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Sarmanlu M, Kuypers KPC, Vizeli P, Kvamme TL. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD: Growing evidence for memory effects mediating treatment efficacy. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 128:110843. [PMID: 37611653 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
The application of MDMA in conjunction with psychotherapy has in recent years seen a resurgence of clinical, scientific, and public interest in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Clinical trials have shown promising safety and efficacy, but the mechanisms underlying this treatment form remain largely unestablished. This article explores recent preclinical and clinical evidence suggesting that the treatment's efficacy may be influenced by the mnemonic effects of MDMA. We review data on the effects of MDMA on fear extinction and fear reconsolidation and the utility of these processes for PTSD treatment. We corroborate our findings by incorporating research from cognitive psychology and psychopharmacology and offer recommendations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mesud Sarmanlu
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kim P C Kuypers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick Vizeli
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Timo L Kvamme
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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2
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Opitz A, Petasch MS, Klappauf R, Kirschgens J, Hinz J, Dittmann L, Dathe AS, Quednow BB, Beste C, Stock AK. Does chronic use of amphetamine-type stimulants impair interference control? - A meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 146:105020. [PMID: 36581170 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.105020] [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: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In substance use and addiction, inhibitory control is key to ignoring triggers, withstanding craving and maintaining abstinence. In amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) users, most research focused on behavioral inhibition, but largely neglected the equally important subdomain of cognitive interference control. Given its crucial role in managing consumption, we investigated the relationship between interference control and chronic ATS use in adults. A database search (Pubmed & Web of Science) and relevant reviews were used to identify eligible studies. Effect sizes were estimated with random effects models. Subgroup, meta-regression, and sensitivity analyses explored heterogeneity in effect sizes. We identified 61 studies (53 datasets) assessing interference control in 1873 ATS users and 1905 controls. Findings revealed robust small effect sizes for ATS-related deficits in interference control, which were mainly seen in methamphetamine, as compared to MDMA users. The differential effects are likely due to tolerance-induced dopaminergic deficiencies (presumably most pronounced in methamphetamine users). Similarities between different ATS could be due to noradrenergic deficiencies; but elucidating their functional role in ATS users requires further/more research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Opitz
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Miriam-Sophie Petasch
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Regine Klappauf
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Josephine Kirschgens
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Julian Hinz
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Lena Dittmann
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anthea S Dathe
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Switzerland; Biopsychology, Department of Psychology, School of Science, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Christian Beste
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Stock
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Germany; Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
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White matter alterations in chronic MDMA use: Evidence from diffusion tensor imaging and neurofilament light chain blood levels. NEUROIMAGE: CLINICAL 2022; 36:103191. [PMID: 36126513 PMCID: PMC9486575 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "Ecstasy") is a serotonin- and noradrenaline-releasing substance, currently among the most widely used illicit substances worldwide. In animal studies, repeated exposure to MDMA has been associated with dendritic but also axonal degeneration in the brain. However, translation of the axonal findings, specifically, to humans has been repeatedly questioned and the few existing studies investigating white matter alterations in human chronic MDMA users have yielded conflicting findings. In this study, we combined whole-brain diffusion tensor imaging and neurofilament light chain (NfL) analysis in blood to reveal potential MDMA-induced axonal neuropathology. To this end, we assessed 39 chronic MDMA users and 39 matched MDMA-naïve healthy controls. MDMA users showed increased fractional anisotropy in several white matter tracts, most prominently in the corpus callosum as well as corticospinal tracts, with these findings partly related to MDMA use intensity. However, the NfL levels of MDMA users were not significantly different from those of controls. We conclude that MDMA use is not associated with significant white matter lesions due to the absence of reduced fractional anisotropy and increased NfL levels commonly observed in conditions associated with white matter lesions, including stimulant and ketamine use disorders. Hence, the MDMA-induced axonal degradation demonstrated in animal models was not observed in this human study of chronic MDMA users.
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Plocinski JA, Ball KT. Prelimbic medial prefrontal cortex has bidirectional control over the expression of behavioral sensitization to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ecstasy) depending on the context of drug administration. Neurosci Lett 2022; 783:136710. [PMID: 35671916 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136710] [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: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral sensitization to MDMA is observed in the vast majority of rats if tested in the same environment in which previous MDMA exposure occurred, but not if tested in a novel, unpaired context. Previous studies have revealed a critical role for the prelimbic region of medial prefrontal cortex (PL) in the expression of sensitization to MDMA, but these studies assessed sensitization only in MDMA-paired environments. Given that PL activity can both facilitate and suppress behavior depending on context, we tested the hypothesis that PL has bidirectional control over the expression of locomotor sensitization to MDMA depending on the context of drug administration. Rats were treated with either saline or MDMA (5.0 mg/kg) twice daily for 5 days, in either their home cages (unpaired groups) or the activity monitors that were used for tests of sensitization on challenge days (paired groups). Prior to MDMA challenge injections (2.5 mg/kg; at ∼2 weeks of withdrawal), rats received bilateral PL microinjections of either lidocaine (100 μg/0.5 μl/side) or physiological saline (0.5 μl/side). Locomotor activity in response to MDMA challenge was unaffected by PL inactivation in saline pretreated rats. However, PL inactivation caused a decrease in locomotion to the challenge injection in MDMA/paired rats and an increase in locomotion in MDMA/unpaired rats. These results establish a novel role for PL in suppressing the expression of behavioral sensitization when subjects are challenged in a drug-unpaired context, adding to the literature implicating PL activity in both the expression and inhibition of other drug-related behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob A Plocinski
- Department of Psychology, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, 400 E. 2(nd) St., Bloomsburg, PA, 17815, USA
| | - Kevin T Ball
- Department of Psychology, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, 400 E. 2(nd) St., Bloomsburg, PA, 17815, USA.
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Brain-derived neurotrophic factor protects serotonergic neurons against 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine ("Ecstasy") induced cytoskeletal damage. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2022; 129:703-711. [PMID: 35420371 PMCID: PMC9188522 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-022-02502-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "Ecstasy") use has been linked to persistent alterations of the brain serotonergic (5-HT) system in animal and human studies, but the molecular underpinnings are still unclear. Cytoskeletal structures such as neurofilament light chain (NfL) are promising markers of drug-induced brain toxicity and may be involved in MDMA neurotoxicity. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promotes the growth and sprouting of 5-HT neurons and its differential response to MDMA administration was suggested to mediate dose- and region-dependent 5-HT damage by MDMA. However, the role of BDNF pre-treatment in preventing MDMA neurotoxicity and the potential effects of MDMA on NfL are still elusive. Therefore, a differentiated 5-HT neuronal cell line obtained from rat raphe nucleus (RN46A) was treated in vitro with either MDMA, BDNF, MDMA + BDNF, or vehicle. Cell viability (measured by MTT) and intracellular NfL levels (immunocytochemistry assay) were reduced by MDMA, but partially rescued by BDNF co-treatment. Our findings confirmed that BDNF levels can influence MDMA-induced 5-HT damage, and support BDNF to be a crucial target for neuroprotective interventions of the 5-HT system. We also provide evidence on the sensitivity of NfL to MDMA neurotoxicity, with potential implications for in-vivo monitoring of drug-induced neurotoxicity.
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Protective effects of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin on 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-induced spatial learning and memory impairment. Inflammopharmacology 2021; 29:1807-1818. [PMID: 34780009 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-021-00891-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or "Ecstasy", which has been used for recreational purposes, is shown to impair memory and brain functions. Statins, beyond their efficient cholesterol-lowering impact through inhibition of HMG-COA reductase enzyme, possess multiple actions referred to as pleiotropic effects. In this regard, we aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin on MDMA-induced neurotoxicity. Adult male Wistar rats received atorvastatin (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg; orally) and rosuvastatin (5, 10, 20 mg/kg; orally) for 21 consecutive days. Then, spatial memory and learning were evaluated by Morris water maze (MWM) test. Rats were intraperitoneally injected with MDMA (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg) 30 min before the first training session in 4 training days of MWM task. Afterward, rats were euthanized and their hippocampuses were dissected to evaluate reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, lipid peroxidation (LPO), and caspase-3 and -9 activities. Our findings showed that MDMA (5 and 10 mg/kg) significantly impaired spatial memory functions and dramatically increased ROS production, LPO, and caspase-3 and -9 activities compared to control. Also, atorvastatin (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) and rosuvastatin (20 mg/kg) significantly improved memory performances and inhibited the elevation of ROS, LPO, and caspase-3 and -9 activities induced by MDMA. In conclusion, the results indicated that MDMA-induced cognitive impairment is followed by oxidative stress and activation of apoptotic pathways in the hippocampus. However, atorvastatin and rosuvastatin suppressed these deleterious consequences of MDMA and revealed protective effects against activation of pathways leading to cell damage.
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7
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Román V, Kedves R, Kelemen K, Némethy Z, Sperlágh B, Lendvai B, Vizi ES. Contribution of analog signaling to neurotransmitter interactions and behavior: Role of transporter-mediated nonquantal dopamine release. Physiol Rep 2021; 9:e15088. [PMID: 34762352 PMCID: PMC8582292 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal networks cause changes in behaviorally important information processing through the vesicular release of neurotransmitters governed by the rate and timing of action potentials (APs). Herein, we provide evidence that dopamine (DA), nonquantally released from the cytoplasm, may exert similar effects in vivo. In mouse slice preparations, (+/-)-3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA, or ecstasy) and β-phenylethylamine (β-PEA)-induced DA release in the striatum and nucleus accumbens (NAc), two regions of the brain involved in reward-driven and social behavior and inhibited the axonal stimulation-induced release of tritiated acetylcholine ([3 H]ACh) in the striatum. The DA transporter (DAT) inhibitor (GBR-12909) prevented MDMA and β-PEA from causing DA release. GBR-12909 could also restore some of the stimulated acetylcholine release reduced by MDMA or β-PEA in the striatum confirming the fundamental role of DAT. In addition, hypothermia could prevent the β-PEA-induced release in the striatum and in the NAc. Sulpiride, a D2 receptor antagonist, also prevented the inhibitory effects of MDMA or β-PEA on stimulated ACh release, suggesting they act indirectly via binding of DA. Reflecting the neurochemical interactions in brain slices at higher system level, MDMA altered the social behavior of rats by preferentially enhancing passive social behavior. Similar to the in vitro effects, GBR-12909 treatment reversed specific elements of the MDMA-induced changes in behavior, such as passive social behavior, while left others including social play unchanged. The changes in behavior by the high level of extracellular DA-- a significant amount originating from cytoplasmic release--suggest that in addition to digital computation through synapses, the brain also uses analog communication, such as DA signaling, to mediate some elements of complex behaviors, but in a much longer time scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Román
- Pharmacology and Drug Safety ResearchGedeon Richter Plc.BudapestHungary
| | - Rita Kedves
- Pharmacology and Drug Safety ResearchGedeon Richter Plc.BudapestHungary
| | - Kristóf Kelemen
- Pharmacology and Drug Safety ResearchGedeon Richter Plc.BudapestHungary
| | - Zsolt Némethy
- Pharmacology and Drug Safety ResearchGedeon Richter Plc.BudapestHungary
| | | | - Balázs Lendvai
- Pharmacology and Drug Safety ResearchGedeon Richter Plc.BudapestHungary
| | - E. Sylvester Vizi
- Institute of Experimental MedicineBudapestHungary
- Department of Pharmacology and PharmacotherapySemmelweis UniversityBudapestHungary
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8
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Costa G, Caputi FF, Serra M, Simola N, Rullo L, Stamatakos S, Sanna F, Germain M, Martinoli MG, Candeletti S, Morelli M, Romualdi P. Activation of Antioxidant and Proteolytic Pathways in the Nigrostriatal Dopaminergic System After 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Administration: Sex-Related Differences. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:713486. [PMID: 34512343 PMCID: PMC8430399 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.713486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “ecstasy”) is an amphetamine-related drug that may damage the dopaminergic nigrostriatal system. To investigate the mechanisms that sustain this toxic effect and ascertain their sex-dependence, we evaluated in the nigrostriatal system of MDMA-treated (4 × 20 mg/kg, 2 h apart) male and female mice the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the gene expression of SOD type 1 and 2, together with SOD1/2 co-localization with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons. In the same mice and brain areas, activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and of β2/β5 subunits of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) were also evaluated. After MDMA, SOD1 increased in striatal TH-positive terminals, but not nigral neurons, of males and females, while SOD2 increased in striatal TH-positive terminals and nigral neurons of males only. Moreover, after MDMA, SOD1 gene expression increased in the midbrain of males and females, whereas SOD2 increased only in males. Finally, MDMA increased the SOD activity in the midbrain of females, without affecting GPx activity, decreased the β2/β5 activities in the striatum of males and the β2 activity in the midbrain of females. These results suggest that the mechanisms of MDMA-induced neurotoxic effects are sex-dependent and dopaminergic neurons of males could be more sensitive to SOD2- and UPS-mediated toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcello Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Nicola Simola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Laura Rullo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Serena Stamatakos
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Sanna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marc Germain
- Department of Medical Biology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada.,CERMO-FC UQAM, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Maria-Grazia Martinoli
- Department of Medical Biology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Université Laval and CHU Research Center, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Micaela Morelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,National Research Council of Italy, Neuroscience Institute, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Abstract
Psychedelics are a class of psychoactive substances that were studied extensively between 1943 and 1970 as potential therapies for treating a host of mental health disorders, including addiction. Despite promising early results, U.S. psychedelic research was halted in the early 1970s with the enactment of the Controlled Substances Act. As the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy develops, nurses can decide the role they will play in the continuing clinical and scholarly research of these substances, which may soon be used in controlled settings to treat some of the most widespread mental health disorders. To prepare for this task, this article proposes that nurses * become familiar with the history, relevant language, and scientific findings related to the field of psychedelic research. * learn about existing psychedelic-assisted therapy and research resources. * examine their thoughts, judgments, and opinions about therapeutic psychedelic use. * consider the potential role of nursing in psychedelic-assisted therapies going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Penn
- Andrew Penn is an associate clinical professor in the University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing. Caroline G. Dorsen is an associate professor and associate dean for advanced practice and clinical partnerships at Rutgers University School of Nursing, Newark, NJ. Stephanie Hope is founder, educator, and coach at Hope Holistic Wellness, Woodbourne, NY. William E. Rosa is a psycho-oncology postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City. Andrew Penn receives salary support for his work as coinvestigator on a clinical trial of psilocybin-facilitated therapy for depression (NCT03866174). William E. Rosa is funded by the NIH/NCI Cancer Center Support Grant P30 CA008748 and the NCI award number T32 CA009461. Contact author: Andrew Penn, . The authors and planners have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise. A podcast with the authors is available at www.ajnonline.com
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Serra M, Pinna A, Costa G, Usiello A, Pasqualetti M, Avallone L, Morelli M, Napolitano F. Involvement of the Protein Ras Homolog Enriched in the Striatum, Rhes, in Dopaminergic Neurons' Degeneration: Link to Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105326. [PMID: 34070217 PMCID: PMC8158741 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhes is one of the most interesting genes regulated by thyroid hormones that, through the inhibition of the striatal cAMP/PKA pathway, acts as a modulator of dopamine neurotransmission. Rhes mRNA is expressed at high levels in the dorsal striatum, with a medial-to-lateral expression gradient reflecting that of both dopamine D2 and adenosine A2A receptors. Rhes transcript is also present in the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, olfactory tubercle and bulb, substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and ventral tegmental area of the rodent brain. In line with Rhes-dependent regulation of dopaminergic transmission, data showed that lack of Rhes enhanced cocaine- and amphetamine-induced motor stimulation in mice. Previous studies showed that pharmacological depletion of dopamine significantly reduces Rhes mRNA levels in rodents, non-human primates and Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, suggesting a link between dopaminergic innervation and physiological Rhes mRNA expression. Rhes protein binds to and activates striatal mTORC1, and modulates L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in PD rodent models. Finally, Rhes is involved in the survival of mouse midbrain dopaminergic neurons of SNc, thus pointing towards a Rhes-dependent modulation of autophagy and mitophagy processes, and encouraging further investigations about mechanisms underlying dysfunctions of the nigrostriatal system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.S.); (G.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Annalisa Pinna
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Neuroscience Institute—Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.S.); (G.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Alessandro Usiello
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy;
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Pasqualetti
- Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Luigi Avallone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80137 Naples, Italy;
| | - Micaela Morelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.S.); (G.C.); (M.M.)
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Neuroscience Institute—Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Francesco Napolitano
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80137 Naples, Italy;
- Correspondence:
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11
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Demenech LM, Dumith SC, Gramajo CS, Ferreira MZ, Silveira RR, Neiva-Silva L. Uso de club drugs entre estudantes de graduação: prevalência, características associadas e a influência dos pares. JORNAL BRASILEIRO DE PSIQUIATRIA 2021. [DOI: 10.1590/0047-2085000000301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
RESUMO Objetivo Medir a prevalência do uso na vida, no último ano e no último mês de duas club drugs – o ecstasy e o LSD –, bem como as características associadas ao uso dessas substâncias, no último mês, entre estudantes de graduação de uma universidade no Sul do Brasil. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo transversal conduzido no ano de 2015 com amostragem aleatória sistemática por conglomerados. Participaram 1.423 estudantes de graduação. Foi utilizado um modelo de análise multivariável em três níveis hierárquicos por meio da regressão de Poisson com ajuste robusto da variância. Resultados As prevalências de uso na vida, no último ano e no último mês de club drugs foram de 12,7%, 7,8% e 3,8%, respectivamente. Indivíduos do sexo masculino, com orientação sexual homossexual ou bissexual, mais jovens, que moravam com seus pares, solteiros, e que relataram uso no último mês de tabaco e maconha apresentaram maior probabilidade de ter feito uso no último mês de alguma club drug. Entretanto, a variável mais fortemente associada a esse desfecho foi ter algum amigo que já fez uso de alguma droga ilícita na vida (RP = 19,54). Conclusões O ambiente universitário parece ser um terreno fértil para a difusão do uso de club drugs. O fortalecimento de uma rede de apoio institucional da universidade, capaz de propor atividades de prevenção, bem como de identificar, acolher e encaminhar casos em que haja abuso e dependência dessas substâncias, pode ser uma estratégia importante para lidar com essa problemática.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Lucas Neiva-Silva
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Brasil; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Brasil
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12
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Bombardi C, Grandis A, Pivac N, Sagud M, Lucas G, Chagraoui A, Lemaire-Mayo V, De Deurwaerdère P, Di Giovanni G. Serotonin modulation of hippocampal functions: From anatomy to neurotherapeutics. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2021; 261:83-158. [PMID: 33785139 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2021.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The hippocampal region receives a dense serotoninergic innervation originating from both medial and dorsal raphe nuclei. This innervation regulates hippocampal activity through the activation of distinct receptor families that are expressed in excitatory and inhibitory neurons, terminals of several afferent neurotransmitter systems, and glial cells. Preclinical and clinical studies indicate that hippocampal dysfunctions are involved in learning and memory deficits, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy and mood disorders such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic syndrome disorder, whereas the hippocampus participates also in the therapeutic mechanisms of numerous medicines. Not surprisingly, several drugs acting via 5-HT mechanisms are efficacious to some extent in some diseases and the link between 5-HT and the hippocampus although clear remains difficult to untangle. For this reason, we review reported data concerning the distribution and the functional roles of the 5-HT receptors in the hippocampal region in health and disease. The impact of the 5-HT systems on the hippocampal function is such that the research of new 5-HT mechanisms and drugs is still very active. It concerns notably drugs acting at the 5-HT1A,2A,2C,4,6 receptor subtypes, in addition to the already existing drugs including the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiano Bombardi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Annamaria Grandis
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Nela Pivac
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudier Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marina Sagud
- Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb and School of Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Guillaume Lucas
- Neurocentre Magendie, INSERM 1215, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Abdeslam Chagraoui
- Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine of Normandy (IRIB), Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM U1239, Rouen, France; Department of Medical Biochemistry, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Valérie Lemaire-Mayo
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut des Neurosciences Intégratives et Cognitives d'Aquitaine, UMR 5287, Bordeaux, France
| | - Philippe De Deurwaerdère
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut des Neurosciences Intégratives et Cognitives d'Aquitaine, UMR 5287, Bordeaux, France
| | - Giuseppe Di Giovanni
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta; Neuroscience Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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13
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Costa G, Spulber S, Paci E, Casu MA, Ceccatelli S, Simola N, Morelli M. In utero exposure to dexamethasone causes a persistent and age-dependent exacerbation of the neurotoxic effects and glia activation induced by MDMA in dopaminergic brain regions of C57BL/6J mice. Neurotoxicology 2021; 83:1-13. [PMID: 33338551 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Clinical and preclinical evidence indicates that prenatal exposure to glucocorticoids may induce detrimental effects in the offspring, including reduction in fetal growth and alterations in the CNS. On this basis, the present study investigated whether in utero exposure to high levels of glucocorticoids is a risk factor that may lead to an exacerbation of the central noxious effects induced by psychoactive drugs consumed later in life. To this end, pregnant C57BL6/J dams were treated with dexamethasone (DEX, 0.05 mg/kg per day) from gestational day 14 until delivery. Thereafter, the male offspring were evaluated to ascertain the magnitude of dopaminergic damage, astrogliosis and microgliosis elicited in the nigrostriatal tract by the amphetamine-related drug 3,4--methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 4 × 20 mg/kg, 2 h apart, sacrificed 48 h later) administered at either adolescence or adulthood. Immunohistochemistry was performed in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and striatum, to evaluate dopaminergic degeneration by measuring tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), as well as astrogliosis and microgliosis by measuring glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA-1), respectively. Moreover, immunohistochemistry was used to ascertain the co-localization of IBA-1 with either the pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL) IL-1β or the anti-inflammatory IL IL-10, in order to determine the microglial phenotype. In utero administration of DEX induced dopaminergic damage by decreasing the density of TH-positive fibers in the striatum, although only in adult mice. MDMA administration induced dopaminergic damage and glia activation in the nigrostriatal tract of adolescent and adult mice. Mice exposed to DEX in utero and treated with MDMA later in life showed a more pronounced loss of dopaminergic neurons (adolescent mice) and astrogliosis (adolescent and adult mice) in the SNc, compared with control mice. These results suggest that prenatal exposure to glucocorticoids may induce an age-dependent and persistent increase in the susceptibility to central toxicity of amphetamine-related drugs used later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Stefan Spulber
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elena Paci
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Antonietta Casu
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Translational Pharmacology, UOS of Cagliari, Scientific and Technological Park of Sardinia POLARIS, Pula, Italy
| | - Sandra Ceccatelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nicola Simola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Micaela Morelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; National Research Council of Italy, Neuroscience Institute, Cagliari, Italy
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14
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De Gregorio D, Aguilar-Valles A, Preller KH, Heifets BD, Hibicke M, Mitchell J, Gobbi G. Hallucinogens in Mental Health: Preclinical and Clinical Studies on LSD, Psilocybin, MDMA, and Ketamine. J Neurosci 2021; 41:891-900. [PMID: 33257322 PMCID: PMC7880300 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1659-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A revamped interest in the study of hallucinogens has recently emerged, especially with regard to their potential application in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. In the last decade, a plethora of preclinical and clinical studies have confirmed the efficacy of ketamine in the treatment of depression. More recently, emerging evidence has pointed out the potential therapeutic properties of psilocybin and LSD, as well as their ability to modulate functional brain connectivity. Moreover, MDMA, a compound belonging to the family of entactogens, has been demonstrated to be useful to treat post-traumatic stress disorders. In this review, the pharmacology of hallucinogenic compounds is summarized by underscoring the differences between psychedelic and nonpsychedelic hallucinogens as well as entactogens, and their behavioral effects in both animals and humans are described. Together, these data substantiate the potentials of these compounds in treating mental diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo De Gregorio
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Argel Aguilar-Valles
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Katrin H Preller
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University of Zurich, CH-8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Boris Dov Heifets
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
| | - Meghan Hibicke
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
| | - Jennifer Mitchell
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada
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15
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Górska AM, Kamińska K, Wawrzczak-Bargieła A, Costa G, Morelli M, Przewłocki R, Kreiner G, Gołembiowska K. Neurochemical and Neurotoxic Effects of MDMA (Ecstasy) and Caffeine After Chronic Combined Administration in Mice. Neurotox Res 2018; 33:532-548. [PMID: 29134560 PMCID: PMC5871650 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-017-9831-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a psychostimulant popular as a recreational drug because of its effect on mood and social interactions. MDMA acts at dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT) and serotonin (5-HT) transporter (SERT) and is known to induce damage of dopamine and serotonin neurons. MDMA is often ingested with caffeine. Caffeine as a non-selective adenosine A1/A2A receptor antagonist affects dopaminergic and serotonergic transmissions. The aim of the present study was to determine the changes in DA and 5-HT release in the mouse striatum induced by MDMA and caffeine after their chronic administration. To find out whether caffeine aggravates MDMA neurotoxicity, the content of DA and 5-HT, density of brain DAT and SERT, and oxidative damage of nuclear DNA were determined. Furthermore, the effect of caffeine on MDMA-induced changes in striatal dynorphin and enkephalin and on behavior was assessed. The DA and 5-HT release was determined with in vivo microdialysis, and the monoamine contents were measured by HPLC with electrochemical detection. DNA damage was assayed with the alkaline comet assay. DAT and SERT densities were determined by immunohistochemistry, while prodynorphin (PDYN) and proenkephalin were determined by quantitative PCR reactions. The behavioral changes were measured by the open-field (OF) test and novel object recognition (NOR) test. Caffeine potentiated MDMA-induced DA release while inhibiting 5-HT release in the mouse striatum. Caffeine also exacerbated the oxidative damage of nuclear DNA induced by MDMA but diminished DAT decrease in the striatum and worsened a decrease in SERT density produced by MDMA in the frontal cortex. Neither the striatal PDYN expression, increased by MDMA, nor exploratory and locomotor activities of mice, decreased by MDMA, were affected by caffeine. The exploration of novel object in the NOR test was diminished by MDMA and caffeine. Our data provide evidence that long-term caffeine administration has a powerful influence on functions of dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons in the mouse brain and on neurotoxic effects evoked by MDMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Górska
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12 Street, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kamińska
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12 Street, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Wawrzczak-Bargieła
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Micaela Morelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ryszard Przewłocki
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Kreiner
- Department of Brain Biochemistry, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Krystyna Gołembiowska
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12 Street, 31-343, Kraków, Poland.
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16
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Miguelez C, Benazzouz A, Ugedo L, De Deurwaerdère P. Impairment of Serotonergic Transmission by the Antiparkinsonian Drug L-DOPA: Mechanisms and Clinical Implications. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:274. [PMID: 28955204 PMCID: PMC5600927 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The link between the anti-Parkinsonian drug L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) and the serotonergic (5-HT) system has been long established and has received increased attention during the last decade. Most studies have focused on the fact that L-DOPA can be transformed into dopamine (DA) and released from 5-HT terminals, which is especially important for the management of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia. In patients, treatment using L-DOPA also impacts 5-HT neurotransmission; however, few studies have investigated the mechanisms of this effect. The purpose of this review is to summarize the electrophysiological and neurochemical data concerning the effects of L-DOPA on 5-HT cell function. This review will argue that L-DOPA disrupts the link between the electrical activity of 5-HT neurons and 5-HT release as well as that between 5-HT release and extracellular 5-HT levels. These effects are caused by the actions of L-DOPA and DA in 5-HT neurons, which affect 5-HT neurotransmission from the biosynthesis of 5-HT to the impairment of the 5-HT transporter. The interaction between L-DOPA and 5-HT transmission is especially relevant in those Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients that suffer dyskinesia, comorbid anxiety or depression, since the efficacy of antidepressants or 5-HT compounds may be affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Miguelez
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)Leioa, Spain
| | - Abdelhamid Benazzouz
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, Université de Bordeaux, UMR 5293Bordeaux, France.,CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293Bordeaux, France
| | - Luisa Ugedo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)Leioa, Spain
| | - Philippe De Deurwaerdère
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, Université de Bordeaux, UMR 5293Bordeaux, France.,CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293Bordeaux, France
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17
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Costa G, Morelli M, Simola N. Progression and Persistence of Neurotoxicity Induced by MDMA in Dopaminergic Regions of the Mouse Brain and Association with Noradrenergic, GABAergic, and Serotonergic Damage. Neurotox Res 2017; 32:563-574. [PMID: 28597409 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-017-9761-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The amphetamine-related drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is known to induce neurotoxic damage in dopaminergic regions of the mouse brain. In order to characterize how the number of administrations influenced the severity of MDMA-induced dopaminergic damage and to describe the localization and persistence of this damage, we evaluated the changes in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine transporter (DAT) in different regions of the mouse brain. Moreover, we investigated whether dopaminergic damage was associated with noradrenergic, GABAergic, and serotonergic damage, by evaluating the changes in noradrenaline transporter (NET), glutamic acid decarboxylase-67 (GAD-67), and serotonin transporter (SERT). Mice received 14, 28, or 36 MDMA administrations (10 mg/kg twice a week) and were sacrificed at different time points (postnatal days 85, 110, 138, or 214) for immunohistochemical evaluation. Mice receiving 28 administrations showed reduced levels of DAT-positive fibers in caudate-putamen (CPu) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and reduced levels of TH-positive nigral neurons. These mice also displayed increased NET-positive hippocampal fibers, reduced GAD-67-positive neurons in CPu and hippocampus, and reduced GAD-67-positive fibers in mPFC. Similar effects of MDMA on DAT, TH, and GAD-67 were found in mice receiving 36 administrations, which also displayed reduced levels of striatal, cortical, and hippocampal TH-immunoreactive fibers. The reductions in dopaminergic markers and GAD-67 persisted at 3 months after MDMA discontinuation. Finally, MDMA never modified the levels of SERT. These results provide further insight into the localization and persistence of MDMA-induced dopaminergic damage and show that this effect may associate with GABAergic but not noradrenergic or serotonergic damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Micaela Morelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124, Cagliari, Italy. .,National Research Council of Italy, Neuroscience Institute, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Nicola Simola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124, Cagliari, Italy
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18
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Mouri A, Noda Y, Niwa M, Matsumoto Y, Mamiya T, Nitta A, Yamada K, Furukawa S, Iwamura T, Nabeshima T. The involvement of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-induced place preference and behavioral sensitization. Behav Brain Res 2017; 329:157-165. [PMID: 28472632 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.04.052] [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: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is known to induce dependence and psychosis in humans. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in the synaptic plasticity and neurotrophy in midbrain dopaminergic neurons. This study aimed to investigate the role of BDNF in MDMA-induced dependence and psychosis. A single dose of MDMA (10mg/kg) induced BDNF mRNA expression in the prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and amygdala, but not in the striatum or the hippocampus. However, repeated MDMA administration for 7 days induced BDNF mRNA expression in the striatum and hippocampus. Both precursor and mature BDNF protein expression increased in the nucleus accumbens, mainly in the neurons. Additionally, rapidly increased extracellular serotonin levels and gradually and modestly increased extracellular dopamine levels were noted within the nucleus accumbens of mice after repeated MDMA administration. Dopamine receptor antagonists attenuated the effect of repeated MDMA administration on BDNF mRNA expression in the nucleus accumbens. To examine the role of endogenous BDNF in the behavioral and neurochemical effects of MDMA, we used mice with heterozygous deletions of the BDNF gene. MDMA-induced place preference, behavioral sensitization, and an increase in the levels of extracellular serotonin and dopamine within the nucleus accumbens, were attenuated in BDNF heterozygous knockout mice. These results suggest that BDNF is implicated in MDMA-induced dependence and psychosis by activating the midbrain serotonergic and dopaminergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Mouri
- Advanced Diagnostic System Research Laboratory, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan; Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Meijo University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya 468-8503, Japan; Department of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8560, Japan; Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Nagoya 468-0069, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Noda
- Division of Clinical Sciences and Neuropsychopharmacology, Faculty and Graduate School of Pharmacy, Meijo University, Nagoya 468-8503, Japan; Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Nagoya 468-0069, Japan
| | - Minae Niwa
- Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Meijo University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya 468-8503, Japan; Department of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8560, Japan
| | - Yurie Matsumoto
- Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Meijo University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya 468-8503, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Mamiya
- Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Meijo University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya 468-8503, Japan; Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Nagoya 468-0069, Japan
| | - Atsumi Nitta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Therapy and Neuropharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan; Department of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8560, Japan; Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Nagoya 468-0069, Japan
| | - Kiyofumi Yamada
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8560, Japan; Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Nagoya 468-0069, Japan
| | - Shoei Furukawa
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Biofunctional Analysis, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu 501-1196, Japan
| | - Tatsunori Iwamura
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Matsuyama University, Matsuyama 790-8578, Japan
| | - Toshitaka Nabeshima
- Advanced Diagnostic System Research Laboratory, Fujita Health University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan; Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Meijo University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya 468-8503, Japan; Department of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8560, Japan; Japanese Drug Organization of Appropriate Use and Research, Nagoya 468-0069, Japan; Aino University, Ibaraki 567-0012, Japan.
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19
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DeLarge AF, Erwin LL, Winsauer PJ. Atypical binding at dopamine and serotonin transporters contribute to the discriminative stimulus effects of mephedrone. Neuropharmacology 2017; 119:62-75. [PMID: 28396142 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone), a constituent of the recreational substances known as "bath salts", is a synthetic cathinone that can produce auditory and visual hallucinations, as well as problematic cardiovascular effects. This study compared the discriminative stimulus effects of mephedrone (0.32-10 mg/kg) with other prototypical drugs of abuse: cocaine (0.56-32 mg/kg), d-amphetamine (0.18-3.2 mg/kg), ketamine (1.8-18 mg/kg), phencyclidine (PCP, 1-5.6 mg/kg), heroin (1-10 mg/kg), 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (R-DOI, 0.1-1 mg/kg), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC 0.56-5.6 mg/kg), 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA, 0.32-5.6 mg/kg), methylphenidate (1-10 mg/kg), and 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV, 0.56-5.6 mg/kg). The discriminative stimulus effects of mephedrone were also assessed after administration of the sigma receptor antagonist rimcazole (0.32-10 mg/kg), the relatively selective norepinephrine transporter (NET) inhibitor desipramine (1.8-18 mg/kg), and the selective serotonin transporter (SERT) inhibitor fluoxetine (1-18 mg/kg). Initially, rats were trained to discriminate an intraperitoneal injection of mephedrone (3.2 mg/kg) from saline under a fixed-ratio 20 schedule of food presentation. Following training, cumulative doses of mephedrone and the other drugs were administered to test for substitution (80% drug-lever responding). Of the drugs tested, including those that were tested in combination with mephedrone (i.e., rimcazole, desipramine, and fluoxetine), only cocaine fully substituted for mephedrone without substantially decreasing response rate. In addition, the three drugs administered in combination with mephedrone shifted the cumulative dose-effect curves leftward (percent drug-lever responding) and down (response rate), although fluoxetine did so in a dose-dependent manner ranging from antagonism to potentiation. In summary, the discriminative stimulus effects of mephedrone were most similar to those for the central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, cocaine, and SERT and DAT activity were necessary for these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa F DeLarge
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, USA.
| | - Laura L Erwin
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, USA
| | - Peter J Winsauer
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, USA; Alcohol and Drug Abuse Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, USA
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20
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Sessa B. Can 3,4,-methylenedioxymethamphetamine therapy be used to treat alcohol use disorder? JOURNAL OF PSYCHEDELIC STUDIES 2017. [DOI: 10.1556/2054.01.2016.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ben Sessa
- Imperial College London, London, England, UK
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21
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Neurochemical substrates of the rewarding effects of MDMA: implications for the development of pharmacotherapies to MDMA dependence. Behav Pharmacol 2016; 27:116-32. [PMID: 26650254 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, studies with animal models of reward, such as the intracranial self-stimulation, self-administration, and conditioned place preference paradigms, have increased our knowledge on the neurochemical substrates of the rewarding effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymetamphetamine (MDMA) in rodents. However, pharmacological and neuroimaging studies with human participants are scarce. Serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)], dopamine (DA), endocannabinoids, and endogenous opiates are the main neurotransmitter systems involved in the rewarding effects of MDMA in rodents, but other neurotransmitters such as glutamate, acetylcholine, adenosine, and neurotensin are also involved. The most important finding of recent research is the demonstration of differential involvement of specific neurotransmitter receptor subtypes (5-HT2, 5-HT3, DA D1, DA D2, CB1, μ and δ opioid, etc.) and extracellular proteins (DA and 5-HT transporters) in the acquisition, expression, extinction, and reinstatement of MDMA self-administration and conditioned place preference. It is important to extend the research on the effects of different compounds acting on these receptors/transporters in animal models of reward, especially in priming-induced, cue-induced, and stress-induced reinstatement. Increase in knowledge of the neurochemical substrates of the rewarding effects of MDMA may contribute to the design of new pharmacological treatments for individuals who develop MDMA dependence.
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22
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Caputi FF, Palmisano M, Carboni L, Candeletti S, Romualdi P. Opioid gene expression changes and post-translational histone modifications at promoter regions in the rat nucleus accumbens after acute and repeated 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) exposure. Pharmacol Res 2016; 114:209-218. [PMID: 27989838 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The recreational drug of abuse 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has been shown to produce neurotoxic damage and long-lasting changes in several brain areas. In addition to the involvement of serotoninergic and dopaminergic systems, little information exists about the contribution of nociceptin/orphaninFQ (N/OFQ)-NOP and dynorphin (DYN)-KOP systems in neuronal adaptations evoked by MDMA. Here we investigated the behavioral and molecular effects induced by acute (8mg/kg) or repeated (8mg/kg twice daily for seven days) MDMA exposure. MDMA exposure affected body weight gain and induced hyperlocomotion; this latter effect progressively decreased after repeated administration. Gene expression analysis indicated a down-regulation of the N/OFQ system and an up-regulation of the DYN system in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), highlighting an opposite systems regulation in response to MDMA exposure. Since histone modifications have been strongly associated to the addiction-related maladaptive changes, we examined two permissive (acH3K9 and me3H3K4) and two repressive transcription marks (me3H3K27 and me2H3K9) at the pertinent opioid gene promoter regions. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that acute MDMA increased me3H3K4 at the pN/OFQ, pDYN and NOP promoters. Following acute and repeated treatment a significant decrease of acH3K9 at the pN/OFQ promoter was observed, which correlated with gene expression results. Acute treatment caused an acH3K9 increase and a me2H3K9 decrease at the pDYN promoter which matched its mRNA up-regulation. Our data indicate that the activation of the DYNergic stress system together with the inactivation of the N/OFQergic anti-stress system contribute to the neuroadaptive actions of MDMA and offer novel epigenetic information associated with MDMA abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Martina Palmisano
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucia Carboni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
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Frau L, Simola N, Porceddu PF, Morelli M. Effect of crowding, temperature and age on glia activation and dopaminergic neurotoxicity induced by MDMA in the mouse brain. Neurotoxicology 2016; 56:127-138. [PMID: 27451954 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2016.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
3,4-methylenedyoxymethamphetamine (MDMA or "ecstasy"), a recreational drug of abuse, can induce glia activation and dopaminergic neurotoxicity. Since MDMA is often consumed in crowded environments featuring high temperatures, we studied how these factors influenced glia activation and dopaminergic neurotoxicity induced by MDMA. C57BL/6J adolescent (4 weeks old) and adult (12 weeks old) mice received MDMA (4×20mg/kg) in different conditions: 1) while kept 1, 5, or 10×cage at room temperature (21°C); 2) while kept 5×cage at either room (21°C) or high (27°C) temperature. After the last MDMA administration, immunohistochemistry was performed in the caudate-putamen for CD11b and GFAP, to mark microglia and astroglia, and in the substantia nigra pars compacta for tyrosine hydroxylase, to mark dopaminergic neurons. MDMA induced glia activation and dopaminergic neurotoxicity, compared with vehicle administration. Crowding (5 or 10 mice×cage) amplified MDMA-induced glia activation (in adult and adolescent mice) and dopaminergic neurotoxicity (in adolescent mice). Conversely, exposure to a high environmental temperature (27°C) potentiated MDMA-induced glia activation in adult and adolescent mice kept 5×cage, but not dopaminergic neurotoxicity. Crowding and exposure to a high environmental temperature amplified MDMA-induced hyperthermia, and a positive correlation between body temperature and activation of either microglia or astroglia was found in adult and adolescent mice. These results provide further evidence that the administration setting influences the noxious effects of MDMA in the mouse brain. However, while crowding amplifies both glia activation and dopaminergic neurotoxicity, a high environmental temperature exacerbates glia activation only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Nicola Simola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Pier Francesca Porceddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Micaela Morelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124, Cagliari, Italy; CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Cagliari, Italy.
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Ghaderi M, Rezayof A, Vousooghi N, Zarrindast MR. Dorsal hippocampal NMDA receptors mediate the interactive effects of arachidonylcyclopropylamide and MDMA/ecstasy on memory retrieval in rats. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2016; 66:41-47. [PMID: 26612394 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2015.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Revised: 11/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A combination of cannabis and ecstasy may change the cognitive functions more than either drug alone. The present study was designed to investigate the possible involvement of dorsal hippocampal NMDA receptors in the interactive effects of arachidonylcyclopropylamide (ACPA) and ecstasy/MDMA on memory retrieval. Adult male Wistar rats were cannulated into the CA1 regions of the dorsal hippocampus (intra-CA1) and memory retrieval was examined using the step-through type of passive avoidance task. Intra-CA1 microinjection of a selective CB1 receptor agonist, ACPA (0.5-4ng/rat) immediately before the testing phase (pre-test), but not after the training phase (post-training), impaired memory retrieval. In addition, pre-test intra-CA1 microinjection of MDMA (0.5-1μg/rat) dose-dependently decreased step-through latency, indicating an amnesic effect of the drug by itself. Interestingly, pre-test microinjection of a higher dose of MDMA into the CA1 regions significantly improved ACPA-induced memory impairment. Moreover, pre-test intra-CA1 microinjection of a selective NMDA receptor antagonist, D-AP5 (1 and 2μg/rat) inhibited the reversal effect of MDMA on the impairment of memory retrieval induced by ACPA. Pre-test intra-CA1 microinjection of the same doses of D-AP5 had no effect on memory retrieval alone. These findings suggest that ACPA or MDMA consumption can induce memory retrieval impairment, while their co-administration improves this amnesic effect through interacting with hippocampal glutamatergic-NMDA receptor mechanism. Thus, it seems that the tendency to abuse cannabis with ecstasy may be for avoiding cognitive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Ghaderi
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ameneh Rezayof
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology and Center of Excellence in Phylogeny of Living Organisms, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasim Vousooghi
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine and Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; School of Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), Tehran, Iran.
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Gołembiowska K, Jurczak A, Kamińska K, Noworyta-Sokołowska K, Górska A. Effect of Some Psychoactive Drugs Used as 'Legal Highs' on Brain Neurotransmitters. Neurotox Res 2016; 29:394-407. [PMID: 26501352 PMCID: PMC4786600 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-015-9569-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Revised: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
New psychoactive "designer drugs" are synthetic compounds developed to provide similar effects to illicit drugs of abuse, but not subjected to legal control. The rapidly changing legal status of novel psychoactive drugs triggers the development of new compounds, analogs of well-known amphetamine or mescaline. New designer drugs used as substitutes in ecstasy pills are the least investigated and can cause life-threatening effects on users. The aim of our research was to examine the effects of acute administration of 4-methoxyamphetamine (PMA, 5 and 10 mg/kg), 4-methoxy-N-methylamphetamine (PMMA, 5 and 10 mg/kg), and mephedrone (MEPH, 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) on extracellular and tissue level of dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and their metabolites in rat brain, by microdialysis method in freely moving animals and HPLC. Similarly to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 5 and 10 mg/kg) PMA, PMMA and MEPH enhanced the release of DA and 5-HT in rat striatum, nucleus accumbens, and frontal cortex. DA tissue content was increased by MEPH and PMMA in striatum, by MEPH, PMA, and PMMA in nucleus accumbens, and by PMA in frontal cortex. Instead, cortical DA level was decreased by MEPH and PMMA. MEPH did not influence 5-HT tissue level in striatum and nucleus accumbens, but decreased its level in frontal cortex. PMMA increased 5-HT content in striatum, while PMA enhanced it in nucleus accumbens and frontal cortex. Observed changes in brain monoamines and their metabolites by new psychoactive drugs suggest that these drugs may be capable of development of dependence. Further experiments are needed to fully investigate the neurotoxic and abuse potential of those drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystyna Gołembiowska
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Alexandra Jurczak
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kamińska
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Karolina Noworyta-Sokołowska
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Górska
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
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Köhler S, Cierpinsky K, Kronenberg G, Adli M. The serotonergic system in the neurobiology of depression: Relevance for novel antidepressants. J Psychopharmacol 2016; 30:13-22. [PMID: 26464458 DOI: 10.1177/0269881115609072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The monoamine hypothesis of depression posits that an imbalance in monoaminergic neurotransmission is causally related to the clinical features of depression. Antidepressants influencing serotonin mainly aim at raising serotonin concentrations, thereby increasing serotonergic transmission at the level of the synapse, for example by inhibiting the serotonin transporter. However, the serotonin system is multifaceted. Different serotonin receptor subtypes turn the serotonergic system into a complex neurochemical arrangement that influences diverse neurotransmitters in various brain regions. Classical antidepressants as well as other psychopharmacological agents have various crucial effects on serotonin receptors. We aim at providing a clinically useful characterization of serotonin receptor subtypes in the treatment of depression. Clarifying the mode of action and the interplay of serotonin receptors with pharmacological agents should help antidepressant mechanisms and typical side effects to be better understood. Against this background, we feature the novel antidepressants vortioxetine, vilazodone and milnacipran/levomilnacipran with regard to their serotonin receptor targets such as the 5-HT1A, 5-HT3 and 5-HT7 which may account for their specific effects on certain symptoms of depression (e.g. cognition and anxiety) as well as a characteristic side-effect profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Köhler
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Cierpinsky
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Berlin, Germany
| | - Golo Kronenberg
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mazda Adli
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Berlin, Germany Fliedner Clinic Berlin and Center for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Berlin, Germany
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Moratalla R, Khairnar A, Simola N, Granado N, García-Montes JR, Porceddu PF, Tizabi Y, Costa G, Morelli M. Amphetamine-related drugs neurotoxicity in humans and in experimental animals: Main mechanisms. Prog Neurobiol 2015; 155:149-170. [PMID: 26455459 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amphetamine-related drugs, such as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and methamphetamine (METH), are popular recreational psychostimulants. Several preclinical studies have demonstrated that, besides having the potential for abuse, amphetamine-related drugs may also elicit neurotoxic and neuroinflammatory effects. The neurotoxic potentials of MDMA and METH to dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons have been clearly demonstrated in both rodents and non-human primates. This review summarizes the species-specific cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in MDMA and METH-mediated neurotoxic and neuroinflammatory effects, along with the most important behavioral changes elicited by these substances in experimental animals and humans. Emphasis is placed on the neuropsychological and neurological consequences associated with the neuronal damage. Moreover, we point out the gap in our knowledge and the need for developing appropriate therapeutic strategies to manage the neurological problems associated with amphetamine-related drug abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Moratalla
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC, Madrid, Spain; CIBERNED, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Amit Khairnar
- Applied Neuroscience Research Group, CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Nicola Simola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Noelia Granado
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC, Madrid, Spain; CIBERNED, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Ruben García-Montes
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC, Madrid, Spain; CIBERNED, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pier Francesca Porceddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Yousef Tizabi
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Micaela Morelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Neurobiology of Dependence, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Neuroscience, Cagliari, Italy
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Valvassori SS, Tonin PT, Varela RB, Carvalho AF, Mariot E, Amboni RT, Bianchini G, Andersen ML, Quevedo J. Lithium modulates the production of peripheral and cerebral cytokines in an animal model of mania induced by dextroamphetamine. Bipolar Disord 2015; 17:507-17. [PMID: 25929806 DOI: 10.1111/bdi.12299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Several recent studies have suggested that the physiopathology of bipolar disorder (BD) is related to immune system alterations and inflammation. Lithium (Li) is a mood stabilizer that is considered the first-line treatment for this mood disorder. The goal of the present study was to investigate the effects of Li administration on behavior and cytokine levels [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)] in the periphery and brains of rats subjected to an animal model of mania induced by amphetamine (d-AMPH). METHODS Male Wistar rats were treated with d-AMPH or saline (Sal) for 14 days; on Day 8 of treatment, the rats were administered Li or Sal for the final seven days. Cytokine (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α) levels were evaluated in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), serum, frontal cortex, striatum, and hippocampus. RESULTS The present study showed that d-AMPH induced hyperactivity in rats (p < 0.001), and Li treatment reversed this behavioral alteration (p < 0.001). In addition, d-AMPH increased the levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α in the frontal cortex (p < 0.001), striatum (p < 0.001), and serum (p < 0.001), and treatment with Li reversed these cytokine alterations (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Li modulates peripheral and cerebral cytokine production in an animal model of mania induced by d-AMPH, suggesting that its action on the inflammatory system may contribute to its therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira S Valvassori
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Paula T Tonin
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Roger B Varela
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - André F Carvalho
- Department of Psychiatry and Translational Psychiatry Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Edemilson Mariot
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Rafaela T Amboni
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Bianchini
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Monica L Andersen
- Departamento de Psicologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - João Quevedo
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, Brazil.,Center for Experimental Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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29
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Rouine J, Kelly ME, Jennings-Murphy C, Duffy P, Gorman I, Gormley S, Kerskens CM, Harkin A. Investigation of the mechanisms mediating MDMA "Ecstasy"-induced increases in cerebro-cortical perfusion determined by btASL MRI. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:1501-13. [PMID: 25366875 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3790-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Acute administration of the recreational drug of abuse 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; Ecstasy) has previously been shown to increase cerebro-cortical perfusion as determined by bolus-tracking arterial spin labelling (btASL) MRI. OBJECTIVES The purpose of the current study was to assess the mechanisms mediating these changes following systemic administration of MDMA to rats. METHODS Pharmacological manipulation of serotonergic, dopaminergic and nitrergic transmission was carried out to determine the mechanism of action of MDMA-induced increases in cortical perfusion using btASL MRI. RESULTS Fenfluramine (10 mg/kg), like MDMA (20 mg/kg), increased cortical perfusion. Increased cortical perfusion was not obtained with the 5-HT2 receptor agonist 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl-aminopropane hydrochloride (DOI) (1 mg/kg). Depletion of central 5-HT following systemic administration of the tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor para-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA) produced effects similar to those observed with MDMA. Pre-treatment with the 5-HT receptor antagonist metergoline (4 mg/kg) or with the 5-HT reuptake inhibitor citalopram (30 mg/kg), however, failed to produce any effect alone or influence the response to MDMA. Pre-treatment with the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390 (1 mg/kg) failed to influence the changes in cortical perfusion obtained with MDMA. Treatment with the neuronal nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) (25 mg/kg) provoked no change in cerebral perfusion alone yet attenuated the MDMA-related increase in cortical perfusion. CONCLUSIONS Cortical 5-HT depletion is associated with increases in perfusion although this mechanism alone does not account for MDMA-related changes. A role for NO, a key regulator of cerebrovascular perfusion, is implicated in MDMA-induced increases in cortical perfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Rouine
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, 2, Ireland
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Zaretsky DV, Zaretskaia MV, Durant PJ, Rusyniak DE. Treadmill running restores MDMA-mediated hyperthermia prevented by inhibition of the dorsomedial hypothalamus. Brain Res 2015; 1608:75-81. [PMID: 25725382 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.02.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Revised: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The contribution of exercise to hyperthermia mediated by MDMA is not known. We recently showed that inhibiting the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) attenuated spontaneous locomotion and hyperthermia and prevented deaths in rats given MDMA in a warm environment. The goal of this study was to confirm that restoring locomotion through a treadmill would reverse these effects thereby confirming that locomotion mediated by the DMH contributes to MDMA-mediated hyperthermia. Rats were randomized to receive bilateral microinjections, into the region of the DMH, of muscimol (80pmol/100nl) or artificial CSF followed by a systemic dose of either MDMA (7.5mg/kg, i.v.) or saline. Immediately after the systemic injection, rats were placed on a motorized treadmill maintained at 32°C. Rats were exercised at a fixed speed (10m/min) until their core temperature reached 41°C. Our results showed that a fixed exercise load abolished the decreases in temperature and mortality, seen previously with inhibition of the DMH in freely moving rats. Therefore, locomotion mediated by neurons in the DMH is critical to the development of hyperthermia from MDMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry V Zaretsky
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Maria V Zaretskaia
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Pamela J Durant
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Daniel E Rusyniak
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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31
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Price JS, Shear P, Lisdahl KM. Ecstasy exposure & gender: examining components of verbal memory functioning. PLoS One 2014; 9:e115645. [PMID: 25545890 PMCID: PMC4278706 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Studies have demonstrated verbal memory deficits associated with past year ecstasy use, although specific underlying components of these deficits are less understood. Further, prior research suggests potential gender differences in ecstasy-induced serotonergic changes. Therefore, the current study investigated whether gender moderated the relationship between ecstasy exposure and components of verbal memory after controlling for polydrug use and confounding variables. METHOD Data were collected from 65 polydrug users with a wide range of ecstasy exposure (ages 18-35; 48 ecstasy and 17 marijuana users; 0-2310 ecstasy tablets). Participants completed a verbal learning and memory task, psychological questionnaires, and a drug use interview. RESULTS Increased past year ecstasy exposure predicted poorer short and long delayed free and cued recalls, retention, and recall discrimination. Male ecstasy users were more susceptible to dose-dependent deficits in retention than female users. CONCLUSION Past year ecstasy consumption was associated with verbal memory retrieval, retention, and discrimination deficits in a dose-dependent manner in a sample of healthy young adult polydrug users. Male ecstasy users were at particular risk for deficits in retention following a long delay. Gender difference may be reflective of different patterns of polydrug use as well as increased hippocampal sensitivity. Future research examining neuronal correlates of verbal memory deficits in ecstasy users are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenessa S. Price
- McLean Hospital – Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Paula Shear
- Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Krista M. Lisdahl
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
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Górska AM, Gołembiowska K. The role of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors in the caffeine effect on MDMA-induced DA and 5-HT release in the mouse striatum. Neurotox Res 2014; 27:229-45. [PMID: 25391902 PMCID: PMC4353865 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-014-9501-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Revised: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “ecstasy”) popular as a designer drug is often used with caffeine to gain a stronger stimulant effect. MDMA induces 5-HT and DA release by interaction with monoamine transporters. Co-administration of caffeine and MDMA may aggravate MDMA-induced toxic effects on DA and 5-HT terminals. In the present study, we determined whether caffeine influences DA and 5-HT release induced by MDMA. We also tried to find out if adenosine A1 and A2A receptors play a role in the effect of caffeine by investigating the effect of the selective adenosine A1 and A2A receptor antagonists, DPCPX and KW 6002 on DA and 5-HT release induced by MDMA. Mice were treated with caffeine (10 mg/kg) and MDMA (20 or 40 mg/kg) alone or in combination. DA and 5-HT release in the mouse striatum was measured using in vivo microdialysis. Caffeine exacerbated the effect of MDMA on DA and 5-HT release. DPCPX or KW 6002 co-administered with MDMA had similar influence as caffeine, but KW 6002 was more potent than caffeine or DPCPX. To exclude the contribution of MAO inhibition by caffeine in the caffeine effect on MDMA-induced increase in DA and 5-HT, we also tested the effect of the nonxanthine adenosine receptor antagonist CGS 15943A lacking properties of MAO activity modification. Our findings indicate that adenosine A1 and A2A receptor blockade may account for the caffeine-induced exacerbation of the MDMA effect on DA and 5-HT release and may aggravate MDMA toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. M. Górska
- Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - K. Gołembiowska
- Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
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Matsumoto T, Maeno Y, Kato H, Seko-Nakamura Y, Monma-Ohtaki J, Ishiba A, Nagao M, Aoki Y. 5-hydroxytryptamine- and dopamine-releasing effects of ring-substituted amphetamines on rat brain: a comparative study using in vivo microdialysis. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2014; 24:1362-70. [PMID: 24862256 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2014.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Revised: 04/06/2014] [Accepted: 04/27/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Using in vivo microdialysis, a comparative study was conducted to examine the effects of amphetamine-related compounds (methamphetamine, MAP; 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMA; p-methoxyamphetamine, PMA; p-methoxymethamphetamine, PMMA; 4-methylthioamphetamine, 4-MTA; 3,4,5-trimethoxyamphetamine, TMA; 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine, DOI) on extracellular levels of serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA). Dialysates were assayed using HPLC equipped with electrochemical detector following i.p. administration with each drug at a dose of 5 mg/kg. MAP was found to drastically and rapidly increase 5-HT and DA levels (870% and 1460%, respectively). PMA, PMMA, and 4-MTA slightly increased DA levels (150-290%) but remarkably increased 5-HT levels (540-900%). In contrast, TMA and DOI caused no detectable changes in levels of both monoamines. We observed that the potent DA-releasing action of MAP was remarkably decreased by introduction of methoxy or methylthio group at the para position (MAP vs. PMMA or 4-MTA), but introduction of two additional adjacent methoxy groups into PMA totally abolished its 5-HT-/DA-releasing action (PMA vs. TMA). In addition, para-mono-substituted compounds inhibited both monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes more strongly than other compounds; PMA and 4-MTA exhibited submicromolar IC50 values for MAO-A. On the other hand, TMA scarcely affected the activity of both MAO enzymes as well as extracellular levels of 5-HT and DA. In this comparative study, MDMA, PMA, and 4-MTA functioned similar to PMMA, a typical empathogen; these findings therefore could be helpful in clarifying the psychopharmacological properties of amphetamine-related, empathogenic designer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Matsumoto
- Criminal Investigation Laboratory, Aichi Prefectural Police H.Q., Sannomaru 2-chome 1-1, Naka-ku, Nagoya 460-8502, Japan; Department of Forensic Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kawasumi 1, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan.
| | - Y Maeno
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kawasumi 1, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - H Kato
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kawasumi 1, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Y Seko-Nakamura
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kawasumi 1, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - J Monma-Ohtaki
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kawasumi 1, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - A Ishiba
- Criminal Investigation Laboratory, Aichi Prefectural Police H.Q., Sannomaru 2-chome 1-1, Naka-ku, Nagoya 460-8502, Japan
| | - M Nagao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-0037, Japan
| | - Y Aoki
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kawasumi 1, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
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Abstract
Ecstasy is a widely used recreational drug that usually consists primarily of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Most ecstasy users consume other substances as well, which complicates the interpretation of research in this field. The positively rated effects of MDMA consumption include euphoria, arousal, enhanced mood, increased sociability, and heightened perceptions; some common adverse reactions are nausea, headache, tachycardia, bruxism, and trismus. Lowering of mood is an aftereffect that is sometimes reported from 2 to 5 days after a session of ecstasy use. The acute effects of MDMA in ecstasy users have been attributed primarily to increased release and inhibited reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine, along with possible release of the neuropeptide oxytocin. Repeated or high-dose MDMA/ecstasy use has been associated with tolerance, depressive symptomatology, and persisting cognitive deficits, particularly in memory tests. Animal studies have demonstrated that high doses of MDMA can lead to long-term decreases in forebrain 5-HT concentrations, tryptophan hydroxylase activity, serotonin transporter (SERT) expression, and visualization of axons immunoreactive for 5-HT or SERT. These neurotoxic effects may reflect either a drug-induced degeneration of serotonergic fibers or a long-lasting downregulation in 5-HT and SERT biosynthesis. Possible neurotoxicity in heavy ecstasy users has been revealed by neuroimaging studies showing reduced SERT binding and increased 5-HT2A receptor binding in several cortical and/or subcortical areas. MDMA overdose or use with certain other drugs can also cause severe morbidity and even death. Repeated use of MDMA may lead to dose escalation and the development of dependence, although such dependence is usually not as profound as is seen with many other drugs of abuse. MDMA/ecstasy-dependent patients are treated with standard addiction programs, since there are no specific programs for this substance and no proven medications. Finally, even though MDMA is listed as a Schedule I compound by the Drug Enforcement Agency, MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for patients with chronic, treatment-resistant posttraumatic stress disorder is currently under investigation. Initial results show efficacy for this treatment approach, although considerably more research must be performed to confirm such efficacy and to ensure that the benefits of MDMA-assisted therapy outweigh the risks to the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerrold S Meyer
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behavior Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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Harper DN. Attenuation of the disruptive effects of (+/-)3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine and cocaine on delayed matching-to-sample performance with D1 versus D2 antagonists. Addict Biol 2013; 18:912-20. [PMID: 21995578 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2011.00389.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that acute exposure to (+/-)3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) produces qualitatively similar effects on recognition task performance as other stimulant-type drugs. The current study examined whether there was a similar neurochemical basis to these memory effects by examining the effects of a D1 receptor antagonist (SCH23390) and D2 antagonist (eticlopride) on MDMA- or cocaine-induced impairments in delayed matching-to-sample performance in rats. At low doses it was shown that eticlopride was ineffective in antagonizing either MDMA or cocaine's effects, and at higher doses exacerbated their effects. In contrast, the D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 was only able to significantly attenuate the disruption caused by MDMA, but not cocaine's effects. Therefore, although present evidence suggests that the effect of acute MDMA on memory-task performance may be related to its effects at D1 receptor sites, there may be differences between MDMA and cocaine in the precise neurochemical pathways involved despite their having similar cognitive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- David N Harper
- School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
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Varela RB, Valvassori SS, Lopes-Borges J, Fraga DB, Resende WR, Arent CO, Zugno AI, Quevedo J. Evaluation of acetylcholinesterase in an animal model of mania induced by D-amphetamine. Psychiatry Res 2013; 209:229-34. [PMID: 23245536 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2012.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2012] [Revised: 09/21/2012] [Accepted: 11/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The present study aims to investigate the effects of mood stabilizers, lithium (Li) and valproate (VPA), on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the brains of rats subjected to an animal model of mania induced by D-amphetamine (D-AMPH). In the reversal treatment, Wistar rats were first given D-AMPH or saline (Sal) for 14 days. Between days 8 and 14, the rats were treated with Li, VPA, or Sal. In the prevention treatment, rats were pretreated with Li, VPA, or Sal. AChE activity was measured in the brain structures (prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum). Li, alone in reversion and prevention treatments, increased AChE activity in the brains of rats. VPA, alone in prevention treatment, increased AChE activity in all brain regions evaluated; in the reversion, only in the prefrontal. However, D-AMPH decreased activity of AChE in the striatum of rats in both the reversion and prevention treatments. VPA was able to revert and prevent this AChE activity alteration in the rat striatum. Our findings further support the notion that the mechanisms of mood stabilizers also involve changes in AChE activity, thus reinforcing the need for more studies to better characterize the role of acetylcholine in bipolar disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger B Varela
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina, 88806-000 Criciúma, SC, Brazil
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Zaretsky DV, Zaretskaia MV, Dimicco JA, Durant PJ, Ross CT, Rusyniak DE. Independent of 5-HT1A receptors, neurons in the paraventricular hypothalamus mediate ACTH responses from MDMA. Neurosci Lett 2013; 555:42-6. [PMID: 23933156 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2013.07.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Revised: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Acute and chronic complications from the substituted amphetamine 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) are linked to activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. How MDMA activates the HPA axis is not known. HPA responses to stress are known to be mediated through the paraventricular (PVH) hypothalamus and to involve serotonin-1a (5-HT1A) receptors. We sought to determine if the PVH and 5-HT1A receptors were also involved in mediating HPA responses to MDMA. Rats were pretreated with either saline or a 5-HT1A antagonist, WAY-100635 (WAY), followed by a systemic dose of MDMA (7.5mg/kg i.v.). Animals pretreated with WAY had significantly lower plasma ACTH concentrations after MDMA. To determine if neurons in the PVH were involved, and if their involvement was mediated by 5-HT1A receptors, rats implanted with guide cannulas targeting the PVH were microinjected with the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol, aCSF, or WAY followed by MDMA. Compared to aCSF, microinjections of muscimol significantly attenuated the MDMA-induced rise in plasma ACTH (126 vs. 588pg/ml, P=<0.01). WAY had no effect. Our data demonstrates that neurons in the PVH, independent of 5-HT1A receptors, mediate ACTH responses to MDMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry V Zaretsky
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
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Involvement of 5-hydroxytryptamine 5-HT3 serotonergic receptors in the acquisition and reinstatement of the conditioned place preference induced by MDMA. Eur J Pharmacol 2013; 714:132-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Revised: 05/31/2013] [Accepted: 06/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Roger-Sánchez C, Rodríguez-Arias M, Miñarro J, Aguilar MA. Effects of risperidone on the acquisition and reinstatement of the conditioned place preference induced by MDMA. Brain Res Bull 2013; 98:36-43. [PMID: 23892054 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2013.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2013] [Revised: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Some users of 3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA or ecstasy) abuse this drug and/or become concerned about their use. These individuals would benefit greatly from the development of pharmacological strategies to reduce MDMA consumption. We have previously observed that antipsychotics block acquisition and expression of the conditioned place preference (CPP) induced by MDMA, though they do not modify priming-induced reinstatement of MDMA-induced CPP after extinction. In the present study we have evaluated the capacity of the mixed serotonin (5-HT2A)/dopamine (DA D2) antagonist risperidone to block acquisition and reinstatement of MDMA induced-CPP. Adolescent male mice conditioned with 10mg/kg of MDMA were treated with 0.1 or 0.3mg/kg of risperidone during acquisition of conditioning (experiment 1) or before the reinstatement test (experiment 2). Risperidone was devoid of motivational effects in the CPP paradigm, but the higher dose blocked acquisition of the MDMA-induced CPP. This behavioural effect was accompanied by an increase in the level of dopamine transporters in the striatum. However, risperidone had no effects on reinstatement of the CPP induced by a priming of MDMA. Our results suggest that risperidone induces the same effects as other antipsychotics, in which case its efficacy for treating MDMA abuse is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Roger-Sánchez
- Unidad de Investigación Psicobiología de las Drogodependencias, Departamento de Psicobiologia, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Valencia, Spain
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Moritz ML, Kalantar-Zadeh K, Ayus JC. Ecstacy-associated hyponatremia: why are women at risk? Nephrol Dial Transplant 2013; 28:2206-9. [PMID: 23804804 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gft192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Moritz
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Coppola M, Mondola R. 5-Iodo-2-aminoindan (5-IAI): chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of a research chemical producing MDMA-like effects. Toxicol Lett 2013; 218:24-9. [PMID: 23347877 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2013.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Revised: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In 2010, an internet snapshot of EMCDDA anticipated the presence of 5-iodo-2-aminoindan (5-IAI) within the recreational drug market. In 2011, this compound, a psychoactive derivative of 2-aminoindane, was identified in recreational products sold in the United Kingdom. 5-IAI is a rigid analogue of p-iodoamphetamine producing MDMA-like effects. The aim of this paper is to summarize the clinical, pharmacological, and toxicological information about this new potential drug of abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Coppola
- Department of Addiction, ASL CN2, Viale Coppino 46, 12051 Alba (CN), Italy.
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Khazaei Koohpar Z, Hashemi M, Mahdian R, Parivar K. The Effect of Pentoxifylline on bcl-2 Gene Expression Changes in Hippocampus after Long-term use of Ecstasy in Wistar Rats. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2013; 12:521-7. [PMID: 24250658 PMCID: PMC3813269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
3,4- Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or "Ecstasy") is a psychoactive and hallucinogenic drug of abuse. MDMA has been shown to produce neurotoxicity both in animals and humans. Recently, the vasodilator drugs such as pentoxifylline is one of the new strategies which have been considered as neuroprotector. In this study effect of pentoxifylline on bcl- 2 gene expression changes in hippocampus of rat following long- term use of ecstasy was investigated. 30 male Wistar rats weighing 250-300 g were randomly divided into 5 groups: control (normal), sham (MDMA injection), experimental 1 (MDMA and then PTX injections), experimental 2 (PTX injection and after 1 week, MDMA injection) and vehicle (saline injection) groups. All drugs were injected intraperitoneally.Two weeks later, the hippocampi were removed for studying the changes in bcl-2 gene expression. We used quantitative real time PCR for detection of bcl-2 gene expression in treated groups and then compared them to control samples. The results showed the gene dosage ratio of 0.49, 0.78 and 1.17 for sham, experimental 1 and experimental 2 groups, respectively. The results also showed the bcl-2 gene expression declined in sham group as compared to the experimentalgroups. Furthermore, we observed a significant difference in the bcl-2 gene expression between sham and experimental 2 groups. We conclude that quantitative real time PCR could be used as a direct method for the detection of bcl-2 gene expression in tested and normal samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Khazaei Koohpar
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.,Corresponding author: E-mail:
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Department of Genetics, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Branch, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Reza Mahdian
- Biotechnology Research Center, Molecular Medicine Department Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Kazem Parivar
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
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Vanattou-Saïfoudine N, McNamara R, Harkin A. Caffeine provokes adverse interactions with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'ecstasy') and related psychostimulants: mechanisms and mediators. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 167:946-59. [PMID: 22671762 PMCID: PMC3492978 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.02065.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2012] [Revised: 05/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Concomitant consumption of caffeine with recreational psychostimulant drugs of abuse can provoke severe acute adverse reactions in addition to longer term consequences. The mechanisms by which caffeine increases the toxicity of psychostimulants include changes in body temperature regulation, cardiotoxicity and lowering of the seizure threshold. Caffeine also influences the stimulatory, discriminative and reinforcing effects of psychostimulant drugs. In this review, we consider our current understanding of such caffeine-related drug interactions, placing a particular emphasis on an adverse interaction between caffeine and the substituted amphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'ecstasy'), which has been most recently described and characterized. Co-administration of caffeine profoundly enhances the acute toxicity of MDMA in rats, as manifested by high core body temperature, tachycardia and increased mortality. In addition, co-administration of caffeine enhances the long-term serotonergic neurotoxicity induced by MDMA. Observations to date support an interactive model of drug-induced toxicity comprising MDMA-related enhancement of dopamine release coupled to a caffeine-mediated antagonism of adenosine receptors in addition to inhibition of PDE. These experiments are reviewed together with reports of caffeine-related drug interactions with cocaine, d-amphetamine and ephedrine where similar mechanisms are implicated. Understanding the underlying mechanisms will guide appropriate intervention strategies for the management of severe reactions and potential for increased drug-related toxicity, resulting from concomitant caffeine consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Vanattou-Saïfoudine
- Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
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Lettfuss NY, Fischer K, Sossi V, Pichler BJ, von Ameln-Mayerhofer A. Imaging DA release in a rat model of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias: A longitudinal in vivo PET investigation of the antidyskinetic effect of MDMA. Neuroimage 2012; 63:423-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2012.06.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Revised: 06/03/2012] [Accepted: 06/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
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Kelly KA, Miller DB, Bowyer JF, O’Callaghan JP. Chronic exposure to corticosterone enhances the neuroinflammatory and neurotoxic responses to methamphetamine. J Neurochem 2012; 122:995-1009. [PMID: 22776046 PMCID: PMC4706460 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2012.07864.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Up-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in brain ("neuroinflammation") accompanies neurological disease and neurotoxicity. Previously, we documented a striatal neuroinflammatory response to acute administration of a neurotoxic dose of methamphetamine (METH), i.e. one associated with evidence of dopaminergic terminal damage and activation of microglia and astroglia. When we used minocycline to suppress METH-induced neuroinflammation, indices of dopaminergic neurotoxicity were not affected, but suppression of neuroinflammation was incomplete. Here, we administered the classic anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid, corticosterone (CORT), in an attempt to completely suppress METH-related neuroinflammation. METH alone caused large increases in striatal proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine mRNA and subsequent astrocytic hypertrophy, microglial activation, and dopaminergic nerve terminal damage. Pre-treatment of mice with acute CORT failed to prevent neuroinflammatory responses to METH. Surprisingly, when mice were pre-treated with chronic CORT in the drinking water, an enhanced striatal neuroinflammatory response to METH was observed, an effect that was accompanied by enhanced METH-induced astrogliosis and dopaminergic neurotoxicity. Chronic CORT pre-treatment also sensitized frontal cortex and hippocampus to mount a neuroinflammatory response to METH. Because the levels of chronic CORT used are associated with high physiological stress, our data suggest that chronic CORT therapy or sustained physiological stress may sensitize the neuroinflammatory and neurotoxicity responses to METH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A. Kelly
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Diane B. Miller
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - John F. Bowyer
- Division of Neurotoxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, USA
| | - James P. O’Callaghan
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
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46
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Simola N, Fenu S, Costa G, Pinna A, Plumitallo A, Morelli M. Pharmacological characterization of 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations in rats: Comparison of the effects of different psychoactive drugs and relevance in drug-induced reward. Neuropharmacology 2012; 63:224-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2011] [Revised: 03/02/2012] [Accepted: 03/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Acutely applied MDMA enhances long-term potentiation in rat hippocampus involving D1/D5 and 5-HT2 receptors through a polysynaptic mechanism. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2012; 22:584-95. [PMID: 22209363 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2011.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2011] [Revised: 10/12/2011] [Accepted: 11/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) is a drug of abuse that induces learning and memory deficit. However, there are no experimental data that correlate the behavioral evidence with models of synaptic plasticity such as long-term potentiation (LTP) or long-term depression (LTD). Using field potential recordings in rat hippocampal slices of young rats, we found that acute application of MDMA enhances LTP in CA3-CA1 synapses without affecting LTD. Using specific antagonists and paired-pulse facilitation protocols we observed that the MDMA-dependent increase of LTP involves presynaptic 5-HT₂ serotonin receptors and postsynaptic D1/D5 dopamine receptors. In addition, the inhibition of PKA suppresses the MDMA-dependent increase in LTP, suggesting that dopamine receptor agonism activates cAMP-dependent intracellular pathways. We propose that MDMA exerts its LTP-altering effect involving a polysynaptic interaction between serotonergic and dopaminergic systems in hippocampal synapses. Our results are compatible with the view that the alterations in hippocampal LTP could be responsible for MDMA-dependent cognitive deficits observed in humans and animals.
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48
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Bogenschutz MP, Pommy JM. Therapeutic mechanisms of classic hallucinogens in the treatment of addictions: from indirect evidence to testable hypotheses. Drug Test Anal 2012; 4:543-55. [PMID: 22761106 DOI: 10.1002/dta.1376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2012] [Revised: 04/30/2012] [Accepted: 04/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol and drug addiction are major public health problems, and existing treatments are only moderately effective. Although there has been interest for over half a century in the therapeutic use of classic hallucinogens to treat addictions, clinical research with these drugs was halted at an early stage in the early 1970s, leaving many fundamental questions unanswered. In the past two decades, clinical research on classic hallucinogens has resumed, although addiction treatment trials are only now beginning. The purpose of this paper is to provide a targeted review of the research most relevant to the therapeutic potential of hallucinogens, and to integrate this information with current thinking about addiction and recovery. On the basis of this information, we present a heuristic model which organizes a number of hypotheses that may be tested in future research. We conclude that existing evidence provides a convincing rationale for further research on the effects of classic hallucinogens in the treatment of addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Bogenschutz
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Department of Psychiatry Center for Psychiatric Research, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA.
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Licht CL, Christoffersen M, Okholm M, Damgaard L, Fink-Jensen A, Knudsen GM, Erritzoe D. Simultaneous polysubstance use among Danish 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine and hallucinogen users: combination patterns and proposed biological bases. Hum Psychopharmacol 2012; 27:352-63. [PMID: 22696164 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2012] [Accepted: 05/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe patterns of simultaneous polysubstance use (SPU) among Danish 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) ("Ecstasy") and hallucinogen users. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of 98 active MDMA and/or hallucinogen users recruited through homepage advertisements, flyers, and word of mouth in Denmark. Lifetime and recent substance use and SPU at last recalled use was described by structured interviews. Hair samples from a subset of participants were analyzed for MDMA. RESULTS The participants had used an average of 12.6 (95% confidence interval: 11.7-13.4) psychoactive substances during their lifetime. SPU was prevalent among MDMA, d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and psilocybin users, in particular with alcohol and cannabis. Among MDMA users, 69% had combined MDMA with amphetamines, 56% with hallucinogens, and 47% with cocaine. At last recalled use, MDMA was taken with 2.1 ± 1.2 substances in 32 different combinations. The participants preferred specific drug combinations and named several, which in their experience enhanced or counteracted each other. Alcohol and cannabis were typically used before, during, and after MDMA, LSD, and psilocybin, whereas amphetamines were predominantly taken before these substances. When LSD was combined with MDMA, the majority took MDMA after LSD. CONCLUSIONS Simultaneous polysubstance use was common among Danish MDMA and hallucinogen users, and patterns of preferred substance combinations were evident.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie L Licht
- Neurobiology Research Unit (NRU) and Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging (Cimbi), University of Copenhagen and Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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