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Faccidomo S, Saunders BL, May AM, Eastman VR, Kim M, Taylor SM, Hoffman JL, McElligott ZA, Hodge CW. Operant alcohol self-administration targets GluA2-containing AMPAR expression and synaptic activity in the nucleus accumbens in a manner that drives the reinforcing properties of the drug. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.09.13.612946. [PMID: 39314444 PMCID: PMC11419130 DOI: 10.1101/2024.09.13.612946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Rationale The positive reinforcing effects of alcohol (ethanol) drive its repetitive use and contribute to alcohol use disorder (AUD). Ethanol alters the expression of glutamate AMPA receptor (AMPAR) subunits in reward-related brain regions, but the extent to which this molecular effect regulates ethanol's reinforcing properties is unclear. Objective This study investigates whether ethanol self-administration changes AMPAR subunit expression and synaptic activity in the nucleus accumbens core (AcbC) to regulate ethanol's reinforcing effects in male C57BL/6J mice. Results Sucrose-sweetened ethanol self-administration (0.81±0.11 g/kg/day) increased AMPAR GluA2 protein expression in the AcbC, without effect on GluA1, compared to sucrose-only controls. Infusion of myristoylated Pep2m in the AcbC, which blocks GluA2 binding to N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein (NSF) and reduces GluA2-containing AMPAR activity, reduced ethanol-reinforced responding without affecting sucrose-only self-administration or motor activity. Antagonizing GluA2-lacking AMPARs, through AcbC infusion of NASPM, had no effect on ethanol self-administration. AcbC neurons receiving projections from the basolateral amygdala (BLA) showed increased sEPSC frequency and GluA2-like decay kinetics in ethanol self-administering mice as compared to sucrose. Optogenetic activation of these neurons revealed an ethanol-enhanced AMPA/NMDA ratio and reduced paired-pulse ratio, indicating elevated AMPAR activity and glutamate release specifically at AcbC terminals of BLA projecting neurons. Conclusions Ethanol use upregulates GluA2 protein expression in the AcbC and AMPAR synaptic activity in AcbC neurons receiving BLA projections. GluA2-containing AMPAR activity in the AcbC regulates the positive reinforcing effects of ethanol through an NSF-dependent mechanism. This highlights a potential target for therapeutic interventions in AUD.
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Rahamim N, Liran M, Aronovici C, Flumin H, Gordon T, Urshansky N, Barak S. Inhibition of ERK1/2 or CRMP2 Disrupts Alcohol Memory Reconsolidation and Prevents Relapse in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5478. [PMID: 38791516 PMCID: PMC11122309 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105478] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Relapse to alcohol abuse, often caused by cue-induced alcohol craving, is a major challenge in alcohol addiction treatment. Therefore, disrupting the cue-alcohol memories can suppress relapse. Upon retrieval, memories transiently destabilize before they reconsolidate in a process that requires protein synthesis. Evidence suggests that the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), governing the translation of a subset of dendritic proteins, is crucial for memory reconsolidation. Here, we explored the involvement of two regulatory pathways of mTORC1, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT and extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), in the reconsolidation process in a rat (Wistar) model of alcohol self-administration. We found that retrieval of alcohol memories using an odor-taste cue increased ERK1/2 activation in the amygdala, while the PI3K-AKT pathway remained unaffected. Importantly, ERK1/2 inhibition after alcohol memory retrieval impaired alcohol-memory reconsolidation and led to long-lasting relapse suppression. Attenuation of relapse was also induced by post-retrieval administration of lacosamide, an inhibitor of collapsin response mediator protein-2 (CRMP2)-a translational product of mTORC1. Together, our findings indicate the crucial role of ERK1/2 and CRMP2 in the reconsolidation of alcohol memories, with their inhibition as potential treatment targets for relapse prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nofar Rahamim
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (N.R.)
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel (N.U.)
| | - Mirit Liran
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel (N.U.)
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Neurobiology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Coral Aronovici
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (N.R.)
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel (N.U.)
| | - Hila Flumin
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (N.R.)
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel (N.U.)
| | - Tamar Gordon
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (N.R.)
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel (N.U.)
| | - Nataly Urshansky
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel (N.U.)
| | - Segev Barak
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (N.R.)
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel (N.U.)
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Neurobiology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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3
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Doyle MA, Taylor A, Winder DG. Neural Circuitries and Alcohol Use Disorder: Cutting Corners in the Cycle. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2023. [PMID: 38082108 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2023_454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
An implicit tenet of the alcohol use disorder (AUD) research field is that knowledge of how alcohol interacts with the brain is critical to the development of an understanding of vulnerability to AUD and treatment approaches. Gaining this understanding requires the mapping of brain function critical to specific components of this heterogeneous disorder. Early approaches in humans and animal models focused on the determination of specific brain regions sensitive to alcohol action and their participation in AUD-relevant behaviors. Broadly speaking, this research has focused on three domains, Binge/Intoxication, Negative Affect/Withdrawal, and Preoccupation/Anticipation, with a number of regions identified as participating in each. With the generational advances in technologies that the field of neuroscience has undergone over the last two decades, this focus has shifted to a circuit-based analysis. A wealth of new data has sharpened the field's focus on the specific roles of the interconnectivity of multiple brain regions in AUD and AUD-relevant behaviors, as well as demonstrating that the three major domains described above have much fuzzier edges than originally thought.In this chapter, we very briefly review brain regions previously implicated in aspects of AUD-relevant behavior from animal model research. Next, we move to a more in-depth overview of circuit-based approaches, and the utilization of these approaches in current AUD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie A Doyle
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Anne Taylor
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Danny G Winder
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Hauser SR, Deehan GA, Knight CP, Waeiss RA, Engleman EA, Ding ZM, Johnson PL, McBride WJ, Truitt WA, Rodd ZA. Inhibitory and excitatory alcohol-seeking cues distinct roles in behavior, neurochemistry, and mesolimbic pathway in alcohol preferring (P) rats. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 246:109858. [PMID: 37028106 PMCID: PMC10212692 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.109858] [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: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Cues associated with alcohol use can readily enhance self-reported cravings for alcohol, which increases the likelihood of reusing alcohol. Understanding the neuronal mechanisms involved in alcohol-seeking behavior is important for developing strategies to treat alcohol use disorder. In all experiments, adult female alcohol-preferring (P) rats were exposed to three conditioned odor cues; CS+ associated with EtOH self-administration, CS- associated with the absence of EtOH (extinction training), and a CS0, a neutral stimulus. The data indicated that presentation of an excitatory conditioned cue (CS+) can enhance EtOH- seeking while the CS- can inhibit EtOH-seeking under multiple test conditions. Presentation of the CS+ activates a subpopulation of dopamine neurons within the interfascicular nucleus of the posterior ventral tegmental area (posterior VTA) and basolateral amygdala (BLA). Pharmacological inactivation of the BLA with GABA agonists inhibits the ability of the CS+ to enhance EtOH-seeking but does not alter context-induced EtOH-seeking or the ability of the CS- to inhibit EtOH-seeking. Presentation of the conditioned odor cues in a non-drug-paired environment indicated that presentation of the CS+ increased dopamine levels in the BLA. In contrast, presentation of the CS- decreased both glutamate and dopamine levels in the BLA. Further analysis revealed that presentation of a CS+ EtOH-associated conditioned cue activates GABA interneurons but not glutamate projection neurons. Overall, the data indicate that excitatory and inhibitory conditioned cues can contrarily alter EtOH-seeking behaviors and that different neurocircuitries are mediating these distinct cues in critical brain regions. Pharmacotherapeutics for craving should inhibit the CS+ and enhance the CS- neurocircuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheketha R Hauser
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Gerald A Deehan
- Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Christopher P Knight
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Robert A Waeiss
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Eric A Engleman
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Zheng-Ming Ding
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, The Pennsylvania State University, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Phillip L Johnson
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - William J McBride
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - William A Truitt
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Zachary A Rodd
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Involvement of the ERK signaling pathways in the NAc in propofol-seeking behavior induced by cues in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 219:173447. [PMID: 35970339 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Propofol, an intravenous short-acting anesthetic, has the potential to induce craving and relapse. Accumulated evidence demonstrates that extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) plays an essential role in drug reward and relapse. In the previous study, we demonstrated that the ERK signaling pathways in the Nucleus accumbens (NAc) were involved in propofol reward. However, the role of the ERK signaling pathways in propofol relapse is still unknown. We first trained rats to self-administer propofol for 14 days, then evaluated propofol-seeking behavior of relapse induced by a contextual cues and conditioned cues after 14-day withdrawal. Meanwhile, MEK inhibitor U0126 was used to investigate the role of the ERK signal pathways in propofol-seeking behavior induced by contextual cues and conditioned cues. Results showed that the number of active nose-poke responses in propofol-seeking behavior induced by conditioned cues was much higher compared to contextual cues. U0126 (5.0 μg/side, Lateral Ventricle (LV)) pretreatment significantly decreased the active responses induced by conditioned cues, which was associated with a large decline in the expression of p-ERK in the NAc. Moreover, microinjectionofU0126 (2.0 μg/side) in the NAc also attenuated the active responses of propofol-seeking behavior. Additionally, microinjections with U0126 in the LV (5.0 μg/side) or NAc (2.0 μg/side) both failed to alter sucrose self-administration or locomotor activity of rats. Therefore, we conclude that ERK phosphorylation in the NAc maybe involved in propofol relapse.
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Luessen DJ, Conn PJ. Allosteric Modulators of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors as Novel Therapeutics for Neuropsychiatric Disease. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:630-661. [PMID: 35710132 PMCID: PMC9553119 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors, a family of G-protein-coupled receptors, have been identified as novel therapeutic targets based on extensive research supporting their diverse contributions to cell signaling and physiology throughout the nervous system and important roles in regulating complex behaviors, such as cognition, reward, and movement. Thus, targeting mGlu receptors may be a promising strategy for the treatment of several brain disorders. Ongoing advances in the discovery of subtype-selective allosteric modulators for mGlu receptors has provided an unprecedented opportunity for highly specific modulation of signaling by individual mGlu receptor subtypes in the brain by targeting sites distinct from orthosteric or endogenous ligand binding sites on mGlu receptors. These pharmacological agents provide the unparalleled opportunity to selectively regulate neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission, and subsequent behavioral output pertinent to many brain disorders. Here, we review preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the utility of mGlu receptor allosteric modulators as novel therapeutic approaches to treat neuropsychiatric diseases, such as schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and stress-related disorders.
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7
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Yang W, Singla R, Maheshwari O, Fontaine CJ, Gil-Mohapel J. Alcohol Use Disorder: Neurobiology and Therapeutics. Biomedicines 2022; 10:1192. [PMID: 35625928 PMCID: PMC9139063 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) encompasses the dysregulation of multiple brain circuits involved in executive function leading to excessive consumption of alcohol, despite negative health and social consequences and feelings of withdrawal when access to alcohol is prevented. Ethanol exerts its toxicity through changes to multiple neurotransmitter systems, including serotonin, dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, glutamate, acetylcholine, and opioid systems. These neurotransmitter imbalances result in dysregulation of brain circuits responsible for reward, motivation, decision making, affect, and the stress response. Despite serious health and psychosocial consequences, this disorder still remains one of the leading causes of death globally. Treatment options include both psychological and pharmacological interventions, which are aimed at reducing alcohol consumption and/or promoting abstinence while also addressing dysfunctional behaviours and impaired functioning. However, stigma and social barriers to accessing care continue to impact many individuals. AUD treatment should focus not only on restoring the physiological and neurological impairment directly caused by alcohol toxicity but also on addressing psychosocial factors associated with AUD that often prevent access to treatment. This review summarizes the impact of alcohol toxicity on brain neurocircuitry in the context of AUD and discusses pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies currently available to treat this addiction disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waisley Yang
- Island Medical Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (W.Y.); (R.S.)
| | - Rohit Singla
- Island Medical Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (W.Y.); (R.S.)
| | - Oshin Maheshwari
- Psychiatry Residency Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8W 3P5, Canada;
| | | | - Joana Gil-Mohapel
- Island Medical Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (W.Y.); (R.S.)
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada;
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8
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Miguel-Hidalgo JJ. Astroglia in the Vulnerability and Maintenance of Alcohol Use Disorders. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2021; 26:255-279. [PMID: 34888838 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77375-5_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Changes induced in the morphology and the multiplicity of functional roles played by astrocytes in brain regions critical to the establishment and maintenance of alcohol abuse suggest that they make an important contribution to the vulnerability to alcohol use disorders. The understanding of the relevant mechanisms accounting for that contribution is complicated by the fact that alcohol itself acts directly on astrocytes altering their metabolism, gene expression, and plasticity, so that the ultimate result is a complex interaction of various cellular pathways, including intracellular calcium regulation, neuroimmune responses, and regulation of neurotransmitter and gliotransmitter release and uptake. The recent years have seen a steady increase in the characterization of several of the relevant mechanisms, but much remains to be done for a full understanding of the astrocytes' contribution to the vulnerability to alcohol dependence and abuse and for using that knowledge in designing effective therapies for AUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Javier Miguel-Hidalgo
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA.
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9
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Faccidomo S, Cogan ES, Hon OJ, Hoffman JL, Saunders BL, Eastman VR, Kim M, Taylor SM, McElligott ZA, Hodge CW. Calcium-permeable AMPA receptor activity and GluA1 trafficking in the basolateral amygdala regulate operant alcohol self-administration. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e13049. [PMID: 33955100 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Addiction is viewed as maladaptive glutamate-mediated neuroplasticity that is regulated, in part, by calcium-permeable AMPA receptor (CP-AMPAR) activity. However, the contribution of CP-AMPARs to alcohol-seeking behavior remains to be elucidated. We evaluated CP-AMPAR activity in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) as a potential target of alcohol that also regulates alcohol self-administration in C57BL/6J mice. Operant self-administration of sweetened alcohol increased spontaneous EPSC frequency in BLA neurons that project to the nucleus accumbens as compared with behavior-matched sucrose controls indicating an alcohol-specific upregulation of synaptic activity. Bath application of the CP-AMPAR antagonist NASPM decreased evoked EPSC amplitude only in alcohol self-administering mice indicating alcohol-induced synaptic insertion of CP-AMPARs in BLA projection neurons. Moreover, NASPM infusion in the BLA dose-dependently decreased the rate of operant alcohol self-administration providing direct evidence for CP-AMPAR regulation of alcohol reinforcement. As most CP-AMPARs are GluA1-containing, we asked if alcohol alters the activation state of GluA1-containing AMPARs. Immunocytochemistry results showed elevated GluA1-S831 phosphorylation in the BLA of alcohol as compared with sucrose mice. To investigate mechanistic regulation of alcohol self-administration by GluA1-containing AMPARs, we evaluated the necessity of GluA1 trafficking using a TET-ON AAV encoding a dominant-negative GluA1 c-terminus (GluA1ct) that blocks activity-dependent synaptic delivery of native GluA1-containing AMPARs. GluA1ct expression in the BLA reduced alcohol self-administration with no effect on sucrose controls. These results show that CP-AMPAR activity and GluA1 trafficking in the BLA mechanistically regulate the reinforcing effects of sweetened alcohol. Pharmacotherapeutic targeting these mechanisms of maladaptive neuroplasticity may aid medical management of alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Faccidomo
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
- Department of Psychiatry The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
| | - Elizabeth S. Cogan
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
| | - Olivia J. Hon
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
- Neuroscience Curriculum The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
| | - Jessica L. Hoffman
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
| | - Briana L. Saunders
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
| | - Vallari R. Eastman
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
| | - Michelle Kim
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
| | - Seth M. Taylor
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
| | - Zoe A. McElligott
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
- Department of Psychiatry The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
- Department of Pharmacology The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
| | - Clyde W. Hodge
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
- Department of Psychiatry The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
- Department of Pharmacology The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina USA
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10
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Malone SG, Keller PS, Hammerslag LR, Bardo MT. Escalation and reinstatement of fentanyl self-administration in male and female rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:2261-2273. [PMID: 33895852 PMCID: PMC10332850 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05850-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Escalation of drug intake and craving are two DSM-5 hallmark symptoms of opioid use disorder (OUD). OBJECTIVES This study determined if escalation of intake as modeled by long access (LgA) self-administration (SA) and craving measured by reinstatement are related. METHODS Adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to self-administer fentanyl across 7 daily 1-h short access (ShA) sessions, followed by 21 SA sessions of either 1- or 6-h duration (ShA or LgA). Following 14 1-h extinction sessions, Experiment 1 assessed reinstatement induced by either fentanyl (10 or 30 µg/kg) or yohimbine (1 or 2 mg/kg), and Experiment 2 assessed reinstatement induced by a drug-associated cue light. RESULTS Females acquired fentanyl SA faster than males. When shifted to LgA sessions, LgA rats escalated fentanyl intake, but ShA rats did not; no reliable sex difference in the rate of escalation was observed. In extinction, compared to ShA rats, LgA rats initially responded less and showed less decay of responding across sessions. A priming injection of fentanyl induced reinstatement, with LgA rats reinstating more than ShA rats at the 30 µg/kg dose. Yohimbine (1 mg/kg) also induced reinstatement, but there was no effect of access group or sex. With cue-induced reinstatement, LgA females reinstated less than LgA males and ShA females. CONCLUSION Among the different reinstatement tests assessed, escalation of fentanyl SA increased only drug-primed reinstatement, suggesting a limited relationship between escalation of drug intake and craving (reinstatement) for OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha G Malone
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Peggy S Keller
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | | | - Michael T Bardo
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
- Biomedical Biological Science Research Building, University of Kentucky, Room 447, 741 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY, 40536-0509, USA.
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11
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Salling MC, Grassetti A, Ferrera VP, Martinez D, Foltin RW. Negative allosteric modulation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 attenuates alcohol self-administration in baboons. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 208:173227. [PMID: 34224733 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Many of the behavioral symptoms that define alcohol use disorder (AUD) are thought to be mediated by amplified glutamatergic activity. As a result, previous preclinical studies have investigated glutamate receptor inhibition as a potential pharmacotherapy for AUD, particularly the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5). In rodents, mGlu5 negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) have been shown to decrease alcohol self-administration. However, their effect on non-human primates has not previously been explored. To bridge this gap, the effects of mGlu5 NAM pretreatment on sweetened alcohol (8% w/v in diluted KoolAid) self-administration in female baboons were evaluated. Two different mGlu5 NAMs were tested: 1) 3-2((-Methyl-4-thiazolyl) ethynyl) pyridine (MTEP) which was administered at a dose of 2 mg/kg IM; and 2) auglurant (N-(5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)-6-methyl-4-(pyrimidin-5-yloxy)picolinamide), a newly developed NAM, which was tested under two different routes (0.001, 0.01, 0.03, 0.1 mg/kg IM and 0.1, 0.3, 1.0 mg/kg PO). MTEP decreased both fixed ratio and progressive ratio responding for sweetened alcohol. Auglurant, administered IM, decreased alcohol self-administration at doses that did not affect self-administration of an alcohol-free sweet liquid reward (0.01 to 0.1 mg/kg). Oral administration of auglurant was not effective in decreasing alcohol self-administration. Our results extend positive findings from rodent studies on mGlu5 regulation of alcohol drinking to female baboons and further strengthen the rationale for targeting mGlu5 in clinical trials for AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Salling
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Lousiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| | - Alexander Grassetti
- Departments of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vincent P Ferrera
- Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Diana Martinez
- Departments of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Richard W Foltin
- Departments of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
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12
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Domi E, Domi A, Adermark L, Heilig M, Augier E. Neurobiology of alcohol seeking behavior. J Neurochem 2021; 157:1585-1614. [PMID: 33704789 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol addiction is a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse consequences. A main challenge of addiction treatment is to prevent relapse, which occurs in more than >50% of newly abstinent patients with alcohol disorder within 3 months. In people suffering from alcohol addiction, stressful events, drug-associated cues and contexts, or re-exposure to a small amount of alcohol trigger a chain of behaviors that frequently culminates in relapse. In this review, we first present the preclinical models that were developed for the study of alcohol seeking behavior, namely the reinstatement model of alcohol relapse and compulsive alcohol seeking under a chained schedule of reinforcement. We then provide an overview of the neurobiological findings obtained using these animal models, focusing on the role of opioids systems, corticotropin-release hormone and neurokinins, followed by dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic neurotransmissions in alcohol seeking behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esi Domi
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, BKV, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ana Domi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Louise Adermark
- Addiction Biology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Markus Heilig
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, BKV, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Eric Augier
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, BKV, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Huang G, Thompson SL, Taylor JR. MPEP Lowers Binge Drinking in Male and Female C57BL/6 Mice: Relationship with mGlu5/Homer2/Erk2 Signaling. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2021; 45:732-742. [PMID: 33587295 PMCID: PMC8076072 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5) plays an important role in excessive alcohol use and the mGlu5/Homer2/Erk2 signaling pathway has been implicated in binge drinking. The mGlu5 negative allosteric modulator (NAM) 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine hydrochloride (MPEP) has been shown to reduce binge drinking in male mice, but less is known about its effect on female mice. Here, we sought to determine whether sex differences exists in the effects of MPEP on binge drinking and whether they relate to changes in the MPEP mGlu5/Homer2/Erk2 signaling. METHODS We measured the dose-response effect of MPEP on alcohol consumption in male and female mice using the Drinking in the Dark (DID) paradigm to assess potential sex differences. To rule out possible confounds of MPEP on locomotion, we measured the effects of MPEP on locomotor activity and drinking simultaneously during DID. Lastly, to test whether MPEP-induced changes in alcohol consumption were related to changes in Homer2 or Erk2 expression, we performed qPCR using brain tissue acquired from mice that had undergone 7 days of DID. RESULTS 30 mg/kg MPEP reduced binge alcohol consumption across female and male mice, with no sex differences in the dose-response relationship. Locomotor activity did not mediate the effects of MPEP on alcohol intake, but activity correlated with alcohol intake independent of MPEP. MPEP did not change the expression of Homer2 and Erk2 mRNA in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) or nucleus accumbens in mice whose drinking was reduced by MPEP, relative to saline. There was a positive relationship between alcohol intake and Homer2 expression in the BNST. CONCLUSIONS MPEP reduced alcohol consumption during DID in male and female C57BL/6 mice but did not change Homer2/Erk2 expression. Locomotor activity did not mediate the effects of MPEP on alcohol intake, though it correlated with alcohol intake. Alcohol intake during DID predicted BNST Homer2 expression. These data provide support for the regulation of alcohol consumption by mGlu5 across sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gan Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Summer L. Thompson
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jane R. Taylor
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychology, Yale University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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14
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Yang JH, Sohn S, Kim S, Kim J, Oh JH, Ryu IS, Go BS, Choe ES. Repeated nicotine exposure increases the intracellular interaction between ERK-mGluR5 in the nucleus accumbens more in adult than adolescent rats. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e12913. [PMID: 32339332 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular interactions between protein kinases and metabotropic receptors in the striatum regulate behavioral changes in response to drug exposure. We investigated the difference in the degree of interaction between extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) after repeated exposure to nicotine in adult and adolescent rats. The results showed that repeated exposure to nicotine (0.5 mg/kg/day, s.c.) for seven consecutive days increased ERK phosphorylation more in adults than in adolescents. Furthermore, membrane expression of mGluR5 in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) medium spiny neurons was higher in adults than adolescents as a result of repeated exposure to nicotine. Blockade of mGluR5 with MPEP (0.5 nmol/side) decreased the repeated nicotine-induced increase in ERK phosphorylation. Either blockade of mGluR5 or inhibition of ERK with SL327 (150 nmol/side) decreased the repeated nicotine-induced increase in the level of inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3 ), a key transducer associated with mGluR5-coupled signaling cascades. Similarly, interference of binding between activated ERK and mGluR5 by the blocking peptide, Tat-mGluR5-i (2 nmol/side), decreased the repeated nicotine-induced increases in IP3 and locomotor activity in adults. These findings suggest that the intracellular interaction between ERK and mGluR5 in the NAc is stronger in adult than in adolescent rats, which enhances the understanding of age-associated behavioral changes that occur after repeated exposure to nicotine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Hwan Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences Pusan National University Busan South Korea
| | - Sumin Sohn
- Department of Biological Sciences Pusan National University Busan South Korea
| | - Sunghyun Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences Pusan National University Busan South Korea
| | - Jieun Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences Pusan National University Busan South Korea
| | - Jeong Hwan Oh
- Department of Biological Sciences Pusan National University Busan South Korea
- Institute of Fisheries Sciences Pukyong National University Busan South Korea
| | - In Soo Ryu
- Department of Biological Sciences Pusan National University Busan South Korea
- Korea Institute of Toxicology Daejeon South Korea
| | - Bok Soon Go
- Department of Biological Sciences Pusan National University Busan South Korea
| | - Eun Sang Choe
- Department of Biological Sciences Pusan National University Busan South Korea
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15
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Johnson KA, Lovinger DM. Allosteric modulation of metabotropic glutamate receptors in alcohol use disorder: Insights from preclinical investigations. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2020; 88:193-232. [PMID: 32416868 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors are family C G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that modulate neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission throughout the nervous system. Owing to recent advances in development of subtype-selective allosteric modulators of mGlu receptors, individual members of the mGlu receptor family have been proposed as targets for treating a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including substance use disorders. In this chapter, we highlight preclinical evidence that allosteric modulators of mGlu receptors could be useful for reducing alcohol consumption and preventing relapse in alcohol use disorder (AUD). We begin with an overview of the preclinical models that are used to study mGlu receptor involvement in alcohol-related behaviors. Alcohol exposure causes adaptations in both expression and function of various mGlu receptor subtypes, and pharmacotherapies aimed at reversing these adaptations have the potential to reduce alcohol consumption and seeking. Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of mGlu2 and negative allosteric modulators of mGlu5 show particular promise for reducing alcohol intake and/or preventing relapse. Finally, this chapter discusses important considerations for translating preclinical findings toward the development of clinically useful drugs, including the potential for PAMs to avoid tolerance issues that are frequently observed with repeated administration of GPCR agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari A Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States.
| | - David M Lovinger
- Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, US National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
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16
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Hoffman JL, Faccidomo S, Kim M, Taylor SM, Agoglia AE, May AM, Smith EN, Wong LC, Hodge CW. Alcohol drinking exacerbates neural and behavioral pathology in the 3xTg-AD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2019; 148:169-230. [PMID: 31733664 PMCID: PMC6939615 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2019.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that represents the most common cause of dementia in the United States. Although the link between alcohol use and AD has been studied, preclinical research has potential to elucidate neurobiological mechanisms that underlie this interaction. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that nondependent alcohol drinking exacerbates the onset and magnitude of AD-like neural and behavioral pathology. We first evaluated the impact of voluntary 24-h, two-bottle choice home-cage alcohol drinking on the prefrontal cortex and amygdala neuroproteome in C57BL/6J mice and found a striking association between alcohol drinking and AD-like pathology. Bioinformatics identified the AD-associated proteins MAPT (Tau), amyloid beta precursor protein (APP), and presenilin-1 (PSEN-1) as the main modulators of alcohol-sensitive protein networks that included AD-related proteins that regulate energy metabolism (ATP5D, HK1, AK1, PGAM1, CKB), cytoskeletal development (BASP1, CAP1, DPYSL2 [CRMP2], ALDOA, TUBA1A, CFL2, ACTG1), cellular/oxidative stress (HSPA5, HSPA8, ENO1, ENO2), and DNA regulation (PURA, YWHAZ). To address the impact of alcohol drinking on AD, studies were conducted using 3xTg-AD mice that express human MAPT, APP, and PSEN-1 transgenes and develop AD-like brain and behavioral pathology. 3xTg-AD and wild-type mice consumed alcohol or saccharin for 4 months. Behavioral tests were administered during a 1-month alcohol-free period. Alcohol intake induced AD-like behavioral pathologies in 3xTg-AD mice including impaired spatial memory in the Morris Water Maze, diminished sensorimotor gating as measured by prepulse inhibition, and exacerbated conditioned fear. Multiplex immunoassay conducted on brain lysates showed that alcohol drinking upregulated primary markers of AD pathology in 3xTg-AD mice: Aβ 42/40 ratio in the lateral entorhinal and prefrontal cortex and total Tau expression in the lateral entorhinal cortex, medial prefrontal cortex, and amygdala at 1-month post alcohol exposure. Immunocytochemistry showed that alcohol use upregulated expression of pTau (Ser199/Ser202) in the hippocampus, which is consistent with late-stage AD. According to the NIA-AA Research Framework, these results suggest that alcohol use is associated with Alzheimer's pathology. Results also showed that alcohol use was associated with a general reduction in Akt/mTOR signaling via several phosphoproteins (IR, IRS1, IGF1R, PTEN, ERK, mTOR, p70S6K, RPS6) in multiple brain regions including hippocampus and entorhinal cortex. Dysregulation of Akt/mTOR phosphoproteins suggests alcohol may target this pathway in AD progression. These results suggest that nondependent alcohol drinking increases the onset and magnitude of AD-like neural and behavioral pathology in 3xTg-AD mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Hoffman
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Sara Faccidomo
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Michelle Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Seth M Taylor
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Abigail E Agoglia
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Ashley M May
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Evan N Smith
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - L C Wong
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Clyde W Hodge
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
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17
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Kasten CR, Holmgren EB, Wills TA. Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Subtype 5 in Alcohol-Induced Negative Affect. Brain Sci 2019; 9:E183. [PMID: 31366097 PMCID: PMC6721373 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9080183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Allosteric modulators of metabotropic glutamate 5 receptors (mGlu5 receptors) have been identified as a promising treatment to independently alleviate both negative affective states and ethanol-seeking and intake. However, these conditions are often comorbid and might precipitate one another. Acute and protracted ethanol withdrawal can lead to negative affective states. In turn, these states are primary drivers of alcohol relapse, particularly among women. The current review synthesizes preclinical studies that have observed the role of mGlu5 receptor modulation in negative affective states following ethanol exposure. The primary behavioral assays discussed are ethanol-seeking and intake, development and extinction of ethanol-associated cues and contexts, behavioral despair, and anxiety-like activity. The work done to-date supports mGlu5 receptor modulation as a promising target for mediating negative affective states to reduce ethanol intake or prevent relapse. Limitations in interpreting these data include the lack of models that use alcohol-dependent animals, limited use of adolescent and female subjects, and a lack of comprehensive evaluations of negative affective-like behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea R Kasten
- LSU Health Sciences Center-New Orleans, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Medical Education Building, 1901 Perdido Street, Room 6103, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Eleanor B Holmgren
- LSU Health Sciences Center-New Orleans, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Medical Education Building, 1901 Perdido Street, Room 6103, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Tiffany A Wills
- LSU Health Sciences Center-New Orleans, Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Medical Education Building, 1901 Perdido Street, Room 6103, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
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18
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Stevenson RA, Hoffman JL, Maldonado-Devincci AM, Faccidomo S, Hodge CW. MGluR5 activity is required for the induction of ethanol behavioral sensitization and associated changes in ERK MAP kinase phosphorylation in the nucleus accumbens shell and lateral habenula. Behav Brain Res 2019; 367:19-27. [PMID: 30914307 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype-5 (mGluR5) activity regulates a variety of behavioral pathologies associated with alcohol addiction. The main goal of this study was to determine if mGluR5 regulates the induction of ethanol-induced locomotor sensitization, which is a model of experience-dependent plasticity following initial exposure to drugs of abuse. The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) pathway is downstream of mGluR5 and implicated in alcohol addiction; however, its role in sensitization remains unexplored. We sought to determine if mGluR5-mediated changes in ethanol-induced sensitization are associated with changes in ERK1/2 phosphorylation (pERK1/2) in specific brain regions. Adult male DBA/2 J mice were tested for acute locomotor response to ethanol (0 or 2 g/kg, IP) followed by a 9-day induction period in which the mGluR5 antagonist MPEP (0 or 30 mg/kg, IP) was administered prior to ethanol (0 or 2.5 g/kg, IP). One day later, ethanol (2 g/kg) produced a robust within- and between-group increase in locomotor activity, indicating sensitization in mice that received MPEP (0 mg/kg) during induction. MPEP (30 mg/kg) treatment during induction resulted in locomotor response to ethanol (2 g/kg) challenge that was equivalent to an acute response, indicating full blockade of sensitization. Sensitization was associated with increased pERK1/2 immunoreactivity (IR) in nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh) and a reduction in lateral habenula (LHb), both of which were blocked by MPEP treatment during induction. Sensitization was also associated with mGluR5-independent increases in pERK1/2 IR in the nucleus accumbens core and decreases in the dentate gyrus and lateral septum. These data indicate that mGluR5 activity is required for the induction of ethanol locomotor sensitization and associated changes in ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the AcbSh and LHb, which raises the hypothesis that mGluR5-mediated cell signaling in these brain regions may mediate the induction of sensitization. Elucidating mechanisms of sensitization may increase understanding of how ethanol hijacks behavioral functions during the development of addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah A Stevenson
- Center for Alcohol Studies, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States; Department of Biology, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA, 17837, United States
| | - Jessica L Hoffman
- Center for Alcohol Studies, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States
| | - Antoniette M Maldonado-Devincci
- Center for Alcohol Studies, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States; Department of Psychology, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC, 27411, United States
| | - Sara Faccidomo
- Center for Alcohol Studies, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States
| | - Clyde W Hodge
- Center for Alcohol Studies, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States.
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19
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Role of glutamatergic system and mesocorticolimbic circuits in alcohol dependence. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 171:32-49. [PMID: 30316901 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence demonstrates that alcohol dependence is associated with dysregulation of several neurotransmitters. Alterations in dopamine, glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid release are linked to chronic alcohol exposure. The effects of alcohol on the glutamatergic system in the mesocorticolimbic areas have been investigated extensively. Several studies have demonstrated dysregulation in the glutamatergic systems in animal models exposed to alcohol. Alcohol exposure can lead to an increase in extracellular glutamate concentrations in mesocorticolimbic brain regions. In addition, alcohol exposure affects the expression and functions of several glutamate receptors and glutamate transporters in these brain regions. In this review, we discussed the effects of alcohol exposure on glutamate receptors, glutamate transporters and glutamate homeostasis in each area of the mesocorticolimbic system. In addition, we discussed the genetic aspect of alcohol associated with glutamate and reward circuitry. We also discussed the potential therapeutic role of glutamate receptors and glutamate transporters in each brain region for the treatment of alcohol dependence. Finally, we provided some limitations on targeting the glutamatergic system for potential therapeutic options for the treatment alcohol use disorders.
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20
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Cheng H, Kellar D, Lake A, Finn P, Rebec GV, Dharmadhikari S, Dydak U, Newman S. Effects of Alcohol Cues on MRS Glutamate Levels in the Anterior Cingulate. Alcohol Alcohol 2018; 53:209-215. [PMID: 29329417 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agx119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that glutamate neurotransmission plays a critical role in alcohol addiction. Cue-induced change of glutamate has been observed in animal studies but never been investigated in humans. This work investigates cue-induced change in forebrain glutamate in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). A total of 35 subjects (17 individuals with AUD and 18 healthy controls) participated in this study. The glutamate concentration was measured with single-voxel 1H-MR spectroscopy at the dorsal anterior cingulate. Two MRS sessions were performed in succession, the first to establish basal glutamate levels and the second to measure the change in response to alcohol cues. The changes in glutamate were quantified for both AUD subjects and controls. A mixed model ANOVA and t-tests were performed for statistical analysis. ANOVA revealed a main effect of cue-induced decrease of glutamate level in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). A significant interaction revealed that only AUD subjects showed significant decrease of glutamate in the ACC. There were no significant group differences in the level of basal glutamate. However, a negative correlation was found between the basal glutamate level and the number of drinking days in the past 2 weeks for the AUD subjects. Collectively, our results indicate that glutamate in key areas of the forebrain reward circuit is modulated by alcohol cues in early alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Cheng
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Derek Kellar
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Allison Lake
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Peter Finn
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - George V Rebec
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Shalmali Dharmadhikari
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.,Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Ulrike Dydak
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.,Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Sharlene Newman
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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21
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Guo N, Zhang X, Huang M, Li X, Li Y, Zhou X, Bai J. Geranylgeranylacetone blocks the reinstatement of morphine-conditioned place preference. Neuropharmacology 2018; 143:63-70. [PMID: 30240785 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Morphine is widely used for clinical pain management and induces the dependence. Addiction to morphine is a major public health issue. Geranylgeranylacetone (GGA) is widely used in clinic for treating ulcer. GGA induces expression of thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) extensively. Trx-1 is a redox regulating protein and plays protecting roles in nervous system. GGA prevents mice against morphine-induced hyperlocomotion, rewarding effect, and withdrawal syndrome. However, whether GGA blocks morphine-conditioned place preference (CPP) reinstatement is still unknown. In the present study, we found that GGA administration blocked the reinstatement of morphine-CPP. The expressions of Trx-1, N-methyl d-aspartate receptor 2B subunit (NR2B), phosphorylated Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (p-CaMKII), phosphorylated extracellular signaling regulated kinases (p-ERK), and phosphorylated cAMP-response element binding protein (p-CREB) were induced in nucleus accumbens (NAc) and hippocampus by morphine or GGA, whereas these proteins were not changed by morphine in GGA-treated mice. Our results indicate that GGA may prevent the reinstatement of morphine-CPP through strengthening the expression of Trx-1 and regulating NR2B/ERK pathway. Thus, we suggest that GGA may be a promising therapeutic candidate for morphine-induced relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningning Guo
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China; Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Xianwen Zhang
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China; Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Mengbing Huang
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China; Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China; Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Ye Li
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Xiaoshuang Zhou
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Jie Bai
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China.
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22
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Pál B. Involvement of extrasynaptic glutamate in physiological and pathophysiological changes of neuronal excitability. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:2917-2949. [PMID: 29766217 PMCID: PMC11105518 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2837-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Glutamate is the most abundant neurotransmitter of the central nervous system, as the majority of neurons use glutamate as neurotransmitter. It is also well known that this neurotransmitter is not restricted to synaptic clefts, but found in the extrasynaptic regions as ambient glutamate. Extrasynaptic glutamate originates from spillover of synaptic release, as well as from astrocytes and microglia. Its concentration is magnitudes lower than in the synaptic cleft, but receptors responding to it have higher affinity for it. Extrasynaptic glutamate receptors can be found in neuronal somatodendritic location, on astroglia, oligodendrocytes or microglia. Activation of them leads to changes of neuronal excitability with different amplitude and kinetics. Extrasynaptic glutamate is taken up by neurons and astrocytes mostly via EAAT transporters, and astrocytes, in turn metabolize it to glutamine. Extrasynaptic glutamate is involved in several physiological phenomena of the central nervous system. It regulates neuronal excitability and synaptic strength by involving astroglia; contributing to learning and memory formation, neurosecretory and neuromodulatory mechanisms, as well as sleep homeostasis.The extrasynaptic glutamatergic system is affected in several brain pathologies related to excitotoxicity, neurodegeneration or neuroinflammation. Being present in dementias, neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases or tumor invasion in a seemingly uniform way, the system possibly provides a common component of their pathogenesis. Although parts of the system are extensively discussed by several recent reviews, in this review I attempt to summarize physiological actions of the extrasynaptic glutamate on neuronal excitability and provide a brief insight to its pathology for basic understanding of the topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balázs Pál
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt 98, Debrecen, 4012, Hungary.
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Faccidomo S, Swaim KS, Saunders BL, Santanam TS, Taylor SM, Kim M, Reid GT, Eastman VR, Hodge CW. Mining the nucleus accumbens proteome for novel targets of alcohol self-administration in male C57BL/6J mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:1681-1696. [PMID: 29502276 PMCID: PMC5949261 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4870-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE There is a clear need for discovery of effective medications to treat behavioral pathologies associated with alcohol addiction, such as chronic drinking. OBJECTIVE The goal of this preclinical study was to assess effects of chronic alcohol drinking on the nucleus accumbens (NAcb) proteome to identify and validate novel targets for medications development. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two-dimensional difference in-gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization tandem time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF/TOF) was used to assess effects of chronic voluntary home-cage (24-h access) alcohol drinking on the NAcb proteome of C57BL/6J mice. To extend these findings to a model of alcohol self-administration and reinforcement, we investigated potential regulation of the positive reinforcing effects of alcohol by the target protein glutathione S-transferase Pi 1 (GSTP1) using a pharmacological inhibition strategy in mice trained to self-administer alcohol or sucrose. RESULTS Expression of 52 unique proteins in the NAcb was changed by chronic alcohol drinking relative to water control (23 upregulated, 29 downregulated). Ingenuity Pathway Analysis showed that alcohol drinking altered an array of protein networks associated with neurological and psychological disorders, molecular and cellular functions, and physiological systems and development. DAVID functional annotation analysis identified 9 proteins (SNCA, GSTP1, PRDX3, PPP3R1, EIF5A, PHB, PEBP1/RKIP, GAPDH, AND SOD1) that were significantly overrepresented in a functional cluster that included the Gene Ontology categories "response to alcohol" and "aging." Immunoblots confirmed changes in Pebp1 (RKIP) and GSTP1 in NAcb with no change in amygdala or frontal cortex, suggesting anatomical specificity. Systemic inhibition of GSTP1 with Ezatiostat (0-30 mg/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently reduced the reinforcing effects of alcohol as measured by operant self-administration, in the absence of motor effects. Sucrose self-administration was also reduced but in a manner associated with nonspecific motor inhibition. CONCLUSIONS Protein expression profiling identified an array of proteins and networks in the NAcb, including GSTP1, that are novel molecular targets of chronic alcohol drinking. Pharmacological inhibition of GSTP1 significantly reduced the positive reinforcing effects of alcohol, which regulate repetitive use and abuse liability. The observation that this protein was both upregulated after chronic drinking and that its inhibition could modulate the reinforcing properties of alcohol suggests that it is a key target for alcohol-related pathologies. Proteomic strategies combined with specific preclinical models has potential to identify and validate novel targets of alcohol that may be useful in the medical management of alcohol addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Faccidomo
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Katarina S Swaim
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Briana L Saunders
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Taruni S Santanam
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Seth M. Taylor
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Michelle Kim
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Grant T Reid
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Vallari R Eastman
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Clyde W Hodge
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB #7178, Thurston Bowles Building, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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24
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Namba MD, Tomek SE, Olive MF, Beckmann JS, Gipson CD. The Winding Road to Relapse: Forging a New Understanding of Cue-Induced Reinstatement Models and Their Associated Neural Mechanisms. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:17. [PMID: 29479311 PMCID: PMC5811475 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In drug addiction, cues previously associated with drug use can produce craving and frequently trigger the resumption of drug taking in individuals vulnerable to relapse. Environmental stimuli associated with drugs or natural reinforcers can become reliably conditioned to increase behavior that was previously reinforced. In preclinical models of addiction, these cues enhance both drug self-administration and reinstatement of drug seeking. In this review, we will dissociate the roles of conditioned stimuli as reinforcers from their modulatory or discriminative functions in producing drug-seeking behavior. As well, we will examine possible differences in neurobiological encoding underlying these functional differences. Specifically, we will discuss how models of drug addiction and relapse should more systematically evaluate these different types of stimuli to better understand the neurobiology underlying craving and relapse. In this way, behavioral and pharmacotherapeutic interventions may be better tailored to promote drug use cessation outcomes and long-term abstinence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D. Namba
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Seven E. Tomek
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - M. Foster Olive
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Joshua S. Beckmann
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Cassandra D. Gipson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
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25
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Leurquin-Sterk G, Ceccarini J, Crunelle CL, de Laat B, Verbeek J, Deman S, Neels H, Bormans G, Peuskens H, Van Laere K. Lower Limbic Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 Availability in Alcohol Dependence. J Nucl Med 2018; 59:682-690. [PMID: 29348321 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.117.199422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal studies suggest an important role for the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGlu5) in the pathophysiology of alcohol dependence, but direct human evidence is lacking. The goal of this study was to investigate cerebral mGlu5 availability in alcohol-dependent subjects versus controls using 18F-3-fluoro-5-[(pyridin-3-yl)ethynyl]benzonitrile (18F-FPEB) PET. Methods: Dynamic 90-min 18F-FPEB scans combined with arterial blood sampling were acquired for 16 recently abstinent alcohol-dependent subjects and 32 age-matched controls. Regional mGlu5 availability was quantified by the 18F-FPEB total distribution volume using both a voxel-by-voxel and a volume-of-interest analysis with partial-volume effect correction. Alcohol consumption within the last 3 mo was assessed by questionnaires and by hair ethyl glucuronide analysis. Craving was assessed using the Desire for Alcohol Questionnaire. Results: mGlu5 availability was lower in mainly limbic regions of alcohol-dependent subjects than in controls (P < 0.05, familywise error-corrected), ranging from 14% in the posterior cingulate cortex to 36% in the caudate nucleus. Lower mGlu5 availability was associated with higher hair ethyl glucuronide levels for most regions and was related to a lower level of craving specifically in the middle frontal gyrus, cingulate cortex, and inferolateral temporal lobe. Conclusion: These findings provide human in vivo evidence that limbic mGlu5 has a role in the pathophysiology of alcohol dependence, possibly involved in a compensatory mechanism helping to reduce craving during abstinence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil Leurquin-Sterk
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jenny Ceccarini
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cleo L Crunelle
- Toxicological Center, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bart de Laat
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,MoSAIC: Molecular Small Animal Imaging Center, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jef Verbeek
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Stephanie Deman
- Genomics Core, UZ Leuven, and Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hugo Neels
- Toxicological Center, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Bormans
- Laboratory for Radiopharmacy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; and
| | - Hendrik Peuskens
- University Psychiatric Center, KU Leuven, Kortenberg, and Kliniek Broeders Alexianen, Tienen, Belgium
| | - Koen Van Laere
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,MoSAIC: Molecular Small Animal Imaging Center, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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26
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Salling MC, Hodge CJ, Psilos KE, Eastman VR, Faccidomo SP, Hodge CW. Cue-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking behavior is associated with increased CaMKII T286 phosphorylation in the reward pathway of mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2017; 163:20-29. [PMID: 29100991 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2017.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cue-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking is a hallmark behavioral pathology of addiction. Evidence suggests that reinstatement (e.g., relapse), may be regulated by cell signaling systems that underlie neuroplasticity. A variety of plasticity events require activation of calcium calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) in components of the reward pathway, such as the nucleus accumbens and amygdala. We sought to determine if cue-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking behavior is associated with changes in the activation state (e.g., phosphorylation) of CaMKII-T286. Male C57BL/6J mice (n=14) were trained to lever press on a fixed-ratio-4 schedule of sweetened alcohol (2% sucrose+9% EtOH) reinforcement. After 14-d of extinction (no cues or reinforcers), mice underwent a response-contingent reinstatement (n=7) vs. an additional day of extinction (n=7). Brains were removed immediately after the test and processed for evaluation of pCaMKII-T286 immunoreactivity (IR). Number of pCaMKII-T286 positive cells/mm2 was quantified from coronal brain sections using Bioquant Image Analysis software. Mice emitted significantly more responses on the alcohol vs. the inactive lever throughout the baseline phase with average alcohol intake of 1.1±0.03g/kg/1-h. During extinction, responses on the alcohol lever decreased to inactive lever levels by day 7. Significant cue-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking was observed during a single test with no effects on the inactive lever. Reinstatement was associated with increased pCaMKII-T286 IR specifically in amygdala (LA and BLA), nucleus accumbens (AcbSh), lateral septum, mediodorsal thalamus, and piriform cortex as compared to extinction control. Brain regions showing no change included the dorsal striatum, medial septum, cingulate cortex, habenula, paraventricular thalamus, and ventral hypothalamus. These results show response contingent cue-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking behavior is associated with selective increases in pCaMKII-T286 in specific reward- and memory-related brain regions of male C57BL/6J mice. Primary molecular mechanisms of associative learning and memory may regulate relapse in alcohol addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Salling
- Curriculum in Neurobiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Thurston-Bowles Building; CB #7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Christopher J Hodge
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Thurston-Bowles Building; CB #7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Kelly E Psilos
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Thurston-Bowles Building; CB #7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Vallari R Eastman
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Thurston-Bowles Building; CB #7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Sara P Faccidomo
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Thurston-Bowles Building; CB #7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Clyde W Hodge
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Thurston-Bowles Building; CB #7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States; Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Thurston-Bowles Building; CB #7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States; Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Thurston-Bowles Building; CB #7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States; Curriculum in Neurobiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Thurston-Bowles Building; CB #7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States.
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27
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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: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [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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28
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Cannady R, Fisher KR, Graham C, Crayle J, Besheer J, Hodge CW. Potentiation of amygdala AMPA receptor activity selectively promotes escalated alcohol self-administration in a CaMKII-dependent manner. Addict Biol 2017; 22:652-664. [PMID: 26742808 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Growing evidence indicates that drugs of abuse gain control over the individual by usurping glutamate-linked mechanisms of neuroplasticity in reward-related brain regions. Accordingly, we have shown that glutamate α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) activity in the amygdala is required for the positive reinforcing effects of alcohol, which underlie the initial stages of addiction. It is unknown, however, if enhanced AMPAR activity in the amygdala facilitates alcohol self-administration, which is a kernel premise of glutamate hypotheses of addiction. Here, we show that low-dose alcohol (0.6 g/kg/30 minutes) self-administration increases phosphorylation (activation) of AMPAR subtype GluA1 S831 (pGluA1 S831) in the central amygdala (CeA), basolateral amygdala and nucleus accumbens core (AcbC) of selectively bred alcohol-preferring P-rats as compared with behavior-matched (non-drug) sucrose controls. The functional role of enhanced AMPAR activity was assessed via site-specific infusion of the AMPAR positive modulator, aniracetam, in the CeA and AcbC prior to alcohol self-administration. Intra-CeA aniracetam increased alcohol-reinforced but not sucrose-reinforced responding and was ineffective following intra-AcbC infusion. Because GluA1 S831 is a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) substrate, we sought to determine if AMPAR regulation of enhanced alcohol self-administration is dependent on CaMKII activity. Intra-CeA infusion of the cell-permeable CaMKII peptide inhibitor myristolated autocamtide-2-related inhibitory peptide (m-AIP) dose-dependently reduced alcohol self-administration. A subthreshold dose of m-AIP also blocked the aniracetam-induced escalation of alcohol self-administration, demonstrating that AMPAR-mediated potentiation of alcohol reinforcement requires CaMKII activity in the amygdala. Enhanced activity of plasticity-linked AMPAR-CaMKII signaling in the amygdala may promote escalated alcohol use via increased positive reinforcement during the initial stages of addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reginald Cannady
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill NC USA
- Curriculum in Neurobiology; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill NC USA
| | - Kristen R. Fisher
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill NC USA
| | - Caitlin Graham
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill NC USA
| | - Jesse Crayle
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill NC USA
| | - Joyce Besheer
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill NC USA
- Curriculum in Neurobiology; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill NC USA
- Department of Psychiatry; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill NC USA
| | - Clyde W. Hodge
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill NC USA
- Curriculum in Neurobiology; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill NC USA
- Department of Psychiatry; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill NC USA
- Department of Pharmacology; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill NC USA
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29
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Oliveros A, Cho CH, Cui A, Choi S, Lindberg D, Hinton D, Jang MH, Choi DS. Adenosine A 2A receptor and ERK-driven impulsivity potentiates hippocampal neuroblast proliferation. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:e1095. [PMID: 28418405 PMCID: PMC5416704 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2017.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Dampened adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) function has been implicated in addiction through enhancement of goal-directed behaviors. However, the contribution of the A2AR to the control of impulsive reward seeking remains unknown. Using mice that were exposed to differential reward of low rate (DRL) schedules during Pavlovian-conditioning, second-order schedule discrimination, and the 5-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT), we demonstrate that deficits of A2AR function promote impulsive responses. Antagonism of the A2AR lowered ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation in the dorsal hippocampus (dHip) and potentiated impulsivity during Pavlovian-conditioning and the 5-CSRTT. Remarkably, inhibition of ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation by U0126 in the dHip prior to Pavlovian-conditioning exacerbated impulsive reward seeking. Moreover, we found decreased A2AR expression, and reduced ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation in the dHip of equilibrative nucleoside transporter type 1 (ENT1-/-) null mice, which displayed exacerbated impulsivity. To determine whether impulsive response behavior is associated with hippocampal neuroblast development, we investigated expression of BrdU+ and doublecortin (DCX+) following 5-CSRTT testing. These studies revealed that impulsive behavior driven by inhibition of the A2AR is accompanied by increased neuroblast proliferation in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Oliveros
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - C H Cho
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - A Cui
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - S Choi
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - D Lindberg
- Neurobiology of Disease Program, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - D Hinton
- Neurobiology of Disease Program, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - M-H Jang
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - D-S Choi
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA,Neurobiology of Disease Program, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA,Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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30
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Hwa L, Besheer J, Kash T. Glutamate plasticity woven through the progression to alcohol use disorder: a multi-circuit perspective. F1000Res 2017; 6:298. [PMID: 28413623 PMCID: PMC5365217 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.9609.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate signaling in the brain is one of the most studied targets in the alcohol research field. Here, we report the current understanding of how the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, its receptors, and its transporters are involved in low, episodic, and heavy alcohol use. Specific animal behavior protocols can be used to assess these different drinking levels, including two-bottle choice, operant self-administration, drinking in the dark, the alcohol deprivation effect, intermittent access to alcohol, and chronic intermittent ethanol vapor inhalation. Importantly, these methods are not limited to a specific category, since they can be interchanged to assess different states in the development from low to heavy drinking. We encourage a circuit-based perspective beyond the classic mesolimbic-centric view, as multiple structures are dynamically engaged during the transition from positive- to negative-related reinforcement to drive alcohol drinking. During this shift from lower-level alcohol drinking to heavy alcohol use, there appears to be a shift from metabotropic glutamate receptor-dependent behaviors to N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-related processes. Despite high efficacy of the glutamate-related pharmaceutical acamprosate in animal models of drinking, it is ineffective as treatment in the clinic. Therefore, research needs to focus on other promising glutamatergic compounds to reduce heavy drinking or mediate withdrawal symptoms or both.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Hwa
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Joyce Besheer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Thomas Kash
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
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31
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Goodwani S, Saternos H, Alasmari F, Sari Y. Metabotropic and ionotropic glutamate receptors as potential targets for the treatment of alcohol use disorder. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 77:14-31. [PMID: 28242339 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that dysfunctional glutamate neurotransmission is critical in the initiation and development of alcohol and drug dependence. Alcohol consumption induced downregulation of glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) as reported in previous studies from our laboratory. Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, which acts via interactions with several glutamate receptors. Alcohol consumption interferes with the glutamatergic signal transmission by altering the functions of these receptors. Among the glutamate receptors involved in alcohol-drinking behavior are the metabotropic receptors such as mGluR1/5, mGluR2/3, and mGluR7, as well as the ionotropic receptors, NMDA and AMPA. Preclinical studies using agonists and antagonists implicate these glutamatergic receptors in the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Therefore, the purpose of this review is to discuss the neurocircuitry involving glutamate transmission in animals exposed to alcohol and further outline the role of metabotropic and ionotropic receptors in the regulation of alcohol-drinking behavior. This review provides ample information about the potential therapeutic role of glutamatergic receptors for the treatment of AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Goodwani
- University of Toledo, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; The Neurodegeneration Consortium, Institute for Applied Cancer Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Hannah Saternos
- University of Toledo, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Fawaz Alasmari
- University of Toledo, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Youssef Sari
- University of Toledo, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Toledo, OH 43614, USA.
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32
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Crofton EJ, Nenov MN, Zhang Y, Scala F, Page SA, McCue DL, Li D, Hommel JD, Laezza F, Green TA. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta alters anxiety-, depression-, and addiction-related behaviors and neuronal activity in the nucleus accumbens shell. Neuropharmacology 2017; 117:49-60. [PMID: 28126496 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Revised: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression and addiction are often comorbid brain pathologies thought to share common mechanistic biology. As part of the cortico-limbic circuit, the nucleus accumbens shell (NAcSh) plays a fundamental role in integrating information in the circuit, such that modulation of NAcSh circuitry alters anxiety, depression, and addiction-related behaviors. Intracellular kinase cascades in the NAcSh have proven important mediators of behavior. To investigate glycogen-synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) beta signaling in the NAcSh in vivo we knocked down GSK3beta expression with a novel adeno-associated viral vector (AAV2) and assessed changes in anxiety- and depression-like behavior and cocaine self-administration in GSK3beta knockdown rats. GSK3beta knockdown reduced anxiety-like behavior while increasing depression-like behavior and cocaine self-administration. Correlative electrophysiological recordings in acute brain slices were used to assess the effect of AAV-shGSK3beta on spontaneous firing and intrinsic excitability of tonically active interneurons (TANs), cells required for input and output signal integration in the NAcSh and for processing reward-related behaviors. Loose-patch recordings showed that TANs transduced by AAV-shGSK3beta exhibited reduction in tonic firing and increased spike half width. When assessed by whole-cell patch clamp recordings these changes were mirrored by reduction in action potential firing and accompanied by decreased hyperpolarization-induced depolarizing sag potentials, increased action potential current threshold, and decreased maximum rise time. These results suggest that silencing of GSK3beta in the NAcSh increases depression- and addiction-related behavior, possibly by decreasing intrinsic excitability of TANs. However, this study does not rule out contributions from other neuronal sub-types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J Crofton
- Center for Addiction Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Miroslav N Nenov
- Center for Addiction Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Yafang Zhang
- Center for Addiction Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Federico Scala
- Center for Addiction Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Biophysics Graduate Program, Institute of Human Physiology, Universita Cattolica, Rome, Italy
| | - Sean A Page
- Center for Addiction Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - David L McCue
- Center for Addiction Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Dingge Li
- Center for Addiction Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan D Hommel
- Center for Addiction Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Fernanda Laezza
- Center for Addiction Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Thomas A Green
- Center for Addiction Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
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Knight CP, Hauser SR, Deehan GA, Toalston JE, McBride WJ, Rodd ZA. Oral Conditioned Cues Can Enhance or Inhibit Ethanol (EtOH)-Seeking and EtOH-Relapse Drinking by Alcohol-Preferring (P) Rats. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2016; 40:906-15. [PMID: 27038599 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13027] [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: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conditioned cues can elicit drug-seeking in both humans and rodents. The majority of preclinical research has employed excitatory conditioned cues (stimuli present throughout the availability of a reinforcer), but oral consumption of alcohol is similar to a conditional stimuli (presence of stimuli is paired with the delivery of the reinforcer) approach. The current experiments attempted to determine the effects of conditional stimuli (both excitatory and inhibitory) on the expression of context-induced ethanol (EtOH)-seeking. METHODS Alcohol-preferring (P) rats self-administered EtOH and water in standard 2-lever operant chambers. A flavor was added to the EtOH solution (CS+) during the EtOH self-administration sessions. After 10 weeks, rats underwent extinction training (7 sessions), followed by a 2-week home cage period. Another flavor was present during extinction (CS-). Rats were exposed to a third flavor in a non-drug-paired environment (CS(0)). EtOH-seeking was assessed in the presence of no cue, CS+, CS-, or CS(0) in the dipper previously associated with EtOH self-administration (no EtOH available). Rats were maintained a week in their home cage before being returned to the operant chambers with access to EtOH (flavored with no cue, CS+, CS-, or CS(0)). RESULTS The results indicated that the presence of the CS+ enhanced EtOH-seeking, while the presence of the CS- suppressed EtOH-seeking. Similarly, adding the CS- flavor to 15% EtOH reduced responding for EtOH while the CS+ enhanced responding for EtOH during relapse testing. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the data indicate that conditional stimuli are effective at altering both EtOH-seeking behavior and EtOH-relapse drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher P Knight
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Sheketha R Hauser
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Gerald A Deehan
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Jamie E Toalston
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - William J McBride
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Zachary A Rodd
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Salling MC, Martinez D. Brain Stimulation in Addiction. Neuropsychopharmacology 2016; 41:2798-2809. [PMID: 27240657 PMCID: PMC5061891 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2016.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Revised: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Localized stimulation of the human brain to treat neuropsychiatric disorders has been in place for over 20 years. Although these methods have been used to a greater extent for mood and movement disorders, recent work has explored brain stimulation methods as potential treatments for addiction. The rationale behind stimulation therapy in addiction involves reestablishing normal brain function in target regions in an effort to dampen addictive behaviors. In this review, we present the rationale and studies investigating brain stimulation in addiction, including transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, and deep brain stimulation. Overall, these studies indicate that brain stimulation has an acute effect on craving for drugs and alcohol, but few studies have investigated the effect of brain stimulation on actual drug and alcohol use or relapse. Stimulation therapies may achieve their effect through direct or indirect modulation of brain regions involved in addiction, either acutely or through plastic changes in neuronal transmission. Although these mechanisms are not well understood, further identification of the underlying neurobiology of addiction and rigorous evaluation of brain stimulation methods has the potential for unlocking an effective, long-term treatment of addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Salling
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA,Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA, Tel: +1 212 305 0944, E-mail:
| | - Diana Martinez
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA,New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
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Abstract
The main characteristic of alcohol use disorder is the consumption of large quantities of alcohol despite the negative consequences. The transition from the moderate use of alcohol to excessive, uncontrolled alcohol consumption results from neuroadaptations that cause aberrant motivational learning and memory processes. Here, we examine studies that have combined molecular and behavioural approaches in rodents to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that keep the social intake of alcohol in check, which we term 'stop pathways', and the neuroadaptations that underlie the transition from moderate to uncontrolled, excessive alcohol intake, which we term 'go pathways'. We also discuss post-transcriptional, genetic and epigenetic alterations that underlie both types of pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorit Ron
- Corresponding author: Dorit Ron, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, BOX 0663, San Francisco, CA 94143-0663,
| | - Segev Barak
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- School of Psychological Sciences and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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Rosas M, Porru S, Fenu S, Ruiu S, Peana AT, Papale A, Brambilla R, Di Chiara G, Acquas E. Role of nucleus accumbens μ opioid receptors in the effects of morphine on ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:2943-54. [PMID: 27245230 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4340-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Despite the critical role attributed to phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase (pERK1/2) in the nucleus accumbens (Acb) in the actions of addictive drugs, the effects of morphine on ERK1/2 phosphorylation in this area are still controversial. OBJECTIVES In order to investigate further this issue, we studied (1) the ability of morphine to affect ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the shell (AcbSh) and core (AcbC) of Sprague-Dawley and Wistar rats and of CD-1 and C57BL/6J mice and (2) the role of dopamine D1 and μ-opioid receptors in Sprague-Dawley rats and CD-1 mice. METHODS The pERK1/2 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS In rats, morphine decreased AcbSh and AcbC pERK1/2 expression, whereas in mice, increased it preferentially in the AcbSh compared with the AcbC. Systemic SCH 39166 decreased pERK1/2 expression on its own in the AcbSh and AcbC of Sprague-Dawley rats and CD-1 mice; furthermore, in rats, SCH 39166 disclosed the ability of morphine to stimulate pERK1/2 expression. Systemic (rats and mice) and intra-Acb (rats) naltrexone prevented both decreases, in rats, and increases, in mice. CONCLUSIONS These findings confirm the differential effects of morphine in rats and mice Acb and that D1 receptors exert a facilitatory role on ERK1/2 phosphorylation; furthermore, they indicate that, in rats, removal of the D1-dependent pERK1/2 expression discloses the stimulatory influence of morphine on ERK1/2 phosphorylation and that the morphine's ability to decrease pERK1/2 expression is mediated by Acb μ-opioid receptors. Future experiments may disentangle the psychopharmacological significance of the effects of morphine on pERK1/2 in the Acb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Rosas
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale, 72, I-09124, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Simona Porru
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale, 72, I-09124, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sandro Fenu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Centre of Excellence on Neurobiology of Addiction, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefania Ruiu
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Pula, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra T Peana
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Papale
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute (NMHRI), Neuroscience Division - School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Riccardo Brambilla
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute (NMHRI), Neuroscience Division - School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Gaetano Di Chiara
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Centre of Excellence on Neurobiology of Addiction, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elio Acquas
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale, 72, I-09124, Cagliari, Italy. .,Centre of Excellence on Neurobiology of Addiction, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Pina MM, Cunningham CL. Involvement of ventral tegmental area ionotropic glutamate receptors in the expression of ethanol-induced conditioned place preference. Behav Brain Res 2016; 313:23-29. [PMID: 27378337 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.06.063] [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: 04/08/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is a well-established neural substrate of reward-related processes. Activity within this structure is increased by the primary and conditioned rewarding effects of abused drugs and its engagement is heavily reliant on excitatory input from structures upstream. In the case of drug seeking, it is thought that exposure to drug-associated cues engages glutamatergic VTA afferents that signal directly to dopamine cells, thereby triggering this behavior. It is unclear, however, whether glutamate input to VTA is directly involved in ethanol-associated cue seeking. Here, the role of intra-VTA ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) signaling in ethanol-cue seeking was evaluated in DBA/2J mice using an ethanol conditioned place preference (CPP) procedure. Intra-VTA iGluRs α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPAR)/kainate and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDAR) were blocked during ethanol CPP expression by co-infusion of antagonist drugs 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX; AMPA/kainate) and d-(-)-2-Amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (AP5; NMDA). Compared to aCSF, bilateral infusion of low (1 DNQX+100 AP5ng/side) and high (5 DNQX+500 AP5ng/side) doses of the AMPAR and NMDAR antagonist cocktail into VTA blocked ethanol CPP expression. This effect was site specific, as DNQX/AP5 infusion proximal to VTA did not significantly impact CPP expression. An increase in activity was found at the high but not low dose of DNQX/AP5. These findings demonstrate that activation of iGluRs within the VTA is necessary for ethanol-associated cue seeking, as measured by CPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie M Pina
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239-3098, USA.
| | - Christopher L Cunningham
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239-3098, USA
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Salling MC, Faccidomo SP, Li C, Psilos K, Galunas C, Spanos M, Agoglia AE, Kash TL, Hodge CW. Moderate Alcohol Drinking and the Amygdala Proteome: Identification and Validation of Calcium/Calmodulin Dependent Kinase II and AMPA Receptor Activity as Novel Molecular Mechanisms of the Positive Reinforcing Effects of Alcohol. Biol Psychiatry 2016; 79:430-42. [PMID: 25579851 PMCID: PMC4417085 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2014.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Revised: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite worldwide consumption of moderate amounts of alcohol, the neural mechanisms that mediate the transition from use to abuse are not fully understood. METHODS Here, we conducted a high-throughput screen of the amygdala proteome in mice after moderate alcohol drinking (n = 12/group) followed by behavioral studies (n = 6-8/group) to uncover novel molecular mechanisms of the positive reinforcing properties of alcohol that strongly influence the development of addiction. RESULTS Two-dimensional difference in-gel electrophoresis with matrix assisted laser desorption ionization tandem time-of-flight identified 29 differentially expressed proteins in the amygdala of nondependent C57BL/6J mice following 24 days of alcohol drinking. Alcohol-sensitive proteins included calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II alpha (CaMKIIα) and a network of functionally linked proteins that regulate neural plasticity and glutamate-mediated synaptic activity. Accordingly, alcohol drinking increased α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isooxazole receptor (AMPAR) in central amygdala (CeA) and phosphorylation of AMPAR GluA1 subunit at a CaMKII locus (GluA1-Ser831) in CeA and lateral amygdala. Further, CaMKIIα-Thr286 and GluA1-Ser831 phosphorylation was increased in CeA and lateral amygdala of mice that lever-pressed for alcohol versus the nondrug reinforcer sucrose. Mechanistic studies showed that targeted pharmacologic inhibition of amygdala CaMKII or AMPAR activity specifically inhibited the positive reinforcing properties of alcohol but not sucrose. CONCLUSIONS Moderate alcohol drinking increases the activity and function of plasticity-linked protein networks in the amygdala that regulate the positive reinforcing effects of the drug. Given the prominence of positive reinforcement in the etiology of addiction, we propose that alcohol-induced adaptations in CaMKIIα and AMPAR signaling in the amygdala may serve as a molecular gateway from use to abuse.
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N-Alkylpyrido[1',2':1,5]pyrazolo-[4,3-d]pyrimidin-4-amines: A new series of negative allosteric modulators of mGlu1/5 with CNS exposure in rodents. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:1894-900. [PMID: 26988308 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Revised: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Selective negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) of each of the group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu1 and mGlu5) have been well characterized in the literature and offer potential as therapeutics in several disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). Still, compounds that are potent mGlu1/5 NAMs with selectivity versus the other six members of the mGlu family as well as the balance of properties required for use in vivo are lacking. A medicinal chemistry effort centered on the identification of a lead series with the potential of delivering such compounds is described in this Letter. Specifically, a new class of pyrido[1',2':1,5]pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-4-amines was designed as a novel isosteric replacement for 4-aminoquinazolines, and compounds from within this chemotype exhibited dual NAM activity at both group I mGlus. One compound, VU0467558 (29), demonstrated near equipotent activity at both receptors, selectivity versus other mGlus, a favorable ancillary pharmacology profile, and CNS exposure in rodents.
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40
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Mihov Y, Hasler G. Negative Allosteric Modulators of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors Subtype 5 in Addiction: a Therapeutic Window. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2016; 19:pyw002. [PMID: 26802568 PMCID: PMC4966271 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyw002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abundant evidence at the anatomical, electrophysiological, and molecular levels implicates metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5) in addiction. Consistently, the effects of a wide range of doses of different mGluR5 negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) have been tested in various animal models of addiction. Here, these studies were subjected to a systematic review to find out if mGluR5 NAMs have a therapeutic potential that can be translated to the clinic. METHODS Literature on consumption/self-administration and reinstatement of drug seeking as outcomes of interest published up to April 2015 was retrieved via PubMed. The review focused on the effects of systemic (i.p., i.v., s.c.) administration of the mGluR5 NAMs 3-((2-Methyl-4-thiazolyl)ethynyl)pyridine (MTEP) and 2-Methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine (MPEP) on paradigms with cocaine, ethanol, nicotine, and food in rats. RESULTS MTEP and MPEP were found to reduce self-administration of cocaine, ethanol, and nicotine at doses ≥1mg/kg and 2.5mg/kg, respectively. Dose-response relationship resembled a sigmoidal curve, with low doses not reaching statistical significance and high doses reliably inhibiting self-administration of drugs of abuse. Importantly, self-administration of cocaine, ethanol, and nicotine, but not food, was reduced by MTEP and MPEP in the dose range of 1 to 2mg/kg and 2.5 to 3.2mg/kg, respectively. This dose range corresponds to approximately 50% to 80% mGluR5 occupancy. Interestingly, the limited data found in mice and monkeys showed a similar therapeutic window. CONCLUSION Altogether, this review suggests a therapeutic window for mGluR5 NAMs that can be translated to the treatment of substance-related and addictive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoan Mihov
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Translational Research Center, Psychiatric University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gregor Hasler
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Translational Research Center, Psychiatric University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
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Bell RL, Hauser SR, McClintick J, Rahman S, Edenberg HJ, Szumlinski KK, McBride WJ. Ethanol-Associated Changes in Glutamate Reward Neurocircuitry: A Minireview of Clinical and Preclinical Genetic Findings. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2015; 137:41-85. [PMID: 26809998 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we have reviewed the role of glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, in a number of neurochemical, -physiological, and -behavioral processes mediating the development of alcohol dependence. The findings discussed include results from both preclinical as well as neuroimaging and postmortem clinical studies. Expression levels for a number of glutamate-associated genes and/or proteins are modulated by alcohol abuse and dependence. These changes in expression include metabotropic receptors and ionotropic receptor subunits as well as different glutamate transporters. Moreover, these changes in gene expression parallel the pharmacologic manipulation of these same receptors and transporters. Some of these gene expression changes may have predated alcohol abuse and dependence because a number of glutamate-associated polymorphisms are related to a genetic predisposition to develop alcohol dependence. Other glutamate-associated polymorphisms are linked to age at the onset of alcohol-dependence and initial level of response/sensitivity to alcohol. Finally, findings of innate and/or ethanol-induced glutamate-associated gene expression differences/changes observed in a genetic animal model of alcoholism, the P rat, are summarized. Overall, the existing literature indicates that changes in glutamate receptors, transporters, enzymes, and scaffolding proteins are crucial for the development of alcohol dependence and there is a substantial genetic component to these effects. This indicates that continued research into the genetic underpinnings of these glutamate-associated effects will provide important novel molecular targets for treating alcohol abuse and dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Bell
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
| | - Sheketha R Hauser
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Jeanette McClintick
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana , USA
| | - Shafiqur Rahman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota, USA
| | - Howard J Edenberg
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana , USA
| | - Karen K Szumlinski
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - William J McBride
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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CaMKII inhibition in the prefrontal cortex specifically increases the positive reinforcing effects of sweetened alcohol in C57BL/6J mice. Behav Brain Res 2015; 298:286-90. [PMID: 26608538 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Revised: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is a multifunctional enzyme that is required for synaptic plasticity and has been proposed to be a primary molecular component of the etiology of alcohol addiction. Chronic alcohol intake upregulates CaMKIIα protein expression in reward-related brain regions including the amygdala and nucleus accumbens, and CaMKIIα activity in the amygdala is required for the positive reinforcing effects of alcohol, suggesting this system promotes consumption in the early stages of alcohol addiction. Alternatively, the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is known to inhibit limbic activity via CaMKII-dependent excitatory projections and may, therefore, enable top-down regulation of motivation. Here we sought to remove that regulatory control by site-specifically inhibiting CaMKII activity in the mPFC, and measured effects on the positive reinforcing effects of sweetened alcohol in C57BL/6J mice. Infusion of the CAMKII inhibitor KN-93 (0-10.0 μg) in the mPFC primarily increased alcohol+sucrose reinforced response rate in a dose- and time-dependent manner. KN-93 infusion reduced response rate in behavior-matched sucrose-only controls. Importantly, potentiation of operant responding for sweetened alcohol occurred immediately after infusion, at a time during which effects on sucrose responding were not observed, and persisted through the session. These results suggest that endogenous CaMKII activity in the mPFC exerts inhibitory control over the positive reinforcing effects of alcohol. Downregulation of CaMKII signaling in the mPFC might contribute to escalated alcohol use.
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Sun WL, Quizon PM, Zhu J. Molecular Mechanism: ERK Signaling, Drug Addiction, and Behavioral Effects. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2015; 137:1-40. [PMID: 26809997 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Addiction to psychostimulants has been considered as a chronic psychiatric disorder characterized by craving and compulsive drug seeking and use. Over the past two decades, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that repeated drug exposure causes long-lasting neurochemical and cellular changes that result in enduring neuroadaptation in brain circuitry and underlie compulsive drug consumption and relapse. Through intercellular signaling cascades, drugs of abuse induce remodeling in the rewarding circuitry that contributes to the neuroplasticity of learning and memory associated with addiction. Here, we review the role of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase, and its related intracellular signaling pathways in drug-induced neuroadaptive changes that are associated with drug-mediated psychomotor activity, rewarding properties and relapse of drug seeking behaviors. We also discuss the neurobiological and behavioral effects of pharmacological and genetic interferences with ERK-associated molecular cascades in response to abused substances. Understanding the dynamic modulation of ERK signaling in response to drugs may provide novel molecular targets for therapeutic strategies to drug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Lun Sun
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Pamela M Quizon
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jun Zhu
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA.
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Reynolds AR, Williams LA, Saunders MA, Prendergast MA. Group 1 mGlu-family proteins promote neuroadaptation to ethanol and withdrawal-associated hippocampal damage. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 156:213-220. [PMID: 26442908 PMCID: PMC4633372 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Group 1 mGlu-family proteins (i.e., mGlu) consist of mGlu1 and mGlu5 and their activity may influence voluntary ethanol intake. The present studies sought to examine the influence of these receptors on the development of ethanol dependence using in vitro and in vivo models of chronic, intermittent ethanol (CIE). METHODS Rat hippocampal explants were exposed to CIE with or without the addition of mGlu1 antagonist (7-hydroxyimino)cyclopropa[b]chromen-1a-carboxylate ethyl ester (CPCCOEt; 0.5, 1, and 3μM) or mGlu5 antagonist (E)-2-methyl-6-styryl-pyridine (SIB-1893; 20, 100, and 200μM) to assess sparing of withdrawal-induced cytotoxicity. In a separate study, adult male rats were administered CIE with or without the addition of oral administration of group 1 mGlu antagonist 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)-pyridine (MPEP; 3mg/kg). Blood ethanol levels (BELs) were determined at 0930h on Day 2 of Weeks 1, 2, and 3. Withdrawal behavior was monitored during Day 6 of the third consecutive withdrawal. RESULTS CIE produced significant hippocampal cytotoxicity. These effects were attenuated by co-exposure to CPCCOEt (3μM) with ethanol in the CA3. By contrast, these effects were blocked by SIB-1893 (20μM) in each primary cell layer. Oral administration of MPEP with ethanol significantly attenuated behavioral effects of subsequent withdrawal and reduced BELs. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that ethanol activates group 1 mGlu-family proteins to promote withdrawal-associated cytotoxicity in vitro and physical dependence in vivo. These findings suggest that group 1 mGlu-family proteins may be therapeutic targets for treatment of alcohol use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luke A. Williams
- University of Kentucky, Department of Psychology,University of Kentucky, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center
| | - Meredith A. Saunders
- University of Kentucky, Department of Psychology,University of Kentucky, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center
| | - Mark A. Prendergast
- University of Kentucky, Department of Psychology,University of Kentucky, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center
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Korpi ER, den Hollander B, Farooq U, Vashchinkina E, Rajkumar R, Nutt DJ, Hyytiä P, Dawe GS. Mechanisms of Action and Persistent Neuroplasticity by Drugs of Abuse. Pharmacol Rev 2015; 67:872-1004. [DOI: 10.1124/pr.115.010967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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Faccidomo S, Salling MC, Galunas C, Hodge CW. Operant ethanol self-administration increases extracellular-signal regulated protein kinase (ERK) phosphorylation in reward-related brain regions: selective regulation of positive reinforcement in the prefrontal cortex of C57BL/6J mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:3417-30. [PMID: 26123321 PMCID: PMC4537834 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-3993-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Extracellular-signal regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) is activated by ethanol in reward-related brain regions. Accordingly, systemic inhibition of ERK1/2 potentiates ethanol reinforcement. However, the brain region(s) that mediate this effect are unknown. OBJECTIVE This study aims to pharmacologically inhibit ERK1/2 in the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (NAC), and amygdala (AMY) prior to ethanol or sucrose self-administration, and evaluate effects of operant ethanol self-administration on ERK1/2 phosphorylation (pERK1/2). METHODS Male C57BL/6J mice were trained to lever press on a fixed-ratio-4 schedule of 9% ethanol + 2% sucrose (ethanol) or 2% sucrose (sucrose) reinforcement. Mice were sacrificed immediately after the 30th self-administration session and pERK1/2 immunoreactivity was quantified in targeted brain regions. Additional groups of mice were injected with SL 327 (0-1.7 μg/side) in PFC, NAC, or AMY prior to self-administration. RESULTS pERK1/2 immunoreactivity was significantly increased by operant ethanol (g/kg = 1.21 g/kg; BAC = 54.9 mg/dl) in the PFC, NAC (core and shell), and AMY (central nucleus) as compared to sucrose. Microinjection of SL 327 (1.7 μg) into the PFC selectively increased ethanol self-administration. Intra-NAC injection of SL 327 had no effect on ethanol- but suppressed sucrose-reinforced responding. Intra-AMY microinjection of SL 327 had no effect on either ethanol- or sucrose-reinforced responding. Locomotor activity was unaffected under all conditions. CONCLUSIONS Operant ethanol self-administration increases pERK1/2 activation in the PFC, NAC, and AMY. However, ERK1/2 activity only in the PFC mechanistically regulates ethanol self-administration. These data suggest that ethanol-induced activation of ERK1/2 in the PFC is a critical pharmacological effect that mediates the reinforcing properties of the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Faccidomo
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Michael C Salling
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Christina Galunas
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Clyde W Hodge
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599,Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel
Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
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Agoglia AE, Holstein SE, Reid G, Hodge CW. CaMKIIα-GluA1 Activity Underlies Vulnerability to Adolescent Binge Alcohol Drinking. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2015; 39:1680-90. [PMID: 26247621 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Binge drinking during adolescence is associated with increased risk for developing alcohol use disorders; however, the neural mechanisms underlying this liability are unclear. In this study, we sought to determine whether binge drinking alters expression or phosphorylation of 2 molecular mechanisms of neuroplasticity, calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II alpha (CaMKIIα) and the GluA1 subunit of AMPA receptors (AMPARs) in addiction-associated brain regions. We also asked whether activation of CaMKIIα-dependent AMPAR activity escalates binge-like drinking. METHODS To address these questions, CaMKIIαT286 and GluA1S831 protein phosphorylation and expression were assessed in the amygdala and striatum of adolescent and adult male C57BL/6J mice immediately after voluntary binge-like alcohol drinking (blood alcohol >80 mg/dl). In separate mice, effects of the CaMKIIα-dependent GluA1S831 phosphorylation (pGluA1S831 )-enhancing drug tianeptine were tested on binge-like alcohol consumption in both age groups. RESULTS Binge-like drinking decreased CaMKIIαT286 phosphorylation (pCaMKIIαT286 ) selectively in adolescent amygdala with no effect in adults. Alcohol also produced a trend for reduced pGluA1S831 expression in adolescent amygdala but differentially increased pGluA1S831 in adult amygdala. No effects were observed in the nucleus accumbens or dorsal striatum. Tianeptine increased binge-like alcohol consumption in adolescents but decreased alcohol consumption in adults. Sucrose consumption was similarly decreased by tianeptine pretreatment in both ages. CONCLUSIONS These data show that the adolescent and adult amygdalae are differentially sensitive to effects of binge-like alcohol drinking on plasticity-linked glutamate signaling molecules. Tianeptine-induced increases in binge-like drinking only in adolescents suggest that differential CaMKIIα-dependent AMPAR activation may underlie age-related escalation of binge drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail E Agoglia
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Curriculum in Neurobiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Sarah E Holstein
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Grant Reid
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Clyde W Hodge
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Curriculum in Neurobiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Frequency of alcohol consumption in humans; the role of metabotropic glutamate receptors and downstream signaling pathways. Transl Psychiatry 2015; 5:e586. [PMID: 26101849 PMCID: PMC4490281 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2015.70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rodent models implicate metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) and downstream signaling pathways in addictive behaviors through metaplasticity. One way mGluRs can influence synaptic plasticity is by regulating the local translation of AMPA receptor trafficking proteins via eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2). However, genetic variation in this pathway has not been examined with human alcohol use phenotypes. Among a sample of adults living in Detroit, Michigan (Detroit Neighborhood Health Study; n = 788; 83% African American), 206 genetic variants across the mGluR-eEF2-AMPAR pathway (including GRM1, GRM5, HOMER1, HOMER2, EEF2K, MTOR, EIF4E, EEF2, CAMK2A, ARC, GRIA1 and GRIA4) were found to predict number of drinking days per month (corrected P-value < 0.01) when considered as a set (set-based linear regression conducted in PLINK). In addition, a CpG site located in the 3'-untranslated region on the north shore of EEF2 (cg12255298) was hypermethylated in those who drank more frequently (P < 0.05). Importantly, the association between several genetic variants within the mGluR-eEF2-AMPAR pathway and alcohol use behavior (i.e., consumption and alcohol-related problems) replicated in the Grady Trauma Project (GTP), an independent sample of adults living in Atlanta, Georgia (n = 1034; 95% African American), including individual variants in GRM1, GRM5, EEF2, MTOR, GRIA1, GRIA4 and HOMER2 (P < 0.05). Gene-based analyses conducted in the GTP indicated that GRM1 (empirical P < 0.05) and EEF2 (empirical P < 0.01) withstood multiple test corrections and predicted increased alcohol consumption and related problems. In conclusion, insights from rodent studies enabled the identification of novel human alcohol candidate genes within the mGluR-eEF2-AMPAR pathway.
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Sun A, Zhuang D, Zhu H, Lai M, Chen W, Liu H, Zhang F, Zhou W. Decrease of phosphorylated CREB and ERK in nucleus accumbens is associated with the incubation of heroin seeking induced by cues after withdrawal. Neurosci Lett 2015; 591:166-170. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2015.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Revised: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Agoglia AE, Sharko AC, Psilos KE, Holstein SE, Reid GT, Hodge CW. Alcohol alters the activation of ERK1/2, a functional regulator of binge alcohol drinking in adult C57BL/6J mice. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2015; 39:463-75. [PMID: 25703719 PMCID: PMC4348173 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Binge alcohol drinking is a particularly risky pattern of alcohol consumption that often precedes alcohol dependence and addiction. The transition from binge alcohol drinking to alcohol addiction likely involves mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and learning in the brain. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascades have been shown to be involved in learning and memory, as well as the response to drugs of abuse, but their role in binge alcohol drinking remains unclear. The present experiments were designed to determine the effects of acute alcohol on extracellular signaling-related kinases (ERK1/2) expression and activity and to determine whether ERK1/2 activity functionally regulates binge-like alcohol drinking. METHODS Adult male C57BL/6J mice were injected with ethanol (EtOH) (3.0 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) 10, 30, or 90 minutes prior to brain tissue collection. Next, mice that were brought to freely consume unsweetened EtOH in a binge-like access procedure were pretreated with the MEK1/2 inhibitor SL327 or the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB239063. RESULTS Acute EtOH increased pERK1/2 immunoreactivity relative to vehicle in brain regions known to be involved in drug reward and addiction, including the central amygdala and prefrontal cortex. However, EtOH decreased pERK1/2 immunoreactivity relative to vehicle in the nucleus accumbens core. SB239063 pretreatment significantly decreased EtOH consumption only at doses that also produced nonspecific locomotor effects. SL327 pretreatment significantly increased EtOH, but not sucrose, consumption without inducing generalized locomotor effects. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that ERK1/2 MAPK signaling regulates binge-like alcohol drinking. As alcohol increased pERK1/2 immunoreactivity relative to vehicle in brain regions known to regulate drug self-administration, SL327 may have blocked this direct pharmacological effect of alcohol and thereby inhibited the termination of binge-like drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail E. Agoglia
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
- Curriculum in Neurobiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Amanda C. Sharko
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
- Department of Pharmacology School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Kelly E. Psilos
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Sarah E. Holstein
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Grant T. Reid
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Clyde W. Hodge
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
- Curriculum in Neurobiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
- Department of Pharmacology School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
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