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Chen G, Lai S, Bao G, Ke J, Meng X, Lu S, Wu X, Xu H, Wu F, Xu Y, Xu F, Bi GQ, Peng G, Zhou K, Zhu Y. Distinct reward processing by subregions of the nucleus accumbens. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112069. [PMID: 36753418 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112069] [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: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The nucleus accumbens (NAc) plays an important role in motivation and reward processing. Recent studies suggest that different NAc subnuclei differentially contribute to reward-related behaviors. However, how reward is encoded in individual NAc neurons remains unclear. Using in vivo single-cell resolution calcium imaging, we find diverse patterns of reward encoding in the medial and lateral shell subdivision of the NAc (NAcMed and NAcLat, respectively). Reward consumption increases NAcLat activity but decreases NAcMed activity, albeit with high variability among neurons. The heterogeneity in reward encoding could be attributed to differences in their synaptic inputs and transcriptional profiles. Specific optogenetic activation of Nts-positive neurons in the NAcLat promotes positive reinforcement, while activation of Cartpt-positive neurons in the NAcMed induces behavior aversion. Collectively, our study shows the organizational and transcriptional differences in NAc subregions and provides a framework for future dissection of NAc subregions in physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaowei Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen Neher Neural Plasticity Laboratory, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Shishi Lai
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen Neher Neural Plasticity Laboratory, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China; Yunnan University School of Medicine, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Guo Bao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen Neher Neural Plasticity Laboratory, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jincan Ke
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Xiaogao Meng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Shanshan Lu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen Neher Neural Plasticity Laboratory, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xiaocong Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Hua Xu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen Neher Neural Plasticity Laboratory, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Fengyi Wu
- Interdisciplinary Center for Brain Information, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yu Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Fang Xu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China; Interdisciplinary Center for Brain Information, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Guo-Qiang Bi
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China; Interdisciplinary Center for Brain Information, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Guangdun Peng
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Kuikui Zhou
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen Neher Neural Plasticity Laboratory, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China; School of Health and Life Sciences, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Yingjie Zhu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen Neher Neural Plasticity Laboratory, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen 518055, China; Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
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Voyer D, Einsiedel J, Gmeiner P, Lévesque D, Rompré P. Sensitization to amphetamine psychostimulant effect: A key role for ventral tegmental area neurotensin type 2 receptors and MAP kinase pathway. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e13008. [PMID: 33491227 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13008] [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: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Neurotensin is an endogenous neuropeptide that acts as a potent modulator of ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurotransmission. The present study was aimed at determining VTA cell population and neurotensin receptor subtype responsible for the initiation of amphetamine-induced psychomotor activity and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) sensitization. During an induction phase, rats were injected intra-VTA on two occasions, every second day, with [D-Tyr11 ]-neurotensin (D-Tyr-NT), SR142948 (a mix Ntsr1/Ntsr2 receptor subtype antagonist), SR48692 (a Ntsr1 antagonist), D-Tyr-NT + SR142498, D-Tyr-NT + SR48692, or the vehicle. Effects of intra-VTA drugs were evaluated at locomotor activity and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Five days after the last VTA microinjection, the effect of a systemic injection of amphetamine was tested (sensitization test). Results show that D-Tyr-NT stimulated locomotor activity during the induction phase, an effect that was blocked by SR142948, but not SR48692. Amphetamine also induced significantly higher ambulatory activity in rats preinjected with D-Tyr-NT than in rats preinjected with the vehicle. This sensitization effect was again attenuated by SR142948, but not SR48692, hence suggesting that this effect is mediated by Ntsr2 receptors. To confirm this, we tested a highly selective Ntsr2 peptide-peptoid hybrid ligand, NT150. At the concentration tested, NT150 stimulated locomotor activity and lead to sensitized locomotor activity and a selective neurochemical (pERK1/2) response in tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons of the VTA. Both effects were prevented by SR142948. Taken together, these results show that neurotensin, acting on Ntsr2 receptor subtypes, stimulates locomotor activity and initiates neural changes (ERK1/2 phosphorylation) that lead to amphetamine-induced sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Voyer
- Faculty of Pharmacy University of Montreal Montreal Quebec Canada
| | - Jürgen Einsiedel
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy University of Erlangen‐Nuremberg, Emil Fischer Center Erlangen Germany
| | - Peter Gmeiner
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy University of Erlangen‐Nuremberg, Emil Fischer Center Erlangen Germany
| | - Daniel Lévesque
- Faculty of Pharmacy University of Montreal Montreal Quebec Canada
| | - Pierre‐Paul Rompré
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine University of Montreal Montreal Quebec Canada
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Servonnet A, Allain F, Gravel-Chouinard A, Hernandez G, Bourdeau Caporuscio C, Legrix M, Lévesque D, Rompré PP, Samaha AN. Dopaminergic mechanisms underlying the expression of antipsychotic-induced dopamine supersensitivity in rats. Neuropharmacology 2021; 197:108747. [PMID: 34364897 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108747] [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: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Antipsychotic treatment can produce a dopamine-supersensitive state, potentiating the response to dopamine receptor stimulation. In both schizophrenia patients and rats, this is linked to tolerance to ongoing antipsychotic treatment. In rodents, dopamine supersensitivity is often confirmed by an exaggerated psychomotor response to d-amphetamine after discontinuation of antipsychotic exposure. Here we examined in rats the dopaminergic mechanisms mediating this enhanced behavioural response, as this could uncover pathophysiological processes underlying the expression of antipsychotic-evoked dopamine supersensitivity. Rats received 0.5 mg/kg/day haloperidol via osmotic minipump for 2 weeks, before treatment was discontinued. After cessation of antipsychotic treatment, rats showed a supersensitive psychomotor response to the D2 agonist quinpirole, but not to the D1 partial agonist SKF38393 or the dopamine reuptake blocker GBR12783. Furthermore, acute D1 receptor blockade (using SCH39166) decreased the exaggerated psychomotor response to d-amphetamine in haloperidol-pretreated rats, whereas acute D2 receptor blockade (using sulpiride) enhanced it. Thus, after discontinuation of antipsychotic treatment, D1- and D2-mediated transmission differentially modulate the expression of a supersensitive response to d-amphetamine. This supersensitive behavioural response was accompanied by enhanced GSK3β activity and suppressed ERK1/2 activity in the nucleus accumbens (but not caudate-putamen), suggesting increased mesolimbic D2 transmission. Finally, after discontinuing haloperidol treatment, neither increasing ventral midbrain dopamine impulse flow nor infusing d-amphetamine into the cerebral ventricles triggered the expression of already established dopamine supersensitivity, suggesting that peripheral effects are required. Thus, while dopamine receptor-mediated signalling regulates the expression of antipsychotic-evoked dopamine supersensitivity, a simple increase in central dopamine neurotransmission is insufficient to trigger this supersensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Servonnet
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Edouard-Montpetit boulevard, Montreal, H3T 1J4, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Florence Allain
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Edouard-Montpetit boulevard, Montreal, H3T 1J4, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alice Gravel-Chouinard
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Edouard-Montpetit boulevard, Montreal, H3T 1J4, Quebec, Canada
| | - Giovanni Hernandez
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Edouard-Montpetit boulevard, Montreal, H3T 1J4, Quebec, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, 2900 Edouard-Montpetit boulevard, Montreal, H3T 1J4, Quebec, Canada
| | - Casey Bourdeau Caporuscio
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Edouard-Montpetit boulevard, Montreal, H3T 1J4, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mathilde Legrix
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Edouard-Montpetit boulevard, Montreal, H3T 1J4, Quebec, Canada
| | - Daniel Lévesque
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, 2900 Edouard-Montpetit boulevard, Montreal, H3T 1J4, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pierre-Paul Rompré
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Edouard-Montpetit boulevard, Montreal, H3T 1J4, Quebec, Canada
| | - Anne-Noël Samaha
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Edouard-Montpetit boulevard, Montreal, H3T 1J4, Quebec, Canada; Groupe de recherche sur le système nerveux central, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Edouard-Montpetit boulevard, Montrea, H3T 1J4, Quebec, Canada.
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Yue J, Dai Q, Hao S, Zhu S, Liu X, Tang Z, Li M, Fang H, Lin C, Luo Z. Suppression of the NTS-CPS1 regulatory axis by AFF1 in lung adenocarcinoma cells. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100319. [PMID: 33493519 PMCID: PMC7949158 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Upregulation of the neuropeptide neurotensin (NTS) in a subgroup of lung cancers has been linked to poor prognosis. However, the regulatory pathway centered on NTS in lung cancer remains unclear. Here we identified the NTS-specific enhancer in lung adenocarcinoma cells. The AF4/FMR2 (AFF) family protein AFF1 occupies the NTS enhancer and inhibits NTS transcription. Clustering analysis of lung adenocarcinoma gene expression data demonstrated that NTS expression is highly positively correlated with the expression of the oncogenic factor CPS1. Detailed analyses demonstrated that the IL6 pathway antagonizes NTS in regulating CPS1. Thus, our analyses revealed a novel NTS-centered regulatory axis, consisting of AFF1 as a master transcription suppressor and IL6 as an antagonist in lung adenocarcinoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Yue
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Dai
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shaohua Hao
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shiqi Zhu
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoxu Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiqun Tang
- Singapore Eye research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Meng Li
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haitong Fang
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chengqi Lin
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China.
| | - Zhuojuan Luo
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China.
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5
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Neurotensin in reward processes. Neuropharmacology 2020; 167:108005. [PMID: 32057800 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Neurotensin (NTS) is a neuropeptide neurotransmitter expressed in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Many studies over the years have revealed a number of roles for this neuropeptide in body temperature regulation, feeding, analgesia, ethanol sensitivity, psychosis, substance use, and pain. This review provides a general survey of the role of neurotensin with a focus on modalities that we believe to be particularly relevant to the study of reward. We focus on NTS signaling in the ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens, lateral hypothalamus, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and central amygdala. Studies on the role of NTS outside of the ventral tegmental area are still in their relative infancy, yet they reveal a complex role for neurotensinergic signaling in reward-related behaviors that merits further study. This article is part of the special issue on 'Neuropeptides'.
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Dominguez-Lopez S, Piccart E, Lynch WB, Wollet MB, Sharpe AL, Beckstead MJ. Antagonism of Neurotensin Receptors in the Ventral Tegmental Area Decreases Methamphetamine Self-Administration and Methamphetamine Seeking in Mice. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2018; 21:361-370. [PMID: 29272412 PMCID: PMC5888879 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyx117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neurotensin is a peptide that modulates central dopamine neurotransmission and dopamine-related behaviors. Methamphetamine self-administration increases neurotensin levels in the ventral tegmental area, but the consequences for self-administration behavior have not been described. Here we test the hypothesis that antagonizing neurotensin receptors in the ventral tegmental area attenuates the acquisition of methamphetamine self-administration and methamphetamine intake. Methods We implanted mice with an indwelling catheter in the right jugular vein and bilateral cannulae directed at the ventral tegmental area. Mice were then trained to nose-poke for i.v. infusions of methamphetamine (0.1 mg/kg/infusion) on a fixed ratio 3 schedule. Results Mice receiving microinfusions of the neurotensin NTS1/NTS2 receptor antagonist SR142948A in the ventral tegmental area (10 ng/side) prior to the first 5 days of methamphetamine self-administration required more sessions to reach acquisition criteria. Methamphetamine intake was decreased in SR142948A-treated mice both during training and later during maintenance of self-administration. Drug seeking during extinction, cue-induced reinstatement, and progressive ratio schedules was also reduced in the SR142948A group. The effects of SR142948A were not related to changes in basal locomotor activity or methamphetamine psychomotor properties. In both SR142948A- and saline-treated mice, a strong positive correlation between methamphetamine intake and enhanced locomotor activity was observed. Conclusion Our results suggest that neurotensin input in the ventral tegmental area during initial methamphetamine exposure contributes to the acquisition of methamphetamine self-administration and modulates later intake and methamphetamine-seeking behavior in mice. Furthermore, our results highlight the role of endogenous neurotensin in the ventral tegmental area in the reinforcing efficacy of methamphetamine, independent of its psychomotor effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Dominguez-Lopez
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Elisabeth Piccart
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, Texas
| | - William B Lynch
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Mackenna B Wollet
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Amanda L Sharpe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Feik School of Pharmacy, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas
- College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
| | - Michael J Beckstead
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, Texas
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Tschumi CW, Beckstead MJ. Diverse actions of the modulatory peptide neurotensin on central synaptic transmission. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 49:784-793. [PMID: 29405480 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Neurotensin (NT) is a 13 amino acid neuropeptide that is expressed throughout the central nervous system and is implicated in the etiology of multiple diseases and disorders. Many primary investigations of NT-induced modulation of neuronal excitability at the level of the synapse have been conducted, but they have not been summarized in review form in nearly 30 years. Therefore, the goal of this review is to discuss the many actions of NT on neuronal excitability across brain regions as well as NT circuit architecture. In the basal ganglia as well as other brain nuclei, NT can act through diverse intracellular signaling cascades to enhance or depress neuronal activity by modulating activity of ion channels, ionotropic and metabotropic neurotransmitter receptors, and presynaptic release of neurotransmitters. Further, NT can produce indirect effects by evoking endocannabinoid release, and recently has itself been identified as a putative retrograde messenger. In the basal ganglia, the diverse actions and circuit architecture of NT signaling allow for input-specific control of reward-related behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Tschumi
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104-5005, USA
| | - Michael J Beckstead
- Aging & Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104-5005, USA
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Identification of Neurotensin Receptor Expressing Cells in the Ventral Tegmental Area across the Lifespan. eNeuro 2018; 5:eN-NWR-0191-17. [PMID: 29464190 PMCID: PMC5815659 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0191-17.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotensin (Nts) promotes activation of dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) via incompletely understood mechanisms. Nts can signal via the G protein-coupled Nts receptors 1 and 2 (NtsR1 and NtsR2), but the lack of methods to detect NtsR1- and NtsR2-expressing cells has limited mechanistic understanding of Nts action. To overcome this challenge, we generated dual recombinase mice that express FlpO-dependent Cre recombinase in NtsR1 or NtsR2 cells. This strategy permitted temporal control over recombination, such that we could identify NtsR1- or NtsR2-expressing cells and determine whether their distributions differed between the developing and adult brain. Using this system, we found that NtsR1 is transiently expressed in nearly all DA neurons and in many non-DA neurons in the VTA during development. However, NtsR1 expression is more restricted within the adult brain, where only two thirds of VTA DA neurons expressed NtsR1. By contrast, NtsR2 expression remains constant throughout lifespan, but it is predominantly expressed within glia. Anterograde tract tracing revealed that NtsR1 is expressed by mesolimbic, not mesocortical DA neurons, suggesting that VTA NtsR1 neurons may represent a functionally unique subset of VTA DA neurons. Collectively, this work reveals a cellular mechanism by which Nts can directly engage NtsR1-expressing DA neurons to modify DA signaling. Going forward, the dual recombinase strategy developed here will be useful to selectively modulate NtsR1- and NtsR2-expressing cells and to parse their contributions to Nts-mediated behaviors.
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9
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Tschumi CW, Beckstead MJ. Neurotensin speeds inhibition of dopamine neurons through temporal modulation of GABA A and GABA B receptor-mediated synaptic input. Neuropharmacology 2018; 131:414-423. [PMID: 29307543 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 12/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Midbrain dopamine neurons play physiological roles in many processes including reward learning and motivated behavior, and are tonically inhibited by γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic input from multiple brain regions. Neurotensin (NT) is a neuropeptide which acutely modulates midbrain dopamine neuron excitability through multiple mechanisms, one of which is a decrease of GABA-mediated inhibition. However, the mechanisms through which NT depresses GABA signaling are not known. Here we used whole cell patch-clamp electrophysiology of dopamine neurons in mouse brain slices to show that NT acts both presynaptically to increase GABAA and postsynaptically to decrease GABAB receptor-mediated currents in the substantia nigra. The active peptide fragment NT8-13 enhanced GABAA signaling presynaptically by causing an increase in the size of the readily releasable pool of GABA via activation of the NT type-1 receptor and protein kinase A. Conversely, NT8-13 depressed GABAB signaling postsynaptically via the NT type-2 receptor in a process that was modulated by protein kinase C. Both forms of plasticity could be observed simultaneously in single dopamine neurons. Thus, as the kinetics of GABAA signaling are significantly faster than those of GABAB signaling, NT functionally speeds GABAergic input to midbrain dopamine neurons. This finding contributes to our understanding of how neuropeptide-induced plasticity can simultaneously differentiate and integrate signaling by a single neurotransmitter in a single cell and provides a basis for understanding how neuropeptides use temporal shifts in synaptic strength to encode information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Tschumi
- Aging and Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104-5005, USA; Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Michael J Beckstead
- Aging and Metabolism Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104-5005, USA; Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
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10
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Voyer D, Lévesque D, Rompré PP. Repeated ventral midbrain neurotensin injections sensitize to amphetamine-induced locomotion and ERK activation: A role for NMDA receptors. Neuropharmacology 2016; 112:150-163. [PMID: 27267684 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that activation of ventral midbrain NMDA receptors is required to initiate sensitization by amphetamine. In view of the recent evidence that neurotensin modulates ventral midbrain glutamate neurotransmission, we tested the hypothesis that neurotensin is acting upstream to glutamate to initiate sensitization to the behavioral and neurochemical effects of amphetamine. During a first testing phase, adult male rats implanted with bilateral ventral midbrain cannulae were injected every second day for three days with D-[Tyr11]neurotensin (1.5 nmol/side), the preferred NMDA GluN2A/B antagonist, CPP (40 or 120 pmol/side), the selective GluN2B antagonist, Ro04-5595 (200 or 1200 pmol/side), CPP (40 or 120 pmol/side) + D-[Tyr11]neurotensin (1.5 nmol/side) or Ro04-5595 (200 or 1200 pmol/side) + D-[Tyr11]neurotensin (1.5 nmol/side) and locomotor activity was measured immediately after the injection. Five days after the last central injection, the locomotor response or the expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (pERK1/2) in neurons of different limbic nuclei was measured following a systemic injection of amphetamine sulfate (0.75 mg/kg, i.p.). Results show that amphetamine induced significantly stronger locomotor activity and pERK1/2 expression in the nucleus accumbens shell and infralimbic cortex in neurotensin pre-exposed animals than in controls (vehicle pre-exposed). These sensitization effects initiated by neurotensin were prevented by CPP, but not Ro04-5595. These results support the hypothesis that neurotensin is stimulating glutamate neurotransmission to initiate neural changes that sub-serve amphetamine sensitization and that glutamate is acting on NMDA receptors that are mostly likely composed of GluN2A, but not GluN2B, subunits. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Ionotropic glutamate receptors'.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Voyer
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Daniel Lévesque
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pierre-Paul Rompré
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; FRQ-S Research Group in Behavioral Neurobiology, Concordia University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.
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Ferraro L, Tiozzo Fasiolo L, Beggiato S, Borelli AC, Pomierny-Chamiolo L, Frankowska M, Antonelli T, Tomasini MC, Fuxe K, Filip M. Neurotensin: A role in substance use disorder? J Psychopharmacol 2016; 30:112-27. [PMID: 26755548 DOI: 10.1177/0269881115622240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neurotensin is a tridecapeptide originally identified in extracts of bovine hypothalamus. This peptide has a close anatomical and functional relationship with the mesocorticolimbic and nigrostriatal dopamine system. Neural circuits containing neurotensin were originally proposed to play a role in the mechanism of action of antipsychotic agents. Additionally, neurotensin-containing pathways were demonstrated to mediate some of the rewarding and/or sensitizing properties of drugs of abuse.This review attempts to contribute to the understanding of the role of neurotensin and its receptors in drug abuse. In particular, we will summarize the potential relevance of neurotensin, its related compounds and neurotensin receptors in substance use disorders, with a focus on the preclinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Ferraro
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Laura Tiozzo Fasiolo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sarah Beggiato
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Andrea C Borelli
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Malgorzata Frankowska
- Laboratory of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Tiziana Antonelli
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria C Tomasini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Kjell Fuxe
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Malgorzata Filip
- Laboratory of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
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Rouibi K, Bose P, Rompré PP, Warren RA. Ventral Midbrain NTS1 Receptors Mediate Conditioned Reward Induced by the Neurotensin Analog, D-Tyr[11]neurotensin. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:470. [PMID: 26733785 PMCID: PMC4686738 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was aimed at characterizing the mechanisms by which neurotensin (NT) is acting within the ventral midbrain to induce a psychostimulant-like effect. In a first experiment, we determine which subtype(s) of NT receptors is/are involved in the reward-inducing effect of ventral midbrain microinjection of NT using the conditioned place-preference (CPP) paradigm. In a second study, we used in vitro patch clamp recording technique to characterize the NT receptor subtype(s) involved in the modulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission (excitatory post-synaptic current, EPSC) in ventral tegmental neurons that expressed (Ih+), or do not express (Ih-), a hyperpolarization-activated cationic current. Behavioral studies were performed with adult male Long-Evans rats while electrophysiological recordings were obtained from brain slices of rat pups aged between 14 and 21 days. Results show that bilateral ventral midbrain microinjections of 1.5 and 3 nmol of D-Tyr[11]NT induced a CPP that was respectively attenuated or blocked by co-injection with 1.2 nmol of the NTS1/NTS2 antagonist, SR142948, and the preferred NTS1 antagonist, SR48692. In electrophysiological experiments, D-Tyr[11]NT (0.01-0.5 μM) attenuated glutamatergic EPSC in Ih+ but enhanced it in Ih- neurons. The attenuation effect (Ih+ neurons) was blocked by SR142948 (0.1 μM) while the enhancement effect (Ih- neurons) was blocked by both antagonists (0.1 μM). These findings suggest that (i) NT is acting on ventral midbrain NTS1 receptors to induce a rewarding effect and (ii) that this psychostimulant-like effect could be due to a direct action of NT on dopamine neurons and/or an enhancement of glutamatergic inputs to non-dopamine (Ih-) neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil Rouibi
- Department of Neurosciences, Université de MontréalMontréal, QC, Canada; FRQ-S Research Group in Behavioral Neurobiology, Department of Psychology, Concordia UniversityMontréal, QC, Canada
| | - Poulomee Bose
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Pierre-Paul Rompré
- Department of Neurosciences, Université de MontréalMontréal, QC, Canada; FRQ-S Research Group in Behavioral Neurobiology, Department of Psychology, Concordia UniversityMontréal, QC, Canada
| | - Richard A Warren
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal Montréal, QC, Canada
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