing a reduction in alcohol drinking, and manipulations of cells in the CeA altering alcohol drinking. A great deal of work has shown that acute alcohol, as well as chronic alcohol exposure via intake or dependence models, alters glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission in the CeA. The CeA, however, contains heterogeneous cell populations and distinct subregional differences in neurocircuit architecture which may influence the mechanism by which alcohol modulates CeA function overall. The current review aimed to parse out the differences in alcohol effects on the medial and lateral subregions of the CeA, and what role neuroinflammatory cells and markers, the endocannabinoid system, and the most commonly studied neuropeptide systems play in mediating these effects. A better understanding of alcohol effects on CeA subregional cell type and neurocircuit function may lead to development of more selective pharmacological interventions for alcohol use disorder.
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Borrego MB, Chan AE, Ozburn AR. Regulation of alcohol drinking by ventral striatum and extended amygdala circuitry. Neuropharmacology 2022; 212:109074. [PMID: 35487273 PMCID: PMC9677601 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder is a complex psychiatric disorder that can be modeled in rodents using a number of drinking paradigms. Drinking-in-the-dark (DID) is widely used to model the binge/intoxication stage of addiction, and chronic intermittent ethanol vapor procedures (CIE) are used to induce dependence and model withdrawal/negative affect induced escalation of drinking. We discuss experiments showing the ventral striatum (vStr) and extended amygdala (EA) are engaged in response to ethanol in rodents through c-Fos/Fos immunoreactivity studies. We also discuss experiments in rodents that span a wide variety of techniques where the function of vStr and EA structures are changed following DID or CIE, and the role of neurotransmitter and neuropeptide systems studies in these ethanol-related outcomes. We note where signaling systems converge across regions and paradigms and where there are still gaps in the literature. Dynorphin/κ-opioid receptor (KOR) signaling, as well as corticotropin releasing factor (CRF)/CRF receptor signaling were found to be important regulators of drinking behaviors across brain regions and drinking paradigms. Future research will require that females and a variety of rodent strains are used in preclinical experiments in order to strengthen the generalizability of findings and improve the likelihood of success for testing potential therapeutics in human laboratory studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa B Borrego
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Amy E Chan
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Angela R Ozburn
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; VA Portland Health Care System, 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
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10
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Maccioni P, Kaczanowska K, McDonald P, Colombo G. Development of Partial Tolerance to the Suppressing Effect of the Positive Allosteric Modulator of the GABAB Receptor, KK-92A, on Alcohol Self-Administration in Rats. Alcohol Alcohol 2022; 57:706-711. [PMID: 35589119 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agac026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS A recent study reported how acute treatment with KK-92A, a newly synthesized positive allosteric modulator (PAMs) of the GABAB receptor (GABAB PAMs), suppressed a series of alcohol-related behaviors, including operant oral alcohol self-administration, in selectively bred Sardinian alcohol-preferring (sP) rats. These findings lead to the addition of KK-92A to the long list of GABAB PAMs capable of reducing, after acute treatment, alcohol self-administration in rats. As a further step toward a more complete characterization of the anti-addictive properties of KK-92A, the present study was designed to assess the effect of repeated treatment with the compound on alcohol self-administration. METHODS sP rats were trained to lever-respond for oral alcohol (15%, v/v) under the fixed ratio 5 (FR5) schedule of reinforcement. Once lever-responding behavior had stabilized, KK-92A (0, 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered 30 min prior to 10 consecutive daily self-administration sessions (likewise occurring under the FR5 schedule). RESULTS The first injection of KK-92A produced a dose-related suppression in number of lever-responses for alcohol and amount of self-administered alcohol. Magnitude of the suppressing effect of KK-92A decreased over the following two self-administration sessions and then tended to stabilize on continuation of treatment. Statistical significance at post hoc analysis was maintained only by the highest dose tested (20 mg/kg). CONCLUSIONS These data suggest the development of partial tolerance to the reducing effect of repeatedly administered KK-92A on alcohol self-administration. The agonistic component of the ago-allosteric profile of KK-92A is discussed as the likely key element underlying the observed tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Maccioni
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, I-09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | | | - Patricia McDonald
- Department of Cancer Physiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Giancarlo Colombo
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, I-09042 Monserrato, Italy
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11
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Reducing effect of the novel positive allosteric modulator of the GABA B receptor, COR659, on binge-like alcohol drinking in male mice and rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:201-213. [PMID: 34812900 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-06022-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Binge drinking (BD) is a widespread drinkingpattern that may contribute to promote the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD). The comprehension of its neurobiological basis and the identification of molecules that may prevent BD are critical. Preclinical studies demonstrated that positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the GABAB receptor effectively reduced, and occasionally suppressed, the reinforcing and motivational properties of alcohol in rodents, suggesting their potential use as pharmacotherapy for AUD, including BD. Recently, we demonstrated that COR659, a novel GABAB PAM, effectively reduced (i) alcohol drinking under the 2-bottle choice regimen, (ii) alcohol self-administration under both fixed and progressive ratio schedules of reinforcement, and (iii) cue-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking behavior in Sardinian alcohol-preferring (sP) rats. OBJECTIVES The present study investigated whether the "anti-alcohol" properties of COR659 extend to binge-like drinking in rodents. METHODS COR659 was tested on the "drinking in the dark" (DID) paradigm in C57BL/6J mice and the 4-bottle "alcohol [10%, 20%, 30% (v/v)] versus water" choice regimen with limited and unpredictable access to alcohol in sP rats. RESULTS Acute administration of non-sedative doses of COR659 (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg; i.p.) effectively and selectively suppressed the intake of intoxicating amounts of alcohol (> 2 g/kg) consumed by C57BL/6J mice and sP rats exposed to these binge-like drinking experimental procedures. CONCLUSIONS The present data demonstrate the ability of COR659 to suppress binge-like drinking in rodents and strengthen the hypothesis that GABAB PAMs may represent a potentially effective pharmacotherapy for alcohol misuse.
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Abstract
Preclinical research over the past several decades has demonstrated a role for the γ-aminobutyric acidB (GABAB) receptor in alcohol use disorder (AUD). This chapter offers an examination of preclinical evidence on the role of the GABAB receptor on alcohol-related behaviors with a particular focus on the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen, for which effects have been most extensively studied, and positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the GABAB receptor. Studies employing rodent and non-human primate models have shown that activation of the GABAB receptor can reduce (1) stimulating and rewarding effects of alcohol; (2) signs of alcohol withdrawal in rats made physically dependent on alcohol; (3) acquisition and maintenance of alcohol drinking under a two-bottle alcohol versus water choice procedure; (4) alcohol intake under oral operant self-administration procedures; (5) motivational properties of alcohol measured using extinction and progressive ratio procedures; (6) the increase in alcohol intake after a period of alcohol abstinence (the alcohol deprivation effect or ADE); and (7) the ability of alcohol cues and stress to reinstate alcohol seeking when alcohol is no longer available. Baclofen and GABAB PAMs reduce the abovementioned behaviors across different preclinical models, which provides strong evidence for a significant role of the GABAB receptor in alcohol-related behaviors and supports development of medications targeting GABAB receptors for the treatment of AUD. This chapter highlights the value of examining mechanisms of alcohol-related behaviors across multiple animal models to increase the confidence in identification of new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- August F Holtyn
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Elise M Weerts
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Maccioni P, Kaczanowska K, Lawrence H, Yun S, Bratzu J, Gessa GL, McDonald P, Colombo G. The Novel Positive Allosteric Modulator of the GABA B Receptor, KK-92A, Suppresses Alcohol Self-Administration and Cue-Induced Reinstatement of Alcohol Seeking in Rats. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:727576. [PMID: 34778249 PMCID: PMC8585307 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.727576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the GABAB receptor (GABAB PAMs) are of interest in the addiction field due to their ability to suppress several behaviors motivated by drugs of abuse. KK-92A is a novel GABAB PAM found to attenuate intravenous self-administration of nicotine and reinstatement of nicotine seeking in rats. This present study was aimed at extending to alcohol the anti-addictive properties of KK-92A. To this end, Sardinian alcohol-preferring rats were trained to lever-respond for oral alcohol (15% v/v) or sucrose (0.7% w/v) under the fixed ratio (FR) 5 (FR5) schedule of reinforcement. Once lever-responding behavior had stabilized, rats were exposed to tests with acutely administered KK-92A under FR5 and progressive ratio schedules of reinforcement and cue-induced reinstatement of previously extinguished alcohol seeking. KK-92A effect on spontaneous locomotor activity was also evaluated. Treatment with 10 and 20 mg/kg KK-92A suppressed lever-responding for alcohol, amount of self-administered alcohol, and breakpoint for alcohol. Treatment with 20 mg/kg KK-92A reduced sucrose self-administration. Combination of per se ineffective doses of KK-92A (2.5 mg/kg) and the GABAB receptor agonist, baclofen (1 mg/kg), reduced alcohol self-administration. Treatment with 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg KK-92A suppressed reinstatement of alcohol seeking. Only treatment with 80 mg/kg KK-92A affected spontaneous locomotor activity. These results demonstrate the ability of KK-92A to inhibit alcohol-motivated behaviors in rodents and confirm that these effects are common to the entire class of GABAB PAMs. The remarkable efficacy of KK-92A is discussed in terms of its ago-allosteric properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Maccioni
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Katarzyna Kaczanowska
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Harshani Lawrence
- Chemical Biology Core, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Sang Yun
- Chemical Biology Core, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Jessica Bratzu
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Gessa
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Patricia McDonald
- Department of Cancer Physiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Giancarlo Colombo
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, Monserrato, Italy
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14
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Haile CN, Carper BA, Nolen TL, Kosten TA. The GABA B receptor positive allosteric modulator ASP8062 reduces operant alcohol self-administration in male and female Sprague Dawley rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:2587-2600. [PMID: 34228136 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05881-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Pre-clinical evidence implicates the GABAergic system in mediating the reinforcing effects of alcohol and offers a therapeutic target for alcohol use disorder (AUD). The orthosteric GABAB receptor agonist baclofen decreases alcohol self-administration in animals and alcohol use in humans; however side effects limit its utility. Pre-clinical evidence shows positive allosteric GABAB receptor modulators also decrease alcohol self-administration without untoward side effects. OBJECTIVES We assessed the impact of the novel GABAB-positive allosteric modulator ASP8062 and baclofen on operant alcohol self-administration and their potential non-specific effects. METHODS The effects of ASP8062 (1 - 10 mg/kg, PO) and baclofen (0.3 - 3 mg/kg, IP) were evaluated in male and female rats lever pressing for alcohol (10%, w/v) under a fixed ratio 2 schedule of reinforcement. On the fourth consecutive day of vehicle, ASP8062 or baclofen administration, active and inactive lever presses, reinforcers earned, head entries, and estimated alcohol consumed were analyzed. Locomotor activity was assessed in separate groups of rats following dosing. RESULTS Both ASP8062 and baclofen decreased alcohol self-administration and amount consumed (g/kg) in male and female rats. ASP8062 decreased operant alcohol self-administration to a greater extent in male rats, whereas baclofen was more efficacious in female rats. ASP8062 did not alter locomotor activity in either sex, whereas baclofen (3.0 mg/kg) decreased activity in male rats yet (1.0 mg/kg) increased activity in female rats. CONCLUSIONS ASP8062 decreases alcohol reinforcement like baclofen but without non-specific effects which are influenced by sex. Results support further development of ASP8062 as a potential treatment for AUD in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin N Haile
- Department of Psychology & TIMES, University of Houston, 4849 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX, 77204-6022, USA.
| | - Benjamin A Carper
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Division, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Tracy L Nolen
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Division, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Therese A Kosten
- Department of Psychology & TIMES, University of Houston, 4849 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX, 77204-6022, USA
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Jin S, Cinar R, Hu X, Lin Y, Luo G, Lovinger DM, Zhang Y, Zhang L. Spinal astrocyte aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 mediates ethanol metabolism and analgesia in mice. Br J Anaesth 2021; 127:296-309. [PMID: 33934892 PMCID: PMC8362281 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2021.02.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the targets in the CNS that mediate ethanol analgesia. This study explores the role of spinal astrocyte aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2), a key ethanol-metabolising enzyme, in the analgesic effects of ethanol in mice. METHODS Astrocyte and hepatocyte ALHD2-deficient mice were generated and tested in acute and chronic pain models. Cell-type-specific distribution of ALDH2 was analysed by RNA in situ hybridisation in spinal slices from astrocytic ALDH2-deficient mice and their wild-type littermates. Spinal ethanol metabolites and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content were measured using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. RESULTS ALDH2 mRNA was expressed in both astrocytes and neurones in spinal cord slices. Astrocyte ALDH2-deficient mice had decreased expression of ALDH2 mRNA in astrocytes, but not in neurones. Astrocyte ALDH2 deficiency inhibited ethanol-derived acetate, but not acetaldehyde content in spinal cord tissues. Depletion of spinal astrocyte ALDH2 selectively inhibited ethanol-induced anti-nociceptive effect, but not the effect of ethanol, on motor function. Astrocyte ALDH2 deficiency abolished ethanol-induced GABA elevation. The ethanol metabolite acetate produced anti-nociception and increased GABA synthesis in a manner similar to ethanol. I.T. delivery of either GABAA or GABAB receptor antagonists prevented ethanol and acetate-induced analgesia. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide evidence that ALDH2 in spinal astrocytes mediates spinal ethanol metabolism and ethanol-induced analgesic effects by promoting GABA synthesis and GABAergic transmission in spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyun Jin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Resat Cinar
- Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Xudong Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuhong Lin
- Laboratory for Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Guoxiang Luo
- Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David M Lovinger
- Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Li Zhang
- Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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16
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Augier E. Recent Advances in the Potential of Positive Allosteric Modulators of the GABAB Receptor to Treat Alcohol Use Disorder. Alcohol Alcohol 2021; 56:139-148. [PMID: 33561865 PMCID: PMC7906877 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agab003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims The effects of alcohol on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transmission are key for the development and maintenance of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Previous research consistently indicates that GABAB receptor agonists such as baclofen can attenuate addiction-related behaviors in preclinical models of AUD. More importantly, baclofen has also shown promise in clinical studies, particularly in severely alcohol-dependent patients. However, despite this promise, other clinical studies have not confirmed its efficacy and chiefly, larger clinical trials have not been conducted. Therefore, with the exception of France, baclofen is not approved for the treatment of AUD in any other country. Furthermore, it is also important to keep in mind that some patients treated with baclofen may experience important side-effects, including sedation, drowsiness and sleepiness. Methods This short review will first discuss the history of baclofen for AUD treatment. We will then summarize preclinical behavioral results that have investigated the efficacy of GABAB PAMs for addiction treatment, with a special focus on our recent work that investigated the effects of ADX71441, a novel GABAB PAM, on several alcohol-related behaviors in rats that model important aspects of human AUD. Finally, in light of the recent criticism about the translational value of animal models of addiction, the specific translational potential of our work and of other preclinical studies that have unanimously reported the efficacy of GABAB PAMs to attenuate multiple alcohol-related behaviors will be discussed. Results Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the GABAB receptor offer an attractive alternative approach to baclofen and have the potential to achieve mechanistic and therapeutic effects similar to GABAB agonists, while avoiding the tolerance and toxicity issues associated with baclofen. To date, all preclinical behavioral results have invariably shown the efficacy of GABAB PAMs for addiction treatment. Conclusions Preclinical studies indicate that GABAB PAMs have a higher therapeutic index than orthosteric agonists, at least in terms of mitigating the sedative effects of GABAB agonism. This predicts that GABAB PAMs have a high translational potential in humans and merit being tested clinically, in particular in patients with severe AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Augier
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, BKV, Linköping University, Linköping 58183, Sweden
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17
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Cannella N, Ubaldi M, Masi A, Bramucci M, Roberto M, Bifone A, Ciccocioppo R. Building better strategies to develop new medications in Alcohol Use Disorder: Learning from past success and failure to shape a brighter future. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 103:384-398. [PMID: 31112713 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a chronic disease that develops over the years. The complexity of the neurobiological processes contributing to the emergence of AUD and the neuroadaptive changes occurring during disease progression make it difficult to improve treatments. On the other hand, this complexity offers researchers the possibility to explore new targets. Over years of intense research several molecules were tested in AUD; in most cases, despite promising preclinical data, the clinical efficacy appeared insufficient to justify futher development. A prototypical example is that of corticotropin releasing factor type 1 receptor (CRF1R) antagonists that showed significant effectiveness in animal models of AUD but were largely ineffective in humans. The present article attempts to analyze the most recent venues in the development of new medications in AUD with a focus on the most promising drug targets under current exploration. Moreover, we delineate the importance of using a more integrated translational framework approach to correlate preclinical findings and early clinical data to enhance the probability to validate biological targets of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazzareno Cannella
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Massimo Ubaldi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Alessio Masi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Massimo Bramucci
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Marisa Roberto
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Neuroscience, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Angelo Bifone
- Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @UniTn, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Corso Bettini 31, 38068 Rovereto, Italy; Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Science, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy.
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Maccioni P, Colombo G, Lorrai I, Fara F, Carai MA, Gessa GL, Brizzi A, Mugnaini C, Corelli F. Anti-addictive properties of COR659 - Additional pharmacological evidence and comparison with a series of novel analogues. Alcohol 2019; 75:55-66. [PMID: 30445248 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2018.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 05/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
A recent study found that COR659 (methyl 2-[(4-chlorophenyl)carboxamido]-4-ethyl-5-methylthiophene-3-carboxylate) reduced operant alcohol and chocolate self-administration in rats; COR659 also suppressed cue-induced reinstatement of chocolate seeking in rats. COR659 apparently exerts its effects via a composite mechanism, including positive allosteric modulation of the GABAB receptor and an action at the cannabinoid CB1 receptor. The present study investigated whether the reducing effect of COR659 on alcohol and chocolate self-administration was maintained after repeated treatment and if COR659 affected cue-induced reinstatement of alcohol seeking; additionally, it evaluated the ability of 9 structural analogues of COR659 - designed modifying the substituents on the phenylcarboxamido moiety and replacing the thiophene with the pyridine ring - to affect alcohol and chocolate self-administration. Alcohol self-administration experiments employed Sardinian alcohol-preferring (sP) rats trained to lever-respond for alcohol (15% v/v). Chocolate self-administration experiments employed Wistar rats trained to lever-respond for a chocolate solution (5% w/v Nesquik®). In the reinstatement experiment, previously extinguished lever-responding for alcohol in sP rats was reinstated by the non-contingent presentation of an alcohol-associated complex of cues. All drugs were tested at the doses of 0, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg (i.p.). 10-Day treatment with COR659 produced a dose-related reduction of both alcohol and chocolate self-administration, with limited loss of efficacy on continuing treatment. Acute COR659 suppressed reinstatement of alcohol seeking. Among the 9 tested analogues, only COR657 (methyl 2-(benzoylamino)-4-ethyl-5-methylthiophene-3-carboxylate) decreased alcohol self-administration similarly to COR659; all other compounds produced modest, or even no, effect on alcohol self-administration. COR659 excluded, no compound altered chocolate self-administration. These results confirm and extend the ability of COR659 to reduce several behaviors motivated by alcohol and palatable food in rats. Comparison of COR659 to its analogues provided disparate results that do not currently allow any conclusive structure-activity relationship to be hypothesized, as their diverse pharmacological profile apparently does not depend on physicochemical properties.
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Maccioni P, Fara F, Lorrai I, Acciaro C, Mugnaini C, Corelli F, Colombo G. Suppressing effect of CMPPE, a new positive allosteric modulator of the GABA B receptor, on alcohol self-administration and reinstatement of alcohol seeking in rats. Alcohol 2019; 75:79-87. [PMID: 30468987 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2018.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the GABAB receptor constitute a class of pharmacological agents gaining increasing attention in the alcohol research field because of their ability to suppress several alcohol-related behaviors in rodents. CMPPE is a novel GABAB PAM, still limitedly characterized in vivo. It was therefore of interest to test its ability to affect operant, oral self-administration of alcohol and cue-induced reinstatement of alcohol seeking in alcohol-preferring rats. To this end, female Sardinian alcohol-preferring (sP) rats were trained to lever-respond for alcohol (15% v/v) under the fixed ratio (FR) 5 (FR5) schedule of reinforcement. Once lever-responding had stabilized, rats were exposed to test sessions (under the FR5 [Experiment 1] and progressive ratio [PR; Experiment 2] schedules of reinforcement) preceded by treatment with CMPPE (0, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg; intraperitoneally [i.p.]). In Experiment 3, once lever-responding had stabilized, rats underwent an extinction responding phase and then a single reinstatement session during which lever-responding was resumed by the non-contingent presentation of a complex of alcohol-associated cues; CMPPE (0, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg; i.p.) was administered before the reinstatement session. Selectivity of CMPPE action was assessed by evaluating the effect of CMPPE (0, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg; i.p.) on self-administration of a chocolate solution in male Wistar rats (Experiment 4). In Experiments 1 and 2, treatment with 5 and 10 mg/kg CMPPE reduced lever-responding and breakpoint for alcohol. In Experiment 3, treatment with 5 and 10 mg/kg CMPPE suppressed reinstatement of alcohol seeking. In Experiment 4, no dose of CMPPE affected lever-responding for the chocolate solution. These results extend to CMPPE the ability of all previously tested GABAB PAMs to affect alcohol-motivated behaviors in rodents and confirm that these effects are a shared feature of the entire class of GABAB PAMs. This conclusion is of relevance in view of the forthcoming transition of GABAB PAMs to clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Maccioni
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, I-09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Federica Fara
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, I-09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Irene Lorrai
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, I-09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, I-09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Carla Acciaro
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, I-09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Claudia Mugnaini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, University of Siena, I-53100 Siena, SI, Italy
| | - Federico Corelli
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, University of Siena, I-53100 Siena, SI, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Colombo
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, I-09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy.
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Abstract
The orthosteric γ-aminobutyric acidB (GABAB) receptor agonist baclofen is currently considered a therapeutic option for alcohol use disorder (AUD); however, the safety profile of baclofen is a concern, thus arousing interest in the positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the GABAB receptor (GABAB PAMs), a new class of ligands expected to possess a better safety profile. The present paper summarizes the several lines of experimental evidence indicating the ability of GABAB PAMs to inhibit multiple alcohol-motivated behaviors in rodents. All GABAB PAMs tested to date have invariably been reported to reduce, or even suppress, excessive alcohol drinking, relapse- and binge-like drinking, operant oral alcohol self-administration, reinstatement of alcohol seeking, and alcohol-induced locomotor stimulation and conditioned place preference in rats and mice. The use of validated animal models of several aspects of AUD confers translational value to these findings. The reducing effects of GABAB PAMs on alcohol-motivated behaviors (1) occurred at doses largely lower than those inducing sedation, suggesting that GABAB PAMs may possess, if compared with baclofen, a higher therapeutic index and a more favorable safety profile, and (2) were often not associated with reductions on other non-drug consummatory behaviors. Additional findings with therapeutic potential were (1) the lack of tolerance, after repeated treatment, to the reducing effect of GABAB PAMs on alcohol drinking and self-administration; (2) the efficacy of GABAB PAMs after intragastric administration; and (3) the ability of GABAB PAMs to selectively potentiate the suppressing effect of baclofen on alcohol self-administration. The recent transition of the first GABAB PAMs to the initial steps of clinical testing makes investigation of the efficacy of GABAB PAMs in AUD patients a feasible option.
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21
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Campbell EJ, Lawrence AJ, Perry CJ. New steps for treating alcohol use disorder. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:1759-1773. [PMID: 29574507 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4887-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder is a complex syndrome with multiple treatment points including drug-induced pathology, withdrawal management, behavioral/cognitive strategies, and relapse prevention. These different components may be complicated by genotype and phenotype. A huge milestone for the treatment of alcohol use disorder across several countries in the last 10 years was the introduction of practice guidelines integrating clinical expertise and research evidence. These provide a summary of interventions that have been shown to be effective following rigorous and replicated clinical trials. Inspection of these guidelines reveals good consistency, but little evidence of progress in treatment approaches for alcohol use disorder over the past decade. In this mini-review, we discuss emerging treatments for alcohol use disorder that may supplement or improve the evidence-based treatments that are currently recommended. New medications, the emergence of digital technology, and other novel approaches such as transcranial magnetic stimulation are all discussed with reference to treatments already in practice. We also consider how individual differences in genotype and phenotype may affect outcomes. Together with improvements in technology, this knowledge offers a powerful tool for designing personalized approaches to treatment, and hence improving prognosis for rehabilitation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin J Campbell
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Christina J Perry
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia. .,Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
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22
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Colombo G, Gessa GL. Suppressing Effect of Baclofen on Multiple Alcohol-Related Behaviors in Laboratory Animals. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:475. [PMID: 30323777 PMCID: PMC6172300 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper summarizes the several lines of experimental evidence demonstrating the ability of the prototypic GABAB receptor agonist, baclofen, to suppress multiple alcohol-related behaviors in laboratory rodents and non-human primates exposed to validated experimental models of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Specifically, treatment with baclofen has repeatedly been reported to suppress alcohol-induced locomotor stimulation, alcohol drinking (including binge- and relapse-like drinking), operant oral alcohol self-administration, alcohol seeking, and reinstatement of alcohol seeking in rats and mice. Treatment with baclofen also reduced operant oral alcohol self-administration in baboons. Several of these effects appear to be mediated by GABAB receptors located in the ventral tegmental area. The often observed co-occurrence of "desired" pharmacological effects and "unwanted" sedative effects represents the major drawback of the preclinical, anti-alcohol profile of baclofen. Collectively, these data underline the role of the GABAB receptor in the mediation of several alcohol-related behaviors. These data possess remarkable translational value, as most of the above effects of baclofen have ultimately been reproduced in AUD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giancarlo Colombo
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Gessa
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, Monserrato, Italy
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de Beaurepaire R. A Review of the Potential Mechanisms of Action of Baclofen in Alcohol Use Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:506. [PMID: 30459646 PMCID: PMC6232933 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Baclofen, a GABA-B receptor agonist, is a promising treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Its mechanism of action in this condition is unknown. GABA-B receptors interact with many biological systems potentially involved in AUD, including transduction pathways and neurotransmitter systems. Preclinical studies have shown that GABA-B receptors are involved in memory storage and retrieval, reward, motivation, mood and anxiety; neuroimaging studies in humans show that baclofen produces region-specific alterations in cerebral activity; GABA-B receptor activation may have neuroprotective effects; baclofen also has anti-inflammatory properties that may be of interest in the context of addiction. However, none of these biological effects fully explain the mechanism of action of baclofen in AUD. Data from clinical studies have provided a certain number of elements which may be useful for the comprehension of its mechanism of action: baclofen typically induces a state of indifference toward alcohol; the effective dose of baclofen in AUD is extremely variable from one patient to another; higher treatment doses correlate with the severity of the addiction; many of the side effects of baclofen resemble those of alcohol, raising the possibility that baclofen acts as a substitution drug; usually, however, there is no tolerance to the effects of baclofen during long-term AUD treatment. In the present article, the biological effects of baclofen are reviewed in the light of its clinical effects in AUD, assuming that, in many instances, clinical effects can be reliable indicators of underlying biological processes. In conclusion, it is proposed that baclofen may suppress the Pavlovian association between cues and rewards through an action in a critical part of the dopaminergic network (the amygdala), thereby normalizing the functional connectivity in the reward network. It is also proposed that this action of baclofen is made possible by the fact that baclofen and alcohol act on similar brain systems in certain regions of the brain.
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Maccioni P, Lorrai I, Contini A, Leite-Morris K, Colombo G. Microinjection of baclofen and CGP7930 into the ventral tegmental area suppresses alcohol self-administration in alcohol-preferring rats. Neuropharmacology 2017; 136:146-158. [PMID: 29050951 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 10/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Systemic administration of the orthosteric agonist, baclofen, and several positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the GABAB receptor has repeatedly been reported to decrease operant oral alcohol self-administration in rats. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the contribution of the mesolimbic dopamine system to the reducing effect of baclofen and GABAB PAMs on the reinforcing properties of alcohol. To this end, baclofen or the GABAB PAM CGP7930 were microinjected into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of selectively bred, Sardinian alcohol-preferring (sP) rats trained to self-administer alcohol. Baclofen (0, 0.03, 0.1, and 0.3 μg) or CGP7930 (0, 5, 10, and 20 μg) were microinjected via indwelling unilateral guide cannula aiming at the left hemisphere of the VTA. Treatment with baclofen resulted in a dose-related suppression of the number of lever-responses for alcohol and the amount of self-administered alcohol. No dose of baclofen altered rat motor-performance, evaluated by the inverted screen test immediately before the self-administration session. Treatment with CGP7930 halved the number of lever-responses for alcohol and amount of self-administered alcohol, with no effect on rat motor-performance. Site-specificity was investigated testing the effect of microinjection of baclofen and CGP7930 into the left hemisphere of deep mesencephalic nucleus: compared to vehicle, neither 0.3 μg baclofen nor 20 μg CGP7930 altered lever-responding for alcohol and amount of self-administered alcohol. Collectively, the results of the present study suggest the involvement of GABAB receptors located in the VTA in the mediation of alcohol reinforcing properties in sP rats. This article is part of the "Special Issue Dedicated to Norman G. Bowery".
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Maccioni
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, Monserrato, CA I-09042, Italy
| | - Irene Lorrai
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, Monserrato, CA I-09042, Italy
| | - Andrea Contini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, SS I-07100, Italy
| | - Kimberly Leite-Morris
- Departments of Psychiatry, Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Research Service, Boston, MA 02130, USA
| | - Giancarlo Colombo
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, Monserrato, CA I-09042, Italy.
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Holtyn AF, Kaminski BJ, Weerts EM. Baclofen and naltrexone effects on alcohol self-administration: Comparison of treatment initiated during abstinence or ongoing alcohol access in baboons. Drug Alcohol Depend 2017; 179:47-54. [PMID: 28753481 PMCID: PMC5599358 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Baclofen, a GABAB receptor agonist, is under investigation as a pharmacotherapy for alcohol use disorder. Treatment with a pharmacotherapeutic can be initiated during alcohol abstinence or active drinking, which may influence treatment outcomes. This study examined whether baclofen treatment initiated and maintained during alcohol abstinence would reduce alcohol seeking and self-administration upon return to alcohol access, and whether effects differed from treatment initiated and maintained during ongoing alcohol access. Naltrexone was tested under similar conditions for comparison. METHODS Five baboons self-administered alcohol under a three-component chained schedule of reinforcement that modeled periods of anticipation (Component 1), seeking (Component 2), and consumption (Component 3). Alcohol was only available in Component 3. In Experiment 1, baclofen (0.1-1.8mg/kg) or naltrexone (1.0-5.6mg/kg) was administered daily beginning on the first day of a 5-day abstinence period and treatment was continued for 5days of alcohol access. In Experiment 2, selected doses of both drugs were administered during ongoing alcohol access. RESULTS When treatment was initiated during alcohol abstinence, baclofen and naltrexone did not significantly reduce total alcohol intake (g/kg) or alcohol seeking. In comparison, when treatment was initiated during ongoing alcohol access, both baclofen (1.8mg/kg) and naltrexone (3.2 and 5.6mg/kg) significantly reduced total alcohol intake (g/kg). Naltrexone (5.6mg/kg), but not baclofen, significantly reduced alcohol seeking. CONCLUSIONS Initiation of baclofen treatment (or other alcohol use disorder treatments) during abstinence or active drinking may be an important factor in influencing efficacy and appropriate dose selection.
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Maccioni P, Colombo G, Lorrai I, Zaru A, Carai MAM, Gessa GL, Brizzi A, Mugnaini C, Corelli F. Suppressing effect of COR659 on alcohol, sucrose, and chocolate self-administration in rats: involvement of the GABA B and cannabinoid CB 1 receptors. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:2525-2543. [PMID: 28536867 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4644-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES COR659 [methyl2-(4-chlorophenylcarboxamido)-4-ethyl-5-methylthiophene-3-carboxylate] is a new, positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of the GABAB receptor. This study evaluated whether COR659 shared with previously tested GABAB PAMs the capacity to reduce alcohol self-administration in rats. RESULTS Treatment with non-sedative doses of COR659 (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg; i.p.) suppressed lever-responding for alcohol (15% v/v) in Sardinian alcohol-preferring (sP) rats under the fixed ratio (FR) 4 (FR4) and progressive ratio (PR) schedules of reinforcement; COR659 was more potent and effective than the reference GABAB PAM, GS39783. Treatment with COR659, but not GS39783, suppressed (a) lever-responding for a sucrose solution (1-3% w/v) in sP rats under the FR4 and PR schedules, (b) lever-responding for a chocolate solution [5% (w/v) Nesquik®] in Wistar rats under the FR10 and PR schedules, and (c) cue-induced reinstatement of chocolate seeking in Wistar rats. Treatment with COR659 was completely ineffective on lever-responding (FR10) for regular food pellets in food-deprived Wistar rats. Pretreatment with the GABAB receptor antagonist, SCH50911, partially blocked COR659-induced reduction of alcohol self-administration, being ineffective on reduction of chocolate self-administration. Pretreatment with the cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist, AM4113, fully blocked COR659-induced reduction of chocolate self-administration, being ineffective on reduction of alcohol self-administration. CONCLUSIONS COR659 might exert its behavioral effects via a composite mechanism: (i) positive allosteric modulation of the GABAB receptor, responsible for a large proportion of reduction of alcohol self-administration; (ii) an action at other receptor system(s), including the cannabinoid CB1 receptor, through which COR659 affects seeking and consumption of highly palatable foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Maccioni
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Giancarlo Colombo
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy.
| | - Irene Lorrai
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Alessandro Zaru
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Mauro A M Carai
- Cagliari Pharmacological Research, 09127, Cagliari (CA), Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Gessa
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato (CA), Italy
| | - Antonella Brizzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100, Siena (SI), Italy
| | - Claudia Mugnaini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100, Siena (SI), Italy
| | - Federico Corelli
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100, Siena (SI), Italy
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Bell RL, Hauser SR, Liang T, Sari Y, Maldonado-Devincci A, Rodd ZA. Rat animal models for screening medications to treat alcohol use disorders. Neuropharmacology 2017; 122:201-243. [PMID: 28215999 PMCID: PMC5659204 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2017] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to present animal research models that can be used to screen and/or repurpose medications for the treatment of alcohol abuse and dependence. The focus will be on rats and in particular selectively bred rats. Brief introductions discuss various aspects of the clinical picture, which provide characteristics of individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) to model in animals. Following this, multiple selectively bred rat lines will be described and evaluated in the context of animal models used to screen medications to treat AUDs. Next, common behavioral tests for drug efficacy will be discussed particularly as they relate to stages in the addiction cycle. Tables highlighting studies that have tested the effects of compounds using the respective techniques are included. Wherever possible the Tables are organized chronologically in ascending order to describe changes in the focus of research on AUDs over time. In general, high ethanol-consuming selectively bred rats have been used to test a wide range of compounds. Older studies usually followed neurobiological findings in the selected lines that supported an association with a propensity for high ethanol intake. Most of these tests evaluated the compound's effects on the maintenance of ethanol drinking. Very few compounds have been tested during ethanol-seeking and/or relapse and fewer still have assessed their effects during the acquisition of AUDs. Overall, while a substantial number of neurotransmitter and neuromodulatory system targets have been assessed; the roles of sex- and age-of-animal, as well as the acquisition of AUDs, ethanol-seeking and relapse continue to be factors and behaviors needing further study. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled "Alcoholism".
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Bell
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Sheketha R Hauser
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Tiebing Liang
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Youssef Sari
- University of Toledo, Department of Pharmacology, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | | | - Zachary A Rodd
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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The GABA B Positive Allosteric Modulator ADX71441 Attenuates Alcohol Self-Administration and Relapse to Alcohol Seeking in Rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2017; 42:1789-1799. [PMID: 28294133 PMCID: PMC5520784 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
GABAergic signaling is involved in modulating the reinforcing properties of alcohol, and GABAB receptors have been proposed as a potential target for clinical treatment of alcoholism. The orthosteric GABAB receptor agonist baclofen has been shown to suppress operant self-administration of alcohol in animals and alcohol use in alcohol-dependent patients, but its utility is limited by a narrow therapeutic index. We tested the effects of ADX71441, a novel GABAB receptor positive allosteric modulator, on alcohol-related behaviors in rats. We first assessed the effects of ADX71441 (1, 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg, I.P.) on both non-dependent and dependent male Wistar rats trained to self-administer 20% alcohol. We then determined the effects of ADX71441 on stress-induced as well as cue-induced relapse-like behavior. Finally, we sought to identify the brain regions through which ADX71441 may act to prevent relapse-like behavior by mapping the neuronal activation induced by stress-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking using c-Fos immunohistochemistry. ADX71441 dose-dependently decreased alcohol self-administration of both dependent and non-dependent animals, but its potency was higher in alcohol-dependent rats. Furthermore, both cue- and stress-induced alcohol seeking were blocked by the GABAB receptor positive allosteric modulator. Finally, pretreatment with 3 mg/kg of ADX71441 before stress-induced reinstatement significantly decreased c-Fos expression in a network of brain regions implicated in stress-induced relapse, comprising the nucleus accumbens shell, the dorsal raphe nucleus and the medial prefrontal cortex. Our findings support a causal role of GABAB receptors in alcohol reinforcement and relapse to alcohol seeking. These effects are observed in the absence of significant sedative side effects. Jointly, these observations indicate that GABAB receptor positive allosteric modulators merit being tested clinically for the treatment of alcoholism. Our data also point to a potential biomarker of target engagement for early clinical studies.
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Li M, Milligan CJ, Wang H, Walker A, Churilov L, Lawrence AJ, Reid CA, Hopkins SC, Petrou S. KCTD12 modulation of GABA(B) receptor function. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2017; 5:e00319. [PMID: 28713569 PMCID: PMC5508304 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular composition and functional diversity of native GABAB receptors (GABABR) are still poorly understood, thus hindering development of selective GABABR ligands. Potassium channel tetramerization domain‐containing protein (KCTD) 12 is a GABABR auxiliary subunit and mouse KCTD12 can alter GABABR function. In this study, we sought to characterize the effects of human KCTD12 on GABABR kinetics and pharmacology, using an automated electrophysiological assay. Seizure susceptibility and ethanol consumption were also investigated in a KCTD12 knockout mouse model. Human KCTD12 co‐expression altered the kinetics of GABABR‐mediated GIRK channels, speeding rates of both activation and desensitization. Analysis of concentration‐response curves showed that KCTD12 coexpression did not alter effects of the agonists GABA or baclofen on GABABR. KCTD12 coexpression enhanced the potentiating effects of the positive allosteric modulator CGP7930, and its effects on GABABR activation and desensitization. The function of KCTD12 in vivo was examined, using the KCTD12 knockout mouse model. The knockout mice were more resistant to a pentylenetetrazole proconvulsant challenge suggesting reduced seizure susceptibility. In the two bottle preference test, KCTD12 knockout mice demonstrated a reduced consumption at high ethanol concentrations. In summary, human KCTD12 accelerated the kinetics of GABABR in vitro, in a manner possibly sensitive to allosteric pharmacological modulation. This study also provides novel in vivo evidence that the interaction between KCTD12 and GABABR is of physiological significance, and may be a mechanism to more selectively modulate GABABR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody Li
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Carol J Milligan
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc Marlborough Massachusetts
| | - Andrew Walker
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Leonid Churilov
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Christopher A Reid
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health Parkville Victoria Australia
| | | | - Steven Petrou
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health Parkville Victoria Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia.,Centre for Neural Engineering University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
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KK-92A, a novel GABA B receptor positive allosteric modulator, attenuates nicotine self-administration and cue-induced nicotine seeking in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:1633-1644. [PMID: 28382542 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4594-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE GABAB receptors (GABABR) play a critical role in GABAergic neurotransmission in the brain and are thought to be one of the most promising targets for the treatment of drug addiction. GABABR positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) have shown promise as potential anti-addictive therapies, as they lack the sedative and muscle relaxant properties of full GABAB receptor agonists such as baclofen. OBJECTIVES The present study was aimed at developing novel, selective, and potent GABABR PAMs with efficacy on abuse-related effects of nicotine. RESULTS We synthetized ~100 analogs of BHF177, a GABABR PAM that has been shown to inhibit nicotine taking and seeking, and tested their activity in multiple cell-based functional assays. Among these compounds, KK-92A displayed superior PAM properties at the GABABR. Interestingly, our results revealed the existence of pathway-selective differential modulation of GABABR signaling by the structurally related GABABR allosteric modulators BHF177 and KK-92A. In vivo, similarly to BHF177, KK-92A inhibited intravenous nicotine self-administration under both fixed- and progressive-ratio schedules of reinforcement in rats. In contrast to BHF177, KK-92A had no effect on food self-administration. Furthermore, KK-92A decreased cue-induced nicotine-seeking behavior without affecting food seeking. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that KK-92A is a selective GABABR PAM with efficacy in inhibition of the primary reinforcing and incentive motivational effects of nicotine, and attenuation of nicotine seeking, further confirming that GABABR PAMs may be useful antismoking medications.
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McCall NM, Kotecki L, Dominguez-Lopez S, Marron Fernandez de Velasco E, Carlblom N, Sharpe AL, Beckstead MJ, Wickman K. Selective Ablation of GIRK Channels in Dopamine Neurons Alters Behavioral Effects of Cocaine in Mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2017; 42:707-715. [PMID: 27468917 PMCID: PMC5240170 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2016.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 07/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The increase in dopamine (DA) neurotransmission stimulated by in vivo cocaine exposure is tempered by G protein-dependent inhibitory feedback mechanisms in DA neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA). G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK/Kir3) channels mediate the direct inhibitory effect of GABAB receptor (GABABR) and D2 DA receptor (D2R) activation in VTA DA neurons. Here we examined the effect of the DA neuron-specific loss of GIRK channels on D2R-dependent regulation of VTA DA neuron excitability and on cocaine-induced, reward-related behaviors. Selective ablation of Girk2 in DA neurons did not alter the baseline excitability of VTA DA neurons but significantly reduced the magnitude of D2R-dependent inhibitory somatodendritic currents and blunted the impact of D2R activation on spontaneous activity and neuronal excitability. Mice lacking GIRK channels in DA neurons exhibited increased locomotor activation in response to acute cocaine administration and an altered locomotor sensitization profile, as well as increased responding for and intake of cocaine in an intravenous self-administration test. These mice, however, showed unaltered cocaine-induced conditioned place preference. Collectively, our data suggest that feedback inhibition to VTA DA neurons, mediated by GIRK channel activation, tempers the locomotor stimulatory effect of cocaine while also modulating the reinforcing effect of cocaine in an operant-based self-administration task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora M McCall
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Lydia Kotecki
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Sergio Dominguez-Lopez
- Department of Physiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - Nicholas Carlblom
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Amanda L Sharpe
- Department of Physiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA,Feik School of Pharmacy, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Michael J Beckstead
- Department of Physiology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Kevin Wickman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA,Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, 6-120 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA, Tel: +1 612 624 5966, Fax: +1 612 625 8408, E-mail:
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32
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GABA Australis, some reflections on the history of GABA receptor research in Australia. Pharmacol Res 2016; 116:32-38. [PMID: 28017666 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 12/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Research on GABA receptors has a long history in Australia dating from 1958 with David Curtis and his colleagues in Canberra. This review traces many of the advances made in Australia guided by highly cited publications and some obscure ones. It covers the discovery of key chemicals with which to investigate GABA receptor function including bicuculline, muscimol, phaclofen, THIP and (+)-CAMP. Also described are findings relevant to the involvement of mutant GABA receptors in inherited epilepsy. The modulation of GABA receptors by a bewildering range of chemicals, especially by flavonoids and terpenoids, is discussed.
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Kalinichev M, Girard F, Haddouk H, Rouillier M, Riguet E, Royer-Urios I, Mutel V, Lütjens R, Poli S. The drug candidate, ADX71441, is a novel, potent and selective positive allosteric modulator of the GABA B receptor with a potential for treatment of anxiety, pain and spasticity. Neuropharmacology 2016; 114:34-47. [PMID: 27889489 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Revised: 11/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Positive allosteric modulation of the GABAB receptor is a promising alternative to direct activation of the receptor as a therapeutic approach for treatment of addiction, chronic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, autism, Fragile X syndrome, and psychosis. Here we describe in vitro and in vivo characterization of a novel, potent and selective GABAB positive allosteric modulator (PAM) N-(5-(4-(4-chloro-3-fluorobenzyl)-6-methoxy-3,5-dioxo-4,5-dihydro-1,2,4-triazin-2(3H)-yl)-2-fluorophenyl)acetamide (ADX71441). In vitro, Schild plot and reversibility tests at the target confirmed PAM properties of the compound. In mice and rats ADX71441 is bioavailable after oral administration and is brain penetrant. A single dose of ADX71441 had an anxiolytic-like profile in the mouse marble burying test (minimum effective dose; MED 3 mg/kg) as well as in the elevated plus maze test in mice and rats (both MED 3 mg/kg). Also, in mice, acute administration of ADX71441 reduced visceral pain-associated behaviors in the acetic acid-induced writhing test. ADX71441 dose-dependently reduced time on rotarod in rats (MED 10 mg/kg) indicative of muscle-relaxant qualities. ADX71441 reduced locomotor activity in mice (10 mg/kg) and rats (3 mg/kg) after single dose; however, following sub-chronic administration in mice, 30 mg/kg ADX71441 was associated with normal locomotor activity. While acute administration of ADX71441 reduced body temperature in rats and mice (both MED 10 mg/kg), the effect in the former was transient, rapidly returning to normal levels despite high concentrations of the compound remaining in plasma. Thus, the GABAB PAM ADX71441 represents a valid therapeutic approach for development of novel treatment of anxiety, pain and spasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Kalinichev
- Addex Therapeutics SA, Chemin des Mines 9, CH-1202, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Françoise Girard
- Addex Therapeutics SA, Chemin des Mines 9, CH-1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Hasnaà Haddouk
- Addex Therapeutics SA, Chemin des Mines 9, CH-1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mélanie Rouillier
- Addex Therapeutics SA, Chemin des Mines 9, CH-1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Eric Riguet
- Addex Therapeutics SA, Chemin des Mines 9, CH-1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Vincent Mutel
- Addex Therapeutics SA, Chemin des Mines 9, CH-1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Robert Lütjens
- Addex Therapeutics SA, Chemin des Mines 9, CH-1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sonia Poli
- Addex Therapeutics SA, Chemin des Mines 9, CH-1202, Geneva, Switzerland
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Srisontiyakul J, Kastman HE, Krstew EV, Govitrapong P, Lawrence AJ. The Nicotinic α6-Subunit Selective Antagonist bPiDI Reduces Alcohol Self-Administration in Alcohol-Preferring Rats. Neurochem Res 2016; 41:3206-3214. [PMID: 27573375 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-016-2045-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Cigarettes and alcohol are the most abused substances in the world and are commonly co-abused. Nicotine primarily acts in the brain on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR), which are also a target for alcohol. The alpha6 subunit of nAChR is expressed almost exclusively in the brain reward system and may modulate the rewarding properties of alcohol and nicotine. Recently, N,N-decane-1,10-diyl-bis-3-picolinium diiodide (bPiDI) was synthesized as a selective, brain penetrant α6 subunit antagonist that reduces nicotine self-administration. The current study aimed to examine the effects of bPiDI on alcohol self-administration in inbred alcohol-preferring (iP) rats. Adult, male iP rats were trained to self-administer alcohol or sucrose. Once stable responding was achieved, rats were injected with bPiDI (1, 3 mg/kg, i.p.) and tested for self-administration under fixed and progressive ratio schedules of reinforcement. They subsequently underwent extinction, in which no rewards or cues were presented in the operant chambers. Then, they were injected with bPiDI prior to testing for cue-induced reinstatement of reward seeking. bPiDI (3 mg/kg) significantly reduced alcohol self-administration in both fixed and progressive ratios without any effects on sucrose self-administration or locomotor activity. In contrast, bPiDI (3 mg/kg) did not inhibit cue-induced reinstatement of either alcohol or sucrose seeking. The results support the involvement of α6 containing nAChR in reinforcing effects of alcohol, but not relapse to alcohol-seeking, without any impact on responding for a natural reward or general activity. bPiDI may be a potential lead molecule for a therapeutic strategy to limit nicotine and alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jirawoot Srisontiyakul
- Research Center for Neuroscience, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Hanna E Kastman
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Elena V Krstew
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Piyarat Govitrapong
- Research Center for Neuroscience, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.,Center for Neuroscience and Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. .,Florey Department of Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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Maccioni P, Lorrai I, Carai MAM, Riva A, Morazzoni P, Mugnaini C, Corelli F, Gessa GL, Colombo G. Reducing effect of saikosaponin A, an active ingredient of Bupleurum falcatum, on alcohol self-administration in rats: Possible involvement of the GABAB receptor. Neurosci Lett 2016; 621:62-67. [PMID: 27080427 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2016.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 03/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies demonstrated that treatment with saikosaponin A (SSA) - an active ingredient of the medicinal herb, Bupleurum falcatum L. - selectively suppressed, likely via a GABAB receptor-mediated mechanism, intravenous self-administration of morphine and cocaine in rats [Yoon et al., 2012; 2013]. The present study was designed to investigate whether the capacity of SSA to suppress morphine and cocaine self-administration extends to oral alcohol self-administration. To this end, selectively bred Sardinian alcohol-preferring (sP) rats were trained to lever-respond on a Fixed Ratio (FR) 4 (FR4) schedule of reinforcement for alcohol (15%, v/v) in daily 30-min sessions. Once responding had stabilized, rats were tested under the FR4 (measure of alcohol reinforcing properties) and Progressive Ratio (PR; measure of alcohol motivational properties) schedules of reinforcement. The possible involvement of the GABAB receptor system was investigated testing the effect of (a) pretreatment with the GABAB receptor antagonist, SCH50911, and (b) combined treatment with the positive allosteric modulator of the GABAB receptor, GS39783. Treatment with SSA (0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1mg/kg, i.p.) markedly reduced lever-responding for alcohol, amount of self-administered alcohol, and breakpoint for alcohol (defined as the lowest response requirement not achieved in the PR experiment). Pretreatment with 2mg/kg SCH50911 (i.p.) resulted in a partial blockade of the reducing effect of 0.5mg/kg SSA on lever-responding for alcohol and amount of self-administered alcohol. Combination of per se ineffective doses of GS39783 (5mg/kg, i.g.) and SSA (0.1mg/kg, i.p.) reduced lever-responding for alcohol and amount of self-administered alcohol. These results (a) extend to alcohol self-administration the capacity of SSA to suppress morphine and cocaine self-administration in rats and (b) suggest that the GABAB receptor system is likely part of the neural substrate underlying the reducing effect of SSA on alcohol self-administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Maccioni
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy, Section of Cagliari, I-09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Irene Lorrai
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy, Section of Cagliari, I-09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Mauro A M Carai
- Cagliari Pharmacological Research s.r.l., I-09127 Cagliari, CA, Italy
| | | | | | - Claudia Mugnaini
- Department of Biotechnologies, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, I-53100, Siena, SI, Italy
| | - Federico Corelli
- Department of Biotechnologies, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, I-53100, Siena, SI, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Gessa
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy, Section of Cagliari, I-09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Colombo
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy, Section of Cagliari, I-09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy.
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Bell RL, Hauser S, Rodd ZA, Liang T, Sari Y, McClintick J, Rahman S, Engleman EA. A Genetic Animal Model of Alcoholism for Screening Medications to Treat Addiction. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2016; 126:179-261. [PMID: 27055615 PMCID: PMC4851471 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2016.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to present up-to-date pharmacological, genetic, and behavioral findings from the alcohol-preferring P rat and summarize similar past work. Behaviorally, the focus will be on how the P rat meets criteria put forth for a valid animal model of alcoholism with a highlight on its use as an animal model of polysubstance abuse, including alcohol, nicotine, and psychostimulants. Pharmacologically and genetically, the focus will be on the neurotransmitter and neuropeptide systems that have received the most attention: cholinergic, dopaminergic, GABAergic, glutamatergic, serotonergic, noradrenergic, corticotrophin releasing hormone, opioid, and neuropeptide Y. Herein, we sought to place the P rat's behavioral and neurochemical phenotypes, and to some extent its genotype, in the context of the clinical literature. After reviewing the findings thus far, this chapter discusses future directions for expanding the use of this genetic animal model of alcoholism to identify molecular targets for treating drug addiction in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Bell
- Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.
| | - S Hauser
- Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Z A Rodd
- Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - T Liang
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Y Sari
- University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - J McClintick
- Center for Medical Genomics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - S Rahman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, United States
| | - E A Engleman
- Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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Fritz BM, Boehm SL. Rodent models and mechanisms of voluntary binge-like ethanol consumption: Examples, opportunities, and strategies for preclinical research. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2016; 65:297-308. [PMID: 26021391 PMCID: PMC4668238 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2015.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Revised: 05/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Binge ethanol consumption has widespread negative consequences for global public health. Rodent models offer exceptional power to explore the neurobiology underlying and affected by binge-like drinking as well as target potential prevention, intervention, and treatment strategies. An important characteristic of these models is their ability to consistently produce pharmacologically-relevant blood ethanol concentration. This review examines the current available rodent models of voluntary, pre-dependent binge-like ethanol consumption and their utility in various research strategies. Studies have demonstrated that a diverse array of neurotransmitters regulate binge-like drinking, resembling some findings from other drinking models. Furthermore, repeated binge-like drinking recruits neuroadaptive mechanisms in mesolimbocortical reward circuitry. New opportunities that these models offer in the current context of mechanistic research are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen L Boehm
- Indiana Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States.
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Lorrai I, Maccioni P, Gessa GL, Colombo G. R(+)-Baclofen, but Not S(-)-Baclofen, Alters Alcohol Self-Administration in Alcohol-Preferring Rats. Front Psychiatry 2016; 7:68. [PMID: 27148096 PMCID: PMC4834306 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2016.00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Racemic baclofen [(±)-baclofen] has repeatedly been reported to suppress several -alcohol-motivated behaviors, including alcohol drinking and alcohol -self-administration, in rats and mice. Recent data suggested that baclofen may have bidirectional, stereospecific effects, with the more active enantiomer, R(+)-baclofen, suppressing alcohol intake and the less active enantiomer, S(-)-baclofen, stimulating alcohol intake in mice. The present study was designed to investigate whether this enantioselectivity of baclofen effects may also extend to the reinforcing properties of alcohol in rats. To this end, selectively bred Sardinian alcohol-preferring (sP) rats were initially trained to lever respond on a fixed ratio 4 (FR4) schedule of reinforcement for alcohol (15%, v/v) in daily 30-min sessions. Once responding had stabilized, rats were tested with vehicle, (±)-baclofen (3 mg/kg), R(+)-baclofen (0.75, 1.5, and 3 mg/kg), and S(-)-baclofen (6, 12, and 24 mg/kg) under the FR4 schedule of reinforcement. Treatment with 3 mg/kg (±)-baclofen reduced the number of lever responses for alcohol and estimated amount of self-administered alcohol by approximately 60% in comparison to vehicle treatment. R(+)-baclofen was approximately twice as active as (±)-baclofen: treatment with 1.5 mg/kg R(+)-baclofen decreased both variables to an extent similar to that of the decreasing effect of 3 mg/kg (±)-baclofen. Conversely, treatment with all doses of S(-)-baclofen failed to affect alcohol self administration. These results (a) confirm that non-sedative doses of (±)-baclofen effectively suppressed the reinforcing properties of alcohol in sP rats and (b) apparently do not extend to operant alcohol self-administration in sP rats the capability of S(-)-baclofen to stimulate alcohol drinking in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Lorrai
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy - Cagliari Section , Monserrato , Italy
| | - Paola Maccioni
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy - Cagliari Section , Monserrato , Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Gessa
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy - Cagliari Section , Monserrato , Italy
| | - Giancarlo Colombo
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy - Cagliari Section , Monserrato , Italy
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Enoch MA, Hodgkinson CA, Shen PH, Gorodetsky E, Marietta CA, Roy A, Goldman D. GABBR1 and SLC6A1, Two Genes Involved in Modulation of GABA Synaptic Transmission, Influence Risk for Alcoholism: Results from Three Ethnically Diverse Populations. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2016; 40:93-101. [PMID: 26727527 PMCID: PMC4700558 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal and human studies indicate that GABBR1, encoding the GABAB1 receptor subunit, and SLC6A1, encoding the neuronal gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporter GAT1, play a role in addiction by modulating synaptic GABA. Therefore, variants in these genes might predict risk/resilience for alcoholism. METHODS This study included 3 populations that differed by ethnicity and alcoholism phenotype: African American (AA) men: 401 treatment-seeking inpatients with single/comorbid diagnoses of alcohol and drug dependence, 193 controls; Finnish Caucasian men: 159 incarcerated alcoholics, half with comorbid antisocial personality disorder, 181 controls; and a community sample of Plains Indian (PI) men and women: 239 alcoholics, 178 controls. Seven GABBR1 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped in the AA and Finnish samples; rs29220 was genotyped in the PI for replication. Also, a uniquely African, functional SLC6A1 insertion promoter polymorphism (IND) was genotyped in the AAs. RESULTS We found a significant and congruent association between GABBR1 rs29220 and alcoholism in all 3 populations. The major genotype (heterozygotes in AAs, Finns) and the major allele in PIs were significantly more common in alcoholics. Moreover, SLC6A1 IND was more abundant in controls, that is, the major genotype predicted alcoholism. An analysis of combined GABBR1 rs29220 and SLC6A1 IND genotypes showed that rs29220 heterozygotes, irrespective of their IND status, had an increased risk for alcoholism, whereas carriers of the IND allele and either rs29220 homozygote were more resilient. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that with both GABBR1 and SLC6A1, the minor genotypes/alleles were protective against risk for alcoholism. Finally, GABBR1 rs29220 might predict treatment response/adverse effects for baclofen, a GABAB receptor agonist.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pei-Hong Shen
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, NIAAA, NIH, Rockville MD 20852
| | | | | | - Alex Roy
- Psychiatry Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, New Jersey VA Health Care System, East Orange, NJ, USA
| | - David Goldman
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, NIAAA, NIH, Rockville MD 20852
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Brown JW, Moeller A, Schmidt M, Turner SC, Nimmrich V, Ma J, Rueter LE, van der Kam E, Zhang M. Anticonvulsant effects of structurally diverse GABA(B) positive allosteric modulators in the DBA/2J audiogenic seizure test: Comparison to baclofen and utility as a pharmacodynamic screening model. Neuropharmacology 2015; 101:358-69. [PMID: 26471422 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Revised: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 10/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The GABA(B) receptor has been indicated as a promising target for multiple CNS-related disorders. Baclofen, a prototypical orthosteric agonist, is used clinically for the treatment of spastic movement disorders, but is associated with unwanted side-effects, such as sedation and motor impairment. Positive allosteric modulators (PAM), which bind to a topographically-distinct site apart from the orthosteric binding pocket, may provide an improved side-effect profile while maintaining baclofen-like efficacy. GABA, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS, plays an important role in the etiology and treatment of seizure disorders. Baclofen is known to produce anticonvulsant effects in the DBA/2J mouse audiogenic seizure test (AGS), suggesting it may be a suitable assay for assessing pharmacodynamic effects. Little is known about the effects of GABA(B) PAMs, however. The studies presented here sought to investigate the AGS test as a pharmacodynamic (PD) screening model for GABA(B) PAMs by comparing the profile of structurally diverse PAMs to baclofen. GS39783, rac-BHFF, CMPPE, A-1295120 (N-(3-(4-(4-chloro-3-fluorobenzyl)-6-methoxy-3,5-dioxo-4,5-dihydro-1,2,4-triazin-2(3H)-yl)phenyl)acetamide), and A-1474713 (N-(3-(4-(4-chlorobenzyl)-3,5-dioxo-4,5-dihydro-1,2,4-triazin-2(3H)-yl)phenyl)acetamide) all produced robust, dose-dependent anticonvulsant effects; a similar profile was observed with baclofen. Pre-treatment with the GABA(B) antagonist SCH50911 completely blocked the anticonvulsant effects of baclofen and CMPPE in the AGS test, indicating such effects are likely mediated by the GABA(B) receptor. In addition to the standard anticonvulsant endpoint of the AGS test, video tracking software was employed to assess potential drug-induced motor side-effects during the acclimation period of the test. This analysis was sensitive to detecting drug-induced changes in total distance traveled, which was used to establish a therapeutic index (TI = hypoactivity/anticonvulsant effects). Calculated TIs for A-1295120, CMPPE, rac-BHFF, GS39783, and A-1474713 were 5.31x, 5.00x, 4.74x, 3.41x, and 1.83x, respectively, whereas baclofen was <1. The results presented here suggest the DBA/2J mouse AGS test is a potentially useful screening model for detecting PD effects of GABA(B) PAMs and can provide an initial read-out on target-related motor side-effects. Furthermore, an improved TI was observed for PAMs compared to baclofen, indicating the PAM approach may be a viable therapeutic alternative to baclofen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan W Brown
- Neuroscience Discovery, AbbVie, Inc., 1 North Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, IL 60064, United States.
| | - Achim Moeller
- Neuroscience Discovery, AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co KG, Knollstrasse, Ludwigshafen 67061, Germany
| | - Martin Schmidt
- Neuroscience Discovery, AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co KG, Knollstrasse, Ludwigshafen 67061, Germany
| | - Sean C Turner
- Neuroscience Discovery, AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co KG, Knollstrasse, Ludwigshafen 67061, Germany
| | - Volker Nimmrich
- Neuroscience Discovery, AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co KG, Knollstrasse, Ludwigshafen 67061, Germany
| | - Junli Ma
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, AbbVie, Inc., North Chicago, IL 60064, United States
| | - Lynne E Rueter
- Neuroscience Discovery, AbbVie, Inc., 1 North Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, IL 60064, United States
| | - Elizabeth van der Kam
- Neuroscience Discovery, AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co KG, Knollstrasse, Ludwigshafen 67061, Germany
| | - Min Zhang
- Neuroscience Discovery, AbbVie, Inc., 1 North Waukegan Rd., North Chicago, IL 60064, United States
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Inhibition of alcohol self-administration by positive allosteric modulators of the GABAB receptor in rats: lack of tolerance and potentiation of baclofen. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:1831-41. [PMID: 25420609 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3815-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Treatment with positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the GABAB receptor (GABAB PAMs) inhibits several alcohol-motivated behaviors in rodents, including operant, oral alcohol self-administration. OBJECTIVES The present study assessed the effects of (a) repeated administration of the GABAB PAMs, GS39783, and rac-BHFF and (b) a combination of an ineffective dose of either GS39783, or rac-BHFF, and an ineffective dose of the prototypic GABAB receptor agonist, baclofen, on operant, oral alcohol self-administration. METHODS Studies were conducted using selectively bred Sardinian alcohol-preferring (sP) rats exposed to a standard procedure of fixed ratio (FR) 4 (FR4) schedule of reinforcement for 15 % (v/v) alcohol. RESULTS Repeated treatment with GS39783 (50 mg/kg, i.g.) or rac-BHFF (50 mg/kg, i.g.) produced an initial 40 % reduction in number of lever responses for alcohol and amount of self-administered alcohol that was maintained unaltered throughout the 10-day period of the GS39783 treatment and increased throughout the 5-day period of the rac-BHFF treatment. Combination of per se ineffective doses of GS39783 (5 mg/kg, i.g.), or rac-BHFF (5 mg/kg, i.g.), and baclofen (1 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced, by 35-45 %, both number of lever responses for alcohol and amount of self-administered alcohol. CONCLUSIONS GS39783 and rac-BHFF (a) reduced alcohol reinforcing properties when given repeatedly, with no development of tolerance, and (b) potentiated baclofen effect. Both sets of data possess translational interest, as they suggest potential effectiveness of GABAB PAMs under chronic treatment and selective potentiation of baclofen effect.
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Filip M, Frankowska M, Sadakierska-Chudy A, Suder A, Szumiec Ł, Mierzejewski P, Bienkowski P, Przegaliński E, Cryan JF. GABAB receptors as a therapeutic strategy in substance use disorders: Focus on positive allosteric modulators. Neuropharmacology 2015; 88:36-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Revised: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Leggio L, Zywiak WH, Edwards SM, Tidey JW, Swift RM, Kenna GA. A preliminary double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized study of baclofen effects in alcoholic smokers. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:233-43. [PMID: 24973894 PMCID: PMC4278944 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3652-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE There is presently no approved single treatment for dual alcohol and nicotine dependencies. OBJECTIVE This pilot study investigated baclofen effects in alcoholic smokers. METHODS This was a preliminary double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical study with 30 alcoholic smokers randomized to baclofen at 80 mg/day or placebo. A subgroup (n=18) participated in an alcohol cue-reactivity experiment. RESULTS Baclofen, compared with placebo, significantly decreased the percent days of abstinence from alcohol-tobacco co-use (p=0.004). Alcohol dependence severity moderated baclofen effects, with the higher severity group having the greater baclofen response (p<0.001). Although the percent days of alcohol-tobacco co-use declined in both groups, this decline was greater after placebo than baclofen (p<0.001). Secondary analyses on alcohol or tobacco use alone suggested that the increase in percent days of co-abstinence was driven by the medication differences on heavy drinking days and on percent days smoking. In the cue-reactivity substudy, baclofen slightly decreased alcohol urge (p=0.058) and significantly reduced salivation (p=0.001), but these effects were not related to cue type. CONCLUSIONS This study provides preliminary evidence suggesting a possible role of baclofen in the treatment of alcoholic smokers. However, the mixed results and the small sample require larger confirmatory studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Leggio
- Section on Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology, Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive (10CRC/15330) MSC 1108; Room 1-5429, Bethesda, MD, 20892-1108, USA,
| | - William H. Zywiak
- Decision Sciences Institute, P.I.R.E, Pawtucket, RI, USA. Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA. Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Steven M. Edwards
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Jennifer W. Tidey
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Robert M. Swift
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA. Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA. Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA
| | - George A. Kenna
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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Effect of ASF (a Compound of Traditional Chinese Medicine) on Behavioral Sensitization Induced by Ethanol and Conditioned Place Preference in Mice. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 2014:304718. [PMID: 25530778 PMCID: PMC4229967 DOI: 10.1155/2014/304718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
ASF composed by semen and epimedium herbal is a traditional plant compound that is widely used in the treatment of insomnia. Studies have shown that saponins and flavonoids contained in semen can significantly decrease the content of excitatory neurotransmitter Glu in mice. And the total flavone of YinYangHuo can increase the release of GABA in the anterior periventricular system of rat and increase the affinity of GABA for the receptors GABAA. It can be inferred that their synergism may have effect on the neurotransmitter that causes behavioral sensitization and conditioned place preference in experimental animals and affects their drinking behaviors, which is the starting point of this research. The present study found that ASF can inhibit development and expression of behavioral sensitization induced by ethanol and the development of CPP in mice. We demonstrate the inhibition of ASF on behavioral sensitization partly due to its effect on the mesolimbic neurotransmitter system, including decreasing level of DA and Glu and increasing the content of GABA. It suggested that the ASF may have pharmacological effects in the treatment of alcohol addiction.
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Cedillo LN, Miranda F. Effects of co-administration of the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen and a positive allosteric modulator of the GABAB receptor, CGP7930, on the development and expression of amphetamine-induced locomotor sensitization in rats. Pharmacol Rep 2014; 65:1132-43. [PMID: 24399709 DOI: 10.1016/s1734-1140(13)71471-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2012] [Revised: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several of the behavioral effects of amphetamine (AMPH) are mediated by an increase in dopamine neurotransmission in the nucleus accumbens. However, evidence shows that γ-aminobutyric acid B (GABAB) receptors are involved in the behavioral effects of psychostimulants, including AMPH. Here, we examined the effects of co-administration of the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen and a positive allosteric modulator of the GABAB receptor, CGP7930, on AMPH-induced locomotor sensitization. METHODS In a series of experiments, we examined whether baclofen (2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 mg/kg), CGP7930 (5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 mg/kg), or co-administration of CGP7930 (5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 mg/kg) with a lower dose of baclofen (2.0 mg/kg) could prevent the development and expression of locomotor sensitization produced by AMPH (1.0 mg/kg). RESULTS The results showed that baclofen treatment prevented both the development and expression of AMPH-induced locomotor sensitization in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the positive allosteric modulator of the GABAB receptor, CGP7930, increased the effects of a lower dose of baclofen on AMPH-induced locomotor sensitization under both conditions. CONCLUSION These data provide further evidence that GABAB receptor ligands may modulate psychostimulant-induced behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura N Cedillo
- FES Iztacala, National Autonomous University of México, Av. de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala Tlalnepantla, Edo. de México 54090, México.
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Agabio R, Colombo G. GABAB receptor ligands for the treatment of alcohol use disorder: preclinical and clinical evidence. Front Neurosci 2014; 8:140. [PMID: 24936171 PMCID: PMC4047789 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2014.00140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The present paper summarizes the preclinical and clinical studies conducted to define the "anti-alcohol" pharmacological profile of the prototypic GABAB receptor agonist, baclofen, and its therapeutic potential for treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Numerous studies have reported baclofen-induced suppression of alcohol drinking (including relapse- and binge-like drinking) and alcohol reinforcing, motivational, stimulating, and rewarding properties in rodents and monkeys. The majority of clinical surveys conducted to date-including case reports, retrospective chart reviews, and randomized placebo-controlled studies-suggest the ability of baclofen to suppress alcohol consumption, craving for alcohol, and alcohol withdrawal symptomatology in alcohol-dependent patients. The recent identification of a positive allosteric modulatory binding site, together with the synthesis of in vivo effective ligands, represents a novel, and likely more favorable, option for pharmacological manipulations of the GABAB receptor. Accordingly, data collected to date suggest that positive allosteric modulators of the GABAB receptor reproduce several "anti-alcohol" effects of baclofen and display a higher therapeutic index (with larger separation-in terms of doses-between "anti-alcohol" effects and sedation).
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Agabio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of CagliariMonserrato, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Colombo
- Section of Cagliari, Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of ItalyMonserrato, Italy
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Hwa LS, Kalinichev M, Haddouk H, Poli S, Miczek KA. Reduction of excessive alcohol drinking by a novel GABAB receptor positive allosteric modulator ADX71441 in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:333-43. [PMID: 23975038 PMCID: PMC3947346 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-013-3245-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2013] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE A promising pharmacotherapy for alcohol use disorders has been positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the γ-aminobutyric acid receptor B (GABAB R) since GABAB R PAMs reduce ethanol drinking and self-administration in rodents. OBJECTIVE The current studies investigated a novel, selective GABAB R PAM, ADX71441, in comparison to naltrexone in a protocol of ethanol binge-like drinking, drinking-in-the-dark (DID), and in a model of long-term, excessive drinking, intermittent access to ethanol (IA). METHODS Male C57BL/6 J mice were given doses of ADX71441 (3, 10, 30 mg/kg, p.o.) before the fourth test day of repeated DID access to 20 % ethanol. Another group of mice had a history of 4 weeks of IA before ADX71441 (3, 10, 17 mg/kg, p.o.) treatment. The opioid antagonist, naltrexone (0.1, 1, 10 mg/kg, i.p.), was administered to different groups of mice in both protocols as a positive control. RESULTS In both DID and IA protocols, ADX71441 showed a selective and potent reduction of ethanol drinking, but not water drinking, while naltrexone had a more modest and transient effect on reducing ethanol drinking. The long-lasting effect of ADX71441 agrees with its plasma pharmacokinetics in showing peak concentrations at 2 h followed by a slow decay lasting well beyond 8 h. CONCLUSIONS These findings support previous studies demonstrating that GABAB R PAMs decrease voluntary ethanol intake without altering water intake. ADX71441 may be a worthwhile candidate for developing a treatment of alcoholism, yet its site of action in the brain and long-term pharmacological effects require further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara S. Hwa
- Department of Psychology, Tufts University, 530 Boston Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | | | | | | | - Klaus A. Miczek
- Department of Psychology, Tufts University, 530 Boston Avenue, Medford, MA 02155, USA. Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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Duke AN, Kaminski BJ, Weerts EM. Baclofen effects on alcohol seeking, self-administration and extinction of seeking responses in a within-session design in baboons. Addict Biol 2014; 19:16-26. [PMID: 22458648 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2012.00448.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Baclofen, a gamma-aminobutyric acidB receptor agonist, is currently under investigation as a potential treatment to prevent relapse to drinking in alcohol-dependent persons. In the current study, two groups of baboons were trained under a chained schedule of reinforcement (CSR), with three linked components, which were each correlated with different response requirements and cues. Fulfilling the requirement in the second link initiated the third link where either alcohol (n = 4) or a preferred non-alcoholic beverage (Tang, n = 5) was available for self-administration; failure to complete the response requirement in Link 2 ended the session (no access to alcohol or Tang). Seeking responses in Link 2 were used as indices of the motivational processes thought to be involved in relapse. The effects of baclofen (0.1-2.4 mg/kg) were examined under conditions with alcohol or Tang access and under extinction. Under the CSR, baclofen (1.8 and 2.4 mg/kg) significantly decreased (P < 0.05) alcohol self-administration responses and total g/kg alcohol intake. In contrast, only the highest dose of baclofen (2.4 mg/kg) reduced Tang self-administration and consumption. Under within-session extinction conditions, baclofen (1.8 and 2.4 mg/kg) facilitated extinction of responding for both alcohol and Tang, particularly during the first 10 minutes of extinction. Baclofen may be effective in reducing craving and alcohol drinking, although the facilitation of extinction and suppression of both alcohol and Tang self-administration by baclofen suggests these effects may be related to a more general suppression of consummatory and conditioned behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela N Duke
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Division of Behavioral Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Suite, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Central orexin (hypocretin) 2 receptor antagonism reduces ethanol self-administration, but not cue-conditioned ethanol-seeking, in ethanol-preferring rats. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2013; 16:2067-79. [PMID: 23601187 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145713000333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Orexins are hypothalamic neuropeptides which bind to two G-protein-coupled receptors, orexin-1 (OX(1)R) and orexin-2 (OX(2)R) receptor. While a role for OX(1)R has been established in both ethanol reinforcement and ethanol-seeking behaviour, the role of OX(2)R in these behaviours is relatively less-studied. The aim of this study was to determine the role of central OX(2)R in ethanol-taking and ethanol-seeking behaviour. Indiana ethanol-preferring rats were trained to self-administer ethanol (10% w/v) or sucrose (0.7–1% w/v) in the presence of reward-associated cues before being implanted with indwelling guide cannulae. The selective OX(2)R antagonist TCS-OX2-29 was administered i.c.v. to assess its effect on operant self-administration and cue-induced reinstatement following extinction. Following i.c.v. injection TCS-OX2-29 reduced self-administration of ethanol, but not sucrose. Despite reducing ethanol self-administration, TCS-OX2-29 had no impact on cue-induced reinstatement of ethanol seeking. To determine where in the brain OX(2)R were acting to modulate ethanol self-administration, TCS-OX2-29 was microinjected into either the shell or core of the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Intra-NAc core, but not shell, infusions of TCS-OX2-29 decreased responding for ethanol. Importantly, the doses of TCS-OX2-029 used were non-sedating. Collectively, these findings implicate OX(2)R in the NAc in mediating the reinforcing effects of ethanol. This effect appears to be drug-specific as antagonism of central OX(2)R had no impact on sucrose self-administration. Thus, OX(2)R in addition to OX(1)R may represent a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of ethanol-use disorders. However, unlike OX(1)R, no impact of OX(2)R antagonism was observed on cue-induced reinstatement, suggesting a more prominent role for OX(2)R in ethanol self-administration compared to cue-conditioned ethanol-seeking.
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Mugnaini C, Pedani V, Casu A, Lobina C, Casti A, Maccioni P, Porcu A, Giunta D, Lamponi S, Solinas M, Dragoni S, Valoti M, Colombo G, Castelli MP, Gessa GL, Corelli F. Synthesis and pharmacological characterization of 2-(acylamino)thiophene derivatives as metabolically stable, orally effective, positive allosteric modulators of the GABAB receptor. J Med Chem 2013; 56:3620-35. [PMID: 23544432 DOI: 10.1021/jm400144w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Two recently reported hit compounds, COR627 and COR628, underpinned the development of a series of 2-(acylamino)thiophene derivatives. Some of these compounds displayed significant activity in vitro as positive allosteric modulators of the GABAB receptor by potentiating GTPγS stimulation induced by GABA at 2.5 and 25 μM while failing to exhibit intrinsic agonist activity. Compounds were also found to be effective in vivo, potentiating baclofen-induced sedation/hypnosis in DBA mice when administered either intraperitoneally or intragastrically. Although displaying a lower potency in vitro than the reference compound GS39783, the new compounds 6, 10, and 11 exhibited a higher efficacy in vivo: combination of these compounds with a per se nonsedative dose of baclofen resulted in shorter onset and longer duration of the loss of righting reflex in mice. Test compounds showed cytotoxic effects at concentrations comparable to or higher than those of GS39783 or BHF177.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Mugnaini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via A. Moro, Siena, Italy
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