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Freitas L, Amaral A, Conceição R, Barbosa G, Hamoy MK, Barbosa A, Paz C, Santos M, Hamoy A, Paz A, Favacho-Lopes D, Mello V, Hamoy M. Potentiation of the depressant effect of alcohol by flunitrazepam in rats: an electrocorticographic, respiratory and electrocardiographic study. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03111-w. [PMID: 38676788 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03111-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol, a widely commercialized psychotropic drug, and the benzodiazepine Flunitrazepam, an anxiolytic widely prescribed for patients with anxiety and insomnia problems, are well known drugs and both act on the central nervous system. The misuse and the association of these two drugs are public health concerns in several countries and could cause momentary, long-lasting and even lethal neurophysiological problems due to the potentiation of their adverse effects in synergy. The present study observed the result of the association of these drugs on electrophysiological responses in the brain, heart, and respiratory rate in Wistar rats. 8 experimental groups were determined: control, one alcohol group (20% at a dose of 1 ml/100 g VO), three Flunitrazepam groups (doses 0.1; 0.2 and 0.3 mg/kg) and three alcohol-Flunitrazepam groups (20% at a dose of 1 ml/100 g VO of alcohol, combined with 0.1; 0.2 and 0.3 mg/kg of Flunitrazepam, respectively). The results showed that there was a more pronounced reduction in alpha and theta wave power in the alcohol-Flunitrazepam groups, a decrease in the power of beta oscillations and greater sedation. There was a progressive decrease in respiratory rate linked to the increase of Flunitrazepam dose in the alcohol-Flunitrazepam associated administration. It was observed alteration in heart rate and Q-T interval in high doses of Flunitrazepam. Therefore, we conclude that the association alcohol-Flunitrazepam presented deepening of depressant synergistic effects according to the increase in the dose of the benzodiazepine, and this could cause alterations in low frequency brain oscillations, breathing, and hemodynamics of the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Freitas
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology of Natural Products, Biological Science Institute, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil.
| | - Anthony Amaral
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology of Natural Products, Biological Science Institute, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Raína Conceição
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology of Natural Products, Biological Science Institute, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Barbosa
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology of Natural Products, Biological Science Institute, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Maria Klara Hamoy
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology of Natural Products, Biological Science Institute, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Anara Barbosa
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology of Natural Products, Biological Science Institute, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Clarissa Paz
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology of Natural Products, Biological Science Institute, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Murilo Santos
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology of Natural Products, Biological Science Institute, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Akira Hamoy
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology of Natural Products, Biological Science Institute, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Allane Paz
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology of Natural Products, Biological Science Institute, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Dielly Favacho-Lopes
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropathology, Biological Science Institute, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Mello
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology of Natural Products, Biological Science Institute, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Moisés Hamoy
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology of Natural Products, Biological Science Institute, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
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Akhigbe RE, Oluwole DT, Adegoke TE, Hamed MA, Anyogu DC, Ajayi AF. Suppression of glutathione system and upregulation of caspase 3-dependent apoptosis mediate rohypnol-induced gastric injury. Redox Rep 2022; 27:111-118. [PMID: 35535549 PMCID: PMC9103675 DOI: 10.1080/13510002.2022.2074128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study investigated the impact of rohypnol on gastric tissue integrity. Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomized into control, low dose rohypnol-treated, high dose rohypnol-treated, low dose rohypnol-treated recovery and high dose rohypnol-treated recovery groups. Results: Rohypnol caused significant rise in gastric malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), nitric oxide (NO), tumour necrotic factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. Also, rohypnol caused reductions in gastric reduced glutathione (GSH) (as well as GSH/GSSG), and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), cyclo-oxygenase (COX-2). Furthermore, rohypnol upregulated caspase 3 activity and induced gastric DNA damage, evident by a rise in 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in gastric tissue. These alterations were coupled with reduced gastric weight and distorted gastric cytoarchitecture. Cessation of rohypnol caused a significant but not complete reversal of rohypnol-induced gastric damage. Conclusion: This study revealed that rohypnol induced gastric injury by suppressing glutathione content and COX-2 activity, and upregulating caspase 3-dependent apoptosis, which was partly reversed by rohypnol withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Akhigbe
- Reproductive Physiology and Bioinformatics Research Unit, Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.,Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratories, Oasis of Grace Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria
| | - D T Oluwole
- Reproductive Physiology and Bioinformatics Research Unit, Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
| | - T E Adegoke
- Department of Physiology, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Arakeji, Nigeria
| | - M A Hamed
- Reproductive Biology and Toxicology Research Laboratories, Oasis of Grace Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria.,Brainwill Laboratories and Biomedical Services, Osogbo, Nigeria
| | - D C Anyogu
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - A F Ajayi
- Reproductive Physiology and Bioinformatics Research Unit, Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
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De-Giorgio F, Bilel S, Ossato A, Tirri M, Arfè R, Foti F, Serpelloni G, Frisoni P, Neri M, Marti M. Reply to "MDPV-induced aggression in humans not established". Int J Legal Med 2019; 134:263-265. [PMID: 31773317 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-019-02176-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio De-Giorgio
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrine Bilel
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Andrea Ossato
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Arfè
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy.,Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Federica Foti
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Serpelloni
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Drug Policy Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Paolo Frisoni
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Margherita Neri
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy. .,Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Rome, Italy.
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Somkuwar SS, Vendruscolo LF, Fannon MJ, Schmeichel B, Nguyen TB, Guevara J, Sidhu H, Contet C, Zorrilla EP, Mandyam CD. Abstinence from prolonged ethanol exposure affects plasma corticosterone, glucocorticoid receptor signaling and stress-related behaviors. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 84. [PMID: 28647675 PMCID: PMC5557646 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol dependence is linked to dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Here, we investigated effects of repeated ethanol intoxication-withdrawal cycles (using chronic intermittent ethanol vapor inhalation; CIE) and abstinence from CIE on peak and nadir plasma corticosterone (CORT) levels. Irritability- and anxiety-like behaviors as well as glucocorticoid receptors (GR) in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) were assessed at various intervals (2h-28d) after cessation of CIE. Results show that peak CORT increased during CIE, transiently decreased during early abstinence (1-11d), and returned to pre-abstinence levels during protracted abstinence (17-27d). Acute withdrawal from CIE enhanced aggression- and anxiety-like behaviors. Early abstinence from CIE reduced anxiety-like behavior. mPFC-GR signaling (indexed by relative phosphorylation of GR at Ser211) was transiently decreased when measured at time points during early and protracted abstinence. Further, voluntary ethanol drinking in CIE (CIE-ED) and CIE-naïve (ED) rats, and effects of CIE-ED and ED on peak CORT levels and mPFC-GR were investigated during acute withdrawal (8h) and protracted abstinence (28d). CIE-ED and ED increased peak CORT during drinking. CIE-ED and ED decreased expression and signaling of mPFC-GR during acute withdrawal, an effect that was reversed by systemic mifepristone treatment. CIE-ED and ED demonstrate robust reinstatement of ethanol seeking during protracted abstinence and show increases in mPFC-GR expression. Collectively, the data demonstrate that acute withdrawal from CIE produces robust alterations in GR signaling, CORT and negative affect symptoms which could facilitate excessive drinking. The findings also show that CIE-ED and ED demonstrate enhanced relapse vulnerability triggered by ethanol cues and these changes are partially mediated by altered GR expression in the mPFC. Taken together, transition to alcohol dependence could be accompanied by alterations in mPFC stress-related pathways that may increase negative emotional symptoms and increase vulnerability to relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Brooke Schmeichel
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tran Bao Nguyen
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Harpreet Sidhu
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Candice Contet
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Eric P. Zorrilla
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Chitra D. Mandyam
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA,Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, CA, USA,Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA USA,Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, CA, USA
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5
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Nilsonne G, Tamm S, Golkar A, Sörman K, Howner K, Kristiansson M, Olsson A, Ingvar M, Petrovic P. Effects of 25 mg oxazepam on emotional mimicry and empathy for pain: a randomized controlled experiment. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2017. [PMID: 28405353 DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1558201.v3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Emotional mimicry and empathy are mechanisms underlying social interaction. Benzodiazepines have been proposed to inhibit empathy and promote antisocial behaviour. First, we aimed to investigate the effects of oxazepam on emotional mimicry and empathy for pain, and second, we aimed to investigate the association of personality traits to emotional mimicry and empathy. Participants (n=76) were randomized to 25 mg oxazepam or placebo. Emotional mimicry was examined using video clips with emotional expressions. Empathy was investigated by pain stimulating the participant and a confederate. We recorded self-rated experience, activity in major zygomatic and superciliary corrugator muscles, skin conductance, and heart rate. In the mimicry experiment, oxazepam inhibited corrugator activity. In the empathy experiment, oxazepam caused increased self-rated unpleasantness and skin conductance. However, oxazepam specifically inhibited neither emotional mimicry nor empathy for pain. Responses in both experiments were associated with self-rated empathic, psychopathic and alexithymic traits. The present results do not support a specific effect of 25 mg oxazepam on emotional mimicry or empathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustav Nilsonne
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sandra Tamm
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Armita Golkar
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karolina Sörman
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katarina Howner
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Andreas Olsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Ingvar
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm Sweden
| | - Predrag Petrovic
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm, Sweden
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6
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Nilsonne G, Tamm S, Golkar A, Sörman K, Howner K, Kristiansson M, Olsson A, Ingvar M, Petrovic P. Effects of 25 mg oxazepam on emotional mimicry and empathy for pain: a randomized controlled experiment. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2017; 4:160607. [PMID: 28405353 PMCID: PMC5383810 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.160607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Emotional mimicry and empathy are mechanisms underlying social interaction. Benzodiazepines have been proposed to inhibit empathy and promote antisocial behaviour. First, we aimed to investigate the effects of oxazepam on emotional mimicry and empathy for pain, and second, we aimed to investigate the association of personality traits to emotional mimicry and empathy. Participants (n=76) were randomized to 25 mg oxazepam or placebo. Emotional mimicry was examined using video clips with emotional expressions. Empathy was investigated by pain stimulating the participant and a confederate. We recorded self-rated experience, activity in major zygomatic and superciliary corrugator muscles, skin conductance, and heart rate. In the mimicry experiment, oxazepam inhibited corrugator activity. In the empathy experiment, oxazepam caused increased self-rated unpleasantness and skin conductance. However, oxazepam specifically inhibited neither emotional mimicry nor empathy for pain. Responses in both experiments were associated with self-rated empathic, psychopathic and alexithymic traits. The present results do not support a specific effect of 25 mg oxazepam on emotional mimicry or empathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustav Nilsonne
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sandra Tamm
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Armita Golkar
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karolina Sörman
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katarina Howner
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Andreas Olsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Ingvar
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm Sweden
| | - Predrag Petrovic
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Albrecht B, Staiger PK, Hall K, Kambouropoulos N, Best D. Motivational drive and alprazolam misuse: A recipe for aggression? Psychiatry Res 2016; 240:381-389. [PMID: 27138835 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2016.04.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Revised: 02/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Benzodiazepine-related aggression has received insufficient research attention, in particular little is known about the motivational factors which may contribute to the development of this paradoxical response. The revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory provides a theoretical framework from which to understand the relevant underlying motivational processes. The current study aimed to identify the role of approach and avoidance motivational tendencies in the occurrence of benzodiazepine-related aggression. Data regarding benzodiazepine and other substance use, approach and avoidance motivation, and general and physical aggressive behaviour were collected via self-report questionnaires. Participants were a convenience sample (n=204) who reported using benzodiazepines in the previous year. Participants were primarily male (62.7%), aged 18-51 years old. Hierarchical multiple regressions indicated that general and physical aggression were predicted by alprazolam use and Drive, a facet of approach motivation. Overall, lower diazepam use significantly predicted higher levels of general aggression. However, when diazepam-preferring participants were examined in isolation of the larger sample (23.5% of sample), problematic (dependent) diazepam use was associated with greater aggression scores, as was dependence risk for alprazolam-preferring participants (39.7% of sample). The findings highlight the importance of motivational factors and benzodiazepine use patterns in understanding benzodiazepine-related aggression, with implications for violent offender rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Petra K Staiger
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.
| | - Kate Hall
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Youth Substance and Advocacy Service, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - David Best
- Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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Blanco-Gandía MC, Mateos-García A, García-Pardo MP, Montagud-Romero S, Rodríguez-Arias M, Miñarro J, Aguilar MA. Effect of drugs of abuse on social behaviour. Behav Pharmacol 2015. [DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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9
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Ahmed MAE, El-Awdan SA. Lipoic acid and pentoxifylline mitigate nandrolone decanoate-induced neurobehavioral perturbations in rats via re-balance of brain neurotransmitters, up-regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, and down-regulation of TNFR1 expression. Horm Behav 2015; 73:186-99. [PMID: 26187709 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Revised: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral perturbations associated with nandrolone decanoate abuse by athletes and adolescents may be attributed to oxidative stress and inflammation. However, the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully explored. On the other hand, the natural antioxidant lipoic acid can pass the blood brain barrier and enhance Nrf2/HO-1 (nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1) pathway. In addition, the phosphodiesterase-IV inhibitor xanthine derivative pentoxifylline has a remarkable inhibitory effect on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Therefore, this study aimed at investigation of the possible protective effects of lipoic acid and/or pentoxifylline against nandrolone-induced neurobehavioral alterations in rats. Accordingly, male albino rats were randomly distributed into seven groups and treated with either vehicle, nandrolone (15mg/kg, every third day, s.c.), lipoic acid (100mg/kg/day, p.o.), pentoxifylline (200mg/kg/day, i.p.), or nandrolone with lipoic acid and/or pentoxifylline. Rats were challenged in the open field, rewarded T-maze, Morris water maze, and resident-intruder aggression behavioral tests. The present findings showed that nandrolone induced hyperlocomotion, anxiety, memory impairment, and aggression in rats. These behavioral abnormalities were accompanied by several biochemical changes, including altered levels of brain monoamines, GABA, and acetylcholine, enhanced levels of malondialdehyde and TNF-α, elevated activity of acetylcholinesterase, and up-regulated expression of TNF-α receptor-1 (TNFR1). In addition, inhibited catalase activity, down-regulated Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, and suppressed acetylcholine receptor expression were observed. Lipoic acid and pentoxifylline combination significantly mitigated all the previously mentioned deleterious effects mainly via up-regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, inhibition of TNF-α and down-regulation of TNFR1 expression. In conclusion, the biochemical and histopathological findings of this study revealed the protective mechanisms of lipoic acid and pentoxifylline against nandrolone-induced behavioral changes and neurotoxicity in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha A E Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr University for Science and Technology (MUST), 6th of October City, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Sally A El-Awdan
- Department of Pharmacology, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Dervaux
- Service d'Addictologie, Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, Paris, France Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Xavier Laqueille
- Service d'Addictologie, Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, Paris, France Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
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Kalinine E, Zimmer ER, Zenki KC, Kalinine I, Kazlauckas V, Haas CB, Hansel G, Zimmer AR, Souza DO, Müller AP, Portela LV. Nandrolone-induced aggressive behavior is associated with alterations in extracellular glutamate homeostasis in mice. Horm Behav 2014; 66:383-92. [PMID: 24937439 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2014.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2013] [Revised: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Nandrolone decanoate (ND), an anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS), induces an aggressive phenotype by mechanisms involving glutamate-induced N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAr) hyperexcitability. The astrocytic glutamate transporters remove excessive glutamate surrounding the synapse. However, the impact of supraphysiological doses of ND on glutamate transporters activity remains elusive. We investigated whether ND-induced aggressive behavior is interconnected with GLT-1 activity, glutamate levels and abnormal NMDAr responses. Two-month-old untreated male mice (CF1, n=20) were tested for baseline aggressive behavior in the resident-intruder test. Another group of mice (n=188) was injected with ND (15mg/kg) or vehicle for 4, 11 and 19days (short-, mid- and long-term endpoints, respectively) and was evaluated in the resident-intruder test. Each endpoint was assessed for GLT-1 expression and glutamate uptake activity in the frontoparietal cortex and hippocampal tissues. Only the long-term ND endpoint significantly decreased the latency to first attack and increased the number of attacks, which was associated with decreased GLT-1 expression and glutamate uptake activity in both brain areas. These alterations may affect extracellular glutamate levels and receptor excitability. Resident males were assessed for hippocampal glutamate levels via microdialysis both prior to, and following, the introduction of intruders. Long-term ND mice displayed significant increases in the microdialysate glutamate levels only after exposure to intruders. A single intraperitoneal dose of the NMDAr antagonists, memantine or MK-801, shortly before the intruder test decreased aggressive behavior. In summary, long-term ND-induced aggressive behavior is associated with decreased extracellular glutamate clearance and NMDAr hyperexcitability, emphasizing the role of this receptor in mediating aggression mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Kalinine
- Department of Biochemistry, Post-Graduation Program in Biochemistry, ICBS, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Rigon Zimmer
- Department of Biochemistry, Post-Graduation Program in Biochemistry, ICBS, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Kamila Cagliari Zenki
- Department of Biochemistry, Post-Graduation Program in Biochemistry, ICBS, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Iouri Kalinine
- Laboratory of Exercise Physiology and Human Performance, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Kazlauckas
- Department of Biochemistry, Post-Graduation Program in Biochemistry, ICBS, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Clarissa Branco Haas
- Department of Biochemistry, Post-Graduation Program in Biochemistry, ICBS, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Gisele Hansel
- Department of Biochemistry, Post-Graduation Program in Biochemistry, ICBS, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Aline Rigon Zimmer
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Diogo Onofre Souza
- Department of Biochemistry, Post-Graduation Program in Biochemistry, ICBS, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Pastoris Müller
- Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry and Physiology, Health Sciences Unit, University of Extremo Sul Catarinense (UNESC), Criciúma, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Luis Valmor Portela
- Department of Biochemistry, Post-Graduation Program in Biochemistry, ICBS, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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12
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Almeida IVD, Domingues G, Soares LC, Düsman E, Vicentini VEP. Evaluation of cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of the benzodiazepine flunitrazepam in vitro and in vivo. BRAZ J PHARM SCI 2014. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-82502014000200003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Flunitrazepam (FNZ) is a sedative benzodiazepine prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia. However, there are concerns regarding possible carcinogenic or genotoxic effects of this medicine. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic, clastogenic and aneugenic effects of FNZ in hepatoma cells from Rattus norvegicus (HTC) in vitro and in bone marrow cells of Wistar rats in vivo. These effects were examined in vitro following treatment with 0.2, 1.0, 5.0 or 10 μg/mL FNZ using a micronucleus test with a cytokinesis block or in vivo using a chromosomal aberration test following treatment with 7, 15 or 30 μg/mL/kg body weight. The results showed that the benzodiazepine concentrations tested were not cytotoxic, aneugenic or clastogenic. However, considering the adverse effects of using this benzodiazepine, more studies are required.
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Orzelska J, Talarek S, Listos J, Fidecka S. Effects of NOS inhibitors on the benzodiazepines-induced memory impairment of mice in the modified elevated plus-maze task. Behav Brain Res 2013; 244:100-6. [PMID: 23396146 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2013.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2012] [Revised: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors on responses, elicited by benzodiazepines (BZs) in a modified elevated plus-maze task in mice. It was shown that acute doses of diazepam (DZ; 1 and 2 mg/kg) and flunitrazepam (FNZ; 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg) significantly increased the time of transfer latency (TL2) in a retention trial, thus confirming memory impairing effects of BZs. l-NAME (N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester; 200 mg/kg), a non-selective inhibitor of NOS, and 7-NI (7-nitroindazole; 40 mg/kg), a selective inhibitor of NOS, further intensified DZ-induced memory impairment. On the other hand, L-NAME (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) and 7-NI (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) prevented FNZ-induced memory compromising process. The results of this study indicated that suppressed NO synthesis enhanced DZ-induced but prevented FNZ-induced memory impairment. Taken together, these findings could suggest NO involvement in BZs-induced impairment of memory processes. The precise mechanism of these controversial effects, however, remains elusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolanta Orzelska
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4A, 20-093, Lublin, Poland.
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