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Myers AM, Bowen SE, Brummelte S. Maternal care behavior and physiology moderate offspring outcomes following gestational exposure to opioids. Dev Psychobiol 2023; 65:e22433. [PMID: 38010303 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22433] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The opioid epidemic has resulted in a drastic increase in gestational exposure to opioids. Opioid-dependent pregnant women are typically prescribed medications for opioid use disorders ("MOUD"; e.g., buprenorphine [BUP]) to mitigate the harmful effects of abused opioids. However, the consequences of exposure to synthetic opioids, particularly BUP, during gestation on fetal neurodevelopment and long-term outcomes are poorly understood. Further, despite the known adverse effects of opioids on maternal care, many preclinical and clinical studies investigating the effects of gestational opioid exposure on offspring outcomes fail to report on maternal care behaviors. Considering that offspring outcomes are heavily dependent upon the quality of maternal care, it is important to evaluate the effects of gestational opioid exposure in the context of the mother-infant dyad. This review compares offspring outcomes after prenatal opioid exposure and after reduced maternal care and integrates this information to potentially identify common underlying mechanisms. We explore whether adverse outcomes after gestational BUP exposure are due to direct effects of opioids in utero, deficits in maternal care, or a combination of both factors. Finally, suggestions for improving preclinical models of prenatal opioid exposure are provided to promote more translational studies that can help to improve clinical outcomes for opioid-dependent mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail M Myers
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Scott E Bowen
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Susanne Brummelte
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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2
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Wallin CM, Bowen SE, Brummelte S. Opioid use during pregnancy can impair maternal behavior and the Maternal Brain Network: A literature review. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2021; 86:106976. [PMID: 33812002 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2021.106976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a global epidemic also affecting women of reproductive age. A standard form of pharmacological treatment for OUD is Opioid Maintenance Therapy (OMT) and buprenorphine has emerged as the preferred treatment for pregnant women with OUD relative to methadone. However, the consequences of BUP exposure on the developing Maternal Brain Network and mother-infant dyad are not well understood. The maternal-infant bond is dependent on the Maternal Brain Network, which is responsible for the dynamic transition from a "nulliparous brain" to a "maternal brain". The Maternal Brain Network consists of regions implicated in maternal care (e.g., medial preoptic area, nucleus accumbens, ventral pallidum, ventral tegmentum area) and maternal defense (e.g., periaqueductal gray). The endogenous opioid system modulates many of the neurochemical changes in these areas during the transition to motherhood. Thus, it is not surprising that exogenous opioid exposure during pregnancy can be disruptive to the Maternal Brain Network. Though less drastic than misused opioids, OMTs may not be without risk of disrupting the neural and molecular structures of the Maternal Brain Network. This review describes the Maternal Brain Network as a framework for understanding how pharmacological differences in exogenous opioid exposure can disrupt the onset and maintenance of the maternal brain and summarizes opioid and OMT (in particular buprenorphine) use in the context of pregnancy and maternal behavior. This review also highlights future directions for evaluating exogenous opioid effects on the Maternal Brain Network in the hopes of raising awareness for the impact of the opioid crisis not only on exposed infants, but also on mothers and subsequent mother-infant bonds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chela M Wallin
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
| | - Scott E Bowen
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
| | - Susanne Brummelte
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
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3
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Manduca A, Carbone E, Schiavi S, Cacchione C, Buzzelli V, Campolongo P, Trezza V. The neurochemistry of social reward during development: What have we learned from rodent models? J Neurochem 2021; 157:1408-1435. [PMID: 33569830 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Social rewards are fundamental to survival and overall health. Several studies suggest that adequate social stimuli during early life are critical for developing appropriate socioemotional and cognitive skills, whereas adverse social experiences negatively affect the proper development of brain and behavior, by increasing the susceptibility to develop neuropsychiatric conditions. Therefore, a better understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying social interactions, and their rewarding components in particular, is an important challenge of current neuroscience research. In this context, preclinical research has a crucial role: Animal models allow to investigate the neurobiological aspects of social reward in order to shed light on possible neurochemical alterations causing aberrant social reward processing in neuropsychiatric diseases, and they allow to test the validity and safety of innovative therapeutic strategies. Here, we discuss preclinical research that has investigated the rewarding properties of two forms of social interaction that occur in different phases of the lifespan of mammals, that is, mother-infant interaction and social interactions with peers, by focusing on the main neurotransmitter systems mediating their rewarding components. Together, the research performed so far helped to elucidate the mechanisms of social reward and its psychobiological components throughout development, thus increasing our understanding of the neurobiological substrates sustaining social functioning in health conditions and social dysfunction in major psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Manduca
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy.,Neuroendocrinology, Metabolism and Neuropharmacology Unit, IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Emilia Carbone
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Schiavi
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Cacchione
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Buzzelli
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Campolongo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Neurobiology of Behavior Laboratory, IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Trezza
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
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4
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Daigle KM, Heller NA, Sulinski EJ, Shim J, Lindblad W, Brown MS, Gosse JA, Hayes MJ. Maternal responsivity and oxytocin in opioid-dependent mothers. Dev Psychobiol 2020; 62:21-35. [PMID: 31401811 PMCID: PMC10465066 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although prenatal opioid exposure and postnatal withdrawal (neonatal abstinence syndrome) are associated with infant neurobehavioral deficits, little is known about the impact of continued maternal opioid treatment in the postnatal period on maternal responsivity and relationship to mother's oxytocin release during dyadic interactions in the Still Face paradigm. Mother and infant dyads (N = 14) were recruited and comprised of mothers on opioid replacement throughout pregnancy and postpartum (opioid-exposed group, n = 7) and a demographically controlled, non-exposed group (n = 7). Salivary oxytocin was collected following 10 min of infant separation before and immediately after a 6-min Still Face paradigm. Oxytocin measures correlated strongly with sensitive and prosocial maternal behaviors in response to infant initiation. Opioid-exposed compared to non-exposed mothers had significantly lower pre-test to post-test rise in salivary oxytocin concentration level as well as fewer sensitive behaviors during the reunion condition of the Still Face paradigm. Maternal opioid dependence during early infancy may impair maternal responsivity and sensitivity through suppression of the oxytocin reflex to infant stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole A Heller
- Department of Psychology, Siena College, Loudonville, New York
| | | | - Juyoung Shim
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, Maine
| | | | - Mark S Brown
- Department of Pediatrics, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, Bangor, Maine
| | - Julie A Gosse
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, Maine
| | - Marie J Hayes
- Department of Psychology, University of Maine, Orono, Maine
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, Maine
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5
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Endogenous opioid signalling in the brain during pregnancy and lactation. Cell Tissue Res 2018; 375:69-83. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-018-2948-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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6
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Wang AL, Lowen SB, Elman I, Shi Z, Fairchild VP, Bouril A, Gur RC, Langleben DD. Sustained opioid antagonism modulates striatal sensitivity to baby schema in opioid use disorder. J Subst Abuse Treat 2017; 85:70-77. [PMID: 29146290 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic opioid misuse is associated with reduced sensitivity to natural rewards and social motivation deficits that include impaired caregiving. The neurobiological mechanisms underlying these deficits and their response to treatment are not well understood. Baby schema (Kindchenschema) is a set of juvenile physical features, which is perceived as "cute" and triggers motivation for caregiving. Recent studies suggest that the "baby schema effect" is mediated by the brain "reward" network. We studied the impact of opioid antagonist treatment on the baby schema response in patients with opioid use disorder. METHODS Forty-seven (24 F) recently detoxified patients with opioid use disorder underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while viewing infant portraits that were parametrically manipulated for baby schema content and rating them for cuteness, at baseline and during treatment with the injectable extended release opioid antagonist naltrexone (XRNTX). The study was not placebo-controlled. RESULTS The behavioral effect of baby schema, indexed by "cuteness" ratings, was present and unaffected by XRNTX. The brain response to baby schema was absent at baseline, but present in the bilateral ventral striatum after two weeks of XRNTX treatment. The decline in self-reported craving for opioids was positively correlated with the brain fMRI response to baby schema in the bilateral ventral striatum. CONCLUSIONS Opioid antagonist treatment modulated the brain reward system response to a marker of caregiving motivation in patients with opioid use disorder. Neural response to baby schema may offer a novel probe of social motivation and affiliative behaviors in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- An-Li Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Steven B Lowen
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Igor Elman
- Department of Psychiatry, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA
| | - Zhenhao Shi
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Victoria P Fairchild
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alexander Bouril
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ruben C Gur
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Behavioral Health Service, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel D Langleben
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Behavioral Health Service, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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7
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Late pregnancy progesterone treatment as a modulatory signal for postpartum behavior. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2015; 130:40-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2014.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Revised: 12/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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8
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Bridges RS. Neuroendocrine regulation of maternal behavior. Front Neuroendocrinol 2015; 36:178-96. [PMID: 25500107 PMCID: PMC4342279 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Revised: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The expression of maternal behavior in mammals is regulated by the developmental and experiential events over a female's lifetime. In this review the relationships between the endocrine and neural systems that play key roles in these developmental and experiential processes that affect both the establishment and maintenance of maternal care are presented. The involvement of the hormones estrogen, progesterone, and lactogens are discussed in the context of ligand, receptor, and gene activity in rodents and to a lesser extent in higher mammals. The roles of neuroendocrine factors, including oxytocin, vasopressin, classical neurotransmitters, and other neural gene products that regulate aspects of maternal care are set forth, and the interactions of hormones with central nervous system mediators of maternal behavior are discussed. The impact of prior developmental factors, including epigenetic events, and maternal experience on subsequent maternal care are assessed over the course of the female's lifespan. It is proposed that common neuroendocrine mechanisms underlie the regulation of maternal care in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Bridges
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience and Reproductive Biology Section, Tufts University - Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA.
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9
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Periaqueductal gray μ and κ opioid receptors determine behavioral selection from maternal to predatory behavior in lactating rats. Behav Brain Res 2014; 274:62-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Revised: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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10
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Kinsley CH, Blair JC, Karp NE, Hester NW, McNamara IM, Orthmeyer AL, McSweeney MC, Bardi MM, Karelina K, Christon LM, Sirkin MR, Victoria LW, Skurka DJ, Fyfe CR, Hudepohl MB, Felicio LF, Franssen RA, Meyer EEA, da Silva IS, Lambert KG. The mother as hunter: significant reduction in foraging costs through enhancements of predation in maternal rats. Horm Behav 2014; 66:649-54. [PMID: 25240277 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2014.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Revised: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In previous laboratory investigations, we have identified enhanced cognition and reduced stress in parous rats, which are likely adaptations in mothers needing to efficiently exploit resources to maintain, protect and provision their immature offspring. Here, in a series of seven behavioral tests on rats, we examined a natural interface between cognition and resource gathering: predation. Experiment 1 compared predatory behavior (toward crickets) in age-matched nulliparous mothers (NULLs) and postpartum lactating mothers (LACTs), revealing a highly significant enhancement of predation in LACT females (mean = -65s in LACTs, vs. -270s in NULLs). Experiment 2 examined the possibility that LACTs, given their increased metabolic rate, were hungrier, and thus more motivated to hunt; doubling the length of time of food deprivation in NULLs did not decrease their predatory latencies. Experiments 3-5, which examined sensory regulation of the effect, indicated that olfaction (anosmia), audition (blockade with white noise), and somatosensation (trimming the vibrissae) appear to play little role in the behavioral enhancement observed in the LACTs; Experiment 6 examined the possibility that visual augmentations may facilitate the improvements in predation; testing LACTs in a 0-lux environment eliminated the behavioral advantage (increasing their latencies from -65s to -212s), which suggests that temporary augmentation to the visual system may be important, and with hormone-neural alterations therein a likely candidate for further study. In contrast, testing NULLS in the 0-lux environment had the opposite effect, reducing their latency to catch the cricket (from -270s to -200s). Finally, Experiment 7 examined the development of predatory behavior in Early-pregnant (PREG), Mid-PREG, and Late-PREG females. Here, we observed a significant enhancement of predation in Mid-PREG and Late-PREG females--at a time when maternity-associated bodily changes would be expected to diminish predation ability--relative to NULLs. Therefore, as with the increasing reports of enhancements to the maternal brain, it is apparent that meaningful behavioral adaptations occur that likewise promote the survival of the mother and her infants at a crucial stage of their lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Howard Kinsley
- Department of Psychology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA 23173, USA.
| | - Jamie C Blair
- Department of Psychology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA 23173, USA
| | - Natalie E Karp
- Department of Psychology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA 23173, USA
| | - Naomi W Hester
- Department of Psychology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA 23173, USA
| | - Ilan M McNamara
- Department of Psychology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA 23173, USA
| | - Angela L Orthmeyer
- Department of Psychology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA 23173, USA
| | - Molly C McSweeney
- Department of Psychology, Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA 17013, USA
| | - Massimo M Bardi
- Department of Psychology, Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, Virginia 23005, USA
| | - Kate Karelina
- Department of Psychology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA 23173, USA
| | - Lillian M Christon
- Department of Psychology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA 23173, USA
| | - Maxwell R Sirkin
- Department of Psychology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA 23173, USA
| | - Lindsay W Victoria
- Department of Psychology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA 23173, USA
| | - Danielle J Skurka
- Department of Psychology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA 23173, USA
| | - Christian R Fyfe
- Department of Psychology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA 23173, USA
| | - Margaret B Hudepohl
- Department of Psychology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA 23173, USA
| | - Luciano F Felicio
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - R Adam Franssen
- Department of Psychology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA 23173, USA
| | - Elizabeth E A Meyer
- Department of Psychology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA 23173, USA
| | - Ilton S da Silva
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kelly G Lambert
- Department of Psychology, Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, Virginia 23005, USA
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11
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Nonsocial functions of hypothalamic oxytocin. ISRN NEUROSCIENCE 2013; 2013:179272. [PMID: 24967304 PMCID: PMC4045544 DOI: 10.1155/2013/179272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) is a hypothalamic neuropeptide composed of nine amino acids. The functions of OXT cover a variety of social and nonsocial activity/behaviors. Therapeutic effects of OXT on aberrant social behaviors are attracting more attention, such as social memory, attachment, sexual behavior, maternal behavior, aggression, pair bonding, and trust. The nonsocial behaviors/functions of brain OXT have also received renewed attention, which covers brain development, reproduction, sex, endocrine, immune regulation, learning and memory, pain perception, energy balance, and almost all the functions of peripheral organ systems. Coordinating with brain OXT, locally produced OXT also involves the central and peripheral actions of OXT. Disorders in OXT secretion and functions can cause a series of aberrant social behaviors, such as depression, autism, and schizophrenia as well as disturbance of nonsocial behaviors/functions, such as anorexia, obesity, lactation failure, osteoporosis, diabetes, and carcinogenesis. As more and more OXT functions are identified, it is essential to provide a general view of OXT functions in order to explore the therapeutic potentials of OXT. In this review, we will focus on roles of hypothalamic OXT on central and peripheral nonsocial functions.
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12
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Teodorov E, Ferrari M, Fior-Chadi D, Camarini R, Felício L. Behavioral meaningful opioidergic stimulation activates kappa receptor gene expression. Braz J Med Biol Res 2012; 45:982-7. [PMID: 22641418 PMCID: PMC3854178 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2012007500091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2012] [Accepted: 05/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The periaqueductal gray (PAG) has been reported to be a location for opioid regulation of pain and a potential site for behavioral selection in females. Opioid-mediated behavioral and physiological responses differ according to the activity of opioid receptor subtypes. The present study investigated the effects of the peripheral injection of the kappa-opioid receptor agonist U69593 into the dorsal subcutaneous region of animals on maternal behavior and on Oprk1 gene activity in the PAG of female rats. Female Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g at the beginning of the study were randomly divided into 2 groups for maternal behavior and gene expression experiments. On day 5, pups were removed at 7:00 am and placed in another home cage that was distant from their mother. Thirty minutes after removing the pups, the dams were treated with U69593 (0.15 mg/kg, sc) or 0.9% saline (up to 1 mL/kg) and after 30 min were evaluated in the maternal behavior test. Latencies in seconds for pup retrieval, grouping, crouching, and full maternal behavior were scored. The results showed that U69593 administration inhibited maternal behavior (P < 0.05) because a lower percentage of kappa group dams showed retrieval of first pup, retrieving all pups, grouping, crouching and displaying full maternal behavior compared to the saline group. Opioid gene expression was evaluated using real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A single injection of U69593 increased Oprk1 PAG expression in both virgin (P < 0.05) and lactating female rats (P < 0.01), with no significant effect on Oprm1 or Oprd1 gene activity. Thus, the expression of kappa-opioid receptors in the PAG may be modulated by single opioid receptor stimulation and behavioral meaningful opioidergic transmission in the adult female might occur simultaneously to specific changes in gene expression of kappa-opioid receptor subtype. This is yet another alert for the complex role of the opioid system in female reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Teodorov
- Centro de Matemática, Computação e Cognição, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - M.F.R. Ferrari
- Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - D.R. Fior-Chadi
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - R. Camarini
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - L.F. Felício
- Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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13
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Sukikara MH, Cruz AM, Felippe ECG, Anselmo-Franci JA, Canteras NS, de Oliveira CA, Felicio LF. Morphine-induced changes in opioid sensitivity in postpartum females: a unique progesterone response. J Neuroendocrinol 2011; 23:1134-8. [PMID: 21696473 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2011.02182.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Opioid peptides play an important role in maternal behaviour, as well as in physiological and pathological phenomena involving motivation. Daily 3.5 mg/kg doses of morphine from days 17-21 of pregnancy are able to change the expression of maternal behaviour patterns. However, the role of hormones on such opioid behavioural actions remains to be determined. The present study investigated the endocrine responses to this morphine treatment. Corticosterone, progesterone, oestradiol and prolactin serum concentrations were measured after each morphine injection. No significant differences were found in corticosterone, oestradiol or prolactin serum concentrations. The results suggest that the treatment was unable to promote different effects, other than those caused by saline injections. In morphine-treated animals, however, progesterone concentrations were consistently and significantly increased from days 18-20 of treatment. Thus, because this behavioural meaningful opioidergic stimulation during late pregnancy affects progesterone levels, the findings of the present study raise the hypothesis that this hormone may play a role in morphine-induced changes in opioid sensitivity during late pregnancy and early lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Sukikara
- Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
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14
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Johnson NL, Carini L, Schenk ME, Stewart M, Byrnes EM. Adolescent opiate exposure in the female rat induces subtle alterations in maternal care and transgenerational effects on play behavior. Front Psychiatry 2011; 2:29. [PMID: 21713113 PMCID: PMC3112319 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2011.00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2011] [Accepted: 05/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The non-medical use of prescription opiates, such as Vicodin(®) and MSContin(®), has increased dramatically over the past decade. Of particular concern is the rising popularity of these drugs in adolescent female populations. Use during this critical developmental period could have significant long-term consequences for both the female user as well as potential effects on her future offspring. To address this issue, we have begun modeling adolescent opiate exposure in female rats and have observed significant transgenerational effects despite the fact that all drugs are withdrawn several weeks prior to pregnancy. The purpose of the current set of studies was to determine whether adolescent morphine exposure modifies postpartum care. In addition, we also examined juvenile play behavior in both male and female offspring. The choice of the social play paradigm was based on previous findings demonstrating effects of both postpartum care and opioid activity on play behavior. The findings revealed subtle modifications in the maternal behavior of adolescent morphine-exposed females, primarily related to the amount of time females' spend nursing and in non-nursing contact with their young. In addition, male offspring of adolescent morphine-exposed mothers (MOR-F1) demonstrate decreased rough and tumble play behaviors, with no significant differences in general social behaviors (i.e., social grooming and social exploration). Moreover, there was a tendency toward increased rough and tumble play in MOR-F1 females, demonstrating the sex-specific nature of these effects. Given the importance of the postpartum environment on neurodevelopment, it is possible that modifications in maternal-offspring interactions, related to a history of adolescent opiate exposure, plays a role in the observed transgenerational effects. Overall, these studies indicate that the long-term consequences of adolescent opiate exposure can impact both the female and her future offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole L Johnson
- Department of Biomedical Science, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University North Grafton, MA, USA
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Moura L, Canteras N, Sukikara M, Felicio L. Morphine infusions into the rostrolateral periaqueductal gray affect maternal behaviors. Braz J Med Biol Res 2010; 43:899-905. [DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2010007500085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2009] [Accepted: 08/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Cruz ADM, Maiorka PC, Canteras NS, Sukikara MH, Felicio LF. Morphine treatment during pregnancy modulates behavioral selection in lactating rats. Physiol Behav 2010; 101:40-4. [PMID: 20416331 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2010.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2010] [Revised: 04/05/2010] [Accepted: 04/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that treatment of postpartum female rats with morphine inhibits maternal behavior and stimulates foraging. Exposure to drugs of abuse may result in a progressive enhancement of their reinforcing effects. Puerperal treatment with morphine leads to reverse tolerance to this drug. The present study investigated whether repeated morphine treatment during late pregnancy may influence the effects of different morphine dosages on behavioral selection in lactating rats. Females were simultaneously exposed to pups and insects, and the choice between taking care of the pups and hunting insects was observed. Female Wistar rats were treated with morphine (3.5 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous [s.c.]) or saline for 5 days beginning on pregnancy day 17. On day 5 of lactation, animals were acutely challenged with morphine (0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 mg/kg, s.c.; MM0.5, MM1.0, and MM1.5 groups, respectively) or saline (MS group) and tested for predatory hunting and maternal behavior. Control groups were pretreated with saline and challenged with morphine (SM0.5, SM1.0, and SM1.5 groups) or saline (SS group). Animals treated with morphine during late pregnancy and acutely challenged with 1.0 mg/kg morphine (MM1.0 group) exhibited significantly decreased maternal behavior and enhanced hunting. This effect was not evident with the 0.5 mg/kg dose. The 1.5 mg/kg morphine dose decreased maternal behavior and increased hunting in both the MM1.5 group and in animals challenged with morphine after previous saline treatment (SM1.5 group). These results provide evidence of plasticity of the opioidergic role in behavioral selection during lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline de Mello Cruz
- Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo SP, CEP 05588-000, Brasil.
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Norris JN, Pérez-Acosta AM, Ortega LA, Papini MR. Naloxone facilitates appetitive extinction and eliminates escape from frustration. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2009; 94:81-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2009.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2008] [Revised: 07/15/2009] [Accepted: 07/28/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Afferent connections to the rostrolateral part of the periaqueductal gray: a critical region influencing the motivation drive to hunt and forage. Neural Plast 2009; 2009:612698. [PMID: 19325910 PMCID: PMC2657915 DOI: 10.1155/2009/612698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2008] [Revised: 10/02/2008] [Accepted: 12/17/2008] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that a particular site in the periaqueductal gray (PAG), the rostrolateral PAG, influences the motivation drive to forage or hunt. To have a deeper understanding on the putative paths involved in the decision-making process between foraging, hunting, and other behavioral responses, in the present investigation, we carried out a systematic analysis of the neural inputs to the rostrolateral PAG (rlPAG), using Fluorogold as a retrograde tracer. According to the present findings, the rlPAG appears to be importantly driven by medial prefrontal cortical areas involved in controlling attention-related and decision-making processes. Moreover, the rlPAG also receives a wealth of information from different amygdalar, hypothalamic, and brainstem sites related to feeding, drinking, or hunting behavioral responses. Therefore, this unique combination of afferent connections puts the rlPAG in a privileged position to influence the motivation drive to choose whether hunting and foraging would be the most appropriate adaptive responses.
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Abstract
This paper is the thirtieth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2007 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior, and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia; stress and social status; tolerance and dependence; learning and memory; eating and drinking; alcohol and drugs of abuse; sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology; mental illness and mood; seizures and neurologic disorders; electrical-related activity and neurophysiology; general activity and locomotion; gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions; cardiovascular responses; respiration and thermoregulation; and immunological responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd.,Flushing, NY 11367, United States.
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