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Klem L, Nielsen MM, Gestsdóttir SB, Frandsen SL, Prichardt S, Andreasen JT. Assessing attention and impulsivity in the variable stimulus duration and variable intertrial interval rodent continuous performance test schedules using noradrenaline receptor antagonists in female C57BL/6JRj mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:1629-1650. [PMID: 37329343 PMCID: PMC10349758 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06385-9] [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: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Noradrenergic dysfunction is associated with disorders of impulsivity and inattention. The rodent continuous performance test (rCPT) quantifies changes in attention and impulsivity. OBJECTIVE To use NA receptor antagonists to examine the roles of NA on attention and impulsivity behaviours measured in the rCPT variable stimulus duration (vSD) and the variable intertrial interval (vITI) schedules. METHODS Two cohorts of 36 female C57BL/6JRj mice were examined separately in the rCPT vSD and vITI schedules. Both cohorts received antagonists of the following adrenoceptors: α1 (doxazosin, DOX: 1.0, 3.0, 10.0 mg/kg), α2 (yohimbine, YOH: 0.1, 0.3, 1.0 mg/kg), and β1/2 (propranolol, PRO: 1.0, 3.0, 10.0 mg/kg) in consecutive balanced Latin square designs with flanking reference measurements. The antagonists were subsequently examined for effects on locomotor activity. RESULTS DOX showed similar effects in both schedules, improving discriminability and accuracy, and reducing responding and impulsivity, and DOX also reduced locomotor activity. YOH showed prominent effects in the vSD schedule to increase responding and impulsivity, while impairing discriminability and accuracy. YOH did not affect locomotor activity. PRO increased responding and impulsivity, decreased accuracy, but did not affect discriminability or locomotor activity. CONCLUSION Antagonism of α2 or β1/2 adrenoceptors caused similar increases in responding and impulsivity and worsened attentional performance, while α1 adrenoceptor antagonism showed the opposite effects. Our results suggest that endogenous NA exerts bidirectional control of most behaviours in the rCPT. The parallel vSD and vITI studies showed a substantial overlap in effects, but also some differences that indicate differing sensitivity towards noradrenergic manipulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Klem
- Dept. of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M M Nielsen
- Dept. of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S B Gestsdóttir
- Dept. of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S L Frandsen
- Dept. of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S Prichardt
- Dept. of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J T Andreasen
- Dept. of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Kielbinski M, Bernacka J, Zajda K, Wawrzczak-Bargieła A, Maćkowiak M, Przewlocki R, Solecki W. Acute stress modulates noradrenergic signaling in the ventral tegmental area-amygdalar circuit. J Neurochem 2023; 164:598-612. [PMID: 36161462 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Noradrenergic neurotransmission is a critical mediator of stress responses. In turn, exposure to stress induces noradrenergic system adaptations, some of which are implicated in the etiology of stress-related disorders. Adrenergic receptors (ARs) in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) have been demonstrated to regulate phasic dopamine (DA) release in the forebrain, necessary for behavioral responses to conditional cues. However, the impact of stress on noradrenergic modulation of the VTA has not been previously explored. We demonstrate that ARs in the VTA regulate dopaminergic activity in the VTA-BLA (basolateral amygdala) circuit, a key system for processing stress-related stimuli; and that such control is altered by acute stress. We utilized fast-scan cyclic voltammetry to assess the effects of intra-VTA microinfusion of α1 -AR and α2 -AR antagonists (terazosin and RX-821002, respectively), on electrically evoked phasic DA release in the BLA in stress-naïve and stressed (unavoidable electric shocks - UES) anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats. In addition, we used western blotting to explore UES-induced alterations in AR protein level in the VTA. Intra-VTA terazosin or RX-821002 dose-dependently attenuated DA release in the BLA. Interestingly, UES decreased the effects of intra-VTA α2 -AR blockade on DA release (24 h but not 7 days after stress), while the effects of terazosin were unchanged. Despite changes in α2 -AR physiological function in the VTA, UES did not alter α2 -AR protein levels in either intracellular or membrane fractions. These findings demonstrate that NA-ergic modulation of the VTA-BLA circuit undergoes significant alterations in response to acute stress, with α2 -AR signaling indicated as a key target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Kielbinski
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropsychology, Jagiellonian University, Institute of Applied Psychology, Krakow, Poland
| | - Joanna Bernacka
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropsychology, Jagiellonian University, Institute of Applied Psychology, Krakow, Poland.,Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Brain Biostructure, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Zajda
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropsychology, Jagiellonian University, Institute of Applied Psychology, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Wawrzczak-Bargieła
- Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Brain Biostructure, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marzena Maćkowiak
- Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Brain Biostructure, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ryszard Przewlocki
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Wojciech Solecki
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropsychology, Jagiellonian University, Institute of Applied Psychology, Krakow, Poland
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Joanna B, Michal K, Agnieszka WB, Katarzyna Z, Marzena M, Ryszard P, Wojciech S. Alpha-2A but not 2B/C noradrenergic receptors in ventral tegmental area regulate phasic dopamine release in nucleus accumbens core. Neuropharmacology 2022; 220:109258. [PMID: 36116534 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Adrenergic receptors (AR) in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) modulate local neuronal activity and, as a consequence, dopamine (DA) release in the mesolimbic forebrain. Such modulation has functional significance: intra-VTA blockade of α1-AR attenuates behavioral responses to salient environmental stimuli in rat models of drug seeking and conditioned fear as well as phasic DA release in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). In contrast, α2-AR in the VTA has been suggested to act primarily as autoreceptors, limiting local noradrenergic input. The regulation of noradrenaline efflux by α2-AR could be of clinical interest, as α2-AR agonists are proposed as promising pharmacological tools in the treatment of PTSD and substance use disorder. Thus, the aim of our study was to determine the subtype-specificity of α2-ARs in the VTA capable of modulating phasic DA release. We used fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) in anaesthetized male rats to measure DA release in the NAc after combined electrical stimulation and infusion of selected α2-AR antagonists into the VTA. Intra-VTA microinfusion of idazoxan - a non-subtype-specific α2-AR antagonist, as well as BRL-44408 - a selective α2A-AR antagonist, attenuated electrically-evoked DA in the NAc. In contrast, local administration of JP-1302 or imiloxan (α2B- and α2C-AR antagonists, respectively) had no effect. The effect of BRL-44408 on DA release was attenuated by intra-VTA DA D2 antagonist (raclopride) pre-administration. Finally, we confirmed the presence of α2A-AR protein in the VTA using western blotting. In conclusion, these data specify α2A-, but not α2B- or α2C-AR as the receptor subtype controlling NA release in the VTA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernacka Joanna
- Jagiellonian University, Institute of Applied Psychology, Department of Neurobiology and Neuropsychology, Łojasiewicza Str. 4, 30-348, Krakow, Poland; Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Brain Biostructure, Smętna Str. 12, 31-343, Krakow, Poland
| | - Kielbinski Michal
- Jagiellonian University, Institute of Applied Psychology, Department of Neurobiology and Neuropsychology, Łojasiewicza Str. 4, 30-348, Krakow, Poland
| | - Wawrzczak-Bargieła Agnieszka
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Brain Biostructure, Smętna Str. 12, 31-343, Krakow, Poland
| | - Zajda Katarzyna
- Jagiellonian University, Institute of Applied Psychology, Department of Neurobiology and Neuropsychology, Łojasiewicza Str. 4, 30-348, Krakow, Poland
| | - Maćkowiak Marzena
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Brain Biostructure, Smętna Str. 12, 31-343, Krakow, Poland
| | - Przewlocki Ryszard
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Smętna Str. 12, 31-343, Krakow, Poland
| | - Solecki Wojciech
- Jagiellonian University, Institute of Applied Psychology, Department of Neurobiology and Neuropsychology, Łojasiewicza Str. 4, 30-348, Krakow, Poland.
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Solecki WB, Kielbinski M, Wilczkowski M, Zajda K, Karwowska K, Joanna B, Rajfur Z, Przewłocki R. Regulation of cocaine seeking behavior by locus coeruleus noradrenergic activity in the ventral tegmental area is time- and contingency-dependent. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:967969. [PMID: 35992934 PMCID: PMC9388848 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.967969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Substance use disorder is linked to impairments in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) reward system. Noradrenergic (NA) inputs from locus coeruleus (LC) into VTA have been shown to modulate VTA neuronal activity, and are implicated in psychostimulant effects. Phasic LC activity controls time- and context-sensitive processes: decision making, cognitive flexibility, motivation and attention. However, it is not yet known how such temporally-distinct LC activity contributes to cocaine seeking. In a previous study we demonstrated that pharmacological inhibition of NA signaling in VTA specifically attenuates cocaine-seeking. Here, we used virally-delivered opsins to target LC neurons for inhibition or excitation, delivered onto afferents in VTA of male rats seeking cocaine under extinction conditions. Optogenetic stimulation or inhibition was delivered in distinct conditions: upon active lever press, contingently with discreet cues; or non-contingently, i.e., throughout the cocaine seeking session. Non-contingent inhibition of LC noradrenergic terminals in VTA attenuated cocaine seeking under extinction conditions. In contrast, contingent inhibition increased, while contingent stimulation reduced cocaine seeking. These findings were specific for cocaine, but not natural reward (food) seeking. Our results show that NA release in VTA drives behavior depending on timing and contingency between stimuli – context, discreet conditioned cues and reinforcer availability. We show that, depending on those factors, noradrenergic signaling in VTA has opposing roles, either driving CS-induced drug seeking, or contributing to behavioral flexibility and thus extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech B. Solecki
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropsychology, Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
- *Correspondence: Wojciech B. Solecki,
| | - Michał Kielbinski
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropsychology, Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Michał Wilczkowski
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropsychology, Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
- Department of Brain Biochemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Zajda
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropsychology, Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Karolina Karwowska
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropsychology, Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Bernacka Joanna
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Brain Biostructure, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Zenon Rajfur
- Department of Biosystems Physics, Institute of Physics, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Ryszard Przewłocki
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
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Characterisation of methylphenidate-induced excitation in midbrain dopamine neurons, an electrophysiological study in the rat brain. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 112:110406. [PMID: 34339759 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Methylphenidate (MPH) is a drug routinely used for patients with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Concerns arise about psychostimulant use, with dramatic increases in prescriptions. Besides, antipsychotic drugs are often administered in combination with MPH. In this study, we examine the consequences of MPH exposure in combination with dopamine D2 receptor antagonism (eticlopride) on midbrain dopaminergic neurons in anaesthetised rodents, using in vivo extracellular single-cell electrophysiology. As expected, we show that methylphenidate (2 mg/kg, i.v.) decreases the firing and bursting activities of ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons, an effect that is reversed with eticlopride (0.2 mg/kg, i.v.). However, using such a paradigm, we observed higher firing and bursting activities than under baseline conditions. Furthermore, we demonstrate that such an effect is dependent on dual alpha-1 and dopamine D1 receptors, as well as glutamatergic transmission, through glutamate N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation. Chronic MPH treatment during adolescence greatly dampens MPH-induced excitatory effects measured at adulthood. To conclude, we demonstrated here that a combination of methylphenidate and a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist produced long-lasting consequences on midbrain dopamine neurons, via glutamatergic-dependent mechanisms.
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6
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Solecki WB, Kielbinski M, Bernacka J, Gralec K, Klasa A, Pradel K, Rojek-Sito K, Przewłocki R. Alpha 1-adrenergic receptor blockade in the ventral tegmental area attenuates acquisition of cocaine-induced pavlovian associative learning. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:969104. [PMID: 35990723 PMCID: PMC9386374 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.969104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Activity of the alpha1-adrenergic receptor (α1-AR) in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) modulates dopaminergic activity, implying its modulatory role in the behavioral functions of the dopamine (DA) system. Indeed, intra-VTA α1-AR blockade attenuates conditioned stimulus dependent behaviors such as drug seeking responses signifying a role of the noradrenergic signaling in the VTA in conditioned behaviors. Importantly, the role of the VTA α1-AR activity in Pavlovian associative learning with positive outcomes remains unknown. Here, we aimed to examine how intra-VTA α1-AR blockade affects acquisition of cocaine-induced Pavlovian associative learning in the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. The impact of α1-AR blockade on cocaine-reinforced operant responding and cocaine-evoked ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) was also studied. In addition, both α1-AR immunoreactivity in the VTA and its role in phasic DA release in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) were assessed. We demonstrated cellular localization of α1-AR expression in the VTA, providing a neuroanatomical substrate for the α1-AR mechanism. We showed that prazosin (α1-AR selective antagonist; 1 μg/0.5 μl) microinfusion attenuated electrically evoked DA transients in the NAc and dose-dependently (0.1-1 μg/0.5 μl) prevented the acquisition of cocaine CPP but did not affect cocaine-reinforced operant responding nor cocaine-induced positive affective state (measured as USVs). We propose that the VTA α1-AR signaling is necessary for the acquisition of Pavlovian associative learning but does not encode hedonic value. Thus, α1-AR signaling in the VTA might underlie salience encoding of environmental stimuli and reflect an ability of alerting/orienting functions, originating from bottom-up information processing to guide behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech B Solecki
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropsychology, Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Michał Kielbinski
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropsychology, Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Joanna Bernacka
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropsychology, Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.,Laboratory of Pharmacology and Brain Biostructure, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Gralec
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Adam Klasa
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropsychology, Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Kamil Pradel
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Karolina Rojek-Sito
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Drug Development, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Ryszard Przewłocki
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
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He Z, Jiang Y, Gu S, Wu D, Qin D, Feng G, Ma X, Huang JH, Wang F. The Aversion Function of the Limbic Dopaminergic Neurons and Their Roles in Functional Neurological Disorders. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:713762. [PMID: 34616730 PMCID: PMC8488171 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.713762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Freudian theory of conversion suggested that the major symptoms of functional neurological disorders (FNDs) are due to internal conflicts at motivation, especially at the sex drive or libido. FND patients might behave properly at rewarding situations, but they do not know how to behave at aversive situations. Sex drive is the major source of dopamine (DA) release in the limbic area; however, the neural mechanism involved in FND is not clear. Dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons have been shown to play a key role in processing motivation-related information. Recently, DAergic neurons are found to be involved in reward-related prediction error, as well as the prediction of aversive information. Therefore, it is suggested that DA might change the rewarding reactions to aversive reactions at internal conflicts of FND. So DAergic neurons in the limbic areas might induce two major motivational functions: reward and aversion at internal conflicts. This article reviewed the recent advances on studies about DAergic neurons involved in aversive stimulus processing at internal conflicts and summarizes several neural pathways, including four limbic system brain regions, which are involved in the processing of aversion. Then the article discussed the vital function of these neural circuits in addictive behavior, depression treatment, and FNDs. In all, this review provided a prospect for future research on the aversion function of limbic system DA neurons and the therapy of FNDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengming He
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yao Jiang
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China
| | - Simeng Gu
- Department of Psychology, Jiangsu University Medical School, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Dandan Wu
- Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Duo Qin
- School of Foreign Languages, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Guangkui Feng
- Department of Neurology, Lianyungang Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xianjun Ma
- Department of Neurology, Lianyungang Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jason H Huang
- Department of Surgery, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Temple, TX, United States
| | - Fushun Wang
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Neurology, Lianyungang Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Berezhnov AV, Fedotova EI, Sergeev AI, Teplov IY, Abramov AY. Dopamine controls neuronal spontaneous calcium oscillations via astrocytic signal. Cell Calcium 2021; 94:102359. [PMID: 33550209 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2021.102359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Dopamine is a neuromodulator and neurotransmitter responsible for a number of physiological processes. Dysfunctions of the dopamine metabolism and signalling are associated with neurological and psychiatric diseases. Here we report that in primary co-culture of neurons and astrocytes dopamine-induces calcium signal in astrocytes and suppress spontaneous synchronous calcium oscillations (SSCO) in neurons. Effect of dopamine on SSCO in neurons was dependent on calcium signal in astrocytes and could be modified by inhibition of dopamine-induced calcium signal or by stimulation of astrocytic calcium rise with ATP. Ability of dopamine to suppress SSCO in neurons was independent on D1- or D2- like receptors but dependent on GABA and alpha-adrenoreceptors. Inhibitor of monoaminoxidase bifemelane blocked effect of dopamine on astrocytes but also inhibited the effect dopamine on SSCO in neurons. These findings suggest that dopamine-induced calcium signal may stimulate release of neuromodulators such as GABA and adrenaline and thus suppress spontaneous calcium oscillations in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey V Berezhnov
- Institute of Cell Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290, Pushchino, Russia; Cell Physiology and Pathology Laboratory, Orel State University, 302026, Orel, Russia.
| | - Evgeniya I Fedotova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290, Pushchino, Russia; Cell Physiology and Pathology Laboratory, Orel State University, 302026, Orel, Russia
| | - Alexander I Sergeev
- Institute of Cell Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290, Pushchino, Russia
| | - Ilya Y Teplov
- Institute of Cell Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290, Pushchino, Russia
| | - Andrey Y Abramov
- Cell Physiology and Pathology Laboratory, Orel State University, 302026, Orel, Russia; Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, WC1N 3BG, London, UK.
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9
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Autophagy status as a gateway for stress-induced catecholamine interplay in neurodegeneration. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 123:238-256. [PMID: 33497785 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The catecholamine-containing brainstem nuclei locus coeruleus (LC) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) are critically involved in stress responses. Alterations of catecholamine systems during chronic stress may contribute to neurodegeneration, including cognitive decline. Stress-related catecholamine alterations, while contributing to anxiety and depression, might accelerate neuronal degeneration by increasing the formation of toxic dopamine and norepinephrine by-products. These, in turn, may impair proteostasis within a variety of cortical and subcortical areas. In particular, the molecular events governing neurotransmission, neuroplasticity, and proteostasis within LC and VTA affect a variety of brain areas. Therefore, we focus on alterations of autophagy machinery in these nuclei as a relevant trigger in this chain of events. In fact, these catecholamine-containing areas are mostly prone to autophagy-dependent neurodegeneration. Thus, we propose a dynamic hypothesis according to which stress-induced autophagy alterations within the LC-VTA network foster a cascade towards early neurodegeneration within these nuclei.
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10
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Fukuwada N, Kanno M, Yoshida S, Seki K. Gαq protein signaling in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis regulate the lipopolysaccharide-induced despair-like behavior in mice. AIMS Neurosci 2020; 7:438-458. [PMID: 33263080 PMCID: PMC7701371 DOI: 10.3934/neuroscience.2020027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is highly comorbid with anxiety disorders. It has been reported that the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is important for the induction of anxiety and MDD. Recently, the Gαq protein signaling within the BNST is involved in the induction of anxiety through Gαq protein signaling-mediated RNA-editing of GluR2 subunit, which produces the calcium (Ca2+)-impermeable α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor. On the other hand, the role of Gαq protein signaling within the BNST on the induction of MDD has never been reported yet. Therefore, we investigated whether Gαq protein signaling-producing the Ca2+-impermeable AMPA receptors in the BNST is involved in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depressive-like behavior, particularly, despair-like behavior. When mice were systemically challenged with a single dose of LPS (1.2 mg/kg, i.p.), the immobility time during tail suspension test (TST) was increased 24 h after LPS injection. However, pretreatment with bilateral intra-BNST injection of neomycin (6.5 mM, 0.125 µL/side), an inhibitor of phospholipase C that is activated by Gαq protein-coupled receptor stimulation, extended the LPS-induced increase in the immobility time of TST. Furthermore, the co-pretreatment with bilateral intra-BNST injection of neomycin with 1-naphthylacetyl spermine (3 mM, 0.125 µL/side), an antagonist of Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptor, to mimic one of the final forms of Gαq protein activation, abolished the aggravated effect of neomycin and significantly shortened the immobility time compared with the control mice with an intra-BNST injection of artificial cerebrospinal fluid before LPS injection. However, pretreatment with bilateral intra-BNST injection of MDL-12,330A (10 µM, 0.125 µL/side), an inhibitor of adenylyl cyclase that is activated by Gαs protein-coupled receptor stimulation, did not affect the LPS-induced increase in the immobility time of TST. These results indicate that the Gαq protein signaling-mediated RNA-editing of GluR2, which produces the Ca2+-impermeable AMPA receptors within the BNST, regulates the LPS-induced despair-like behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nao Fukuwada
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Ohu University, 31-1 Misumido, Tomitamachi, Koriyama, Fukushima 963-8611, Japan
| | - Miki Kanno
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Ohu University, 31-1 Misumido, Tomitamachi, Koriyama, Fukushima 963-8611, Japan
| | - Satomi Yoshida
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Ohu University, 31-1 Misumido, Tomitamachi, Koriyama, Fukushima 963-8611, Japan
| | - Kenjiro Seki
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Ohu University, 31-1 Misumido, Tomitamachi, Koriyama, Fukushima 963-8611, Japan
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Alpha-1 Adrenergic Receptors Modulate Glutamate and GABA Neurotransmission onto Ventral Tegmental Dopamine Neurons during Cocaine Sensitization. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030790. [PMID: 31991781 PMCID: PMC7036981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The ventral tegmental area (VTA) plays an important role in the reward and motivational processes that facilitate the development of drug addiction. Presynaptic α1-AR activation modulates glutamate and Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) release. This work elucidates the role of VTA presynaptic α1-ARs and their modulation on glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission during cocaine sensitization. Excitatory and inhibitory currents (EPSCs and IPSCs) measured by a whole cell voltage clamp show that α1-ARs activation increases EPSCs amplitude after 1 day of cocaine treatment but not after 5 days of cocaine injections. The absence of a pharmacological response to an α1-ARs agonist highlights the desensitization of the receptor after repeated cocaine administration. The desensitization of α1-ARs persists after a 7-day withdrawal period. In contrast, the modulation of α1-ARs on GABA neurotransmission, shown by decreases in IPSCs' amplitude, is not affected by acute or chronic cocaine injections. Taken together, these data suggest that α1-ARs may enhance DA neuronal excitability after repeated cocaine administration through the reduction of GABA inhibition onto VTA dopamine (DA) neurons even in the absence of α1-ARs' function on glutamate release and protein kinase C (PKC) activation. α1-AR modulatory changes in cocaine sensitization increase our knowledge of the role of the noradrenergic system in cocaine addiction and may provide possible avenues for therapeutics.
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12
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Limanaqi F, Busceti CL, Biagioni F, Fornai F, Puglisi-Allegra S. Autophagy-Based Hypothesis on the Role of Brain Catecholamine Response During Stress. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:569248. [PMID: 33093837 PMCID: PMC7527533 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.569248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Stressful events, similar to abused drugs, significantly affect the homeostatic balance of the catecholamine brain systems while activating compensation mechanisms to restore balance. In detail, norepinephrine (NE)- and dopamine (DA)-containing neurons within the locus coeruleus (LC) and ventral tegmental area (VTA), are readily and similarly activated by psychostimulants and stressful events involving neural processes related to perception, reward, cognitive evaluation, appraisal, and stress-dependent hormonal factors. Brain catecholamine response to stress results in time-dependent regulatory processes involving mesocorticolimbic circuits and networks, where LC-NE neurons respond more readily than VTA-DA neurons. LC-NE projections are dominant in controlling the forebrain DA-targeted areas, such as the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and medial pre-frontal cortex (mPFC). Heavy and persistent coping demand could lead to sustained LC-NE and VTA-DA neuronal activity, that, when persisting chronically, is supposed to alter LC-VTA synaptic connections. Increasing evidence has been provided indicating a role of autophagy in modulating DA neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. This alters behavior, and emotional/cognitive experience in response to drug abuse and occasionally, to psychological stress. Thus, relevant information to address the role of stress and autophagy can be drawn from psychostimulants research. In the present mini-review we discuss the role of autophagy in brain catecholamine response to stress and its dysregulation. The findings here discussed suggest a crucial role of regulated autophagy in the response and adaptation of LC-NE and VTA-DA systems to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Limanaqi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies on Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesco Fornai
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies on Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
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13
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Alpha1-adrenergic receptor blockade in the ventral tegmental area modulates conditional stimulus-induced cocaine seeking. Neuropharmacology 2019; 158:107680. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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14
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Kielbinski M, Bernacka J, Solecki WB. Differential regulation of phasic dopamine release in the forebrain by the VTA noradrenergic receptor signaling. J Neurochem 2019; 149:747-759. [PMID: 31001835 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Phasic dopamine (DA) release from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) into forebrain structures is implicated in associative learning and conditional stimulus (CS)-evoked behavioral responses. Mounting evidence points to noradrenaline signaling in the VTA as an important regulatory input. Accordingly, adrenergic receptor (AR) blockade in the VTA has been shown to modulate CS-dependent behaviors. Here, we hypothesized that α1 - and α2 -AR (but not β-AR) activity preferentially modulates phasic, in contrast to tonic, DA release. In addition, these effects could differ between forebrain targets. We used fast-scan cyclic voltammetric measurements in rats to assess the effects of intra-VTA microinfusion of terazosin, a selective α1 -AR antagonist, on electrically evoked phasic DA release in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Terazosin dose-dependently attenuated phasic, but not tonic, DA release in the NAc core, but not in the mPFC. Next, we measured the effects of intra-VTA administration of the α2 -AR selective antagonist RX-821002 on evoked DA in the NAc core. Similar to the effects of α1 -AR blockade, intra-VTA α2 -AR blockade with RX-0821002 strongly and dose-dependently attenuated phasic, but not tonic, DA release. In contrast, no regulation by RX-821002 was observed in the mPFC. This effect was sensitive to intra-VTA blockade of D2 receptors with raclopride. Finally, the β-AR antagonist propranolol ineffectively modulated DA release in the NAc core. These findings revealed both α1 - and α2 -ARs in the VTA as selective regulators of phasic DA release. Importantly, we demonstrated that AR blockade modulated mesolimbic, in contrast to mesocortical, DA release in previously unstudied heterogeneity in AR regulation of forebrain phasic DA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Kielbinski
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropsychology, Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Joanna Bernacka
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropsychology, Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Wojciech B Solecki
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropsychology, Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
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15
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Vaquer-Alicea ADC, Vázquez-Torres R, Devarie-Hornedo M, Vicenty-Padilla JC, Santos-Vera B, María-Ríos C, Vélez-Hernández ME, Sacktor T, Jiménez-Rivera CA. aPKC-Mediated Persistent Increase in AMPA/NMDA Ratio in the VTA Participates in the Neuroadaptive Signal Necessary to Induce NAc Synaptic Plasticity After Cocaine Administration. Neuroscience 2018; 392:129-140. [PMID: 30243909 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Chronic cocaine exposure produces enduring neuroadaptations in the brain's reward system. Persistence of early cocaine-evoked neuroadaptations in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) is necessary for later synaptic alterations in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), suggesting a temporal sequence of neuroplastic changes between these two areas. However, the molecular nature of the signal that mediates this sequential event is unknown. Here we used the behavioral sensitization model and the aPKC inhibitor of late-phase LTP maintenance, ZIP, to investigate if a persistent increase in AMPA/NMDA ratio plays a role in the molecular mechanism that allows VTA neuroadaptations to induce changes in the NAc. Results showed that intra-VTA ZIP microinfusion successfully blocked cocaine-evoked synaptic enhancement in the VTA and the expected AMPA/NMDA ratio decrease in the NAc following cocaine sensitization. ZIP microinfusions also blocked the expected AMPA/NMDA ratio increase in the NAc following cocaine withdrawal. These results suggest that a persistent increase in AMPA/NMDA ratio, mediated by aPKCs, could be the molecular signal that enables the VTA to elicit synaptic alterations in the NAc following cocaine administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Del C Vaquer-Alicea
- Department of Physiology, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Rafael Vázquez-Torres
- Department of Physiology, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Marcos Devarie-Hornedo
- School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Juan C Vicenty-Padilla
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Bermary Santos-Vera
- Department of Physiology, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Cristina María-Ríos
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Maria E Vélez-Hernández
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, University of Houston-Victoria, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Todd Sacktor
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The Robert F. Furchgott Center for Neural and Behavioral Science, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
| | - Carlos A Jiménez-Rivera
- Department of Physiology, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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16
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Adrenergic Receptor Agonists’ Modulation of Dopaminergic and Non-dopaminergic Neurons in the Ventral Tegmental Area. Neuroscience 2018; 375:119-134. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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17
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Solecki WB, Szklarczyk K, Pradel K, Kwiatkowska K, Dobrzański G, Przewłocki R. Noradrenergic signaling in the VTA modulates cocaine craving. Addict Biol 2018. [PMID: 28635140 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to drug-associated cues evokes drug-seeking behavior and is regarded as a major cause of relapse. Conditional stimulus upregulates noradrenaline (NA) system activity, but the drug-seeking behavior depends particularly on phasic dopamine signaling downstream from the ventral tegmental area (VTA). The VTA dopamine-ergic activity is regulated via the signaling of alpha1 -adrenergic and alpha2 -adrenergic receptors (α1 -ARs and α2 -ARs); thus, the impact of the conditional stimulus on drug-seeking behavior might involve NAergic signaling in the VTA. To date, the role of VTA ARs in regulating cocaine seeking was not studied. We found that cocaine seeking under extinction conditions in male Sprague-Dawley rats was attenuated by intra-VTA prazosin or terazosin-two selective α1 -AR antagonists. In contrast, cocaine seeking was facilitated by intra-VTA administration of the selective α1 -AR agonist phenylephrine as well as α2 -AR antagonist RX 821002, whereas the selective β-AR antagonist propranolol had no effects. In addition, blockade of α1 -AR in the VTA prevented α2 -AR antagonist-induced enhancement of cocaine seeking. Importantly, the potential non-specific effects of the VTA AR blockade on cocaine seeking could be excluded, because none of the AR antagonists influenced sucrose seeking under extinction conditions or locomotor activity in the open field test. These results demonstrate that NAergic signaling potently and selectively regulates cocaine seeking during early cocaine withdrawal via VTA α1 -AR and α2 -AR but not β-AR. Our findings provide new insight into the NAergic mechanisms that underlie cocaine craving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Barnaba Solecki
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropsychology; Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University; Poland
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology; Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences; Poland
| | - Klaudia Szklarczyk
- Department of Neurobiology and Neuropsychology; Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University; Poland
| | - Kamil Pradel
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology; Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences; Poland
| | - Krystyna Kwiatkowska
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology; Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences; Poland
| | - Grzegorz Dobrzański
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology; Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences; Poland
| | - Ryszard Przewłocki
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology; Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences; Poland
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18
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Park JW, Bhimani RV, Park J. Noradrenergic Modulation of Dopamine Transmission Evoked by Electrical Stimulation of the Locus Coeruleus in the Rat Brain. ACS Chem Neurosci 2017; 8:1913-1924. [PMID: 28594540 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Central norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) are involved in a variety of physiological functions and behaviors. Accumulating evidence suggests that NE neurons originating from the locus coeruleus (LC) innervate DA neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and influence VTA-DA neural activity. However, the underlying mechanisms of how LC-NE regulates DA transmission via VTA-DA neurons remain largely unexplored. Herein, we investigated how electrical stimulation of the LC modulates VTA-DA neurotransmission in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). For this study, catecholamine release in the NAc and VTA evoked by electrical stimulation of the LC in urethane-anesthetized rats was simultaneously monitored with carbon-fiber microelectrodes using in vivo multichannel fast-scan cyclic voltammetry for comparison of its extracellular regulation. Pharmacological, anatomical, and electrochemical evidence suggest that electrical stimulation of the LC evokes NE release in the VTA and activates VTA-DA neurons, resulting in DA release in the NAc. The electrically evoked DA in the NAc was regulated by D2 receptors and DA transporters (DAT) as well as α1-adrenergic receptors in the VTA, whereas NE release in the VTA was regulated by α2-adrenergic receptors and NE transporters (NET) not by D2 receptors or DAT. These results suggest that electrical stimulation of LC modulates VTA-DA neurons and DA transmission in the NAc via NE receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin W. Park
- Department
of Biotechnical and Clinical Laboratory Sciences and ‡Neuroscience
Program, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14214-3005, United States
| | - Rohan V. Bhimani
- Department
of Biotechnical and Clinical Laboratory Sciences and ‡Neuroscience
Program, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14214-3005, United States
| | - Jinwoo Park
- Department
of Biotechnical and Clinical Laboratory Sciences and ‡Neuroscience
Program, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14214-3005, United States
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19
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Schmidt KT, Schroeder JP, Foster SL, Squires K, Smith BM, Pitts EG, Epstein MP, Weinshenker D. Norepinephrine regulates cocaine-primed reinstatement via α1-adrenergic receptors in the medial prefrontal cortex. Neuropharmacology 2017; 119:134-140. [PMID: 28392265 PMCID: PMC5495469 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Drug-primed reinstatement of cocaine seeking in rats is thought to reflect relapse-like behavior and is mediated by the integration of signals from mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic projections and corticostriatal glutamatergic innervation. Cocaine-primed reinstatement can also be attenuated by systemic administration of dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) inhibitors, which prevent norepinephrine (NE) synthesis, or by α1-adrenergic receptor (α1AR) antagonists, indicating functional modulation by the noradrenergic system. In the present study, we sought to further discern the role of NE in cocaine-seeking behavior by determining whether α1AR activation can induce reinstatement on its own or is sufficient to permit cocaine-primed reinstatement in the absence of all other AR signaling, and identifying the neuroanatomical substrate within the mesocorticolimbic reward system harboring the critical α1ARs. We found that while intracerebroventricular infusion of the α1AR agonist phenylephrine did not induce reinstatement on its own, it did overcome the blockade of cocaine-primed reinstatement by the DBH inhibitor nepicastat. Furthermore, administration of the α1AR antagonist terazosin in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), but not the ventral tegmental area (VTA) or nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell, attenuated cocaine-primed reinstatement. Combined, these data indicate that α1AR activation in the mPFC is required for cocaine-primed reinstatement, and suggest that α1AR antagonists merit further investigation as pharmacotherapies for cocaine dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl T Schmidt
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Jason P Schroeder
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | | | - Katherine Squires
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Brilee M Smith
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Elizabeth G Pitts
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Michael P Epstein
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - David Weinshenker
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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20
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Atzori M, Cuevas-Olguin R, Esquivel-Rendon E, Garcia-Oscos F, Salgado-Delgado RC, Saderi N, Miranda-Morales M, Treviño M, Pineda JC, Salgado H. Locus Ceruleus Norepinephrine Release: A Central Regulator of CNS Spatio-Temporal Activation? Front Synaptic Neurosci 2016; 8:25. [PMID: 27616990 PMCID: PMC4999448 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2016.00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Norepinephrine (NE) is synthesized in the Locus Coeruleus (LC) of the brainstem, from where it is released by axonal varicosities throughout the brain via volume transmission. A wealth of data from clinics and from animal models indicates that this catecholamine coordinates the activity of the central nervous system (CNS) and of the whole organism by modulating cell function in a vast number of brain areas in a coordinated manner. The ubiquity of NE receptors, the daunting number of cerebral areas regulated by the catecholamine, as well as the variety of cellular effects and of their timescales have contributed so far to defeat the attempts to integrate central adrenergic function into a unitary and coherent framework. Since three main families of NE receptors are represented-in order of decreasing affinity for the catecholamine-by: α2 adrenoceptors (α2Rs, high affinity), α1 adrenoceptors (α1Rs, intermediate affinity), and β adrenoceptors (βRs, low affinity), on a pharmacological basis, and on the ground of recent studies on cellular and systemic central noradrenergic effects, we propose that an increase in LC tonic activity promotes the emergence of four global states covering the whole spectrum of brain activation: (1) sleep: virtual absence of NE, (2) quiet wake: activation of α2Rs, (3) active wake/physiological stress: activation of α2- and α1-Rs, (4) distress: activation of α2-, α1-, and β-Rs. We postulate that excess intensity and/or duration of states (3) and (4) may lead to maladaptive plasticity, causing-in turn-a variety of neuropsychiatric illnesses including depression, schizophrenic psychoses, anxiety disorders, and attention deficit. The interplay between tonic and phasic LC activity identified in the LC in relationship with behavioral response is of critical importance in defining the short- and long-term biological mechanisms associated with the basic states postulated for the CNS. While the model has the potential to explain a large number of experimental and clinical findings, a major challenge will be to adapt this hypothesis to integrate the role of other neurotransmitters released during stress in a centralized fashion, like serotonin, acetylcholine, and histamine, as well as those released in a non-centralized fashion, like purines and cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Atzori
- Neurobiology of Stress Laboratory, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis PotosíSan Luis Potosí, Mexico; School for Behavior and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at DallasRichardson, TX, USA
| | - Roberto Cuevas-Olguin
- Neurobiology of Stress Laboratory, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Eric Esquivel-Rendon
- Neurobiology of Stress Laboratory, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | | | - Roberto C Salgado-Delgado
- Neurobiology of Stress Laboratory, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Nadia Saderi
- Neurobiology of Stress Laboratory, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Marcela Miranda-Morales
- Neurobiology of Stress Laboratory, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Mario Treviño
- Laboratory of Cortical Plasticity and Learning, Universidad de Guadalajara Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Juan C Pineda
- Electrophysiology Laboratory, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán Mérida, Mexico
| | - Humberto Salgado
- Electrophysiology Laboratory, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán Mérida, Mexico
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21
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Abstract
Large conductance Ca(2+)- and voltage-activated K(+) (BK) channels are widely distributed in the postnatal central nervous system (CNS). BK channels play a pleiotropic role in regulating the activity of brain and spinal cord neural circuits by providing a negative feedback mechanism for local increases in intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations. In neurons, they regulate the timing and duration of K(+) influx such that they can either increase or decrease firing depending on the cellular context, and they can suppress neurotransmitter release from presynaptic terminals. In addition, BK channels located in astrocytes and arterial myocytes modulate cerebral blood flow. Not surprisingly, both loss and gain of BK channel function have been associated with CNS disorders such as epilepsy, ataxia, mental retardation, and chronic pain. On the other hand, the neuroprotective role played by BK channels in a number of pathological situations could potentially be leveraged to correct neurological dysfunction.
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22
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Mejias-Aponte CA. Specificity and impact of adrenergic projections to the midbrain dopamine system. Brain Res 2016; 1641:258-73. [PMID: 26820641 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2015] [Revised: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) is a neuromodulator that regulates different brain circuits involved in cognitive functions, motor coordination, and emotions. Dysregulation of DA is associated with many neurological and psychiatric disorders such as Parkinson's disease and substance abuse. Several lines of research have shown that the midbrain DA system is regulated by the central adrenergic system. This review focuses on adrenergic interactions with midbrain DA neurons. It discusses the current neuroanatomy including source of adrenergic innervation, type of synapses, and adrenoceptors expression. It also discusses adrenergic regulation of DA cell activity and neurotransmitter release. Finally, it reviews several neurological and psychiatric disorders where changes in adrenergic system are associated with dysregulation of the midbrain DA system. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: Noradrenergic System.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Mejias-Aponte
- National Institute on Drug Abuse Histology Core, Neuronal Networks Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Biomedical Research Center, 251 Bayview Blvd, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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23
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Weinshenker D, Holmes PV. Regulation of neurological and neuropsychiatric phenotypes by locus coeruleus-derived galanin. Brain Res 2015; 1641:320-37. [PMID: 26607256 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Revised: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Decades of research confirm that noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC) neurons are essential for arousal, attention, motivation, and stress responses. While most studies on LC transmission focused unsurprisingly on norepinephrine (NE), adrenergic signaling cannot account for all the consequences of LC activation. Galanin coexists with NE in the vast majority of LC neurons, yet the precise function of this neuropeptide has proved to be surprisingly elusive given our solid understanding of the LC system. To elucidate the contribution of galanin to LC physiology, here we briefly summarize the nature of stimuli that drive LC activity from a neuroanatomical perspective. We go on to describe the LC pathways in which galanin most likely exerts its effects on behavior, with a focus on addiction, depression, epilepsy, stress, and Alzheimer׳s disease. We propose a model in which LC-derived galanin has two distinct functions: as a neuromodulator, primarily acting via the galanin 1 receptor (GAL1), and as a trophic factor, primarily acting via galanin receptor 2 (GAL2). Finally, we discuss how the recent advances in neuropeptide detection, optogenetics and chemical genetics, and galanin receptor pharmacology can be harnessed to identify the roles of LC-derived galanin definitively. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: Noradrenergic System.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Weinshenker
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael St., Whitehead 301, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - Philip V Holmes
- Neuroscience Program, Biomedical and Health Sciences Institute and Psychology Department, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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24
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Cocaine increases dopaminergic neuron and motor activity via midbrain α1 adrenergic signaling. Neuropsychopharmacology 2015; 40:1151-62. [PMID: 25374094 PMCID: PMC4367457 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2014.296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Revised: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine reinforcement is mediated by increased extracellular dopamine levels in the forebrain. This neurochemical effect was thought to require inhibition of dopamine reuptake, but cocaine is still reinforcing even in the absence of the dopamine transporter. Here, we demonstrate that the rapid elevation in dopamine levels and motor activity elicited by cocaine involves α1 receptor activation within the ventral midbrain. Activation of α1 receptors increases dopaminergic neuron burst firing by decreasing the calcium-activated potassium channel current (SK), as well as elevates dopaminergic neuron pacemaker firing through modulation of both SK and the hyperpolarization-activated cation currents (Ih). Furthermore, we found that cocaine increases both the pacemaker and burst-firing frequency of rat ventral-midbrain dopaminergic neurons through an α1 adrenergic receptor-dependent mechanism within the ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra pars compacta. These results demonstrate the mechanism underlying the critical role of α1 adrenergic receptors in the regulation of dopamine neurotransmission and behavior by cocaine.
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