1
|
Serra M, Simola N, Pollack AE, Costa G. Brain dysfunctions and neurotoxicity induced by psychostimulants in experimental models and humans: an overview of recent findings. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1908-1918. [PMID: 38227515 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.390971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical studies indicate that psychostimulants, in addition to having abuse potential, may elicit brain dysfunctions and/or neurotoxic effects. Central toxicity induced by psychostimulants may pose serious health risks since the recreational use of these substances is on the rise among young people and adults. The present review provides an overview of recent research, conducted between 2018 and 2023, focusing on brain dysfunctions and neurotoxic effects elicited in experimental models and humans by amphetamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, methylphenidate, caffeine, and nicotine. Detailed elucidation of factors and mechanisms that underlie psychostimulant-induced brain dysfunction and neurotoxicity is crucial for understanding the acute and enduring noxious brain effects that may occur in individuals who use psychostimulants for recreational and/or therapeutic purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Nicola Simola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alexia E Pollack
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts-Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Piras G, Cadoni C, Caria F, Pintori N, Spano E, Vanejevs M, Ture A, Tocco G, Simola N, De Luca MA. Characterization of the Neurochemical and Behavioral Effects of the Phenethylamine 2-Cl-4,5-MDMA in Adolescent and Adult Male Rats. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2024; 27:pyae016. [PMID: 38546531 PMCID: PMC11120233 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyae016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The proliferation of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) in the drug market raises concerns about uncertainty on their pharmacological profile and the health hazard linked to their use. Within the category of synthetic stimulant NPS, the phenethylamine 2-Cl-4,5-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (2-Cl-4,5-MDMA) has been linked to severe intoxication requiring hospitalization. Thereby, the characterization of its pharmacological profile is urgently warranted. METHODS By in vivo brain microdialysis in adolescent and adult male rats we investigated the effects of 2-Cl-4,5-MDMA on dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission in two brain areas critical for the motivational and rewarding properties of drugs, the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Moreover, we evaluated the locomotor and stereotyped activity induced by 2-Cl-4,5-MDMA and the emission of 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) to characterize its affective properties. RESULTS 2-Cl-4,5-MDMA increased dialysate DA and 5-HT in a dose-, brain area-, and age-dependent manner. Notably, 2-Cl-4,5-MDMA more markedly increased dialysate DA in the NAc shell and mPFC of adult than adolescent rats, while the opposite was observed on dialysate 5-HT in the NAc shell, with adolescent rats being more responsive. Furthermore, 2-Cl-4,5-MDMA stimulated locomotion and stereotyped activity in both adolescent and adult rats, although to a greater extent in adolescents. Finally, 2-Cl-4,5-MDMA did not stimulate the emission of 50-kHz USVs. CONCLUSIONS This is the first pharmacological characterization of 2-Cl-4,5-MDMA demonstrating that its neurochemical and behavioral effects may differ between adolescence and adulthood. These preclinical data could help understanding the central effects of 2-Cl-4,5-MDMA by increasing awareness on possible health damage in users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gessica Piras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Cristina Cadoni
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council of Italy, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Caria
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Nicholas Pintori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Enrica Spano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | | | - Graziella Tocco
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Nicola Simola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
The role of extracellular serotonin and MDMA in the sensitizing effects of MDMA. Behav Brain Res 2022; 430:113936. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
4
|
Kermanian F, Seghatoleslam M, Mahakizadeh S. MDMA related neuro-inflammation and adenosine receptors. Neurochem Int 2022; 153:105275. [PMID: 34990730 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a world-wide abused psychostimulant, which has the neurotoxic effects on dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons in both rodents and non-human primates. Adenosine acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain through the activation of four specific G-protein-coupled receptors and it acts as a neuromodulator of dopamine neurotransmission. Recent studies suggest that stimulation of adenosine receptors oppose many behavioral effects of methamphetamines. This review summarizes the specific cellular mechanisms involved in MDMA neuroinflammatory effects, along with the protective effects of adenosine receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Kermanian
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Seghatoleslam
- Evaluative Clinical Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Simin Mahakizadeh
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Costa G, Gołembiowska K. Neurotoxicity of MDMA: Main effects and mechanisms. Exp Neurol 2021; 347:113894. [PMID: 34655576 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical studies indicate that 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; 'ecstasy'), in addition to having abuse potential, may elicit acute and persistent abnormalities of varying severity at the central level. Importantly, neurotoxic effects of MDMA have been demonstrated in experimental animals. Accordingly, central toxicity induced by MDMA may pose a serious harm for health, since MDMA is among the substances that are used for recreational purposes by young and adult people. This review provides a concise overview of recent findings from preclinical and clinical studies that evaluated the central effects of MDMA, and the mechanisms involved in the neurotoxicity induced by this amphetamine-related drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Krystyna Gołembiowska
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, 12 Smętna, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Association between Novel Object Recognition/Spontaneous Alternation Behavior and Emission of Ultrasonic Vocalizations in Rats: Possible Relevance to the Study of Memory. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11081053. [PMID: 34439672 PMCID: PMC8394680 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11081053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Rats emit ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in situations with emotional valence, and USVs have also been proposed as a marker for memories conditioned to those situations. This study investigated whether USV emissions can predict and/or be associated with the behavior of rats in tests that evaluate unconditioned memory. To this end, rats were subjected to “tickling”, a procedure of heterospecific play that has emotional valence and elicits the emission of USVs, and afterwards evaluated in the novel object recognition test (NOR) and in the single trial continuous spontaneous alternation behavior (SAB) test in a Y maze. The number of 22-kHz USVs (aversive) and 50-kHz USVs (appetitive) emitted in response to tickling and during NOR and SAB tests were scored, and the correlations among them and with rats’ behavior evaluated. Rats emitted 50-kHz USVs, but not 22-kHz USVs, during the NOR and SAB tests, and such calling behavior was not linked with the behavioral readouts indicative of memory function in either test. However, rats that prevalently emitted 22-kHz USVs in response to tickling displayed an impaired NOR performance. These findings suggest that measuring the emission of USVs could be of interest in studies of unconditioned memory, at least with regard to 22-kHz USVs.
Collapse
|
7
|
Costa G, Spulber S, Paci E, Casu MA, Ceccatelli S, Simola N, Morelli M. In utero exposure to dexamethasone causes a persistent and age-dependent exacerbation of the neurotoxic effects and glia activation induced by MDMA in dopaminergic brain regions of C57BL/6J mice. Neurotoxicology 2021; 83:1-13. [PMID: 33338551 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Clinical and preclinical evidence indicates that prenatal exposure to glucocorticoids may induce detrimental effects in the offspring, including reduction in fetal growth and alterations in the CNS. On this basis, the present study investigated whether in utero exposure to high levels of glucocorticoids is a risk factor that may lead to an exacerbation of the central noxious effects induced by psychoactive drugs consumed later in life. To this end, pregnant C57BL6/J dams were treated with dexamethasone (DEX, 0.05 mg/kg per day) from gestational day 14 until delivery. Thereafter, the male offspring were evaluated to ascertain the magnitude of dopaminergic damage, astrogliosis and microgliosis elicited in the nigrostriatal tract by the amphetamine-related drug 3,4--methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 4 × 20 mg/kg, 2 h apart, sacrificed 48 h later) administered at either adolescence or adulthood. Immunohistochemistry was performed in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and striatum, to evaluate dopaminergic degeneration by measuring tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), as well as astrogliosis and microgliosis by measuring glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA-1), respectively. Moreover, immunohistochemistry was used to ascertain the co-localization of IBA-1 with either the pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL) IL-1β or the anti-inflammatory IL IL-10, in order to determine the microglial phenotype. In utero administration of DEX induced dopaminergic damage by decreasing the density of TH-positive fibers in the striatum, although only in adult mice. MDMA administration induced dopaminergic damage and glia activation in the nigrostriatal tract of adolescent and adult mice. Mice exposed to DEX in utero and treated with MDMA later in life showed a more pronounced loss of dopaminergic neurons (adolescent mice) and astrogliosis (adolescent and adult mice) in the SNc, compared with control mice. These results suggest that prenatal exposure to glucocorticoids may induce an age-dependent and persistent increase in the susceptibility to central toxicity of amphetamine-related drugs used later in life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Stefan Spulber
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elena Paci
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Antonietta Casu
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Translational Pharmacology, UOS of Cagliari, Scientific and Technological Park of Sardinia POLARIS, Pula, Italy
| | - Sandra Ceccatelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nicola Simola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Micaela Morelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; National Research Council of Italy, Neuroscience Institute, Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mustafa NS, Bakar NHA, Mohamad N, Adnan LHM, Fauzi NFAM, Thoarlim A, Omar SHS, Hamzah MS, Yusoff Z, Jufri M, Ahmad R. MDMA and the Brain: A Short Review on the Role of Neurotransmitters in Neurotoxicity. Basic Clin Neurosci 2021; 11:381-388. [PMID: 33613876 PMCID: PMC7878040 DOI: 10.32598/bcn.9.10.485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
N-Methyl-3, 4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDMA), or ecstasy is a recreational drug of abuse. It is a synthetic substance that affects the body’s systems, which its mechanism of action and treatment should be more investigated. MDMA provides an immediate enjoyable feeling by stimulating the release of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Unfortunately, abnormal regulation of the brain neurotransmitters, as well as the increased oxidative stress causes damage to the brain neurons after the MDMA exposure. Only a few studies have been done regarding its treatment. Thus, the treatment of MDMA complications should be further explored mainly by targeting its mechanism of action in the neurotransmitter systems. Hence, this study presents a short review regarding the recent findings on the role of neurotransmitters to cause MDMA neurotoxicity. The results will be useful for future research in elucidating the potential treatment based on the targeted mechanisms to treat the neurotoxic effects of MDMA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nor Suliana Mustafa
- Centre for Research in Addiction (CentRenA), University of Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia.,Faculty of Medicine, City Campus, University of Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Nor Hidayah Abu Bakar
- Centre for Research in Addiction (CentRenA), University of Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia.,Faculty of Medicine, City Campus, University of Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Nasir Mohamad
- Centre for Research in Addiction (CentRenA), University of Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia.,Faculty of Medicine, City Campus, University of Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Liyana Hazwani Mohd Adnan
- Centre for Research in Addiction (CentRenA), University of Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia.,Faculty of Medicine, City Campus, University of Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Farah Aina Md Fauzi
- Centre for Research in Addiction (CentRenA), University of Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia.,Faculty of Medicine, City Campus, University of Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Abdulsoma Thoarlim
- Centre for Research in Addiction (CentRenA), University of Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia.,Faculty of Islamic Contemporary Studies, University of Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Syed Hadzrullathfi Syed Omar
- Centre for Research in Addiction (CentRenA), University of Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia.,Research Institute for Islamic Products, Malay Civilization University of Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Shafiee Hamzah
- Faculty of Medicine, City Campus, University of Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia.,Faculty of Islamic Contemporary Studies, University of Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Zawawi Yusoff
- Faculty of Medicine, City Campus, University of Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia.,Faculty of Islamic Contemporary Studies, University of Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Mahdi Jufri
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Indonesia, Indonesia
| | - Rashidi Ahmad
- Academic Unit of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sgambato V. Breathing new life into neurotoxic-based monkey models of Parkinson's disease to study the complex biological interplay between serotonin and dopamine. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2020; 261:265-285. [PMID: 33785131 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2020.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Numerous clinical studies have shown that the serotonergic system also degenerates in patients with Parkinson's disease. The causal role of this impairment in Parkinson's symptomatology and the response to treatment remains to be refined, in particular thanks to approaches allowing the two components DA and 5-HT to be isolated if possible. We have developed a macaque monkey model of Parkinson's disease exhibiting a double lesion (dopaminergic and serotonergic) thanks to the sequential use of MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) and MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methamphetamine) (or MDMA prior MPTP). We characterized this monkey model by multimodal imaging (PET, positron emission tomography with several radiotracers; DTI, diffusion tensor imaging), behavioral assessments (parkinsonism, dyskinesia, neuropsychiatric-like behavior) and post-mortem analysis (with DA and 5-HT markers). When administrated after MPTP, MDMA damaged the 5-HT presynaptic system without affecting the remaining DA neurons. The lesion of 5-HT fibers induced by MDMA altered rigidity and prevented dyskinesia and neuropsychiatric-like symptoms induced by levodopa therapy in MPTP-treated animals. Interestingly also, prior MDMA administration aggravates the parkinsonian deficits and associated DA injury. Dystonic postures, action tremor and global spontaneous activities were significantly affected. All together, these data clearly indicate that late or early lesions of the 5-HT system have a differential impact on parkinsonian symptoms in the macaque model of Parkinson's disease. Whether MDMA has an impact on neuropsychiatric-like symptoms such as apathy, anxiety, depression remains to be addressed. Despite its limitations, this toxin-based double-lesioned monkey model takes on its full meaning and provides material for the experimental study of the heterogeneity of patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Sgambato
- Université de Lyon, CNRS UMR 5229, Institut des Sciences Cognitives Marc Jeannerod, Bron, France.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Millot M, Saga Y, Duperrier S, Météreau E, Beaudoin-Gobert M, Sgambato V. Prior MDMA administration aggravates MPTP-induced Parkinsonism in macaque monkeys. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 134:104643. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
|
11
|
Costa G, De Luca MA, Piras G, Marongiu J, Fattore L, Simola N. Neuronal and peripheral damages induced by synthetic psychoactive substances: an update of recent findings from human and animal studies. Neural Regen Res 2020; 15:802-816. [PMID: 31719240 PMCID: PMC6990793 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.268895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical studies indicate that synthetic psychoactive substances, in addition to having abuse potential, may elicit toxic effects of varying severity at the peripheral and central levels. Nowadays, toxicity induced by synthetic psychoactive substances poses a serious harm for health, since recreational use of these substances is on the rise among young and adult people. The present review summarizes recent findings on the peripheral and central toxicity elicited by “old” and “new” synthetic psychoactive substances in humans and experimental animals, focusing on amphetamine derivatives, hallucinogen and dissociative drugs and synthetic cannabinoids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta De Luca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gessica Piras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Jacopo Marongiu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Liana Fattore
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Neuroscience, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Nicola Simola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chitre NM, Bagwell MS, Murnane KS. The acute toxic and neurotoxic effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine are more pronounced in adolescent than adult mice. Behav Brain Res 2019; 380:112413. [PMID: 31809766 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) recently achieved breakthrough status from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, evidence indicates that exposure to toxic doses of MDMA can lead to long-lasting dysregulation of brain monoaminergic neurotransmitters, primarily from studies conducted in young adult rodents. To date, there is a paucity of data on whether toxic doses of MDMA can differentially affect neurotransmitter systems in adolescents and mature adults, which is an important question as adolescents and adults may be differentially vulnerable to MDMA abuse. In the current study, adolescent (6-7 weeks of age) and mature adult (16-18 weeks of age) male, Swiss-Webster mice were exposed to MDMA (20 mg/kg) using a binge-like dosing regimen (4 administrations spaced every 2 h). Acute lethality, acute hyperthermia, and acute decreases in body weight following MDMA administration were more pronounced in adolescent than adult mice. Likewise, acute loss of striatal dopamine neurochemistry was also exacerbated in adolescents, as determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to electrochemical detection. Exposure to MDMA induced greater turnover of dopamine into its major metabolite dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in adolescents, but not in adults, suggesting a novel mechanism through which adolescents may show increased vulnerability to the acute toxic and neurotoxic effects of MDMA, or conversely that mature adults show greater protection. These data caution that MDMA exposure in adolescence may be particularly dangerous and that the therapeutic window for MDMA may differ between adolescents and mature adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neha Milind Chitre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mercer University College of Pharmacy, Mercer University Health Sciences Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Monique Simone Bagwell
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mercer University College of Pharmacy, Mercer University Health Sciences Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kevin Sean Murnane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mercer University College of Pharmacy, Mercer University Health Sciences Center, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Millón C, Flores-Burgess A, Gago B, Alén F, Orio L, García-Durán L, Narváez JA, Fuxe K, Santín L, Díaz-Cabiale Z. Role of the galanin N-terminal fragment (1-15) in anhedonia: Involvement of the dopaminergic mesolimbic system. J Psychopharmacol 2019; 33:737-747. [PMID: 31081442 DOI: 10.1177/0269881119844188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anhedonia is a core feature of depressive disorders. The galanin N-terminal fragment (1-15) plays a role in mood regulation since it induces depression and anxiogenic-like effects in rats. In this study, we analysed galanin N-terminal fragment (1-15) actions in anhedonic-like behaviours in rats using operant and non-operant tests and the areas involved with these effects. METHODS Galanin N-terminal fragment (1-15) effects were analysed in saccharin self-administration, sucrose preference, novelty-suppressed feeding and female urine sniffing tests. The areas involved in galanin N-terminal fragment (1-15)-mediated effects were studied with positron emission tomography for in vivo imaging, and we analysed the ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens. Galanin N-terminal fragment (1-15) had effects on the mRNA expression of the dopamine transporters Dat and Vmat2; the C-Fos gene; the dopamine receptors D1, D2, D3, D5; and the galanin receptors 1 and 2. RESULTS Galanin N-terminal fragment (1-15) at a concentration of 3 nmol induced a strong anhedonia-like phenotype in all tests. The involvement of galanin receptor 2 was demonstrated with the galanin receptor 2 antagonist M871 (3 nmol). The 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography images indicated the action of galanin N-terminal fragment (1-15) over several nuclei of the limbic system. Galanin N-terminal fragment (1-15)-mediated effects also involved changes in the expression of Dat, Vmat2, D3 and galanin receptors in the ventral tegmental area as well as the expression of C-Fos, D1, D2 and D3 and TH immunoreactivity in the nucleus accumbens. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated that galanin N-terminal fragment (1-15) exerts strong anhedonic-like effects and that this effect was accompanied by changes in the dopaminergic mesolimbic system. These results may provide a basis for the development of novel therapeutic strategies using galanin N-terminal fragment (1-15) analogues for the treatment of depression and reward-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmelo Millón
- 1 Universidad de Málaga, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos s/n, 29071, Málaga, Spain.,2 Departamento de Psicobiología y Metodología en Ciencias del Comportamiento, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Flores-Burgess
- 1 Universidad de Málaga, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos s/n, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| | - Belén Gago
- 1 Universidad de Málaga, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos s/n, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| | - Francisco Alén
- 2 Departamento de Psicobiología y Metodología en Ciencias del Comportamiento, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Orio
- 2 Departamento de Psicobiología y Metodología en Ciencias del Comportamiento, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura García-Durán
- 1 Universidad de Málaga, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos s/n, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| | - José A Narváez
- 1 Universidad de Málaga, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos s/n, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| | - Kjell Fuxe
- 3 Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Luis Santín
- 4 Universidad de Málaga, Facultad de Psicología, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos s/n, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| | - Zaida Díaz-Cabiale
- 1 Universidad de Málaga, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos s/n, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Schiavone S, Neri M, Maffione AB, Frisoni P, Morgese MG, Trabace L, Turillazzi E. Increased iNOS and Nitrosative Stress in Dopaminergic Neurons of MDMA-Exposed Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E1242. [PMID: 30871034 PMCID: PMC6429174 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20051242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Several mechanisms underlying 3,4-Methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA) neurotoxicity have been proposed, including neurochemical alterations and excitotoxicity mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). However, ROS, NO, and RNS sources in the brain are not fully known. We aimed to investigate possible alterations in the expression of the ROS producer NOX enzymes (NOX2, NOX1, and NOX4), NO generators (iNOS, eNOS, and nNOS), markers of oxidative (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, 8OHdG), and nitrosative (3-nitrotyrosine, NT) stress, as well as the colocalization between cells positive for the dopamine transporter (DT1) and cells expressing the neuronal nuclei (NeuN) marker, in the frontal cortex of rats receiving saline or MDMA, sacrificed 6 h, 16 h, or 24 h after its administration. MDMA did not affect NOX2, NOX1, and NOX4 immunoreactivity, whereas iNOS expression was enhanced. The number of NT-positive cells was increased in MDMA-exposed animals, whereas no differences were detected in 8OHdG expression among experimental groups. MDMA and NT markers colocalized with DT1 positive cells. DT1 immunostaining was found in NeuN-positive stained cells. Virtually no colocalization was observed with microglia and astrocytes. Moreover, MDMA immunostaining was not found in NOX2-positive cells. Our results suggest that iNOS-derived nitrosative stress, but not NOX enzymes, may have a crucial role in the pathogenesis of MDMA-induced neurotoxicity, highlighting the specificity of different enzymatic systems in the development of neuropathological alterations induced by the abuse of this psychoactive compound.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Schiavone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli, 20, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
| | - Margherita Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara, 70, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Angela Bruna Maffione
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli, 20, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
| | - Paolo Frisoni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara, 70, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Maria Grazia Morgese
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli, 20, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
| | - Luigia Trabace
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli, 20, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Turillazzi
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular and Critical Pathology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Costa G, Serra M, Pintori N, Casu MA, Zanda MT, Murtas D, De Luca MA, Simola N, Fattore L. The novel psychoactive substance methoxetamine induces persistent behavioral abnormalities and neurotoxicity in rats. Neuropharmacology 2019; 144:219-232. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
16
|
Larson TA, O’Neill CE, Palumbo MP, Bachtell RK. Effects of adolescent caffeine consumption on cocaine self-administration and reinstatement of cocaine seeking. J Psychopharmacol 2018; 33:269881118812098. [PMID: 30484365 PMCID: PMC6766411 DOI: 10.1177/0269881118812098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Caffeine consumption by children and adolescents has risen dramatically in recent years, yet the lasting effects of caffeine consumption during adolescence remain poorly understood. AIM: These experiments explore the effects of adolescent caffeine consumption on cocaine self-administration and seeking using a rodent model. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats consumed caffeine for 28 days during the adolescent period. Following the caffeine consumption period, the caffeine solution was replaced with water for the remainder of the experiment. Age-matched control rats received water for the duration of the study. Behavioral testing in a cocaine self-administration procedure occurred during adulthood (postnatal days 62-82) to evaluate how adolescent caffeine exposure influenced the reinforcing properties of cocaine. Cocaine seeking was also tested during extinction training and reinstatement tests following cocaine self-administration. RESULTS: Adolescent caffeine consumption increased the acquisition of cocaine self-administration and increased performance on different schedules of reinforcement. Consumption of caffeine in adult rats did not produce similar enhancements in cocaine self-administration. Adolescent caffeine consumption also produced an upward shift in the U-shaped dose response curve on cocaine self-administration maintained on a within-session dose-response procedure. Adolescent caffeine consumption had no effect on cocaine seeking during extinction training or reinstatement of cocaine seeking by cues or cocaine. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that caffeine consumption during adolescence may enhance the reinforcing properties of cocaine, leading to enhanced acquisition that may contribute to increased addiction vulnerability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tracey A Larson
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO USA
| | - Casey E O’Neill
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO USA
| | - Michaela P Palumbo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO USA
| | - Ryan K Bachtell
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO USA
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sherrill LK, Gulley JM. Effects of amphetamine exposure during adolescence on behavior and prelimbic cortex neuron activity in adulthood. Brain Res 2018; 1694:111-120. [PMID: 29792867 PMCID: PMC6026035 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Repeated exposure to psychostimulants during adolescence produces long-lasting changes in behavior that may be mediated by disrupted development of the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system. Here, we tested this hypothesis by assessing the effects of amphetamine (AMPH) and dopamine receptor-selective drugs on behavior and neuron activity in the prelimbic region of the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC). Adolescent male, Sprague-Dawley rats were given saline or 3 mg/kg AMPH between postnatal day (P) 27 and P45. In Experiment 1, locomotor behavior was assessed during adulthood following challenges with a dopamine D1 (SKF 82958) or D2 (quinpirole) receptor-selective agonist. In Experiment 2, pre-exposed rats were challenged during adulthood with AMPH and a D1 (SKF 83566) or D2 (eticlopride) receptor-selective antagonist. In Experiment 3, the activity of putative pyramidal cells in the prelimbic cortex was recorded as rats behaved in an open-field arena before and after challenge injections with AMPH and one of the antagonists. We found that compared to controls, adolescent pre-exposed rats were more sensitive to the stimulant effects of AMPH and the dopamine receptor agonists, as well as to the ability of the antagonists to reverse AMPH-induced stereotypy. Prelimbic neurons from AMPH pre-exposed rats were also more likely to respond to an AMPH challenge in adulthood, primarily by reducing their activity, and the antagonists reversed these effects. Our results suggest that exposure to AMPH during adolescence leads to enduring adaptations in the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system that likely mediate heightened response to the drug during adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke K Sherrill
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, United States
| | - Joshua M Gulley
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, United States; Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, United States; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Costa G, Morelli M, Simola N. Repeated Administration of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) Elevates the Levels of Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase in the Nigrostriatal System: Possible Relevance to Neurotoxicity. Neurotox Res 2018; 34:763-768. [PMID: 29629511 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-018-9892-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have consistently demonstrated that the amphetamine-related drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) induces dopaminergic damage in the mouse brain, and that this effect is most marked in the nigrostriatal system. Moreover, it has been suggested that the overproduction of nitric oxide (NO) may participate in the dopaminergic damage induced by MDMA. To further elucidate this issue, we evaluated the levels of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), which catalyzes the production of NO, in mice treated with regimens of MDMA that induce progressive and persistent neurotoxicity in the dopaminergic nigrostriatal system. Mice received 14, 28, or 36 administrations of MDMA (10 mg/kg i.p.), twice a day/twice a week, and were sacrificed at different time-points after treatment discontinuation. Thereafter, the number of nNOS-positive neurons was quantified by immunohistochemistry in the caudate-putamen (CPu) and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). MDMA elevated the numbers of nNOS-positive neurons in the CPu of mice that received 28 or 36 drug administrations. This effect was still detectable at 3 months after treatment discontinuation. Moreover, MDMA elevated the numbers of nNOS-positive neurons in the SNc. However, this effect occurred only in mice that received 28 drug administrations and were sacrificed 3 days after treatment discontinuation. These results are in line with the hypothesis that activation of the NO cascade participates in the toxic effects induced by MDMA in the dopaminergic nigrostriatal system. Moreover, they suggest that activation of the NO cascade induces toxic effects that are more marked in striatal terminals, compared with nigral neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Building A, Monserrato University Campus, SP 8, Km 0.700, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Micaela Morelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Building A, Monserrato University Campus, SP 8, Km 0.700, 09042, Monserrato, Italy. .,National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Neuroscience Institute, Cagliari, Italy. .,National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Nicola Simola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Building A, Monserrato University Campus, SP 8, Km 0.700, 09042, Monserrato, Italy.,National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|