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Contreras KM, Buzzi B, Vaughn J, Caillaud M, Altarifi AA, Olszewski E, Walentiny DM, Beardsley PM, Damaj MI. Characterization and validation of a spontaneous acute and protracted oxycodone withdrawal model in male and female mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024; 242:173795. [PMID: 38834159 PMCID: PMC11283946 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2024.173795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a serious health problem that may lead to physical dependence, in addition to affective disorders. Preclinical models are essential for studying the neurobiology of and developing pharmacotherapies to treat these problems. Historically, chronic morphine injections have most often been used to produce opioid-dependent animals, and withdrawal signs indicative of dependence were precipitated by administering an opioid antagonist. In the present studies, we have developed and validated a model of dependence on oxycodone (a widely prescribed opioid) during spontaneous withdrawal in male and female C57BL/6J mice. Dependence was induced by chronically administering oxycodone through osmotic minipumps at different doses for 7 days. Somatic withdrawal signs were measured after 3, 6, 24, and 48 h following minipump removal. Additionally, sensitivity to mechanical, thermal, and cold stimuli, along with anxiety-like behavior, were also measured. Our results indicated that spontaneous withdrawal following discontinuation of oxycodone produced an increase in total withdrawal signs after 60 and 120 mg/kg/day regimens of oxycodone administration. These signs were reversed by the administration of clinically approved medications for OUD. In general, both female and male mice showed similar profiles of somatic signs of spontaneous withdrawal. Spontaneous withdrawal also resulted in mechanical and cold hypersensitivity lasting for 24 and 14 days, respectively, and produced anxiety-like behaviors after 2 and 3 weeks following oxycodone removal. These results help validate a new model of oxycodone dependence, including the temporally distinct emergence of somatic, hyperalgesic, and anxiety-like behaviors, potentially useful for mechanistic and translational studies of opioid dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Contreras
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Belle Buzzi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Julian Vaughn
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Martial Caillaud
- Nantes Université, INSERM, UMR1235-TENS, The Enteric Nervous System in Gut and Brain Diseases, Nantes, France
| | - Ahmad A Altarifi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Emily Olszewski
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - D Matthew Walentiny
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Patrick M Beardsley
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA; Center for Biomarker Research & Precision Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - M Imad Damaj
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA; Translational Research Initiative for Pain and Neuropathy at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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De Almeida SS, Drinkuth CR, Sartor GC. Comparing withdrawal- and anxiety-like behaviors following oral and subcutaneous oxycodone administration in C57BL/6 mice. Behav Pharmacol 2024; 35:269-279. [PMID: 38847447 PMCID: PMC11226370 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Excessive prescribing and misuse of prescription opioids, such as oxycodone, significantly contributed to the current opioid crisis. Although oxycodone is typically consumed orally by humans, parenteral routes of administration have primarily been used in preclinical models of oxycodone dependence. To address this issue, more recent studies have used oral self-administration procedures to study oxycodone seeking and withdrawal in rodents. Behavioral differences, however, following oral oxycodone intake versus parenteral oxycodone administration remain unclear. Thus, the goal of the current studies was to compare anxiety- and withdrawal-like behaviors using established opioid dependence models of either home cage oral intake of oxycodone (0.5 mg/ml) or repeated subcutaneous (s.c.) injections of oxycodone (10 mg/kg) in male and female mice. Here, mice received 10 days of oral or s.c. oxycodone administration, and following 72 h of forced abstinence, anxiety- and withdrawal-like behaviors were measured using elevated zero maze, open field, and naloxone-induced precipitated withdrawal procedures. Global withdrawal scores were increased to a similar degree following oral and s.c. oxycodone use, while both routes of oxycodone administration had minimal effects on anxiety-like behaviors. When examining individual withdrawal-like behaviors, mice receiving s.c. oxycodone exhibited more paw tremors and jumps during naloxone-induced precipitated withdrawal compared with oral oxycodone mice. These results indicate that both models of oxycodone administration are sufficient to elevate global withdrawal scores, but, when compared with oral consumption, s.c. oxycodone injections yielded more pronounced effects on some withdrawal-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gregory C. Sartor
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute for the Brain and Cognitive Sciences (IBACS), University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269
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Cernea M, Nikonov G, Ataiants J, Ştefănuţ C, Abernethy J, Voronkov M. Nalbuphine Potentiates Reversal of Fentanyl Overdose by Naloxone. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:866. [PMID: 39065717 PMCID: PMC11279547 DOI: 10.3390/ph17070866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Developing an effective antidote for fentanyl-induced overdose to achieve timely reversal is an unmet public health need. Previously, we found that naloxone derivative NX90 with mild κ-opioid agonistic properties was three-fold more effective than the parent naloxone in reversing a fentanyl overdose in rats. To investigate whether κ-agonistic properties could indeed augment the robustness of overdose reversal, we evaluated a κ-agonist/µ-antagonist nalbuphine (NB) as well as its combinations with naloxone (NX) in a fentanyl overdose model in rodents. An administration of either NB or NX as single agents at 0.1 mg/kg doses produced a full recovery in 90 ± 9.9 min and 11.4 ± 2.7 min, respectively. A higher dose of NX at 0.2 mg/kg reversed an overdose within 4.8 ± 1.0 min. In contrast to that, the coadministration of NB and NX at 0.1 mg/kg each produced a synergistic effect, with overdose reversal in 3.4 ± 0.2 min. The coadministration of NX and NB at sub-therapeutic doses of 0.05 mg/kg each was also 1.2-fold more effective than NX at 0.2 mg/kg. We further found that co-administration of NB at different doses (0.025, 0.05, 0.1 mg/kg) and ratios (1:4 and 1:1) with NX had differential effects on overdose reversal, cardiorespiratory liabilities, and analgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihai Cernea
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.C.)
| | | | - Janna Ataiants
- Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Cristina Ştefănuţ
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.C.)
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Tackett WR, Yalakala J, Hambuchen MD. Co-administration of naloxone and dexmedetomidine to simultaneously reverse acute effects of fentanyl and methamphetamine in rats. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 259:111301. [PMID: 38640863 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of combination methamphetamine (METH)-opioid overdose has substantially increased in recent years. While agitation is uncommon after the naloxone (NLX) reversal of opioids, it is a major clinical concern in acute METH intoxication and can be physiologically antagonized by opioid-induced sedation. This study aimed to perform initial preclinical analysis of the safety and efficacy of dexmedetomidine (DEXMED) co-administered with NLX to attenuate METH-induced locomotor activity, as a rat model of agitation, after the reversal of fentanyl (FENT)-induced sedation. METHODS Male Sprague Dawley rats were administered subcutaneous (SC) 0.1mg/kg FENT ± 1mg/kg METH. Fifteen min later, SC 0.1mg/kg NLX ± an increasing (0, 0.032, 0.056, and 0.1mg/kg) DEXMED dose was administered prior to the measurement of locomotor activity. After a washout period, the FENT ± METH and NLX ± DEXMED administration with the highest dose of DEXMED was administered for measurement of blood oxygen saturation and heart rate. RESULTS After the NLX reversal of FENT-induced sedation, adjunct DEXMED substantially and significantly reduced METH-induced locomotor activity (p<0.05) at all doses tested. While the addition of DEXMED did not significantly reduce blood oxygenation in METH treated rats, it did so in the absence of METH. Also, DEXMED significantly reduced heart rate compared to non-DEXMED treated groups and resulted in further significant reductions in the animals not exposed to METH (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS These data provide preclinical evidence that DEXMED may be a safe and effective chemical restraint for METH-induced agitation after NLX opioid reversal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley R Tackett
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Marshall University School of Pharmacy, Stephen J. Kopp Hall 353, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755, USA
| | - Jyostna Yalakala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Marshall University School of Pharmacy, Stephen J. Kopp Hall 353, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755, USA
| | - Michael D Hambuchen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Marshall University School of Pharmacy, Stephen J. Kopp Hall 353, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755, USA.
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Bates JN, Baby SM, Getsy PM, Coffee GA, Hsieh YH, Knauss ZT, Dahan A, Bubier JA, MacFarlane PM, Mueller D, Lewis SJ. L-NAC and L-NAC methyl ester prevent and overcome physical dependence to fentanyl in male rats. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9091. [PMID: 38643270 PMCID: PMC11032344 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59551-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
N-acetyl-L-cysteine (L-NAC) is a proposed therapeutic for opioid use disorder. This study determined whether co-injections of L-NAC (500 μmol/kg, IV) or its highly cell-penetrant analogue, L-NAC methyl ester (L-NACme, 500 μmol/kg, IV), prevent acquisition of acute physical dependence induced by twice-daily injections of fentanyl (125 μg/kg, IV), and overcome acquired dependence to these injections in freely-moving male Sprague Dawley rats. The injection of the opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone HCl (NLX; 1.5 mg/kg, IV), elicited a series of withdrawal phenomena (i.e. behavioral and cardiorespiratory responses, hypothermia and body weight loss) in rats that received 5 or 10 injections of fentanyl and similar numbers of vehicle co-injections. With respect to the development of dependence, the NLX-precipitated withdrawal phenomena were reduced in rats that received had co-injections of L-NAC, and more greatly reduced in rats that received co-injections of L-NACme. In regard to overcoming established dependence, the NLX-precipitated withdrawal phenomena in rats that had received 10 injections of fentanyl (125 μg/kg, IV) were reduced in rats that had received co-injections of L-NAC, and more greatly reduced in rats that received co-injections of L-NACme beginning with injection 6 of fentanyl. This study provides compelling evidence that co-injections of L-NAC and L-NACme prevent the acquisition of physical dependence and overcome acquired dependence to fentanyl in male rats. The higher efficacy of L-NACme is likely due to its greater cell penetrability in brain regions mediating dependence to fentanyl and interaction with intracellular signaling cascades, including redox-dependent processes, responsible for the acquisition of physical dependence to fentanyl.
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Affiliation(s)
- James N Bates
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Atelerix Life Sciences Inc., 300 East Main Street, Suite 202, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Santhosh M Baby
- Section of Biology, Galleon Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Horsham, PA, USA
- Translational Sciences Treatment Discovery, Galvani Bioelectronics, Inc, 1250 S Collegeville Rd, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Paulina M Getsy
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pulmonology, Allergy, and Immunology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Gregory A Coffee
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pulmonology, Allergy, and Immunology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Yee-Hsee Hsieh
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Zackery T Knauss
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Albert Dahan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Peter M MacFarlane
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pulmonology, Allergy, and Immunology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Devin Mueller
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Stephen J Lewis
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pulmonology, Allergy, and Immunology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Functional Electrical Stimulation Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pulmonology, Allergy and Immunology, School of Medicine,, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Bates JN, Getsy PM, Coffee GA, Baby SM, MacFarlane PM, Hsieh YH, Knauss ZT, Bubier JA, Mueller D, Lewis SJ. Lipophilic analogues of D-cysteine prevent and reverse physical dependence to fentanyl in male rats. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1336440. [PMID: 38645835 PMCID: PMC11026688 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1336440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
We examined whether co-injections of the cell-permeant D-cysteine analogues, D-cysteine ethyl ester (D-CYSee) and D-cysteine ethyl amide (D-CYSea), prevent acquisition of physical dependence induced by twice-daily injections of fentanyl, and reverse acquired dependence to these injections in freely-moving male Sprague Dawley rats. Injection of the opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone HCl (NLX, 1.5 mg/kg, IV), elicited a series of withdrawal phenomena that included cardiorespiratory and behavioral responses, and falls in body weight and body temperature, in rats that received 5 or 10 injections of fentanyl (125 μg/kg, IV), and the same number of vehicle co-injections. Regarding the development of physical dependence, the NLX-precipitated withdrawal phenomena were markedly reduced in fentanyl-injected rats that had received co-injections of D-CYSee (250 μmol/kg, IV) or D-CYSea (100 μmol/kg, IV), but not D-cysteine (250 μmol/kg, IV). Regarding reversal of established dependence to fentanyl, the NLX-precipitated withdrawal phenomena in rats that had received 10 injections of fentanyl (125 μg/kg, IV) was markedly reduced in rats that received co-injections of D-CYSee (250 μmol/kg, IV) or D-CYSea (100 μmol/kg, IV), but not D-cysteine (250 μmol/kg, IV), starting with injection 6 of fentanyl. This study provides evidence that co-injections of D-CYSee and D-CYSea prevent the acquisition of physical dependence, and reverse acquired dependence to fentanyl in male rats. The lack of effect of D-cysteine suggests that the enhanced cell-penetrability of D-CYSee and D-CYSea into cells, particularly within the brain, is key to their ability to interact with intracellular signaling events involved in acquisition to physical dependence to fentanyl.
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Affiliation(s)
- James N. Bates
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Paulina M. Getsy
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Gregory A. Coffee
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Santhosh M. Baby
- Section of Biology, Galleon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Horsham, PA, United States
| | - Peter M. MacFarlane
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Yee-Hsee Hsieh
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Zackery T. Knauss
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | | | - Devin Mueller
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Stephen J. Lewis
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Functional Electrical Stimulation Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Jo C, Joo H, Lim NY, Park SJ, Choi SO. Withdrawal from 3-Fluoroethamphetamine induces hyperactivity and depression-like behaviors in male mice. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25251. [PMID: 37818759 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
3-Fluoroethamphetamine (3-FEA) belongs to the amphetamine class of stimulant drugs and functions as a releasing agent for the monoamine neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. 3-FEA acts on the central nervous system and elicits physical and mental side effects, such as euphoria, increased heart rate, and excitement. However, little is known about the withdrawal symptoms and behavioral changes induced by 3-FEA administration. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term consequences of 3-FEA administration (twice a day, 7 days, i.p.; 1 and 10 mg/kg) in C57BL/6J mice (male, 7 weeks old) at three behavioral levels following 1-4 days of withdrawal. The evaluation included (1) withdrawal score, (2) hyperactivity (open field [OF], elevated plus maze [EPM], and cliff avoidance [CA] test), and (3) depression-like behavior (forced-swim test). In the withdrawal score test, withdrawal behavior increased in all 3-FEA groups at 16 and 40 h after withdrawal. In the OF, EPM, and CA tests, the 3-FEA administration group showed significant changes in terms of hyperactivity. In addition, in the forced-swim test, both the 1 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg 3-FEA groups showed increased immobility time. These findings indicate that 3-FEA administration may lead to physical dependence, demonstrated by the withdrawal score increase and significant changes in hyperactivity and depression-like behavior following repeated administration and drug cessation. In conclusion, this study reveals the adverse consequences of 3-FEA administration and highlights the need for awareness raising and regulatory action to control the use of this new psychoactive substance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheolmin Jo
- Pharmacological Research Division, Toxicological Evaluation and Research Department, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Hyejin Joo
- Pharmacological Research Division, Toxicological Evaluation and Research Department, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Na Young Lim
- Pharmacological Research Division, Toxicological Evaluation and Research Department, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Su-Jeong Park
- Pharmacological Research Division, Toxicological Evaluation and Research Department, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Sun Ok Choi
- Pharmacological Research Division, Toxicological Evaluation and Research Department, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Cheongju, Korea
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Morgan MM, Hilgendorf TN, Kandasamy R. Continuous fentanyl administration and spontaneous withdrawal decreases home cage wheel running in rats with and without hindpaw inflammation. Physiol Behav 2023; 272:114376. [PMID: 37820887 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Fentanyl is a potent analgesic with a rapid onset and short half-life that make it a useful treatment for pain and a lethal drug of abuse. The present study used voluntary home cage wheel running to assess the effect of hindpaw inflammation, fentanyl administration, and spontaneous fentanyl withdrawal. Fentanyl (0.32 or 1.0 mg/kg/day) or placebo osmotic pumps were implanted subcutaneously and rats received an intraplantar injection of Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) or saline. Rats with hindpaw inflammation caused by CFA administration were less active than rats injected with saline into the hindpaw. The antinociceptive effect of 0.32 mg/kg/day of fentanyl was evident as a recovery of wheel running in these rats. Administration of 1 mg/kg/day of fentanyl almost completely inhibited wheel running during the first day in rats with and without hindpaw inflammation. Wheel running increased each subsequent day until the pumps were surgically removed after day 3. Withdrawal from 0.32 or 1 mg/kg/day of fentanyl caused a decrease in wheel running that lasted 2 days in rats without hindpaw inflammation. In contrast, withdrawal was only evident following termination of 1 mg/kg/day of fentanyl in rats with hindpaw inflammation. This decrease in running seemed to persist beyond the 3 days of assessment. These data demonstrate that fentanyl can either depress or restore activity depending on the dose and pain condition. Moreover, termination of 3 days of continuous fentanyl administration resulted in a dose and time dependent decrease in wheel running consistent with opioid withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael M Morgan
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University Vancouver, 14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave. Vancouver, WA 98686, USA.
| | - Tammy N Hilgendorf
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University Vancouver, 14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave. Vancouver, WA 98686, USA
| | - Ram Kandasamy
- Department of Psychology, California State University, East Bay 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd. Hayward, CA 94542, USA
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Angeli A, Micheli L, Turnaturi R, Pasquinucci L, Parenti C, Alterio V, Di Fiore A, De Simone G, Monti SM, Carta F, Di Cesare Mannelli L, Ghelardini C, Supuran CT. Discovery of a novel series of potent carbonic anhydrase inhibitors with selective affinity for μ Opioid receptor for Safer and long-lasting analgesia. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 260:115783. [PMID: 37678143 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the development of dual-targeted ligands that bind to both μ-opioid receptor (MOR) and carbonic anhydrase (CA) enzymes, using fentanyl structure as a template. We synthesized and evaluated 21 novel compounds with dual-targeted affinity identifying the lead candidate compound 8, showing selective affinity for MOR and potent inhibition of several cytosolic CA isoforms. By means of repeated treatment of 3 daily administrations for 17 days, fentanyl (0.1 mg/kg, subcutaneously) led to tolerance development, pain threshold alterations and withdrawal symptoms in CD-1 mice, as well as astrocyte and microglia activation in the dorsal horn of the lumbar spinal cord. In contrast, compound 8 (0.32 mg/kg s.c.) maintained stable during days its analgesic effect at the higher dose tested with fewer withdrawal symptoms, allodynia development and glial cells activation. Our results suggest that targeting both MOR and CA enzymes can lead to the development of new class of potent analgesic agents with fewer side effects and reduced tolerance development. Further studies are needed to explore the potential mechanisms underlying these effects and to further optimize the therapeutic potential of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Angeli
- NEUROFARBA Department, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.
| | - Laura Micheli
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Rita Turnaturi
- Department of Drug Sciences and Health, Medicinal Chemistry Section, Università degli Studi di Catania, Viale A. Doria, 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Lorella Pasquinucci
- Department of Drug Sciences and Health, Medicinal Chemistry Section, Università degli Studi di Catania, Viale A. Doria, 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Carmela Parenti
- Department of Drug Sciences and Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, Università degli Studi di Catania, Viale A. Doria, 6, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Alterio
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini-CNR, via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Di Fiore
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini-CNR, via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppina De Simone
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini-CNR, via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Maria Monti
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini-CNR, via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Carta
- NEUROFARBA Department, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Claudiu T Supuran
- NEUROFARBA Department, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
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Neumueller SE, Buiter N, Hilbert G, Grams K, Taylor R, Desalvo J, Hodges GL, Hodges MM, Pan LG, Lewis SJ, Forster HV, Hodges MR. Effects of sub-lethal doses of fentanyl on vital physiologic functions and withdrawal-like behaviors in adult goats. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1277601. [PMID: 37885800 PMCID: PMC10598602 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1277601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic opioids like fentanyl have improved the standard of care for many patients in the clinical setting, but their abuse leads to tens of thousands of overdose deaths annually. The current opioid epidemic underscores a critical need for insights into the physiological effects of fentanyl on vital functions. High doses of opioids in small mammals cause opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD) leading to hypoventilation, hypoxemia, and hypercapnia. In addition, opioids can also increase the alveolar to arterial oxygen (A-a) gradient and airway dysfunction. However, little is known about the physiologic effects of sub-lethal doses of opioids in large mammals. Here we report the effects of a sub-lethal dose range of fentanyl (25-125 μg/kg; IV) on vital physiologic functions over 90 min (min) and withdrawal-like behaviors over the subsequent 4 h (h) in adult female goats (n = 13). Fentanyl induced decreases in breathing frequency in the first few min post-injection, but then led to a sustained increase in tidal volume, total ventilation, and blood pressure with a reduced heart rate for ≥90 min. These ventilatory changes resulted in time-dependent arterial hypocapnia and hypoxemia and an increased alveolar to arterial oxygen gradient ∼30 min post-injection indicative of impaired gas exchange in the lung. The predominant effects of fentanyl on breathing were stimulatory, underscored by an increased rate of rise of the diaphragm muscle activity and increased activation of upper airway, intercostal and abdominal muscles. Beginning 90 min post-injection we also quantified withdrawal-like behaviors over 4 h, demonstrating dose- and time-dependent increases in locomotor, biting, itching, and pawing behaviors. We conclude that fentanyl at sublethal doses induces multiple physiologic and behavior changes that emerge along different time courses suggesting multiple independent mechanisms underlying effects of opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne E. Neumueller
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Nicole Buiter
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Grace Hilbert
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Kirstyn Grams
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Reiauna Taylor
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - John Desalvo
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Grace L. Hodges
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Madeline M. Hodges
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Lawrence G. Pan
- Department of Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Stephen J. Lewis
- Departments of Pediatrics and Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Hubert V. Forster
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Matthew R. Hodges
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
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11
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Hwang SB, Lee JG, Lee Y, Kook WA, Kim SK, Donio AL, Min HW, Kim YJ, Lee SY, Jang CG. Adinazolam, a Benzodiazepine-Type New Psychoactive Substance, Has Abuse Potential and Induces Withdrawal Symptoms in Rodents. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:3487-3498. [PMID: 37695876 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Adinazolam (ADZ) is a benzodiazepine-type new psychoactive substance (NPS) with anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and antidepressant effects. High ADZ doses have been reported to impair psychomotor performance and memory; however, the abuse potential and drug dependence of ADZ have not yet been fully investigated. In this study, we evaluated whether ADZ has abuse potential and leads to drug dependence and withdrawal symptoms. The intravenous self-administration (IVSA) test revealed that ADZ (0.01, 0.03, and 0.1 mg/kg/infusion) was self-administered significantly above vehicle levels, suggesting the reinforcing effect of ADZ. Furthermore, we revealed that treatment discontinuation following chronic ADZ administration (3 and 6 mg/kg) caused several somatic withdrawal symptoms in mice, including body tremor. Moreover, it induced motivational withdrawal signs, such as anxiety-related behavior in the elevated plus maze (EPM) test and memory deficits in the Y-maze test. After the IVSA test, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed that ADZ administration significantly increased the dopamine contents in the thalamus, nucleus accumbens (NAc), and ventral tegmental area (VTA). This finding was also supported by the results of the Western blot. Taken together, our results suggest that ADZ has abuse potential and can lead to drug dependence and withdrawal syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Bin Hwang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Gyeong Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Youyoung Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Wun-A Kook
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon-Kyung Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Audrey Lynn Donio
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Won Min
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Jung Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Yong Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Choon-Gon Jang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
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12
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Alasmari F, Alasmari MS, Assiri MA, Alswayyed M, Rizwan Ahamad S, Alhumaydhi AI, Arif BI, Aljumayi SR, AlAsmari AF, Ali N, Childers WE, Abou-Gharbia M, Sari Y. Liver Metabolomics and Inflammatory Profiles in Mouse Model of Fentanyl Overdose Treated with Beta-Lactams. Metabolites 2023; 13:965. [PMID: 37623908 PMCID: PMC10456707 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13080965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid analgesic that is approved medically to treat acute and chronic pain. There is a high potential for overdose-induced organ toxicities, including liver toxicity, and this might be due to the increase of recreational use of opioids. Several preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of beta-lactams in modulating the expression of glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) in different body organs, including the liver. The upregulation of GLT-1 by beta-lactams is associated with the attenuation of hyperglutamatergic state, which is a characteristic feature of opioid use disorders. A novel experimental beta-lactam compound with no antimicrobial properties, MC-100093, has been developed to attenuate dysregulation of glutamate transport, in part by normalizing GLT-1 expression. A previous study showed that MC-100093 modulated hepatic GLT-1 expression with subsequent attenuation of alcohol-increased fat droplet content in the liver. In this study, we investigated the effects of fentanyl overdose on liver metabolites, and determined the effects of MC-100093 and ceftriaxone in the liver of a fentanyl overdose mouse model. Liver samples from control, fentanyl overdose, and fentanyl overdose ceftriaxone- or MC-100093-treated mice were analyzed for metabolomics using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Heatmap analysis revealed that both MC-100093 and ceftriaxone attenuated the effects of fentanyl overdose on several metabolites, and MC-100093 showed superior effects. Statistical analysis showed that MC-100093 reversed the effects of fentanyl overdose in some metabolites. Moreover, enrichment analysis revealed that the altered metabolites were strongly linked to the glucose-alanine cycle, the Warburg effect, gluconeogenesis, glutamate metabolism, lactose degradation, and ketone body metabolism. The changes in liver metabolites induced by fentanyl overdose were associated with liver inflammation, an effect attenuated with ceftriaxone pre-treatments. Ceftriaxone normalized fentanyl-overdose-induced changes in liver interleukin-6 and cytochrome CYP3A11 (mouse homolog of human CYP3A4) expression. Our data indicate that fentanyl overdose impaired liver metabolites, and MC-100093 restored certain metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fawaz Alasmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed S. Alasmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A. Assiri
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alswayyed
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed Rizwan Ahamad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman I. Alhumaydhi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bandar I. Arif
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sahar R. Aljumayi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah F. AlAsmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nemat Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wayne E. Childers
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Magid Abou-Gharbia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Youssef Sari
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
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13
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Ozdemir D, Allain F, Kieffer BL, Darcq E. Advances in the characterization of negative affect caused by acute and protracted opioid withdrawal using animal models. Neuropharmacology 2023; 232:109524. [PMID: 37003572 PMCID: PMC10844657 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic brain disease which originates from long-term neuroadaptations that develop after repeated opioid consumption and withdrawal episodes. These neuroadaptations lead among other things to the development of a negative affect, which includes loss of motivation for natural rewards, higher anxiety, social deficits, heightened stress reactivity, an inability to identify and describe emotions, physical and/or emotional pain, malaise, dysphoria, sleep disorders and chronic irritability. The urge for relief from this negative affect is one of major causes of relapse, and thus represents a critical challenge for treatment and relapse prevention. Animal models of negative affect induced by opioid withdrawal have recapitulated the development of a negative emotional state with signs such as anhedonia, increased anxiety responses, increased despair-like behaviour and deficits in social interaction. This research has been critical to determine neurocircuitry adaptations during chronic opioid administration or upon withdrawal. In this review, we summarize the recent literature of rodent models of (i) acute withdrawal, (ii) protracted abstinence from passive administration of opioids, (iii) withdrawal or protracted abstinence from opioid self-administration. Finally, we describe neurocircuitry involved in acute withdrawal and protracted abstinence. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Opioid-induced changes in addiction and pain circuits".
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Affiliation(s)
- Dersu Ozdemir
- INSERM U1114, Centre de Recherche en Biomédecine de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, France
| | - Florence Allain
- INSERM U1114, Centre de Recherche en Biomédecine de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, France
| | - Brigitte L Kieffer
- INSERM U1114, Centre de Recherche en Biomédecine de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, France
| | - Emmanuel Darcq
- INSERM U1114, Centre de Recherche en Biomédecine de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, France.
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14
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Wang W, Xie X, Zhuang X, Huang Y, Tan T, Gangal H, Huang Z, Purvines W, Wang X, Stefanov A, Chen R, Rodriggs L, Chaiprasert A, Yu E, Vierkant V, Hook M, Huang Y, Darcq E, Wang J. Striatal μ-opioid receptor activation triggers direct-pathway GABAergic plasticity and induces negative affect. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112089. [PMID: 36796365 PMCID: PMC10404641 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Withdrawal from chronic opioid use often causes hypodopaminergic states and negative affect, which may drive relapse. Direct-pathway medium spiny neurons (dMSNs) in the striatal patch compartment contain μ-opioid receptors (MORs). It remains unclear how chronic opioid exposure and withdrawal impact these MOR-expressing dMSNs and their outputs. Here, we report that MOR activation acutely suppressed GABAergic striatopallidal transmission in habenula-projecting globus pallidus neurons. Notably, withdrawal from repeated morphine or fentanyl administration potentiated this GABAergic transmission. Furthermore, intravenous fentanyl self-administration enhanced GABAergic striatonigral transmission and reduced midbrain dopaminergic activity. Fentanyl-activated striatal neurons mediated contextual memory retrieval required for conditioned place preference tests. Importantly, chemogenetic inhibition of striatal MOR+ neurons rescued fentanyl withdrawal-induced physical symptoms and anxiety-like behaviors. These data suggest that chronic opioid use triggers GABAergic striatopallidal and striatonigral plasticity to induce a hypodopaminergic state, which may promote negative emotions and relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Xueyi Xie
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Xiaowen Zhuang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Yufei Huang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Tao Tan
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Himanshu Gangal
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Zhenbo Huang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - William Purvines
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Xuehua Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Alexander Stefanov
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Ruifeng Chen
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Lucas Rodriggs
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Anita Chaiprasert
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Emily Yu
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Valerie Vierkant
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Michelle Hook
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Yun Huang
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Emmanuel Darcq
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Strasbourg, INSERM U1114, 67084 Strasbourg Cedex, France
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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15
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Wei J, Lai M, Li F, Chen Y, Li X, Qiu Y, Shen H, Xu P, Di B. Assessment of abuse potential of carfentanil. Addict Biol 2023; 28:e13265. [PMID: 36692872 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13265] [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: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Carfentanil, as a fentanyl analogue, is a potent synthetic opioid. It has been controlled in many countries, and its emergence has been highlighted by many recent reports. However, although discriminative stimulus effects of carfentanil in rats had been reported, its abuse potential has not been fully evaluated. In this study, we evaluated the abuse potential of carfentanil via the tests of conditioned place preference (CPP), drug self-administration and naloxone-precipitated opioid withdrawal assay, compared with fentanyl and heroin. Carfentanil exhibited significant place preference at a minimum dose of 1 μg/kg in mice, whereas fentanyl and heroin induced significant place preference at the minimum doses of 100 μg/kg and 1000 μg/kg, respectively. In the drug-substitution test in heroin self-administered rats (50 μg/kg/infusion), carfentanil and fentanyl acquired significant self-administrations above saline levels from 0.05-0.1 and 0.1-10.0 μg/kg/infusion, respectively. Carfentanil induced the maximum number of infusions at 0.1 μg/kg, whereas fentanyl and heroin at 1 and 25 μg/kg, respectively. In short, carfentanil showed the highest potency to induce CPP and self-administration. Furthermore, repeated treatment with escalating doses of carfentanil, fentanyl or heroin induced typical withdrawal symptoms in mice, including a greater number of jumping and weight loss than saline group. This indicated that carfentanil could produce physical dependence similar to fentanyl and heroin. Taken together, the present study demonstrated the higher abuse potential of carfentanil compared with fentanyl and heroin. The rank order of abuse potential for these compounds is carfentanil > fentanyl > heroin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayun Wei
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Office of China National Narcotics Control Commission, China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, Beijing, China.,Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Miaojun Lai
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Addiction Research of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Feng Li
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Office of China National Narcotics Control Commission, China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Office of China National Narcotics Control Commission, China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangyu Li
- Office of China National Narcotics Control Commission, China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Drug Monitoring and Control, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Qiu
- National Institute on Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Haowei Shen
- Faculty of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Peng Xu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Office of China National Narcotics Control Commission, China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Drug Monitoring and Control, Drug Intelligence and Forensic Center, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Di
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Office of China National Narcotics Control Commission, China Pharmaceutical University Joint Laboratory on Key Technologies of Narcotics Control, Beijing, China
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16
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Morales-Medina JC, Pugliese N, Di Cerbo A, Zizzadoro C, Iannitti T. Evidence for Endogenous Opioid Dependence Related to Latent Sensitization in a Rat Model of Chronic Inflammatory Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032812. [PMID: 36769126 PMCID: PMC9917357 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies performed in a mouse model of chronic inflammatory pain induced by intraplantar injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) have shown that constitutive activation of the endogenous opioid signaling, besides serving as a mechanism of endogenous analgesia that tonically represses pain sensitization, also generates a state of endogenous opioid dependence. Since species-related differences concerning pain biology and addictive behaviors occur between mice and rats, the present study explored whether the coexistence of endogenous opioid analgesia and endogenous opioid dependence also characterizes a homologous rat model. To this aim, CFA-injured Wistar rats were treated with either 3 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg of the opioid receptor inverse agonist naltrexone (NTX) during the pain remission phase and monitored for 60 min for possible withdrawal behaviors. At 3 mg/kg, NTX, besides inducing the reinstatement of mechanical allodynia, also caused a distinct appearance of ptosis, with slight but nonsignificant changes to the occurrence of teeth chatters and rearing. On the other hand, 10 mg/kg of NTX failed to unmask pain sensitization and induced significantly lower levels of ptosis than 3 mg/kg. Such an NTX-related response pattern observed in the rat CFA model seems to differ substantially from the pattern previously described in the mouse CFA model. This supports the knowledge that mice and rats are not identical in terms of pharmacological response and stresses the importance of choosing the appropriate species for preclinical pain research purposes depending on the scientific question being asked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio César Morales-Medina
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, CINVESTAV-Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, AP 62, Tlaxcala 90000, Mexico
| | - Nicola Pugliese
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Di Cerbo
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62024 Matelica, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.D.C.); (C.Z.)
| | - Claudia Zizzadoro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.D.C.); (C.Z.)
| | - Tommaso Iannitti
- Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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17
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Adhikary S, Williams JT. Cellular Tolerance Induced by Chronic Opioids in the Central Nervous System. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:937126. [PMID: 35837149 PMCID: PMC9273719 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.937126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioids are powerful analgesics that elicit acute antinociceptive effects through their action the mu opioid receptor (MOR). However opioids are ineffective for chronic pain management, in part because continuous activation of MORs induces adaptive changes at the receptor level and downstream signaling molecules. These adaptations include a decrease in receptor-effector coupling and changes to second messenger systems that can counteract the persistent activation of MORs by opioid agonists. Homeostatic regulation of MORs and downstream signaling cascades are viewed as precursors to developing tolerance. However, despite numerous studies identifying crucial mechanisms that contribute to opioid tolerance, no single regulatory mechanism that governs tolerance in at the cellular and systems level has been identified. Opioid tolerance is a multifaceted process that involves both individual neurons that contain MORs and neuronal circuits that undergo adaptations following continuous MOR activation. The most proximal event is the agonist/receptor interaction leading to acute cellular actions. This review discusses our understanding of mechanisms that mediate cellular tolerance after chronic opioid treatment that, in part, is mediated by agonist/receptor interaction acutely.
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18
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Han Y, Cao L, Yuan K, Shi J, Yan W, Lu L. Unique Pharmacology, Brain Dysfunction, and Therapeutic Advancements for Fentanyl Misuse and Abuse. Neurosci Bull 2022; 38:1365-1382. [PMID: 35570233 PMCID: PMC9107910 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00872-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fentanyl is a fully synthetic opioid with analgesic and anesthetic properties. It has become a primary driver of the deadliest opioid crisis in the United States and elsewhere, consequently imposing devastating social, economic, and health burdens worldwide. However, the neural mechanisms that underlie the behavioral effects of fentanyl and its analogs are largely unknown, and approaches to prevent fentanyl abuse and fentanyl-related overdose deaths are scarce. This review presents the abuse potential and unique pharmacology of fentanyl and elucidates its potential mechanisms of action, including neural circuit dysfunction and neuroinflammation. We discuss recent progress in the development of pharmacological interventions, anti-fentanyl vaccines, anti-fentanyl/heroin conjugate vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies to attenuate fentanyl-seeking and prevent fentanyl-induced respiratory depression. However, translational studies and clinical trials are still lacking. Considering the present opioid crisis, the development of effective pharmacological and immunological strategies to prevent fentanyl abuse and overdose are urgently needed.
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