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Peart DR, Claridge EV, Karlovcec JM, El Azali R, LaDouceur KE, Sikic A, Thomas A, Stone AP, Murray JE. Generalization of a positive-feature interoceptive morphine occasion setter across the rat estrous cycle. Horm Behav 2024; 162:105541. [PMID: 38583235 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105541] [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: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Interoceptive stimuli elicited by drug administration acquire conditioned modulatory properties of the induction of conditioned appetitive behaviours by exteroceptive cues. This effect may be modeled using a drug discrimination task in which the drug stimulus is trained as a positive-feature (FP) occasion setter (OS) that disambiguates the relation between an exteroceptive light conditioned stimulus (CS) and a sucrose unconditioned stimulus (US). We previously reported that females are less sensitive to generalization of a FP morphine OS than males, so we investigated the role of endogenous ovarian hormones in this difference. METHODS Male and female rats received intermixed injections of 3.2 mg/kg morphine or saline before each daily training session. Training consisted of 8 presentations of the CS, each followed by access to sucrose on morphine, but not saline sessions. Following acquisiton, rats were tested for generalization of the morphine stimulus to 0, 1.0, 3.2, and 5.4 mg/kg morphine. Female rats were monitored for estrous cyclicity using vaginal cytology throughout the study. RESULTS Both sexes acquired stable drug discrimination. A gradient of generalization was measured across morphine doses and this behaviour did not differ by sex, nor did it differ across the estrous cycle in females. CONCLUSIONS Morphine generalization is independent of fluctuations in levels of sex and endogenous gonadal hormones in females under these experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davin R Peart
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada; Collaborative Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Ella V Claridge
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jessica M Karlovcec
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada; Collaborative Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Rita El Azali
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada; Collaborative Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Kathleen E LaDouceur
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada; Collaborative Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Anita Sikic
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada; Collaborative Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Abina Thomas
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Adiia P Stone
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada; Collaborative Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer E Murray
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada; Collaborative Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
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Martínez-Rivera FJ, Holt LM, Minier-Toribio A, Estill M, Yeh SY, Tofani S, Futamura R, Browne CJ, Mews P, Shen L, Nestler EJ. Transcriptional characterization of cocaine withdrawal versus extinction within nucleus accumbens. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.12.584637. [PMID: 38559084 PMCID: PMC10980003 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.12.584637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Substance use disorder is characterized by a maladaptive imbalance wherein drug seeking persists despite negative consequences or drug unavailability. This imbalance correlates with neurobiological alterations some of which are amplified during forced abstinence, thereby compromising the capacity of extinction-based approaches to prevent relapse. Cocaine use disorder (CUD) exemplifies this phenomenon in which neurobiological modifications hijack brain reward regions such as the nucleus accumbens (NAc) to manifest craving and withdrawal-like symptoms. While increasing evidence links transcriptional changes in the NAc to specific phases of addiction, genome-wide changes in gene expression during withdrawal vs. extinction (WD/Ext) have not been examined in a context- and NAc-subregion-specific manner. Here, we used cocaine self-administration (SA) in rats combined with RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) of NAc subregions (core and shell) to transcriptionally profile the impact of experiencing withdrawal in the home cage or in the previous drug context or experiencing extinction training. As expected, home-cage withdrawal maintained drug seeking in the previous drug context, whereas extinction training reduced it. By contrast, withdrawal involving repetitive exposure to the previous drug context increased drug-seeking behavior. Bioinformatic analyses of RNA-seq data revealed gene expression patterns, networks, motifs, and biological functions specific to these behavioral conditions and NAc subregions. Comparing transcriptomic analysis of the NAc of patients with CUD highlighted conserved gene signatures, especially with rats that were repetitively exposed to the previous drug context. Collectively, these behavioral and transcriptional correlates of several withdrawal-extinction settings reveal fundamental and translational information about potential molecular mechanisms to attenuate drug-associated memories.
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Menéndez-Delmestre R, Agosto-Rivera JL, González-Segarra AJ, Segarra AC. Cocaine sensitization in male rats requires activation of estrogen receptors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.07.579327. [PMID: 38370714 PMCID: PMC10871307 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.07.579327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Gonadal steroids play a modulatory role in cocaine use disorders, and are responsible for many sex differences observed in the behavioral response to cocaine. In females, it is well established that estradiol enhances the behavioral response to cocaine. In males, we have recently shown that testosterone enhances sensitization to cocaine but its mechanism of action remains to be elucidated. The current study investigated the contribution of DHT, a non-aromatizable androgen, and of estradiol, in regulating cocaine-induced sensitization in male rats. Gonadectomized (GDX) male rats treated with estradiol sensitized to repeated cocaine administration, while GDX rats treated with DHT did not, implicating estradiol in cocaine sensitization. Furthermore, intact male rats treated with the antiestrogen ICI 182,780 did not show sensitization to repeated cocaine. This study demonstrates the pivotal role of estradiol in cocaine-induced neuroplasticity and neuroadaptations in the rodent brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raissa Menéndez-Delmestre
- Physiology Department, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, PO Box 365067, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-5067
| | - José L. Agosto-Rivera
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, PO Box 23360, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00931-3360
| | - Amanda J González-Segarra
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Barnard College, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027
| | - Annabell C. Segarra
- Physiology Department, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, PO Box 365067, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-5067
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Kokane SS, Butler BD, Antonio JH, Armant RJ, Hoch AC, Coelho CS, Brady BN, Chamseddine HH, Perrotti LI. Interactions between estradiol and ERK, but not mTOR, signaling is necessary for enhanced cocaine-induced conditioned place preference in female rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2023; 232:173653. [PMID: 37804867 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2023.173653] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Women rapidly progress from recreational cocaine use to dependence, consume greater quantities of cocaine, experience more positive subjective effects of cocaine and have higher incidences of relapse during abstinence. These effects have been replicated in animal models of cocaine addiction and indicate an enhanced sensitivity and therefore, vulnerability of females to cocaine addiction. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that estradiol (E2) is a key mediator of the aforementioned effects of cocaine in women and female animals. However, studies identifying the influence of E2 on cocaine-associated reward and its underlying neurobiological mechanisms are lacking. Here, we further explored the influence of E2 on cocaine conditioned place preference in female rats. We show that E2 mediates cocaine-conditioned reward by potentiating cocaine-context associations. In addition, the E2-mediated increases in cocaine-induced CPP are associated with increased activation of ERK1/2 and mTOR proteins in the nucleus accumbens, dorsal striatum, and ventral tegmental area. To assess the involvement of ERK1/2 and mTOR in E2-mediated enhanced cocaine-CPP, we inhibited ERK1/2 and/or mTOR activity during cocaine-conditioning and before CPP-test. Inhibition of ERK1/2 during conditioning blocked cocaine-CPP in females, inhibition mTOR was without effect, and inhibiting ERK1/2 and mTOR before CPP-test blocked cocaine-CPP. In conclusion, we have established that E2 enhances cocaine-conditioned reward by potentiating cocaine-context associations formed during conditioning. Additionally, activation of ERK1/2 during cocaine-conditioning is necessary for the potentiation of cocaine-conditioned reward by E2. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Studies characterizing the molecular substrates underlying the effects of E2 during the formation of cocaine-context associations are virtually unknown. In this study, we established the influence of E2 during the formation of cocaine-CPP and characterized the role of ERK1/2 and mTOR activity on this effect within significant nodes of the reward pathway. The elucidation of the role of E2 in cocaine-induced intracellular signaling fills a significant gap in our knowledge regarding the mechanisms by which E2 affects intracellular signaling pathways to indicate the motivational salience of a stimulus. These data are crucial to our understanding of how fluctuating hormone levels can render females increasing sensitive to the rewarding effects of cocaine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh S Kokane
- Department of Psychology, College of Science, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
| | - Brandon D Butler
- Department of Psychology, College of Science, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
| | - Josimar Hernandez Antonio
- Department of Psychology, College of Science, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
| | - Ross J Armant
- Department of Psychology, College of Science, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
| | - Adam C Hoch
- Department of Psychology, College of Science, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
| | - Clinton S Coelho
- Department of Psychology, College of Science, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
| | - Blake N Brady
- Department of Psychology, College of Science, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
| | - Houda H Chamseddine
- Department of Psychology, College of Science, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
| | - Linda I Perrotti
- Department of Psychology, College of Science, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA.
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Yates JR, Broderick MR, Berling KL, Gieske MG, Osborn E, Nelson MR, Wright MR. Effects of adolescent methylphenidate administration on methamphetamine conditioned place preference in an animal model of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Examination of potential sex differences. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 252:110970. [PMID: 37748422 PMCID: PMC10615784 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110970] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to be diagnosed with a substance use disorder; however, the effects of long-term psychostimulant treatment on addiction are mixed. Preclinical studies are useful for further elucidating the relationship between ADHD and addiction-like behaviors, but these studies have focused on male subjects only. The goal of the current study was to determine if early-life administration of methylphenidate (MPH) augments methamphetamine (METH) conditioned place preference (CPP) and/or potentiates reinstatement of CPP in both male and female rats. METHODS Male and female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKYs) received either MPH (1.5mg/kg; p.o.) or vehicle (1.0ml/kg) during adolescence (postnatal day [PND] ~29-57). Two weeks after cessation of MPH treatment, rats were tested for METH CPP (1.0mg/kg or 2.0mg/kg; s.c.). Rats were then given extinction sessions. Once rats met extinction criteria, they were tested for reinstatement of CPP following a priming injection of METH (0.25mg/kg; s.c.). RESULTS All groups developed METH CPP, except vehicle-treated SHR males and vehicle-treated WKY females conditioned with the higher dose of METH (2.0mg/kg). Female SHRs treated with MPH showed greater reinstatement of METH CPP compared to female SHRs treated with vehicle. Adolescent MPH treatment did not augment the locomotor-stimulant effects of METH in adulthood. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate the importance of considering biological sex when prescribing psychostimulant medications for ADHD as long-term MPH administration may increase the risk of continued drug use in females with ADHD following a period of abstinence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R Yates
- Department of Psychological Science, Northern Kentucky University, 1 Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099, USA.
| | - Maria R Broderick
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, 1 Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099, USA
| | - Kevin L Berling
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, 1 Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099, USA
| | - M Grace Gieske
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, 1 Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099, USA
| | - Ethan Osborn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, 1 Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099, USA
| | - M Ray Nelson
- Department of Psychological Science, Northern Kentucky University, 1 Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099, USA
| | - Makayla R Wright
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, 1 Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099, USA
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Hersey M, Bartole MK, Jones CS, Newman AH, Tanda G. Are There Prevalent Sex Differences in Psychostimulant Use Disorder? A Focus on the Potential Therapeutic Efficacy of Atypical Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors. Molecules 2023; 28:5270. [PMID: 37446929 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28135270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychostimulant use disorders (PSUD) affect a growing number of men and women and exert sizable public health and economic burdens on our global society. Notably, there are some sex differences in the onset of dependence, relapse rates, and treatment success with PSUD observed in preclinical and clinical studies. The subtle sex differences observed in the behavioral aspects of PSUD may be associated with differences in the neurochemistry of the dopaminergic system between sexes. Preclinically, psychostimulants have been shown to increase synaptic dopamine (DA) levels and may downregulate the dopamine transporter (DAT). This effect is greatest in females during the high estradiol phase of the estrous cycle. Interestingly, women have been shown to be more likely to begin drug use at younger ages and report higher levels of desire to use cocaine than males. Even though there is currently no FDA-approved medication, modafinil, a DAT inhibitor approved for use in the treatment of narcolepsy and sleep disorders, has shown promise in the treatment of PSUD among specific populations of affected individuals. In this review, we highlight the therapeutic potential of modafinil and other atypical DAT inhibitors focusing on the lack of sex differences in the actions of these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda Hersey
- Medication Development Program, NIDA IRP, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | | | - Claire S Jones
- Medication Development Program, NIDA IRP, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Amy Hauck Newman
- Medication Development Program, NIDA IRP, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Gianluigi Tanda
- Medication Development Program, NIDA IRP, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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Maher EE, Strzelecki AM, Weafer JJ, Gipson CD. The importance of translationally evaluating steroid hormone contributions to substance use. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 69:101059. [PMID: 36758769 PMCID: PMC10182261 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101059] [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: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Clinically, women appear to be more susceptible to certain aspects of substance use disorders (SUDs). The steroid hormones 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (Pg) have been linked to women-specific drug behaviors. Here, we review clinical and preclinical studies investigating how cycling ovarian hormones affect nicotine-, cocaine-, and opioid-related behaviors. We also highlight gaps in the literature regarding how synthetic steroid hormone use may influence drug-related behaviors. In addition, we explore how E2 and Pg are known to interact in brain reward pathways and provide evidence of how these interactions may influence drug-related behaviors. The synthesis of this review demonstrates the critical need to study women-specific factors that may influence aspects of SUDs, which may play important roles in addiction processes in a sex-specific fashion. It is important to understand factors that impact women's health and may be key to moving the field forward toward more efficacious and individualized treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Maher
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Ashley M Strzelecki
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Jessica J Weafer
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Cassandra D Gipson
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.
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8
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Gill KE, McGarrigle WJ, Neel AI, Tonto DOW, Greenleaf KL. D2 receptor antagonism enhances cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization in female, but not male Japanese quail ( Coturnix japonica ). Behav Pharmacol 2022; 33:355-363. [PMID: 35695537 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences in cocaine-induced behaviors are well established. In rodents, females show enhanced locomotion to cocaine over multiple trials compared with males, a behavioral response known as sensitization. Estradiol enhances cocaine-induced sensitization in female rats by agonizing dopaminergic activity within the brain. In female quail, cocaine does not increase locomotion regardless of increased estradiol. A higher D2:D1 dopamine receptor ratio in quail compared with rodents may explain this sex and species difference. The goal of the present work was to investigate the role of D2 receptors in cocaine-induced locomotion and sensitization in Japanese quail and to determine whether a greater D2 receptor availability contributed to the lack of cocaine-induced sensitization in female quail found in previous studies. Male and female quail were administered 0, 0.03, 0.05, or 0.07 mg/kg of eticlopride (Eti) followed by 10 mg/kg of cocaine or saline then immediately placed in open-field chambers. Distance traveled was recorded for 30 min daily for 7 days. In female quail, cocaine-induced sensitization was observed with 0.03 or 0.05 mg/kg Eti, but not in cocaine-only females. In male quail, cocaine-induced sensitization was observed similar to previous research. However, Eti did not enhance cocaine-induced locomotion or produce sensitization in male quail. The D2 receptor likely mediates cocaine's motor stimulating effects in quail. In females, this effect is more pronounced. Since high D2 availability is protective against stimulant abuse, Japanese quail may be a useful model for investigating the role of the D2 receptor in cocaine addiction, but further research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin E Gill
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Centre College, Danville, Kentucky
| | - William J McGarrigle
- Department of Psychology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Anna Isabella Neel
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Centre College, Danville, Kentucky
| | - Derrick O W Tonto
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Centre College, Danville, Kentucky
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Peart DR, Andrade AK, Logan CN, Knackstedt LA, Murray JE. Regulation of Cocaine-related Behaviors by Estrogen and Progesterone. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 135:104584. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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10
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Arunogiri S, Crossin R, Rizzo D, Walker L, Ridley K, Gurvich C. A systematic review of the effect of ovarian sex hormones on stimulant use in females. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e13079. [PMID: 34374475 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Stimulant use disorder is associated with significant global health burden. Despite evidence for sex differences in the development and maintenance of stimulant use disorder, few studies have focused on mechanisms underpinning distinct trajectories in females versus males, including the effect of the ovarian sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. This review aimed to identify and synthesise the existing preclinical and clinical literature on the effect of ovarian sex hormones on stimulant consumption in females. A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature identified 1593 articles, screened using the following inclusion criteria: (1) adult female humans or animals, (2) using stimulant drugs, (3) ovarian sex hormones were administered exogenously OR were measured in a validated manner and (4) with stimulant consumption as an outcome measure. A total of 50 studies (3 clinical and 47 preclinical) met inclusion criteria. High-estrogen (low progesterone) phases of the menstrual/estrus cycle were associated with increased stimulant use in preclinical studies, while there were no clinical studies examining estrogen and stimulant consumption. Consistent preclinical evidence supported progesterone use reducing stimulant consumption, which was also identified in one clinical study. The review was limited by inconsistent data reporting across studies and different protocols across preclinical laboratory paradigms. Importantly, almost all studies examined cocaine use, with impact on methamphetamine use a significant gap in the existing evidence. Given the safety and tolerability profile of progesterone, further research is urgently needed to address this gap, to explore the potential therapeutic utility of progesterone as a treatment for stimulant use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalini Arunogiri
- Monash Addiction Research Centre and Eastern Health Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Monash University Richmond Victoria Australia
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Monash University and the Alfred Hospital Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Turning Point, Eastern Health Richmond Victoria Australia
| | - Rose Crossin
- Department of Population Health University of Otago Christchurch New Zealand
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Davinia Rizzo
- Monash Addiction Research Centre and Eastern Health Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Monash University Richmond Victoria Australia
- Turning Point, Eastern Health Richmond Victoria Australia
| | - Leigh Walker
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Kelly Ridley
- West Australian Country Health Service Albany Western Australia Australia
| | - Caroline Gurvich
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Monash University and the Alfred Hospital Melbourne Victoria Australia
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Martin M, Gutiérrez-Martos M, Cabrera R, Langohr K, Maldonado R, Farre M, de la Torre R. Daidzein modulates cocaine-reinforcing effects and cue-induced cocaine reinstatement in CD-1 male mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:1923-1936. [PMID: 33839903 PMCID: PMC8233246 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05820-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Cocaine addiction is a chronic relapsing disorder that lacks of an effective treatment. Isoflavones are a family of compounds present in different plants and vegetables like soybeans that share a common chemical structure. Previous studies have described that synthetic derivatives from the natural isoflavone daidzin can modulate cocaine addiction, by a mechanism suggested to involve aldehyde-dehydrogenase (ALDH) activities. OBJECTIVES Based on these previous studies, we investigated the effects of three natural isoflavones, daidzin, daidzein, and genistein, on the modulation of the cocaine reinforcing effects and on cue-induced reinstatement in an operant mouse model of cocaine self-administration. RESULTS Chronic treatment with daidzein or genistein decreased operant responding to obtain cocaine intravenous infusions. On the other hand, daidzein and daidzin, but not genistein, were effective in decreasing cue-induced cocaine reinstatement. Complementary studies revealed that daidzein effects on cocaine reinforcement were mediated through a mechanism that involved dopamine type-2/3 receptors (DA-D2/3) activities. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that these natural compounds alone or in combination can be a potential therapeutic approach for cocaine addiction. Further clinical studies are required in order to ascertain their potential therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miquel Martin
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Parc de Recerca Biomedica de Barcelona (PRBB), C/Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain ,Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Parc de Recerca Biomedica de Barcelona (PRBB), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, C/Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miriam Gutiérrez-Martos
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Parc de Recerca Biomedica de Barcelona (PRBB), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, C/Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roberto Cabrera
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Parc de Recerca Biomedica de Barcelona (PRBB), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, C/Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Klaus Langohr
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Parc de Recerca Biomedica de Barcelona (PRBB), C/Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain ,Department of Statistics and Operations Research, Universitat Politècnica de Cataluña (UPC)/BarcelonaTech, Jordi Girona 1-3, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Maldonado
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Parc de Recerca Biomedica de Barcelona (PRBB), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, C/Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain ,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (CEXS-UPF), C/Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Magi Farre
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Parc de Recerca Biomedica de Barcelona (PRBB), C/Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain ,Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UDIMAS-UAB), C/Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain ,Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Carretera de Canyet s/n, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Rafael de la Torre
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Parc de Recerca Biomedica de Barcelona (PRBB), C/Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain. .,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (CEXS-UPF), C/Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain. .,CIBER Fisiopatologia de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBERobn), Choupana s, /n 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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12
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Freese L, Fraga de Souza M, Schüler Nin M, Calleti G, Flores Peres V, Gomez R, Maria Tannhauser Barros H. Elevated GABA levels in the medial prefrontal cortex and lower estrogen levels abolish cocaine sensitization behavior in ovariectomized female rats. Brain Res 2020; 1749:147144. [PMID: 33038296 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.147144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Animal models show that cocaine sensitization, a behavioral marker of addiction, is more significant in intact gonadal female than male rats and ovariectomy suppress this behavior in female rats. However, few studies explore changes in neurotransmission related to this phenomenon. Here we investigated the in vivo changes on GABA, glutamate, and taurine levels in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of gonadal intact or ovariectomized female rats after a cocaine challenge administration. Adult female rats were bilaterally ovariectomized (OVX), or sham-operated (SHAM) and randomly assigned to control (CTR), acute (ACT), or repeated (RPT) cocaine administration groups. In the challenge day, after eight days of daily cocaine (15 mg/kg) or saline administration and ten days of washout and stereotaxic surgery, RPT and ACT groups received cocaine, and the CTR group received saline. Horizontal locomotion was monitored concomitantly with microdialysate collection to determine extracellular GABA, glutamate, and taurine levels. Hormonal determination in blood samples confirmed the lower hormonal status of the OVX. Cocaine sensitization occurred in SHAM-RPT female rats after the challenge administration. Non-sensitized OVX-RPT rats showed a peak of GABA at 30 min after cocaine administration, with no change on glutamate and taurine levels. Therefore, elevated GABA levels in the mPFC and lower serum estrogen levels abolish cocaine sensitization behavior in ovariectomized female rats. We discuss some possible implications of these finding for future models of cocaine sensitization research lighting in the female hormonal influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Freese
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences: Pharmacology and Toxicology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), 90050-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Marilise Fraga de Souza
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences: Pharmacology and Toxicology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), 90050-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Maurício Schüler Nin
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences: Pharmacology and Toxicology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), 90050-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Pharmacy Program, Centro Universitário Metodista - IPA, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 90040-060, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Greice Calleti
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences: Pharmacology and Toxicology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), 90050-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 90040-060, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Valéria Flores Peres
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences: Pharmacology and Toxicology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), 90050-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Rosane Gomez
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 90040-060, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Helena Maria Tannhauser Barros
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences: Pharmacology and Toxicology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), 90050-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Pharmacosciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), 90050-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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13
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Swenson S, Blum K, McLaughlin T, Gold MS, Thanos PK. The therapeutic potential of exercise for neuropsychiatric diseases: A review. J Neurol Sci 2020; 412:116763. [PMID: 32305746 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.116763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Exercise is known to have a myriad of health benefits. There is much to be learned from the effects of exercise and its potential for prevention, attenuation and treatment of multiple neuropsychiatric diseases and behavioral disorders. Furthermore, recent data and research on exercise benefits with respect to major health crises, such as, that of opioid and general substance use disorders, make it very important to better understand and review the mechanisms of exercise and how it could be utilized for effective treatments or adjunct treatments for these diseases. In addition, mechanisms, epigenetics and sex differences are examined and discussed in terms of future research implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Swenson
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biosciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Kenneth Blum
- Western Univesity Health Sciences, Graduate College, Pomona, CA, USA
| | | | - Mark S Gold
- Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Panayotis K Thanos
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biosciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA; Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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14
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Bakhti-Suroosh A, Nesil T, Lynch WJ. Tamoxifen Blocks the Development of Motivational Features of an Addiction-Like Phenotype in Female Rats. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:253. [PMID: 31780909 PMCID: PMC6856674 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Women become addicted sooner after initiating cocaine use as compared to men. Preclinical studies reveal a similar vulnerability in females, with findings from ovariectomized rats suggesting that estradiol mediates the enhanced vulnerability. However, since ovariectomy depletes not only estradiol, but all ovarian hormones, its role in a physiological context is not clear. Thus, the goal of this study was to determine the role of estradiol in the development of an addiction-like phenotype in ovary-intact females treated chronically with the selective estrogen receptor (ER) modulator tamoxifen. We hypothesized that tamoxifen, by antagonizing ERs, would block the development of an addiction-like phenotype as defined by an enhanced motivation for cocaine (assessed under a progressive-ratio schedule), and a heightened vulnerability to relapse (assessed under an extinction/cue-induced reinstatement procedure). Effects were examined following extended access cocaine self-administration (24-h/day; 4-discrete trials/h; 1.5 mg/kg/infusion) and 14-days of abstinence, conditions optimized for inducing an addiction-like phenotype. As predicted, motivation for cocaine was increased following extended-access self-administration and protracted abstinence in the vehicle (sesame oil) and no-injection control groups, but not in the tamoxifen group indicating that ER signaling is critical for the development of this feature of an addiction-like phenotype. Surprisingly, the increase in motivation for cocaine following abstinence was also attenuated in the vehicle group as compared to no-injection controls suggesting that oil/injections also affected its development. Contrary to our hypothesis, tamoxifen did not decrease vulnerability to relapse as this group responded at similar levels during initial extinction sessions and cue-induced reinstatement testing as compared to controls. Tamoxifen did, however, impair extinction learning as this group took longer to extinguish as compared to controls. Taken together, these findings indicate that estradiol is critical for the extinction of drug-associated cues and the development of motivational features of addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anousheh Bakhti-Suroosh
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Tanseli Nesil
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Wendy J Lynch
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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15
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Park HM, Satta R, Davis RG, Goo YA, LeDuc RD, Fellers RT, Greer JB, Romanova EV, Rubakhin SS, Tai R, Thomas PM, Sweedler JV, Kelleher NL, Patrie SM, Lasek AW. Multidimensional Top-Down Proteomics of Brain-Region-Specific Mouse Brain Proteoforms Responsive to Cocaine and Estradiol. J Proteome Res 2019; 18:3999-4012. [PMID: 31550894 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.9b00481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine addiction afflicts nearly 1 million adults in the United States, and to date, there are no known treatments approved for this psychiatric condition. Women are particularly vulnerable to developing a cocaine use disorder and suffer from more serious cardiac consequences than men when using cocaine. Estrogen is one biological factor contributing to the increased risk for females to develop problematic cocaine use. Animal studies have demonstrated that estrogen (17β-estradiol or E2) enhances the rewarding properties of cocaine. Although E2 affects the dopamine system, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of E2-enhanced cocaine reward have not been characterized. In this study, quantitative top-down proteomics was used to measure intact proteins in specific regions of the female mouse brain after mice were trained for cocaine-conditioned place preference, a behavioral test of cocaine reward. Several proteoform changes occurred in the ventral tegmental area after combined cocaine and E2 treatments, with the most numerous proteoform alterations on myelin basic protein, indicating possible changes in white matter structure. There were also changes in histone H4, protein phosphatase inhibitors, cholecystokinin, and calmodulin proteoforms. These observations provide insight into estrogen signaling in the brain and may guide new approaches to treating women with cocaine use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae-Min Park
- Departments of Chemistry, Molecular Biosciences, and The Proteomics Center of Excellence , Northwestern University , 2145 North Sheridan Road , Evanston , Illinois 60208 , United States
| | - Rosalba Satta
- Department of Psychiatry , University of Illinois at Chicago , 1601 West Taylor Street , Chicago , Illinois 60612 , United States
| | - Roderick G Davis
- Departments of Chemistry, Molecular Biosciences, and The Proteomics Center of Excellence , Northwestern University , 2145 North Sheridan Road , Evanston , Illinois 60208 , United States
| | - Young Ah Goo
- Departments of Chemistry, Molecular Biosciences, and The Proteomics Center of Excellence , Northwestern University , 2145 North Sheridan Road , Evanston , Illinois 60208 , United States
| | - Richard D LeDuc
- Departments of Chemistry, Molecular Biosciences, and The Proteomics Center of Excellence , Northwestern University , 2145 North Sheridan Road , Evanston , Illinois 60208 , United States
| | - Ryan T Fellers
- Departments of Chemistry, Molecular Biosciences, and The Proteomics Center of Excellence , Northwestern University , 2145 North Sheridan Road , Evanston , Illinois 60208 , United States
| | - Joseph B Greer
- Departments of Chemistry, Molecular Biosciences, and The Proteomics Center of Excellence , Northwestern University , 2145 North Sheridan Road , Evanston , Illinois 60208 , United States
| | - Elena V Romanova
- Department of Chemistry , University of Illinois , Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue , Urbana , Illinois 61801 , United States
| | - Stanislav S Rubakhin
- Department of Chemistry , University of Illinois , Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue , Urbana , Illinois 61801 , United States
| | - Rex Tai
- Department of Psychiatry , University of Illinois at Chicago , 1601 West Taylor Street , Chicago , Illinois 60612 , United States
| | - Paul M Thomas
- Departments of Chemistry, Molecular Biosciences, and The Proteomics Center of Excellence , Northwestern University , 2145 North Sheridan Road , Evanston , Illinois 60208 , United States
| | - Jonathan V Sweedler
- Department of Chemistry , University of Illinois , Urbana-Champaign, 600 South Mathews Avenue , Urbana , Illinois 61801 , United States
| | - Neil L Kelleher
- Departments of Chemistry, Molecular Biosciences, and The Proteomics Center of Excellence , Northwestern University , 2145 North Sheridan Road , Evanston , Illinois 60208 , United States
| | - Steven M Patrie
- Departments of Chemistry, Molecular Biosciences, and The Proteomics Center of Excellence , Northwestern University , 2145 North Sheridan Road , Evanston , Illinois 60208 , United States
| | - Amy W Lasek
- Department of Psychiatry , University of Illinois at Chicago , 1601 West Taylor Street , Chicago , Illinois 60612 , United States
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16
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Swenson S, Hamilton J, Robison L, Thanos PK. Chronic aerobic exercise: Lack of effect on brain CB1 receptor levels in adult rats. Life Sci 2019; 230:84-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.05.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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17
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Yousuf H, Smies CW, Hafenbreidel M, Tuscher JJ, Fortress AM, Frick KM, Mueller D. Infralimbic Estradiol Enhances Neuronal Excitability and Facilitates Extinction of Cocaine Seeking in Female Rats via a BDNF/TrkB Mechanism. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:168. [PMID: 31417375 PMCID: PMC6684748 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Women are more susceptible to developing cocaine dependence than men, but paradoxically, are more responsive to treatment. The potent estrogen, 17β-estradiol (E2), mediates these effects by augmenting cocaine seeking but also promoting extinction of cocaine seeking through E2's memory-enhancing functions. Although we have previously shown that E2 facilitates extinction, the neuroanatomical locus of action and underlying mechanisms are unknown. Here we demonstrate that E2 infused directly into the infralimbic-medial prefrontal cortex (IL-mPFC), a region critical for extinction consolidation, enhances extinction of cocaine seeking in ovariectomized (OVX) female rats. Using patch-clamp electrophysiology, we show that E2 may facilitate extinction by potentiating intrinsic excitability of IL-mPFC neurons. Because the mnemonic effects of E2 are known to be regulated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor, tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB), we examined whether BDNF/TrkB signaling was necessary for E2-induced enhancement of excitability and extinction. We found that E2-mediated increases in excitability of IL-mPFC neurons were abolished by Trk receptor blockade. Moreover, blockade of TrkB signaling impaired E2-facilitated extinction of cocaine seeking in OVX female rats. Thus, E2 enhances IL-mPFC neuronal excitability in a TrkB-dependent manner to support extinction of cocaine seeking. Our findings suggest that pharmacological enhancement of E2 or BDNF/TrkB signaling during extinction-based therapies would improve therapeutic outcome in cocaine-addicted women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Yousuf
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Chad W Smies
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Madalyn Hafenbreidel
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Jennifer J Tuscher
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Ashley M Fortress
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Karyn M Frick
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Devin Mueller
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
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18
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Hilderbrand ER, Lasek AW. Estradiol enhances ethanol reward in female mice through activation of ERα and ERβ. Horm Behav 2018; 98:159-164. [PMID: 29305887 PMCID: PMC5829002 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) manifests differently in men and women, but little is known about sex differences in the brain's response to ethanol. It is known that the steroid hormone 17β-estradiol (E2) regulates voluntary ethanol consumption in female rodents. However, the role of E2 as a regulator of ethanol reward has not been investigated. In this study, we tested for the effects of E2 and agonists selective for the classical estrogen receptors, ERα and ERβ, on ethanol reward in ovariectomized (OVX) mice using the conditioned place preference (CPP) test. E2 enhanced ethanol CPP and, while specific activation of either receptor alone had no effect, co-activation of ERα and ERβ also enhanced ethanol CPP, suggesting that E2 enhances ethanol reward in female mice through actions at both ERα and ERβ. These results have implications for sex differences in the development of AUD, suggesting that women may find ethanol more rewarding than men because of higher circulating E2 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa R Hilderbrand
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 West Taylor Street, MC 912, Chicago, IL 60612, United States; Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 West Taylor Street, MC 912, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Amy W Lasek
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 West Taylor Street, MC 912, Chicago, IL 60612, United States.
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19
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Satta R, Certa B, He D, Lasek AW. Estrogen Receptor β in the Nucleus Accumbens Regulates the Rewarding Properties of Cocaine in Female Mice. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2017; 21:382-392. [PMID: 29294029 PMCID: PMC5887286 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyx118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Females are more vulnerable to developing cocaine addiction compared with males, a phenomenon that may be regulated by the steroid hormone 17β-estradiol. 17β-Estradiol enhances cocaine reward as measured by the conditioned place preference test. It is currently not known which estrogen receptor is involved or the neuroanatomical locations in which estrogen receptors act to enhance cocaine responses. The purpose of this study was to determine if the estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ regulate cocaine conditioned place preference in mice and whether they act in the nucleus accumbens, a brain region critically involved in the development of cocaine abuse. METHODS Ovariectomized mice were treated with 17β-estradiol or agonists selective for ERα or ERβ and tested for cocaine conditioned place preference and for c-fos expression in the nucleus accumbens. Female mice with intact ovaries were also tested for cocaine conditioned place preference after RNA interference-mediated knockdown of ERα or ERβ in the nucleus accumbens. RESULTS We found that mice treated with 17β-estradiol or an ERβ agonist exhibited increased cocaine conditioned place preference, while knockdown of ERβ, but not ERα, in the nucleus accumbens of females with intact ovaries abrogated cocaine conditioned place preference. Acute treatment with 17β-estradiol or an ERβ agonist induced expression of the immediate-early gene c-fos in the nucleus accumbens, whereas the ERα agonist did not. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that ERβ in the nucleus accumbens regulates the development of cocaine conditioned place preference in female mice. 17β-Estradiol may activate neurons in the nucleus accumbens via ERβ. We speculate that this might increase the saliency of cocaine cues that predict drug reward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalba Satta
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Briana Certa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Donghong He
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Amy W Lasek
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL,Correspondence: Amy W. Lasek, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 West Taylor Street, M/C 912, Chicago, IL 60612. ()
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20
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The effects of sex, estrous cycle, and social contact on cocaine and heroin self-administration in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:3201-10. [PMID: 27370020 PMCID: PMC5259804 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4368-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Preclinical studies indicate that gonadal hormones are important determinants of drug self-administration. To date, little is known about the influence of sex and estrous cycle on drug self-administration in ecologically relevant social contexts. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to examine the role of sex and estrous cycle in a rat model during cocaine and heroin self-administration with male-female and female-female social dyads. METHODS Male and female virgin rats were trained to self-administer cocaine and heroin in operant conditioning chambers that permitted two rats to self-administer concurrently, but prevented physical contact. Experiment 1 examined cocaine self-administration on a progressive ratio schedule in male-female dyads. Experiments 2 and 3 examined heroin self-administration on a fixed ratio schedule in male-female dyads at constant and varying doses, respectively. Experiment 4 examined heroin self-administration in female-female dyads on a fixed ratio schedule. RESULTS Cocaine-maintained breakpoints increased by ∼17 % in females during estrus, but remained consistent in males. Heroin self-administration decreased by ∼70 % during proestrus in females whether they were isolated, housed with males, or housed with females. Heroin self-administration was lower in males than females under some conditions and was not consistently associated with the responding of females. CONCLUSIONS Cocaine and heroin self-administration is influenced by the estrous cycle in females when in the presence of a male partner. As a novel finding, these data illustrate that heroin self-administration is reduced in females during proestrus regardless of the social context tested. Finally, these data suggest that drug self-administration in males is only minimally influenced by the hormonal status of a female partner.
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21
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Mosquera L, Shepherd L, Torrado AI, Torres-Diaz YM, Miranda JD, Segarra AC. Comparison of Two Methods of Estradiol Replacement: their Physiological and Behavioral Outcomes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 6:276. [PMID: 26962471 DOI: 10.4172/2157-7579.1000276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Fluctuating sex steroids during the estrous or menstrual cycle of mammalian females make it difficult to determine their role on behaviors and physiology. To avoid this, many investigators ovariectomize their animals and administer progesterone, estradiol or a combination of both. Several different strategies are used to administer estradiol, which confounds interpretation of results. This study compared two methods of estradiol replacement implants: Silastic tubes filled with crystalline estradiol benzoate (E2) and commercially available estradiol benzoate pellets. Implants were placed subcutaneously in adult ovariectomized (OVX) rats and blood samples obtained weekly. Control OVX rats received empty Silastic tubes or placebo pellets. Our data shows that E2 plasma levels from rats with Silastic implants peaked after one week and decreased slowly thereafter. In contrast, plasma E2 from commercial pellets peaked after two weeks, increasing and decreasing over time. To validate hormone release, body weight was monitored. All E2 treated animals maintained a similar body weight over the four weeks period whereas an increase in body weight over time was observed in the OVX group that received empty implants, confirming E2 release and supporting the role of E2 in the regulation of body weight. Furthermore, the effects of E2 on basal locomotor activity were assessed using animal activity cages. Results showed no difference between E2 and control group in several locomotor activities. These results indicate that Silastic implants achieve more stable plasma estradiol levels than pellets and thus are a better alternative for studies of estradiol on brain function and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurivette Mosquera
- University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, PO Box 365067, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-5067, USA
| | - Luz Shepherd
- University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, PO Box 365067, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-5067, USA
| | - Aranza I Torrado
- University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, PO Box 365067, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-5067, USA
| | - Yvonne M Torres-Diaz
- University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, PO Box 365067, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-5067, USA
| | - Jorge D Miranda
- University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, PO Box 365067, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-5067, USA
| | - Annabell C Segarra
- University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, PO Box 365067, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-5067, USA
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