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Spironolactone alleviates schizophrenia-related reversal learning in Tcf4 transgenic mice subjected to social defeat. SCHIZOPHRENIA 2022; 8:77. [PMID: 36171421 PMCID: PMC9519974 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-022-00290-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
AbstractCognitive deficits are a hallmark of schizophrenia, for which no convincing pharmacological treatment option is currently available. Here, we tested spironolactone as a repurposed compound in Tcf4 transgenic mice subjected to psychosocial stress. In this ‘2-hit’ gene by environment mouse (GxE) model, the animals showed schizophrenia-related cognitive deficits. We had previously shown that spironolactone ameliorates working memory deficits and hyperactivity in a mouse model of cortical excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) dysbalance caused by an overactive NRG1-ERBB4 signaling pathway. In an add-on clinical study design, we used spironolactone as adjuvant medication to the standard antipsychotic drug aripiprazole. We characterized the compound effects using our previously established Platform for Systematic Semi-Automated Behavioral and Cognitive Profiling (PsyCoP). PsyCoP is a widely applicable analysis pipeline based on the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework aiming at facilitating translation into the clinic. In addition, we use dimensional reduction to analyze and visualize overall treatment effect profiles. We found that spironolactone and aripiprazole improve deficits of several cognitive domains in Tcf4tg x SD mice but partially interfere with each other’s effect in the combination therapy. A similar interaction was detected for the modulation of novelty-induced activity. In addition to its strong activity-dampening effects, we found an increase in negative valence measures as a side effect of aripiprazole treatment in mice. We suggest that repurposed drug candidates should first be tested in an adequate preclinical setting before initiating clinical trials. In addition, a more specific and effective NRG1-ERBB4 pathway inhibitor or more potent E/I balancing drug might enhance the ameliorating effect on cognition even further.
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Xie R, Hong S, Ye Y, Wang X, Chen F, Yang L, Yan Y, Liao L. Ketamine Affects the Expression of ErbB4 in the Hippocampus and Prefrontal Cortex of Rats. J Mol Neurosci 2020; 70:962-967. [PMID: 32096126 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01502-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe chronic neuropsychiatric disorder, and its exact pathogenesis remains unclear. This study investigated the effect of ketamine on the expression of ErbB4 (considered a schizophrenia candidate gene) in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of rats. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups. The low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups were intraperitoneally injected with 15 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg ketamine, respectively, twice a day (9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.); the control group was administered normal saline. The treatment lasted 7 days. After treatment, rats were euthanized, and their brain tissues were collected and then analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The results of immunohistochemistry staining demonstrated that the ErbB4 protein was expressed exclusively in the CA3 region of the hippocampus and the Cg1 region of the prefrontal cortex. Ketamine administration significantly decreased the expression of ErbB4 in a dose-dependent manner. The high-dose ketamine treatment was found to be optimal for establishing a rat model for schizophrenia. Ketamine induced symptoms similar to schizophrenia in humans. The ketamine-induced rat model for schizophrenia constructed in this study provides novel insights to better understand the pathogenic mechanisms of schizophrenia and aid in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runfang Xie
- Department of Analytical Toxicology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shijun Hong
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Ye
- Department of Analytical Toxicology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueyan Wang
- Department of Analytical Toxicology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Chen
- Department of Analytical Toxicology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Analytical Toxicology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Youyi Yan
- Department of Analytical Toxicology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Linchuan Liao
- Department of Analytical Toxicology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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De Santis M, Huang XF, Deng C. Early antipsychotic treatment in juvenile rats elicits long-term alterations to the adult serotonin receptors. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2018; 14:1569-1583. [PMID: 29950841 PMCID: PMC6011877 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s158545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antipsychotic drug (APD) prescription/use in children has increased significantly worldwide, despite limited insight into potential long-term effects of treatment on adult brain functioning. While initial long-term studies have uncovered alterations to behaviors following early APD treatment, further investigations into potential changes to receptor density levels of related neurotransmitter (NT) systems are required. METHODS The current investigation utilized an animal model for early APD treatment with aripiprazole, olanzapine, and risperidone in male and female juvenile rats to investigate potential long-term changes to the adult serotonin (5-HT) NT system. Levels of 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT2C receptors were measured in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), caudate putamen (CPu), nucleus accumbens (NAc), and hippocampus via Western Blot and receptor autoradiography. RESULTS In the male cohort, long-term changes to 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors were found mostly across hippocampal and cortical brain regions following early aripiprazole and olanzapine treatment, while early risperidone treatment changed 5-HT1A receptor levels in the NAc and PFC. Lesser effects were uncovered in the female cohort with aripiprazole, olanzapine and risperidone to alter 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors in NAc and hippocampal brain regions, respectively. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that early treatment of various APDs in juvenile rats may cause gender and brain regional specific changes in 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors in the adult brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael De Santis
- Antipsychotic Research Laboratory, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Xu-Feng Huang
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Chao Deng
- Antipsychotic Research Laboratory, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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O’Tuathaigh CMP, Mathur N, O’Callaghan MJ, MacIntyre L, Harvey R, Lai D, Waddington JL, Pickard BS, Watson DG, Moran PM. Specialized Information Processing Deficits and Distinct Metabolomic Profiles Following TM-Domain Disruption of Nrg1. Schizophr Bull 2017; 43:1100-1113. [PMID: 28338897 PMCID: PMC5581893 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbw189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Although there is considerable genetic and pathologic evidence for an association between neuregulin 1 (NRG1) dysregulation and schizophrenia, the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms remain unclear. Mutant mice containing disruption of the transmembrane (TM) domain of the NRG1 gene constitute a heuristic model for dysregulation of NRG1-ErbB4 signaling in schizophrenia. The present study focused on hitherto uncharacterized information processing phenotypes in this mutant line. Using a mass spectrometry-based metabolomics approach, we also quantified levels of unique metabolites in brain. Across 2 different sites and protocols, Nrg1 mutants demonstrated deficits in prepulse inhibition, a measure of sensorimotor gating, that is, disrupted in schizophrenia; these deficits were partially reversed by acute treatment with second, but not first-, generation antipsychotic drugs. However, Nrg1 mutants did not show a specific deficit in latent inhibition, a measure of selective attention that is also disrupted in schizophrenia. In contrast, in a "what-where-when" object recognition memory task, Nrg1 mutants displayed sex-specific (males only) disruption of "what-when" performance, indicative of impaired temporal aspects of episodic memory. Differential metabolomic profiling revealed that these behavioral phenotypes were accompanied, most prominently, by alterations in lipid metabolism pathways. This study is the first to associate these novel physiological mechanisms, previously independently identified as being abnormal in schizophrenia, with disruption of NRG1 function. These data suggest novel mechanisms by which compromised neuregulin function from birth might lead to schizophrenia-relevant behavioral changes in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Naina Mathur
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Lynsey MacIntyre
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Richard Harvey
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - Donna Lai
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - John L Waddington
- Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research & Therapy for Neuro-Psychiatric-Disorders and Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Benjamin S Pickard
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - David G Watson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Paula M Moran
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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De Santis M, Lian J, Huang XF, Deng C. Early Antipsychotic Treatment in Juvenile Rats Elicits Long-Term Alterations to the Dopamine Neurotransmitter System. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:E1944. [PMID: 27879654 PMCID: PMC5133938 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17111944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Prescription of antipsychotic drugs (APDs) to children has substantially increased in recent years. Whilst current investigations into potential long-term effects have uncovered some alterations to adult behaviours, further investigations into potential changes to neurotransmitter systems are required. The current study investigated potential long-term changes to the adult dopamine (DA) system following aripiprazole, olanzapine and risperidone treatment in female and male juvenile rats. Levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), phosphorylated-TH (p-TH), dopamine active transporter (DAT), and D₁ and D₂ receptors were measured via Western blot and/or receptor autoradiography. Aripiprazole decreased TH and D₁ receptor levels in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and p-TH levels in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of females, whilst TH levels decreased in the PFC of males. Olanzapine decreased PFC p-TH levels and increased D₂ receptor expression in the PFC and nucleus accumbens (NAc) in females only. Additionally, risperidone treatment increased D₁ receptor levels in the hippocampus of females, whilst, in males, p-TH levels increased in the PFC and hippocampus, D₁ receptor expression decreased in the NAc, and DAT levels decreased in the caudate putamen (CPu), and elevated in the VTA. These results suggest that early treatment with various APDs can cause different long-term alterations in the adult brain, across both treatment groups and genders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael De Santis
- Antipsychotic Research Laboratory, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
| | - Jiamei Lian
- Antipsychotic Research Laboratory, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
| | - Xu-Feng Huang
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
| | - Chao Deng
- Antipsychotic Research Laboratory, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
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Pan B, Huang XF, Deng C. Chronic administration of aripiprazole activates GSK3β-dependent signalling pathways, and up-regulates GABAA receptor expression and CREB1 activity in rats. Sci Rep 2016; 6:30040. [PMID: 27435909 PMCID: PMC4951756 DOI: 10.1038/srep30040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Aripiprazole is a D2-like receptor (D2R) partial agonist with a favourable clinical profile. Previous investigations indicated that acute and short-term administration of aripiprazole had effects on PKA activity, GSK3β-dependent pathways, GABAA receptors, NMDA receptor and CREB1 in the brain. Since antipsychotics are used chronically in clinics, the present study investigated the long-term effects of chronic oral aripiprazole treatment on these cellular signalling pathways, in comparison with haloperidol (a D2R antagonist) and bifeprunox (a potent D2R partial agonist). We found that the Akt-GSK3β pathway was activated by aripiprazole and bifeprunox in the prefrontal cortex; NMDA NR2A levels were reduced by aripiprazole and haloperidol. In the nucleus accumbens, all three drugs increased Akt-GSK3β signalling; in addition, both aripiprazole and haloperidol, but not bifeprunox, increased the expression of Dvl-3, β-catenin and GABAA receptors, NMDA receptor subunits, as well as CREB1 phosphorylation levels. The results suggest that chronic oral administration of aripiprazole affects schizophrenia-related cellular signalling pathways and markers (including Akt-GSK3β signalling, Dvl-GSK3β-β-catenin signalling, GABAA receptor, NMDA receptor and CREB1) in a brain-region-dependent manner; the selective effects of aripiprazole on these signalling pathways might be associated with its unique clinical effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Pan
- Antipsychotic Research Laboratory, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, 2522, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, 2522, NSW, Australia
| | - Xu-Feng Huang
- Centre for Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, 2522, NSW, Australia
| | - Chao Deng
- Antipsychotic Research Laboratory, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, 2522, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, 2522, NSW, Australia
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Loos M, Schetters D, Hoogeland M, Spijker S, de Vries TJ, Pattij T. Prefrontal cortical neuregulin-ErbB modulation of inhibitory control in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2016; 781:157-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Pan B, Lian J, Huang XF, Deng C. Aripiprazole Increases the PKA Signalling and Expression of the GABAA Receptor and CREB1 in the Nucleus Accumbens of Rats. J Mol Neurosci 2016; 59:36-47. [PMID: 26894264 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-016-0730-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The GABAA receptor is implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and regulated by PKA signalling. Current antipsychotics bind with D2-like receptors, but not the GABAA receptor. The cAMP-responsive element-binding protein 1 (CREB1) is also associated with PKA signalling and may be related to the positive symptoms of schizophrenia. This study investigated the effects of antipsychotics in modulating D2-mediated PKA signalling and its downstream GABAA receptors and CREB1. Rats were treated orally with aripiprazole (0.75 mg/kg, ter in die (t.i.d.)), bifeprunox (0.8 mg/kg, t.i.d.), haloperidol (0.1 mg/kg, t.i.d.) or vehicle for 1 week. The levels of PKA-Cα and p-PKA in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc) and caudate putamen (CPu) were detected by Western blots. The mRNA levels of Gabrb1, Gabrb2, Gabrb3 and Creb1, and their protein expression were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blots, respectively. Aripiprazole elevated the levels of p-PKA and the ratio of p-PKA/PKA in the NAc, but not the PFC and CPu. Correlated with this elevated PKA signalling, aripiprazole elevated the mRNA and protein expression of the GABAA (β-1) receptor and CREB1 in the NAc. While haloperidol elevated the levels of p-PKA and the ratio of p-PKA/PKA in both NAc and CPu, it only tended to increase the expression of the GABAA (β-1) receptor and CREB1 in the NAc, but not the CPu. Bifeprunox had no effects on PKA signalling in these brain regions. These results suggest that aripiprazole has selective effects on upregulating the GABAA (β-1) receptor and CREB1 in the NAc, probably via activating PKA signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Pan
- Antipsychotic Research Laboratory, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
- Centre for Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Jiamei Lian
- Antipsychotic Research Laboratory, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
- Centre for Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Xu-Feng Huang
- Centre for Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Chao Deng
- Antipsychotic Research Laboratory, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.
- Centre for Translational Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.
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Aripiprazole and Haloperidol Activate GSK3β-Dependent Signalling Pathway Differentially in Various Brain Regions of Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:459. [PMID: 27043526 PMCID: PMC4848915 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17040459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Aripiprazole, a dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) partial agonist, possesses a unique clinical profile. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β)-dependent signalling pathways have been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and antipsychotic drug actions. The present study examined whether aripiprazole differentially affects the GSK3β-dependent signalling pathways in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc), and caudate putamen (CPu), in comparison with haloperidol (a D2R antagonist) and bifeprunox (a D2R partial agonist). Rats were orally administrated aripiprazole (0.75 mg/kg), bifeprunox (0.8 mg/kg), haloperidol (0.1 mg/kg) or vehicle three times per day for one week. The levels of protein kinase B (Akt), p-Akt, GSK3β, p-GSK3β, dishevelled (Dvl)-3, and β-catenin were measured by Western Blots. Aripiprazole increased GSK3β phosphorylation in the PFC and NAc, respectively, while haloperidol elevated it in the NAc only. However, Akt activity was not changed by any of these drugs. Additionally, both aripiprazole and haloperidol, but not bifeprunox, increased the expression of Dvl-3 and β-catenin in the NAc. The present study suggests that activation of GSK3β phosphorylation in the PFC and NAc may be involved in the clinical profile of aripiprazole; additionally, aripiprazole can increase GSK3β phosphorylation via the Dvl-GSK3β-β-catenin signalling pathway in the NAc, probably due to its relatively low intrinsic activity at D2Rs.
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de Bartolomeis A, Tomasetti C, Iasevoli F. Update on the Mechanism of Action of Aripiprazole: Translational Insights into Antipsychotic Strategies Beyond Dopamine Receptor Antagonism. CNS Drugs 2015; 29:773-99. [PMID: 26346901 PMCID: PMC4602118 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-015-0278-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine partial agonism and functional selectivity have been innovative strategies in the pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia and mood disorders and have shifted the concept of dopamine modulation beyond the established approach of dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) antagonism. Despite the fact that aripiprazole was introduced in therapy more than 12 years ago, many questions are still unresolved regarding the complexity of the effects of this agent on signal transduction and intracellular pathways, in part linked to its pleiotropic receptor profile. The complexity of the mechanism of action has progressively shifted the conceptualization of this agent from partial agonism to functional selectivity. From the induction of early genes to modulation of scaffolding proteins and activation of transcription factors, aripiprazole has been shown to affect multiple cellular pathways and several cortical and subcortical neurotransmitter circuitries. Growing evidence shows that, beyond the consequences of D2R occupancy, aripiprazole has a unique neurobiology among available antipsychotics. The effect of chronic administration of aripiprazole on D2R affinity state and number has been especially highlighted, with relevant translational implications for long-term treatment of psychosis. The hypothesized effects of aripiprazole on cell-protective mechanisms and neurite growth, as well as the differential effects on intracellular pathways [i.e. extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)] compared with full D2R antagonists, suggest further exploration of these targets by novel and future biased ligand compounds. This review aims to recapitulate the main neurobiological effects of aripiprazole and discuss the potential implications for upcoming improvements in schizophrenia therapy based on dopamine modulation beyond D2R antagonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea de Bartolomeis
- Unit of Treatment Resistant Psychosis, Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, University School of Medicine of Napoli "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, Edificio n.18, 3rd floor, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Carmine Tomasetti
- Unit of Treatment Resistant Psychosis, Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, University School of Medicine of Napoli "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, Edificio n.18, 3rd floor, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Felice Iasevoli
- Unit of Treatment Resistant Psychosis, Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, University School of Medicine of Napoli "Federico II", Via Pansini, 5, Edificio n.18, 3rd floor, 80131, Naples, Italy
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