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Glennon RA, Dukat M. 1-(2,5-Dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI): From an Obscure to Pivotal Member of the DOX Family of Serotonergic Psychedelic Agents - A Review. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:1722-1745. [PMID: 38898956 PMCID: PMC11184610 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.4c00157] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
1-(2,5-Dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI, or DOX where X = -I) was first synthesized in 1973 in a structure-activity study to explore the effect of various aryl substituents on the then newly identified, and subsequently controlled, hallucinogenic agent 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylphenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOM, or DOX where X = -CH3). Over time, DOI was found to be a serotonin (5-HT) receptor agonist using various peripheral 5-HT receptor tissue assays and later, following the identification of multiple families of central 5-HT receptors, an agonist at 5-HT2 serotonin receptors in rat and, then, human brain. Today, classical hallucinogens, currently referred to as serotonergic psychedelic agents, are receiving considerable attention for their potential therapeutic application in various neuropsychiatric disorders including treatment-resistant depression. Here, we review, for the first time, the historical and current developments that led to DOI becoming a unique, perhaps a landmark, agent in 5-HT2 receptor research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A. Glennon
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry
School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Małgorzata Dukat
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry
School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
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2
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Macedo BL, Veloso MF, Dias IB, Ayub JGM, Beijamini V. Sex differences in the anticompulsive-like effect of memantine: Involvement of nitric oxide pathway but not AMPA receptors. Behav Brain Res 2024; 461:114834. [PMID: 38142859 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114834] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Memantine, an N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) antagonist, has been examined as a potential treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Yet, there is limited knowledge regarding how it works to reduce compulsive behaviour and whether it has different effects on individuals based on their sex. Herein, we investigated if there are sex differences in the anticompulsive-like effect of memantine in adult Swiss mice. Additionally, we explored whether the nitric oxide (NO) pathway and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors play a role in memantine's effects. To start, we assessed the impact of a single intraperitoneal dose of memantine (at 3, 5, and 10 mg/kg) on behaviours exhibited in the open field test (OFT) and the marble-burying test (MBT), the latter being a predictive test for anticompulsive effects. All doses of memantine reduced marble-burying behaviour in both male and female mice without affecting their locomotor activity in the OFT. This anticompulsive-like effect was also confirmed in another predictive test, the nest-building test, with the highest memantine dose (10 mg/kg) reducing nest-building behaviour without significant differences between male and female mice. We observed that pre-treatment with L-arginine, a NO precursor, mitigated the anticompulsive-like effect of memantine in male mice but had no effect in female mice in the MBT. Finally, NBQX, an AMPA receptor antagonist, did not block the anticompulsive-like effect of memantine. In summary, our study suggests that the anticompulsive-like effect of memantine does not appear to be sex-specific, does not depend on AMPA receptors, and involves the NO pathway primarily in male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breno Lopes Macedo
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, Health Sciences Centre, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Mariana Friedrich Veloso
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Centre, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Isabella Braun Dias
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Centre, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Júlia Grigorini Mori Ayub
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, Health Sciences Centre, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Beijamini
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, Health Sciences Centre, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Centre, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil.
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Šabanović M, Lazari A, Blanco-Pozo M, Tisca C, Tachrount M, Martins-Bach AB, Lerch JP, Walton ME, Bannerman DM. Lasting dynamic effects of the psychedelic 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine ((±)-DOI) on cognitive flexibility. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02439-2. [PMID: 38321122 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02439-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Psychedelic drugs can aid fast and lasting remission from various neuropsychiatric disorders, though the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Preclinical studies suggest serotonergic psychedelics enhance neuronal plasticity, but whether neuroplastic changes can also be seen at cognitive and behavioural levels is unexplored. Here we show that a single dose of the psychedelic 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine ((±)-DOI) affects structural brain plasticity and cognitive flexibility in young adult mice beyond the acute drug experience. Using ex vivo magnetic resonance imaging, we show increased volumes of several sensory and association areas one day after systemic administration of 2 mgkg-1 (±)-DOI. We then demonstrate lasting effects of (±)-DOI on cognitive flexibility in a two-step probabilistic reversal learning task where 2 mgkg-1 (±)-DOI improved the rate of adaptation to a novel reversal in task structure occurring one-week post-treatment. Strikingly, (±)-DOI-treated mice started learning from reward omissions, a unique strategy not typically seen in mice in this task, suggesting heightened sensitivity to previously overlooked cues. Crucially, further experiments revealed that (±)-DOI's effects on cognitive flexibility were contingent on the timing between drug treatment and the novel reversal, as well as on the nature of the intervening experience. (±)-DOI's facilitation of both cognitive adaptation and novel thinking strategies may contribute to the clinical benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapy, particularly in cases of perseverative behaviours and a resistance to change seen in depression, anxiety, or addiction. Furthermore, our findings highlight the crucial role of time-dependent neuroplasticity and the influence of experiential factors in shaping the therapeutic potential of psychedelic interventions for impaired cognitive flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merima Šabanović
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, OX1 3SR, Oxford, UK.
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Alberto Lazari
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK
| | - Marta Blanco-Pozo
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, OX1 3SR, Oxford, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Cristiana Tisca
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK
| | - Mohamed Tachrount
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK
| | - Aurea B Martins-Bach
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK
| | - Mark E Walton
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, OX1 3SR, Oxford, UK.
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK.
| | - David M Bannerman
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, OX1 3SR, Oxford, UK.
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Tariq M, Javaid S, Ashraf W, Anjum SMM, Rasool MF, Siddique F, Ahmad T, Alsanea S, Alasmari F, Alqahtani F, Imran I. Unveiling the potential of perampanel and pregabalin in addressing pentylenetetrazole-induced electrographic alterations and neurobehavioral anomalies. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:115935. [PMID: 38101280 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115935] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical kindling is broadly used experimental model to investigate novel treatments on the process of epileptogenesis and coexisting behavioral comorbidities. The current study aimed to investigate the low dose perampanel (PER) (0.125 and 0.5 mg/kg) and pregabalin (PG) (15 mg/kg) as standalone treatments and in combination on kindling-induced seizure progression with concurrent electroencephalographic alterations. Mice were subjected to pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced kindling followed by neurobehavioral assessment for anxiety-like activity and cognitive deficit through behavioral experiments. The monotherapy with PER at 0.5 mg/kg and PG at 15 mg/kg delayed the kindling process but PRP+PG yielded pronounced benefits and hindered the development of seizures of higher severity. PER+PG combination relieved the animals from anxiety-like behavior in various employed anxiogenic tests. Furthermore, the kindling-associated cognitive deficit was protected by PER+PG combination as increased alteration behavior, discrimination index and latencies to enter the dark zone were noted in y-maze, object recognition and passive avoidance tests, respectively while shorter escape latencies were noted in water maze. The brain samples of kindled mice had elevated malondialdehyde and reduced catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes while treatment with PER and PG combination shielded the mice from heightened kindling-associated oxidative stress. Overall, the findings of the present study illustrate that concurrent administration of PER and PG effectively hindered the process of epileptogenesis by protecting neuronal excitability and brain oxidative stress. The results predict the dominance of PER and PG combination over monotherapy which might serve as an effective novel combination to combat drug resistance and behavioral disorders in epileptic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Tariq
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan
| | - Sana Javaid
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan; Department of Pharmacy, The Women University, Multan 60000, Pakistan
| | - Waseem Ashraf
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan
| | - Syed Muhammad Muneeb Anjum
- The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Lahore 75270, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Fawad Rasool
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan
| | - Farhan Siddique
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409-1061, USA
| | - Tanveer Ahmad
- Institut pour l'Avancée des Biosciences, Centre de Recherche UGA / INSERM U1209 / CNRS 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, France
| | - Sary Alsanea
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fawaz Alasmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faleh Alqahtani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Imran Imran
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan.
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Cameron LP, Benetatos J, Lewis V, Bonniwell EM, Jaster AM, Moliner R, Castrén E, McCorvy JD, Palner M, Aguilar-Valles A. Beyond the 5-HT 2A Receptor: Classic and Nonclassic Targets in Psychedelic Drug Action. J Neurosci 2023; 43:7472-7482. [PMID: 37940583 PMCID: PMC10634557 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1384-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics, such as psilocybin and LSD, have garnered significant attention in recent years for their potential therapeutic effects and unique mechanisms of action. These compounds exert their primary effects through activating serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, found predominantly in cortical regions. By interacting with these receptors, serotonergic psychedelics induce alterations in perception, cognition, and emotions, leading to the characteristic psychedelic experience. One of the most crucial aspects of serotonergic psychedelics is their ability to promote neuroplasticity, the formation of new neural connections, and rewire neuronal networks. This neuroplasticity is believed to underlie their therapeutic potential for various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. In this mini-review, we will discuss how the 5-HT2A receptor activation is just one facet of the complex mechanisms of action of serotonergic psychedelics. They also interact with other serotonin receptor subtypes, such as 5-HT1A and 5-HT2C receptors, and with neurotrophin receptors (e.g., tropomyosin receptor kinase B). These interactions contribute to the complexity of their effects on perception, mood, and cognition. Moreover, as psychedelic research advances, there is an increasing interest in developing nonhallucinogenic derivatives of these drugs to create safer and more targeted medications for psychiatric disorders by removing the hallucinogenic properties while retaining the potential therapeutic benefits. These nonhallucinogenic derivatives would offer patients therapeutic advantages without the intense psychedelic experience, potentially reducing the risks of adverse reactions. Finally, we discuss the potential of psychedelics as substrates for post-translational modification of proteins as part of their mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay P Cameron
- Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University, Palo Alto 94305, California
| | - Joseph Benetatos
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla 92093, California
| | - Vern Lewis
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa K1S 5B6, Ontario Canada
| | - Emma M Bonniwell
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226, Wisconsin
| | - Alaina M Jaster
- Pharmacology and Toxicology, Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23298, Virginia
| | - Rafael Moliner
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE and Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Eero Castrén
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE and Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - John D McCorvy
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226, Wisconsin
| | - Mikael Palner
- Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Department Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense DK-2100, Denmark
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Sethi P, Mehan S, Khan Z, Chhabra S. Acetyl-11-keto-beta boswellic acid(AKBA) modulates CSTC-pathway by activating SIRT-1/Nrf2-HO-1 signalling in experimental rat model of obsessive-compulsive disorder: Evidenced by CSF, blood plasma and histopathological alterations. Neurotoxicology 2023; 98:61-85. [PMID: 37549874 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Obsessive-Compulsive disorder (OCD) is a long-term and persistent mental illness characterised by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. Numerous factors can contribute to the development or progression of OCD. These factors may result from the dysregulation of multiple intrinsic cellular pathways, including SIRT-1, Nrf2, and HO-1. Inhibitors of selective serotonin reuptake (SSRIs) are effective first-line treatments for OCD. In our ongoing research, we have investigated the role of SIRT-1, Nrf2, and HO-1, as well as the neuroprotective potential of Acetyl-11-keto-beta boswellic acid (AKBA) against behavioural and neurochemical changes in rodents treated with 8-OH-DPAT. In addition, the effects of AKBA were compared to those of fluvoxamine (FLX), a standard OCD medication. Injections of 8-OH-DPAT into the intra-dorso raphe nuclei (IDRN) of rats for seven days induced repetitive and compulsive behaviour accompanied by elevated oxidative stress, inflammatory processes, apoptosis, and neurotransmitter imbalances in CSF, blood plasma, and brain samples. Chronic administration of AKBA at 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg p.o. restored histopathological alterations in the cortico-striatal-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) pathway, including the cerebral cortex, striatum, and hippocampal regions. Our investigation revealed that when AKBA and fluvoxamine were administered together, the alterations were restored to a greater degree than when administered separately. These findings demonstrate that the neuroprotective effect of AKBA can serve as an effective basis for developing a novel OCD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranshul Sethi
- Division of Neuroscience, Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Sidharth Mehan
- Division of Neuroscience, Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India.
| | - Zuber Khan
- Division of Neuroscience, Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Swesha Chhabra
- Division of Neuroscience, Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
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Buot A, Pallares C, Oganesyan A, Dauré C, Bonnelle V, Burguière E, Dos Santos JFA, N'Diaye K, Ljuslin M, Smith P, Verroust V, Wyplosz B, Morgiève M, Mallet L. Improvement in OCD symptoms associated with serotoninergic psychedelics: a retrospective online survey. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13378. [PMID: 37591906 PMCID: PMC10435518 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39812-0] [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: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
A renewed interest in the use of psychedelics for treating obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) has emerged in the last 20 years. But pre-clinical and clinical evidence remain scarce, and little is known about the factor determining the magnitude and persistence of the therapeutic effect. We therefore designed a retrospective online survey to explore, in the general population using psychoactive drugs, their impact on OCD symptoms. We also assessed the attitude of the participants towards the substance in term of frequency of intakes. In a sample of 174 participants, classic psychedelics were reported as the only substances effective at reducing OCD symptoms. In classic psychedelics users, symptoms reduction was associated with the intensity of acute effects, itself correlated to the dose. Reports on the persistence of the therapeutic effect varied from weeks to months, but we could not find any predicting factor. Finally, the occurrence and frequency of subsequent intakes, which seemed to be limited in our sample, were predicted by the magnitude and persistence of the therapeutic effect, respectively. Our observations support the hypothesis of classic psychedelics efficacy in reducing OCD symptoms but a careful evaluation of the persistence of this effect is still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Buot
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Paris, France.
| | - Cecile Pallares
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Paris, France
| | | | - Charles Dauré
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Paris, France
| | | | - Eric Burguière
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Paris, France
| | | | - Karim N'Diaye
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Michael Ljuslin
- Service de Médecine Palliative, Département de Réadaptation Et Gériatrie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pauline Smith
- Environmental Justice Program, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C, USA
| | - Vincent Verroust
- RESPADD, Paris, France
- UR PSYCOMADD- CHU Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France
- Université de Picardie-Jules Vernes, Amiens, France
| | - Benjamin Wyplosz
- Hôpital Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Margot Morgiève
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Cermes3, Paris, France
| | - Luc Mallet
- Sorbonne Université, Institut du Cerveau - Paris Brain Institute - ICM, Inserm, CNRS, Paris, France
- Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Univ Paris-Est Créteil, DMU IMPACT, Département Médical-Universitaire de Psychiatrie Et d'Addictologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor - Albert Chenevier, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France
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Singh S, Botvinnik A, Shahar O, Wolf G, Yakobi C, Saban M, Salama A, Lotan A, Lerer B, Lifschytz T. Effect of psilocybin on marble burying in ICR mice: role of 5-HT1A receptors and implications for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:164. [PMID: 37164956 PMCID: PMC10172379 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02456-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Preliminary clinical findings, supported by preclinical studies employing behavioral paradigms such as marble burying, suggest that psilocybin may be effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, the receptor mechanisms implicated in the putative anti-obsessional effect are not clear. On this background, we set out to explore (1) the role of serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) and serotonin 1A (5-HT1A) receptors in the effect of psilocybin on marble burying; (2) the effect of staggered versus bolus psilocybin administration and persistence of the effect; (3) the effect of the 5-HT1A partial agonist, buspirone, on marble-burying and the head twitch response (HTR) induced by psilocybin, a rodent correlate of psychedelic effects. Male ICR mice were administered psilocybin 4.4 mg/kg, escitalopram 5 mg/kg, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) 2 mg/kg, M100907 2 mg/kg, buspirone 5 mg/kg, WAY100635 2 mg/kg or combinations, intraperitoneally, and were tested on the marble burying test. HTR was examined in a magnetometer-based assay. The results show that (1) Psilocybin and escitalopram significantly reduced marble burying. The effect of psilocybin was not attenuated by the 5-HT2A antagonist, M100907. The 5-HT1A agonist, 8-OH-DPAT, reduced marble burying as did the 5-HT1A partial agonist, buspirone. The effect of 8-OH-DPAT was additive to that of psilocybin, but that of buspirone was not. The 5-HT1A antagonist, WAY100635, attenuated the effect of 8-OH-DPAT and buspirone but not the effect of psilocybin. (2) Psilocybin injections over 3.5 h had no effect on marble burying and the effect of bolus injection was not persistent. (3) Co-administration of buspirone with psilocybin blocked its effect on HTR. These data suggest that neither 5-HT2A nor 5-HT1A receptors are pivotally implicated in the effect of psilocybin on marble burying. Co-administration with buspirone may block the psychedelic effects of psilocybin without impeding its anti-obsessional effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Singh
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Alexander Botvinnik
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Orr Shahar
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gilly Wolf
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Psychology, School of Sciences Achva, Academic College Municipality of Be'er Tuvia, Tuvia, Israel
| | - Corel Yakobi
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Michal Saban
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Adham Salama
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Amit Lotan
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Bernard Lerer
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Tzuri Lifschytz
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory and Hadassah BrainLabs Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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9
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Odland AU, Sandahl R, Andreasen JT. Chronic corticosterone improves perseverative behavior in mice during sequential reversal learning. Behav Brain Res 2023; 450:114479. [PMID: 37169127 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114479] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stressful life events can both trigger development of psychiatric disorders and promote positive behavioral changes in response to adversities. The relationship between stress and cognitive flexibility is complex, and conflicting effects of stress manifest in both humans and laboratory animals. OBJECTIVE To mirror the clinical situation where stressful life events impair mental health or promote behavioral change, we examined the post-exposure effects of stress on cognitive flexibility in mice. METHODS We tested female C57BL/6JOlaHsd mice in the touchscreen-based sequential reversal learning test. Corticosterone (CORT) was used as a model of stress and was administered in the drinking water for two weeks before reversal learning. Control animals received drinking water without CORT. Behaviors in supplementary tests were included to exclude non-specific confounding effects of CORT and improve interpretation of the results. RESULTS CORT-treated mice were similar to controls on all touchscreen parameters before reversal. During the low accuracy phase of reversal learning, CORT reduced perseveration index, a measure of perseverative responding, but did not affect acquisition of the new reward contingency. This effect was not related to non-specific deficits in chamber activity. CORT increased anxiety-like behavior in the elevated zero maze test and repetitive digging in the marble burying test, reduced locomotor activity, but did not affect spontaneous alternation behavior. CONCLUSION CORT improved cognitive flexibility in the reversal learning test by extinguishing prepotent responses that were no longer rewarded, an effect possibly related to a stress-mediated increase in sensitivity to negative feedback that should be confirmed in a larger study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna U Odland
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rune Sandahl
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper T Andreasen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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10
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Javaid S, Alqahtani F, Ashraf W, Anjum SMM, Rasool MF, Ahmad T, Alasmari F, Alasmari AF, Alqarni SA, Imran I. Tiagabine suppresses pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in mice and improves behavioral and cognitive parameters by modulating BDNF/TrkB expression and neuroinflammatory markers. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 160:114406. [PMID: 36791567 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Tiagabine (Tia), a new-generation antiseizure drug that mimics the GABAergic signaling by inhibiting GABA transporter type-1, is the least studied molecule in chronic epilepsy models with comorbid neurobehavioral and neuroinflammatory parameters. Therefore, the current study investigated the effects of Tia in a real-time manner on electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, behavioral manifestations and mRNA expression in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-kindled mice. Male BALB/c mice were treated with tiagabine (0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg) for 21 days with simultaneous PTZ (40 mg/kg) injection every other day for a total of 11 injections and monitored for seizure progression with synchronized validation through EEG recordings from cortical electrodes. The post-kindling protection from anxiety and memory deficit was verified by a battery of behavioral experiments. Isolated brains were evaluated for oxidative alterations and real-time changes in mRNA expression for BDNF/TrkB, GAT-1 and GAT-3 as well as neuroinflammatory markers. Experimental results revealed that Tia at the dose of 2 mg/kg maximally inhibited the development of full bloom seizure and reduced epileptic spike discharges from the cortex. Furthermore, Tia dose-dependently exerted the anxiolytic effects and protected from PTZ-evoked cognitive impairment. Tia reduced lipid peroxidation and increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels in the brain via augmentation of GABAergic modulation. PTZ-induced upregulated BDNF/TrkB signaling and pro-inflammatory cytokines were mitigated by Tia with upregulation of GAT-1 and GAT-3 transporters in whole brains. In conclusion, the observed effects of Tia might have resulted from reduced oxidative stress, BDNF/TrkB modulation and mitigated neuroinflammatory markers expression leading to reduced epileptogenesis and improved epilepsy-related neuropsychiatric effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Javaid
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan; Department of Pharmacy, The Women University, Multan 60000, Pakistan
| | - Faleh Alqahtani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Waseem Ashraf
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan
| | - Syed Muhammad Muneeb Anjum
- The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Lahore 75270, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Fawad Rasool
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan
| | - Tanveer Ahmad
- Institut pour l'Avancée des Biosciences, Centre de Recherche UGA / INSERM U1209 / CNRS 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, France
| | - Fawaz Alasmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah F Alasmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh Abdullah Alqarni
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Imran Imran
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan.
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11
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Ho PWL, Li L, Liu HF, Choi ZYK, Chang EES, Pang SYY, Malki Y, Leung CT, Kung MHW, Ramsden DB, Ho SL. In vivo overexpression of synaptogyrin-3 promotes striatal synaptic dopamine uptake in LRRK2 R1441G mutant mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e2886. [PMID: 36624932 PMCID: PMC9927849 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) mutation is a common genetic risk factor of Parkinson's disease (PD). Presynaptic dysfunction is an early pathogenic event associated with dopamine (DA) dysregulation in striatum of the brain. DA uptake activity of DA uptake transporter (DAT) affects synaptic plasticity and motor and non-motor behavior. Synaptogyrin-3 (SYNGR3) is part of the synaptogyrin family, especially abundant in brain. Previous in vitro studies demonstrated interaction between SYNGR3 and DAT. Reduced SYNGR3 expression was observed in human PD brains with unclear reasons. METHODS Here, we further explored whether inducing SYNGR3 expression can influence (i) cellular DA uptake using differentiated human SH-SY5Y neuronal cells, (ii) striatal synaptosomal DA uptake in a mutant LRRK2R1441G knockin mouse model of PD, and (iii) innate rodent behavior using the marble burying test. RESULTS Young LRRK2 mutant mice exhibited significantly lower SYNGR3 levels in striatum compared to age-matched wild-type (WT) controls, resembling level in aged WT mice. SYNGR3 is spatially co-localized with DAT at striatal presynaptic terminals, visualized by immuno-gold transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Their protein-protein interaction was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation. Transient overexpression of SYNGR3 in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells increased cellular DA uptake activity without affecting total DAT levels. Inducing SYNGR3 overexpression by adeno-associated virus-7 (AAV7) injection in vivo into striatum increased ex vivo synaptosomal DA uptake in LRRK2 mutant mice and improved their innate marble burying behavior. CONCLUSION Brain SYNGR3 expression may be an important determinant to striatal DA homeostasis and synaptic function. Our preliminary behavioral test showed improved innate behavior after SYNGR3 overexpression in LRRK2 mutant mice, advocating further studies to determine the influence of SYNGR3 in the pathophysiology of DA neurons in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Wing-Lok Ho
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lingfei Li
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hui-Fang Liu
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zoe Yuen-Kiu Choi
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Eunice Eun Seo Chang
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shirley Yin-Yu Pang
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yasine Malki
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi-Ting Leung
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Michelle Hiu-Wai Kung
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - David Boyer Ramsden
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Shu-Leong Ho
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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12
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Alvarez BD, Cavazos C, Morales CA, M. Lopez S, Amodeo DA. Impact of specific serotonin receptor modulation on restricted repetitive behaviors. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:1078983. [PMID: 36620862 PMCID: PMC9816668 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.1078983] [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: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Restricted, repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are commonly divided into two behavioral categories, lower-order and higher-order RRBs. Individuals displaying lower-order motoric RRBs may express repetitive hand flapping behaviors, body rocking back and forth movements, and continuous body spinning. Higher-order RRBs most commonly cover the behavior inflexibility and cognitive rigidity commonly found in disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Various neuropsychiatric disorders are plagued by RRBs yet no FDA-approved treatments have been identified. In rodents, lower-order RRBs are commonly measured through various tasks, such as repetitive self-grooming, marble burying, and stereotypic motor behaviors. This review focuses on the effects that modulation of specific serotonin receptors have on lower-order RRBs. Although there is research examining how changes in 5-HT1A, 5-HT1B, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, 5-HT2C, 5-HT3, 5-HT6, and 5-HT7 receptor modulation, more research has focused on the 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT2C receptors. The accumulating data suggest that increasing 5-HT1A activation decreases RRBs while blocking 5-HT1A activation has no effect on RRBs. While there are mixed findings regarding the impact of 5-HT2A modulation on RRBs, the general trend shows mixed effects of 5-HT2A receptor activation RRB expression, whereas blockade generally decreases RRBs. 5-HT2C receptor activation can modulate RRBs in either direction depending on the 5-HT2C drug used, blocking 5-HT2C activation only seems to show therapeutic properties when 5-HT2C activation is already elevated. The other 5-HT receptors have been explored far less but show promise as potential targets for regulating RRBs. Although it is less clear due to the involvement of 5-HT1D, 5-HT1A activation increases RRBs, and blocking 5-HT1A tends to decrease RRBs. 5-HT2B activation could reduce RRBs, while inhibiting 5-HT2B does not impact RRBs. Increasing 5-HT3 has not been shown to affect RRBs. Yet, increases in RRBs have been observed in Htr3a KO mice. 5-HT6 receptor activation can increase RRBs, while blocking 5-HT6 activity tends to decrease RRBs. Lastly, neither increasing or blocking 5-HT7 activity can reduce RRBs. In sum, there is no uniform pattern in whether all specific 5-HT receptors affect RRBs in either direction, instead, there is evidence suggesting that different 5-HT receptors can modulate RRBs in different directions. Further researching the less explored receptors and aiming to understand why these receptors can differently modulate RRBs, may play a key role in developing therapeutics that treat RRBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan D. Alvarez
- Department of Psychology, California State University, San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA, United States,Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Cassandra Cavazos
- Department of Psychology, California State University, San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA, United States
| | - Cheyenne A. Morales
- Department of Psychology, California State University, San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA, United States
| | - Shannon M. Lopez
- Department of Psychology, California State University, San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA, United States
| | - Dionisio A. Amodeo
- Department of Psychology, California State University, San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Dionisio A. Amodeo
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13
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Odland AU, Kristensen JL, Andreasen JT. Animal Behavior in Psychedelic Research. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:1176-1205. [PMID: 36180111 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy holds great promise in the treatment of mental health disorders. Research into 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) agonist psychedelic compounds has increased dramatically over the past two decades. In humans, these compounds produce drastic effects on consciousness, and their therapeutic potential relates to changes in the processing of emotional, social, and self-referential information. The use of animal behavior to study psychedelics is under debate, and this review provides a critical perspective on the translational value of animal behavior studies in psychedelic research. Acute activation of 5-HT2ARs produces head twitches and unique discriminative cues, disrupts sensorimotor gating, and stimulates motor activity while inhibiting exploration in rodents. The acute treatment with psychedelics shows discrepant results in conventional rodent tests of depression-like behaviors but generally induces anxiolytic-like effects and inhibits repetitive behavior in rodents. Psychedelics impair waiting impulsivity but show discrepant effects in other tests of cognitive function. Tests of social interaction also show conflicting results. Effects on measures of time perception depend on the experimental schedule. Lasting or delayed effects of psychedelics in rodent tests related to different behavioral domains appear to be rather sensitive to changes in experimental protocols. Studying the effects of psychedelics on animal behaviors of relevance to effects on psychiatric symptoms in humans, assessing lasting effects, publishing negative findings, and relating behaviors in rodents and humans to other more translatable readouts, such as neuroplastic changes, will improve the translational value of animal behavioral studies in psychedelic research. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin have received immense interest as potential new treatments of psychiatric disorders. Psychedelics change high-order consciousness in humans, and there is debate about the use of animal behavior studies to investigate these compounds. This review provides an overview of the behavioral effects of 5-HT2AR agonist psychedelics in laboratory animals and discusses the translatability of the effects in animals to effects in humans. Possible ways to improve the utility of animal behavior in psychedelic research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna U Odland
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
| | - Jesper L Kristensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
| | - Jesper T Andreasen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
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14
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Effects of a psychedelic 5-HT2A receptor agonist on anxiety-related behavior and fear processing in mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:1304-1314. [PMID: 35449450 PMCID: PMC9117291 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01324-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy gained considerable interest as a novel treatment strategy for fear-related mental disorders but the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. The serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptor is a key target underlying the effects of psychedelics on emotional arousal but its role in fear processing remains controversial. Using the psychedelic 5-HT2A/5-HT2C receptor agonist 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) and 5-HT2A receptor knockout (KO) mice we investigated the effect of 5-HT2A receptor activation on emotional processing. We show that DOI administration did not impair performance in a spontaneous alternation task but reduced anxiety-like avoidance behavior in the elevated plus maze and elevated zero maze tasks. Moreover, we found that DOI did not block memory recall but diminished fear expression in a passive avoidance task. Likewise, DOI administration reduced fear expression in an auditory fear conditioning paradigm, while it did not affect retention of fear extinction when administered prior to extinction learning. The effect of DOI on fear expression was abolished in 5-HT2A receptor KO mice. Administration of DOI induced a significant increase of c-Fos expression in specific amygdalar nuclei. Moreover, local infusion of the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist M100907 into the amygdala reversed the effect of systemic administration of DOI on fear expression while local administration of DOI into the amygdala was sufficient to suppress fear expression. Our data demonstrate that activation of 5-HT2A receptors in the amygdala suppresses fear expression but provide no evidence for an effect on retention of fear extinction.
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15
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Odland AU, Kristensen JL, Andreasen JT. The selective 5-HT2A receptor agonist 25CN-NBOH does not affect reversal learning in mice. Behav Pharmacol 2021; 32:448-452. [PMID: 33595957 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Psychedelic 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) agonists are showing promise in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, such as treatment-resistant depression and anxiety. Human studies suggest that enhanced cognitive flexibility may contribute to their clinical efficacy. Both improvement and impairment of cognitive flexibility has been reported with 5-HT2AR ligands, making the link between 5-HT2AR pharmacology and cognitive flexibility equivocal. We tested the selective 5-HT2AR agonist 25CN-NBOH in healthy male C57BL/6JOlaHsd mice in a touchscreen-based mouse reversal learning test. No effects were observed on acquisition of the new stimulus-reward contingency, learning errors, or perseverative responses during reversal. Our results suggest that 25CN-NBOH does not affect reversal learning in the schedule used in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna U Odland
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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16
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Odland AU, Sandahl R, Andreasen JT. Sequential reversal learning: a new touchscreen schedule for assessing cognitive flexibility in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:383-397. [PMID: 33123820 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05687-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The widespread deficits in cognitive flexibility observed across psychiatric disorders call for improved rodent tests to understand the biology of cognitive flexibility and development of better psychotherapeutics. Current reversal learning paradigms have a forced-choice setup that challenges the interpretation of results. OBJECTIVES We aimed at developing a free-choice reversal learning test, where images are presented sequentially and animals are free to move, to enable investigation of the cognitive sub-processes that occur during reversal. METHODS Behavior in female C57BL/6JOlaHsd mice was characterized using chronic fluoxetine as a reference compound. Additional tests were included to support the interpretation of results and exclude confounding pharmacological effects. Behaviors in vehicle-treated mice were furthermore analyzed for relatedness to deepen the understanding of parameters measured. RESULTS We found that exploitation of the previously rewarded image was independent of exploration and acquisition of the new reward contingency and could be differentially modulated by fluoxetine, supporting recent theories that these processes are not mutually exclusive. Specifically, fluoxetine reduced mistake rate, premature and perseverative responses, and promoted conservative strategies during reversal without affecting hit rate. These effects appeared to be most prominent during the late stage of reversal learning, where accuracy was above chance level. Analysis of behaviors in vehicle-treated mice suggested that exploitation was related to an impulsive-like deficit in response inhibition, while exploration was more related to motivation. CONCLUSIONS This new schedule was feasible, easy to implement, and can provide a deeper understanding of the cognitive sub-processes during reversal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna U Odland
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rune Sandahl
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper T Andreasen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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17
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Tsybko AS, Ilchibaeva TV, Filimonova EA, Eremin DV, Popova NK, Naumenko VS. The Chronic Treatment With 5-HT 2A Receptor Agonists Affects the Behavior and the BDNF System in Mice. Neurochem Res 2020; 45:3059-3075. [PMID: 33095437 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-020-03153-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Serotonin 5-HT2A receptors and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are involved in the pathophysiology and treatment of many psychiatric diseases. However, the interaction between 5-HT2A and BDNF is still poorly understood. In the present paper, the effects of chronic treatment with mixed 5-HT2A/2C receptor agonist DOI, highly selective 5-HT2A agonists TCB-2 and 25CN-NBOH on behavior and the BDNF system have been investigated. Chronic treatment of males of C57Bl/6 mice with DOI, TCB-2 and 25CN-NBOH (1 mg/kg, i.p., 14 days) resulted in desensitization of 5-HT2A receptors. Treatment with 25CN-NBOH significantly increased startle amplitude. At the same time all used drugs failed to affect anxiety, exploratory and stereotyped behavior as well as spatial memory and learning. TCB-2 and 25CN-NBOH increased the BDNF mRNA level. All 5-HT2A agonists increased the proBDNF level but failed to alter the mature BDNF protein level. TrkB and p75NTR mRNA levels were affected by all utilized agonists. All drugs decreased the total level as well as membrane TrkB protein one indicating downregulation of TrkB receptors. All agonists decreased the membrane p75NTR protein level. Thus, we have shown for the first time that the chronic activation of the 5-HT2A receptor with agonists has affected the BDNF system almost on all levels-transcription, proBDNF production, TrkB and p75NTR receptors' level. The obtained data suggested possible suppression in BDNF-TrkB signaling under chronic treatment with 5-HT2A agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton S Tsybko
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Lavrentyeva, 10, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Tatiana V Ilchibaeva
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Lavrentyeva, 10, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Elena A Filimonova
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Lavrentyeva, 10, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Dmitry V Eremin
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Lavrentyeva, 10, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Nina K Popova
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Lavrentyeva, 10, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Vladimir S Naumenko
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Lavrentyeva, 10, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia
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18
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Jensen AA, Halberstadt AL, Märcher-Rørsted E, Odland AU, Chatha M, Speth N, Liebscher G, Hansen M, Bräuner-Osborne H, Palner M, Andreasen JT, Kristensen JL. The selective 5-HT 2A receptor agonist 25CN-NBOH: Structure-activity relationship, in vivo pharmacology, and in vitro and ex vivo binding characteristics of [ 3H]25CN-NBOH. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 177:113979. [PMID: 32298690 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.113979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The remarkable effects exhibited by classical psychedelics in recent clinical trials have spawned considerable interest in 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2AR) activation as a treatment strategy for several psychiatric/cognitive disorders. In this study we have continued our development of 25CN-NBOH, one of the most 5-HT2AR-selective agonists reported to date, as a pharmacological tool for exploration of 5-HT2AR expression and functions. The importance of the 2' and 3' positions in 25CN-NBOH as structural hotspots for its 5-HT2AR activity was investigated by synthesis and pharmacological characterization of six novel analogs at 5-HT2AR and 5-HT2CR in binding and functional assays. While the 5-HT2AR activity of 25CN-NBOH was retained in 3'-methyl, 2',3'-chroman, 2',3'-dihydrofuran and 2',3'-furan analogs, the 3'-methoxy and 3'-ethyl analogs displayed substantially lower binding affinities and agonist potencies than 25CN-NBOH. Interestingly, the 2',3'-substitution pattern was also a key determinant of agonist efficacy, as all six analogs exhibited low-efficacy partial agonism or de facto antagonism at the 5-HT2AR in the functional assays. Systemic administration of 25CN-NBOH and its close structural analog 25CN-NBMD induced robust head-twitch response in mice, a well-established behavioural effect of 5-HT2AR activation in vivo, and 25CN-NBOH mediated robust reductions in the activity of mice in an anxiety-related marble burying assay, which supports the proposed beneficial effects of 5-HT2AR activation on disorders characterized by cognitive rigidity. Finally, tritiated 25CN-NBOH exhibited high 5-HT2AR binding affinity (KD ~1 nM) and selectivity against 5-HT2BR and 5-HT2CR in equilibrium and kinetic binding studies of the recombinant receptors, and in concordance [3H]25CN-NBOH displayed substantial specific, ketanserin-sensitive binding to cortex and small levels of binding to choroid plexus in rat brain slices in autoradiography studies. In conclusion, this work delineates the subtle molecular determinants of the 5-HT2AR activity in 25CN-NBOH, substantiates the potential in this compound and its analogs as tools for in vivo studies of the 5-HT2AR, and introduces a novel selective agonist radioligand as another potentially valuable tool for future explorations of this receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders A Jensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
| | - Adam L Halberstadt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Emil Märcher-Rørsted
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Anna U Odland
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Muhammad Chatha
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Nikolaj Speth
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gudrun Liebscher
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Martin Hansen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Hans Bräuner-Osborne
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Mikael Palner
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper T Andreasen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Jesper L Kristensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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