Effect of ΔFosB overexpression on opioid and cannabinoid receptor-mediated signaling in the nucleus accumbens

Pleasure, addiction, and hypocretin (orexin)

The hypocretins/orexins were discovered in 1998. Within 2 years, this led to the discovery of the cause of human narcolepsy, a 90% loss of hypothalamic neurons containing these peptides. Further work demonstrated that these neurons were not simply linked to waking. Rather these neurons were active during pleasurable behaviors in waking and were silenced by aversive stimulation. This was seen in wild-type mice, rats, cats, and dogs. It was also evident in humans, with increased Hcrt release during pleasurable activities and decreased release, to the levels seen in sleep, during pain. We found that human heroin addicts have, on average, an increase of 54% in the number of detectable Hcrt neurons compared to "control" human brains and that these Hcrt neurons are substantially smaller than those in control brains. We found that in mice, chronic morphine administration induced the same changes in Hcrt neuron number and size. Our studies in the mouse allowed us to determine the specificity, dose response relations, time course of the change in the number of Hcrt neurons, and that the increased number of Hcrt neurons after opiates was not due to neurogenesis. Furthermore, we found that it took a month or longer for these anatomical changes in the mouse brain to return to baseline. Human narcoleptics, despite their prescribed use of several commonly addictive drugs, do not show significant evidence of dose escalation or substance use disorder. Similarly, mice in which the peptide has been eliminated are resistant to addiction. These findings are consistent with the concept that an increased number of Hcrt neurons may underlie and maintain opioid or cocaine use disorders.

Kappa opioid receptors mediate an initial aversive component of paclitaxel-induced neuropathy

RATIONALE

Cancer patients receiving the antineoplastic drug paclitaxel report higher incidences and longer duration of treatment-resistant depression than patients receiving other classes of chemotherapeutics. Rodents treated with paclitaxel exhibit a suite of changes in affect-like behaviors. Further, paclitaxel causes chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in humans and rodents. Kappa opioid receptors (KOR) have a well-established role in depression and neuropathy. The contributions of KOR signaling to paclitaxel-induced aversive-like state and CIPN in rodents remain to be explored.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate whether dysregulation of the KOR/dynorphin system is associated with paclitaxel-mediated pain-like behavior and depression-like behavior.

METHODS

Cancer-free male C57BL/6J mice were treated with four injections of vehicle or paclitaxel (32 mg/kg cumulative). The effects of the selective KOR antagonist norbinaltorphimine (norBNI) on paclitaxel-induced sucrose preference deficits and mechanical hypersensitivity were measured. Prodynorphin mRNA and receptor-mediated G protein activation were measured at two time points following the last paclitaxel injection using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and agonist-stimulated [³⁵S]guanosine-5'-O'-(γ-thio)-triphosphate ([³⁵S]GTPγS) binding, respectively, in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), caudate-putamen, amygdala, and spinal cord.

RESULTS

Paclitaxel produced a norBNI-reversible sucrose preference deficit, whereas mechanical hypersensitivity was not reversed by norBNI. Paclitaxel treatment increased the levels of mRNA for prodynorphin, a precursor for endogenous KOR agonists, in the NAc. Paclitaxel also had time-dependent effects on KOR-mediated G protein activation in the NAc.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that KOR signaling mediates an initial aversive component of paclitaxel, but not necessarily paclitaxel-induced mechanical hypersensitivity.

The Nucleus Accumbens: A Common Target in the Comorbidity of Depression and Addiction

The comorbidity of depression and addiction has become a serious public health issue, and the relationship between these two disorders and their potential mechanisms has attracted extensive attention. Numerous studies have suggested that depression and addiction share common mechanisms and anatomical pathways. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) has long been considered a key brain region for regulating many behaviors, especially those related to depression and addiction. In this review article, we focus on the association between addiction and depression, highlighting the potential mediating role of the NAc in this comorbidity via the regulation of changes in the neural circuits and molecular signaling. To clarify the mechanisms underlying this association, we summarize evidence from overlapping reward neurocircuitry, the resemblance of cellular and molecular mechanisms, and common treatments. Understanding the interplay between these disorders should help guide clinical comorbidity prevention and the search for a new target for comorbidity treatment.

Attenuated dopamine receptor signaling in nucleus accumbens core in a rat model of chemically-induced neuropathy

Neuropathy is major source of chronic pain that can be caused by mechanically or chemically induced nerve injury. Intraplantar formalin injection produces local necrosis over a two-week period and has been used to model neuropathy in rats. To determine whether neuropathy alters dopamine (DA) receptor responsiveness in mesolimbic brain regions, we examined dopamine D₁-like and D₂-like receptor (D_1/2R) signaling and expression in male rats 14 days after bilateral intraplantar formalin injections into both rear paws. D₂R-mediated G-protein activation and expression of the D₂R long, but not short, isoform were reduced in nucleus accumbens (NAc) core, but not in NAc shell, caudate-putamen or ventral tegmental area of formalin- compared to saline-treated rats. In addition, D₁R-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity was also reduced in NAc core, but not in NAc shell or prefrontal cortex, of formalin-treated rats, whereas D₁R expression was unaffected. Other proteins involved in dopamine neurotransmission, including dopamine uptake transporter and tyrosine hydroxylase, were unaffected by formalin treatment. In behavioral tests, the potency of a D₂R agonist to suppress intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) was decreased in formalin-treated rats, whereas D₁R agonist effects were not altered. The combination of reduced D₂R expression and signaling in NAc core with reduced suppression of ICSS responding by a D₂R agonist suggest a reduction in D₂ autoreceptor function. Altogether, these results indicate that intraplantar formalin produces attenuation of highly specific DA receptor signaling processes in NAc core of male rats and suggest the development of a neuropathy-induced allostatic state in both pre- and post-synaptic DA receptor function.

Efficacy of Hybrid Tetrahydrobenzo[d]thiazole Based Aryl Piperazines D-264 and D-301 at D₂ and D₃ Receptors

In elucidating the role of pharmacodynamic efficacy at D3 receptors in therapeutic effectiveness of dopamine receptor agonists, the influence of study system must be understood. Here two compounds with D3 over D2 selectivity developed in our earlier work, D-264 and D-301, are compared in dopamine receptor-mediated G-protein activation in striatal regions of wild-type and D2 receptor knockout mice and in CHO cells expressing D2 or D3 receptors. In caudate-putamen of D2 knockout mice, D-301 was ~3-fold more efficacious than D-264 in activating G-proteins as assessed by [(35)S]GTPγS binding; in nucleus accumbens, D-301 stimulated G-protein activation whereas D-264 did not. In contrast, the two ligands exerted similar efficacy in both regions of wild-type mice, suggesting both ligands activate D2 receptors with similar efficacy. In D2 and D3 receptor-expressing CHO cells, D-264 and D-301 appeared to act in the [(35)S]GTPγS assay as full agonists because they produced maximal stimulation equal to dopamine. Competition for [(3)H]spiperone binding was then performed to determine Ki/EC50 ratios as an index of receptor reserve for each ligand. Action of D-301, but not D-264, showed receptor reserve in D3 but not in D2 receptor-expressing cells, whereas dopamine showed receptor reserve in both cell lines. Gαo1 is highly expressed in brain and is important in D2-like receptor-G protein coupling. Transfection of Gαo1 in D3- but not D2-expressing CHO cells led to receptor reserve for D-264 without altering receptor expression levels. D-301 and dopamine exhibited receptor reserve in D3-expressing cells both with and without transfection of Gαo1. Altogether, these results indicate that D-301 has greater intrinsic efficacy to activate D3 receptors than D-264, whereas the two compounds act on D2 receptors with similar intrinsic efficacy. These findings also suggest caution in interpreting Emax values from functional assays in receptor-transfected cell models without accounting for receptor reserve.

Testing the drug substitution switching-addictions hypothesis. A prospective study in a nationally representative sample

IMPORTANCE

Adults who remit from a substance use disorder (SUD) are often thought to be at increased risk for developing another SUD. A greater understanding of the prevalence and risk factors for drug substitution would inform clinical monitoring and management.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether remission from an SUD increases the risk of onset of a new SUD after a 3-year follow-up compared with lack of remission from an SUD and whether sociodemographic characteristics and psychiatric disorders, including personality disorders, independently predict a new-onset SUD.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A prospective cohort study where data were drawn from a nationally representative sample of 34 653 adults from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Participants were interviewed twice, 3 years apart (wave 1, 2001-2002; wave 2, 2004-2005).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

We compared new-onset SUDs among individuals with at least 1 current SUD at wave 1 who did not remit from any SUDs at wave 2 (n = 3275) and among individuals with at least 1 current SUD at wave 1 who remitted at wave 2 (n = 2741).

RESULTS

Approximately one-fifth (n = 2741) of the total sample had developed a new-onset SUD at the wave 2 assessment. Individuals who remitted from 1 SUD during this period were significantly less likely than those who did not remit to develop a new SUD (13.1% vs 27.2%, P < .001). Results were robust to sample specification. An exception was that remission from a drug use disorder increased the odds of a new SUD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.46; 95% CI, 1.11-1.92). However, after adjusting for the number of SUDs at baseline, remission from drug use disorders decreased the odds of a new-onset SUD (OR = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.46-0.95) whereas the number of baseline SUDs increased those odds (OR=1.68; 95% CI, 1.43-1.98). Being male, younger in age, never married, having an earlier age at substance use onset, and psychiatric comorbidity significantly increased the odds of a new-onset SUD during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

As compared with those who do not remit from an SUD, remitters have less than half the risk of developing a new SUD. Contrary to clinical lore, achieving remission does not typically lead to drug substitution but rather is associated with a lower risk of new SUD onsets.

Inhibition of phosphodiesterase10A attenuates morphine-induced conditioned place preference

Background

Phosphodiesterase (PDE) 10A is selectively expressed in medium spiny neurons of the striatum. Nucleus accumbens (NAc) is a key region that mediates drug reward and addiction-related behaviors. To investigate the potential role of PDE10A in the reinforcement properties of morphine, we tested the effect of MP-10, a selective inhibitor of PDE10A, on acquisition, expression, and extinction of morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP).

Results

The results show that 2.5 mg/kg MP-10, administered subcutaneously, significantly inhibited the acquisition of morphine-induced CPP. The same dose of MP-10 alone did not result in the CPP. Moreover, MP-10 did not alter the expression of morphine-induced CPP, but did accelerate the extinction of morphine-induced CPP. Additionally, chronic treatment with 2.5 mg/kg MP-10 decreased expression of phosphorylated CREB (pCREB), activated cAMP response element binding protein, in dorsomedial striatum, in shell of NAc, and in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) as well as decreased expression of ΔFosB in the shell of NAc and ACC.

Conclusion

The results suggest that inhibition of PDE10A may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of opioid addiction.

Delta FosB and AP-1-mediated transcription modulate cannabinoid CB₁ receptor signaling and desensitization in striatal and limbic brain regions

Repeated Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) administration produces cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB₁R) desensitization and downregulation, as well as tolerance to its in vivo pharmacological effects. However, the magnitude of CB₁R desensitization varies by brain region, with CB₁Rs in the striatum and its output nuclei undergoing less desensitization than other regions. A growing body of data indicates that regional differences in CB₁R desensitization are produced, in part, by THC-mediated induction of the stable transcription factor, ΔFosB, and subsequent regulation of CB₁Rs. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether THC-mediated induction of ΔFosB in the striatum inhibits CB₁R desensitization in the striatum and output nuclei. This hypothesis was tested using bitransgenic mice with inducible expression of ΔFosB or ΔcJun, a dominant negative inhibitor of AP-1-mediated transcription, in specific forebrain regions. Mice were treated repeatedly with escalating doses of THC or vehicle for 6.5 days, and CB₁R-mediated G-protein activation was assessed using CP55,940-stimulated [(35)S]GTPγS autoradiography. Overexpression of ΔFosB in striatal dopamine type 1 receptor-containing (D1R) medium spiny neurons (MSNs) attenuated CB₁R desensitization in the substantia nigra, ventral tegmental area (VTA) and amygdala. Expression of ΔcJun in striatal D1R- and dopamine type 2 receptor (D2R)-containing MSNs enhanced CB₁R desensitization in the caudate-putamen and attenuated desensitization in the hippocampus and VTA. THC-mediated in vivo pharmacological effects were then assessed in ΔcJun-expressing mice. Tolerance to THC-mediated hypomotility was enhanced in ΔcJun-expressing mice. These data reveal that ΔFosB and possibly other AP-1 binding proteins regulate CB₁R signaling and adaptation in the striatum and limbic system.

ΔFosB induction correlates inversely with CB₁ receptor desensitization in a brain region-dependent manner following repeated Δ⁹-THC administration

Repeated Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) administration produces desensitization and downregulation of cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB₁Rs) in the brain, but the magnitude of these adaptations varies among regions. CB₁Rs in the striatum and its output regions exhibit the least magnitude and slowest development of desensitization and downregulation. The molecular mechanisms that confer these region-dependent differences are not known. The stable transcription factor, ΔFosB, is induced in the striatum following repeated THC administration and could regulate CB₁Rs. To directly compare the regional profile of ΔFosB induction and CB₁R desensitization and downregulation, mice were treated with THC (10 mg/kg) or vehicle for 13.5 days. CP55,940-stimulated [(35)S]GTPγS autoradiography and immunohistochemistry were performed to measure CB₁R desensitization and downregulation, respectively, and ΔFosB expression was measured by immunoblot. Significant CB₁R desensitization and downregulation occurred in the prefrontal cortex, lateral amygdala and hippocampus; desensitization was found in the basomedial amygdala and no changes were seen in remaining regions. ΔFosB was induced in the prefrontal cortex, caudate-putamen, nucleus accumbens and lateral amygdala. An inverse regional relationship between ΔFosB expression and CB₁R desensitization was found, such that regions with the greatest ΔFosB induction did not exhibit CB₁R desensitization and areas without ΔFosB induction had the greatest desensitization, with remaining regions exhibiting intermediate levels of both. Dual immunohistochemistry in the striatum showed both CB₁R co-localization with ΔFosB in cells and CB₁R puncta surrounding ΔFosB-positive cells. THC-induced expression of ΔFosB was absent in the striatum of CB₁R knockout mice. These data suggest that transcriptional targets of ΔFosB might inhibit CB₁R desensitization and/or that ΔFosB induction could be limited by CB₁R desensitization.

Endogenous opiates and behavior: 2011

This paper is the thirty-fourth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2011 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior (Section 2), and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia (Section 3); stress and social status (Section 4); tolerance and dependence (Section 5); learning and memory (Section 6); eating and drinking (Section 7); alcohol and drugs of abuse (Section 8); sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (Section 9); mental illness and mood (Section 10); seizures and neurologic disorders (Section 11); electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (Section 12); general activity and locomotion (Section 13); gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (Section 14); cardiovascular responses (Section 15); respiration (Section 16); and immunological responses (Section 17).

Glucocorticoids regulation of FosB/ΔFosB expression induced by chronic opiate exposure in the brain stress system

Chronic use of drugs of abuse profoundly alters stress-responsive system. Repeated exposure to morphine leads to accumulation of the transcription factor ΔFosB, particularly in brain areas associated with reward and stress. The persistent effects of ΔFosB on target genes may play an important role in the plasticity induced by drugs of abuse. Recent evidence suggests that stress-related hormones (e.g., glucocorticoids, GC) may induce adaptations in the brain stress system that is likely to involve alteration in gene expression and transcription factors. This study examined the role of GC in regulation of FosB/ΔFosB in both hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic brain stress systems during morphine dependence. For that, expression of FosB/ΔFosB was measured in control (sham-operated) and adrenalectomized (ADX) rats that were made opiate dependent after ten days of morphine treatment. In sham-operated rats, FosB/ΔFosB was induced after chronic morphine administration in all the brain stress areas investigated: nucleus accumbens(shell) (NAc), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), central amygdala (CeA), hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and nucleus of the solitary tract noradrenergic cell group (NTS-A(2)). Adrenalectomy attenuated the increased production of FosB/ΔFosB observed after chronic morphine exposure in NAc, CeA, and NTS. Furthermore, ADX decreased expression of FosB/ΔFosB within CRH-positive neurons of the BNST, PVN and CeA. Similar results were obtained in NTS-A(2) TH-positive neurons and NAc pro-dynorphin-positive neurons. These data suggest that neuroadaptation (estimated as accumulation of FosB/ΔFosB) to opiates in brain areas associated with stress is modulated by GC, supporting the evidence of a link between brain stress hormones and addiction.

Brain regional differences in CB1 receptor adaptation and regulation of transcription

Cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1Rs) are expressed throughout the brain and mediate the central effects of cannabinoids, including Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive constituent of marijuana. Repeated THC administration produces tolerance to cannabinoid-mediated effects, although the magnitude of tolerance varies by effect. Consistent with this observation, CB1R desensitization and downregulation, as well as induction of immediate early genes (IEGs), vary by brain region. Zif268 and c-Fos are induced in the forebrain after acute THC administration. Phosphorylation of the cAMP response-element binding protein (CREB) is increased in a region-specific manner after THC administration. Results differ between acute versus repeated THC injection, and suggest that tolerance to IEG activation might develop in some regions. Repeated THC treatment produces CB1R desensitization and downregulation in the brain, although less adaption occurs in the striatum as compared to regions such as the hippocampus. Repeated THC treatment also induces expression of ΔFosB, a very stable isoform of FosB, in the striatum. Transgenic expression of ∆FosB in the striatum enhances the rewarding effects of several drugs, but its role in THC-mediated effects is not known. The inverse regional relationship between CB1R desensitization and ∆FosB induction suggests that these adaptations might inhibit each other, although this possibility has not been investigated. The differential regional expression of individual IEGs by acute or repeated THC administration suggests that regulation of target genes and effects on CB1R signaling will contribute to the behavioral effects of THC.