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Aguilar MA, García-Pardo MP, Parrott AC. Of mice and men on MDMA: A translational comparison of the neuropsychobiological effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine ('Ecstasy'). Brain Res 2020; 1727:146556. [PMID: 31734398 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
MDMA (3,4-methylendioxymethamphetamine), also known as Ecstasy, is a stimulant drug recreationally used by young adults usually in dance clubs and raves. Acute MDMA administration increases serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline by reversing the action of the monoamine transporters. In this work, we review the studies carried out over the last 30 years on the neuropsychobiological effects of MDMA in humans and mice and summarise the current knowledge. The two species differ with respect to the neurochemical consequences of chronic MDMA, since it preferentially induces serotonergic dysfunction in humans and dopaminergic neurotoxicity in mice. However, MDMA alters brain structure and function and induces hormonal, psychomotor, neurocognitive, psychosocial and psychiatric outcomes in both species, as well as physically damaging and teratogen effects. Pharmacological and genetic studies in mice have increased our knowledge of the neurochemical substrate of the multiple effects of MDMA. Future work in this area may contribute to developing pharmacological treatments for MDMA-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Aguilar
- Department of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, Valencia University, Valencia, Spain.
| | | | - Andrew C Parrott
- Department of Psychology, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom; Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia
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Liu L, Yu J, Li L, Zhang B, Liu L, Wu CH, Jong A, Mao DA, Huang SH. Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is required for amyloid pathology in brain endothelial cells induced by Glycoprotein 120, methamphetamine and nicotine. Sci Rep 2017; 7:40467. [PMID: 28074940 PMCID: PMC5225415 DOI: 10.1038/srep40467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most challenging issues in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) caused by HIV-1 virotoxins and drug abuse is the lack of understanding the underlying mechanisms that are commonly associated with disorders of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which mainly consists of brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC). Here, we hypothesized that Glycoprotein 120 (gp120), methamphetamine (METH) and nicotine (NT) can enhance amyloid-beta (Aβ) accumulation in BMEC through Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR). Both in vitro (human BMEC) (HBMEC) and in vivo (mice) models of BBB were used to dissect the role of α7 nAChR in up-regulation of Aβ induced by gp120, METH and NT. Aβ release from and transport across HBMEC were significantly increased by these factors. Methyllycaconitine (MLA), an antagonist of α7 nAChR, could efficiently block these pathogenic effects. Furthermore, our animal data showed that these factors could significantly increase the levels of Aβ, Tau and Ubiquitin C-Terminal Hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) in mouse cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and Aβ in the mouse brains. These pathogenicities were significantly reduced by MLA, suggesting that α7 nAChR may play an important role in neuropathology caused by gp120, METH and NT, which are the major pathogenic factors contributing to the pathogenesis of HAND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.,Saban Research Institute, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA90027, USA
| | - Jingyi Yu
- Saban Research Institute, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA90027, USA.,School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Li Li
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Kunming Children's Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650034, China
| | - Bao Zhang
- Saban Research Institute, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA90027, USA.,School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Lingjuan Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Chun-Hua Wu
- Saban Research Institute, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA90027, USA
| | - Ambrose Jong
- Saban Research Institute, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA90027, USA
| | - Ding-An Mao
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Sheng-He Huang
- Saban Research Institute, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA90027, USA.,School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
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Neurochemical substrates of the rewarding effects of MDMA: implications for the development of pharmacotherapies to MDMA dependence. Behav Pharmacol 2016; 27:116-32. [PMID: 26650254 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, studies with animal models of reward, such as the intracranial self-stimulation, self-administration, and conditioned place preference paradigms, have increased our knowledge on the neurochemical substrates of the rewarding effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymetamphetamine (MDMA) in rodents. However, pharmacological and neuroimaging studies with human participants are scarce. Serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)], dopamine (DA), endocannabinoids, and endogenous opiates are the main neurotransmitter systems involved in the rewarding effects of MDMA in rodents, but other neurotransmitters such as glutamate, acetylcholine, adenosine, and neurotensin are also involved. The most important finding of recent research is the demonstration of differential involvement of specific neurotransmitter receptor subtypes (5-HT2, 5-HT3, DA D1, DA D2, CB1, μ and δ opioid, etc.) and extracellular proteins (DA and 5-HT transporters) in the acquisition, expression, extinction, and reinstatement of MDMA self-administration and conditioned place preference. It is important to extend the research on the effects of different compounds acting on these receptors/transporters in animal models of reward, especially in priming-induced, cue-induced, and stress-induced reinstatement. Increase in knowledge of the neurochemical substrates of the rewarding effects of MDMA may contribute to the design of new pharmacological treatments for individuals who develop MDMA dependence.
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Reyes-Parada M, Iturriaga-Vasquez P. The development of novel polypharmacological agents targeting the multiple binding sites of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2016; 11:969-81. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2016.1227317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Adeniyi PA, Ishola AO, Laoye BJ, Olatunji BP, Bankole OO, Shallie PD, Ogundele OM. Neural and behavioural changes in male periadolescent mice after prolonged nicotine-MDMA treatment. Metab Brain Dis 2016; 31:93-107. [PMID: 26088184 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-015-9691-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The interaction between MDMA and Nicotine affects multiple brain centres and neurotransmitter systems (serotonin, dopamine and glutamate) involved in motor coordination and cognition. In this study, we have elucidated the effect of prolonged (10 days) MDMA, Nicotine and a combined Nicotine-MDMA treatment on motor-cognitive neural functions. In addition, we have shown the correlation between the observed behavioural change and neural structural changes induced by these treatments in BALB/c mice. We observed that MDMA (2 mg/Kg body weight; subcutaneous) induced a decline in motor function, while Nicotine (2 mg/Kg body weight; subcutaneous) improved motor function in male periadolescent mice. In combined treatment, Nicotine reduced the motor function decline observed in MDMA treatment, thus no significant change in motor function for the combined treatment versus the control. Nicotine or MDMA treatment reduced memory function and altered hippocampal structure. Similarly, a combined Nicotine-MDMA treatment reduced memory function when compared with the control. Ultimately, the metabolic and structural changes in these neural systems were seen to vary for the various forms of treatment. It is noteworthy to mention that a combined treatment increased the rate of lipid peroxidation in brain tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip A Adeniyi
- Cell Biology and Neurotoxicity Unit, Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
- Department of Anatomy, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Azeez O Ishola
- Neural Systems Unit, Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
| | - Babafemi J Laoye
- Neurobiology Division, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
| | - Babawale P Olatunji
- Neurobiology Division, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
| | - Oluwamolakun O Bankole
- Neurobiology Division, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
| | - Philemon D Shallie
- Department of Anatomy, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Olalekan M Ogundele
- Neural Systems Unit, Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
- Neurobiology Division, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
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Zhang B, Yu JY, Liu LQ, Peng L, Chi F, Wu CH, Jong A, Wang SF, Cao H, Huang SH. Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is required for blood-brain barrier injury-related CNS disorders caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and HIV-1 associated comorbidity factors. BMC Infect Dis 2015; 15:352. [PMID: 26285576 PMCID: PMC4543465 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-1075-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptococcal meningitis is the most common fungal infection of the central nervous system (CNS) in HIV/AIDS. HIV-1 virotoxins (e.g., gp41) are able to induce disorders of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which mainly consists of BMEC. Our recent study suggests that α7 nAChR is an essential regulator of inflammation, which contributes to regulation of NF-κB signaling, neuroinflammation and BBB disorders caused by microbial (e.g., HIV-1 gp120) and non-microbial [e.g., methamphetamine (METH)] factors. However, the underlying mechanisms for multiple comorbidities are unclear. Methods In this report, an aggravating role of α7 nAChR in host defense against CNS disorders caused by these comorbidities was demonstrated by chemical [inhibitor: methyllycaconitine (MLA)] and genetic (α7−/− mice) blockages of α7 nAChR. Results As shown in our in vivo studies, BBB injury was significantly reduced in α7−/− mice infected with C. neoformans. Stimulation by the gp41 ectodomain peptide (gp41-I90) and METH was abolished in the α7−/− animals. C. neoformans and gp41-I90 could activate NF-κB. Gp41-I90- and METH-induced monocyte transmigration and senescence were significantly inhibited by MLA and CAPE (caffeic acid phenethyl ester, an NF-κB inhibitor). Conclusions Collectively, our data suggest that α7 nAChR plays a detrimental role in the host defense against C. neoformans- and HIV-1 associated comorbidity factors-induced BBB injury and CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China. .,Saban Research Institute of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California, 4650 Sunset Blvd., Mailstop #51, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA.
| | - Jing-Yi Yu
- Department of Microbiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China. .,Saban Research Institute of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California, 4650 Sunset Blvd., Mailstop #51, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA.
| | - Li-Qun Liu
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Medical Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.
| | - Liang Peng
- Saban Research Institute of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California, 4650 Sunset Blvd., Mailstop #51, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA. .,Department of Clinic Laboratory, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
| | - Feng Chi
- Saban Research Institute of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California, 4650 Sunset Blvd., Mailstop #51, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA.
| | - Chun-Hua Wu
- Saban Research Institute of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California, 4650 Sunset Blvd., Mailstop #51, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA.
| | - Ambrose Jong
- Saban Research Institute of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California, 4650 Sunset Blvd., Mailstop #51, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA.
| | - Shi-Fu Wang
- Saban Research Institute of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California, 4650 Sunset Blvd., Mailstop #51, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA. .,Department of Children's Medical Laboratory Diagnosis Center, Qilu Children's Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250022, China.
| | - Hong Cao
- Department of Microbiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Sheng-He Huang
- Department of Microbiology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China. .,Saban Research Institute of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California, 4650 Sunset Blvd., Mailstop #51, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA.
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Abstract
Diverse neuropsychiatric disorders present dysfunctional memory and no effective treatment exits for them; likely as result of the absence of neural markers associated to memory. Neurotransmitter systems and signaling pathways have been implicated in memory and dysfunctional memory; however, their role is poorly understood. Hence, neural markers and cerebral functions and dysfunctions are revised. To our knowledge no previous systematic works have been published addressing these issues. The interactions among behavioral tasks, control groups and molecular changes and/or pharmacological effects are mentioned. Neurotransmitter receptors and signaling pathways, during normal and abnormally functioning memory with an emphasis on the behavioral aspects of memory are revised. With focus on serotonin, since as it is a well characterized neurotransmitter, with multiple pharmacological tools, and well characterized downstream signaling in mammals' species. 5-HT1A, 5-HT4, 5-HT5, 5-HT6, and 5-HT7 receptors as well as SERT (serotonin transporter) seem to be useful neural markers and/or therapeutic targets. Certainly, if the mentioned evidence is replicated, then the translatability from preclinical and clinical studies to neural changes might be confirmed. Hypothesis and theories might provide appropriate limits and perspectives of evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Meneses
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional Mexico City, Mexico
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Emoto MC, Yamato M, Sato-Akaba H, Yamada K, Matsuoka Y, Fujii HG. Brain imaging in methamphetamine-treated mice using a nitroxide contrast agent for EPR imaging of the redox status and a gadolinium contrast agent for MRI observation of blood-brain barrier function. Free Radic Res 2015; 49:1038-47. [PMID: 25968953 DOI: 10.3109/10715762.2015.1040787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH)-induced neurotoxicity is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and enhanced oxidative stress. The aims of the present study conducted in the mouse brain repetitively treated with METH were to (1) examine the redox status using the redox-sensitive imaging probe 3-methoxycarbonyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (MCP) and (2) non-invasively visualize the brain redox status with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) imaging. The rate of reduction of MCP was measured from a series of temporal EPR images of mouse heads, and this rate was used to construct a two-dimensional map of rate constants called a "redox map." The obtained redox map clearly illustrated the change in redox balance in the METH-treated mouse brain that is a known result of oxidative damage. Biochemical assays also showed that the level of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance, an index of lipid peroxidation, was increased in mouse brains by METH. The enhanced reduction in MCP observed in mouse brains was remarkably suppressed by treatment with the dopamine synthase inhibitor, α-methyl-p-tyrosine, suggesting that enhancement of the reduction reaction of MCP resulted from enzymatic reduction in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Furthermore, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of METH-treated mice using a blood-brain barrier (BBB)-impermeable paramagnetic contrast agent revealed BBB dysfunction after treatment with METH for 7 days. MRI also indicated that the impaired BBB recovered after withdrawal of METH. EPR imaging and MRI are useful tools not only for following changes in the redox status and BBB dysfunction in mouse brains repeatedly administered METH, but also for tracing the drug effect after withdrawal of METH.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Emoto
- Center for Medical Education, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo , Hokkaido , Japan
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Loftis JM, Janowsky A. Neuroimmune basis of methamphetamine toxicity. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2015; 118:165-97. [PMID: 25175865 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-801284-0.00007-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although it is not known which antigen-specific immune responses (or if antigen-specific immune responses) are relevant or required for methamphetamine's neurotoxic effects, it is apparent that methamphetamine exposure is associated with significant effects on adaptive and innate immunity. Alterations in lymphocyte activity and number, changes in cytokine signaling, impairments in phagocytic functions, and glial activation and gliosis have all been reported. These drug-induced changes in immune response, particularly within the CNS, are now thought to play a critical role in the addiction process for methamphetamine dependence as well as for other substance use disorders. In Section 2, methamphetamine's effects on glial cell (e.g., microglia and astrocytes) activity and inflammatory signaling cascades are summarized, including how alterations in immune cell function can induce the neurotoxic and addictive effects of methamphetamine. Section 2 also describes neurotransmitter involvement in the modulation of methamphetamine's inflammatory effects. Section 3 discusses the very recent use of pharmacological and genetic animal models which have helped elucidate the behavioral effects of methamphetamine's neurotoxic effects and the role of the immune system. Section 4 is focused on the effects of methamphetamine on blood-brain barrier integrity and associated immune consequences. Clinical considerations such as the combined effects of methamphetamine and HIV and/or HCV on brain structure and function are included in Section 4. Finally, in Section 5, immune-based treatment strategies are reviewed, with a focus on vaccine development, neuroimmune therapies, and other anti-inflammatory approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Loftis
- Research & Development Service, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, Oregon, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, School of Medicine, Portland, Oregon, USA; Methamphetamine Abuse Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.
| | - Aaron Janowsky
- Research & Development Service, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, Oregon, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, School of Medicine, Portland, Oregon, USA; Methamphetamine Abuse Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA; Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Llabrés S, García-Ratés S, Cristóbal-Lecina E, Riera A, Borrell JI, Camarasa J, Pubill D, Luque FJ, Escubedo E. Molecular basis of the selective binding of MDMA enantiomers to the alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptor subtype: Synthesis, pharmacological evaluation and mechanistic studies. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 81:35-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.04.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Ciudad-Roberts A, Camarasa J, Pubill D, Escubedo E. Heteromeric nicotinic receptors are involved in the sensitization and addictive properties of MDMA in mice. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2013; 44:201-9. [PMID: 23466442 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2013.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Revised: 01/30/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We have investigated the effect of nicotinic receptor ligands in the behavioral sensitization (hyperlocomotion) and rewarding properties (conditioned place preference paradigm, CPP) of 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) in mice. Each animal received intraperitoneal pretreatment with either saline, dihydro-β-erythroidine (DHβE, 1 mg/kg) or varenicline (VAR, 0.3 mg/kg), 15 min prior to subcutaneous saline or MDMA (5 mg/kg), for 10 consecutive days. On day 1, both DHβE and VAR inhibited the MDMA-induced hyperlocomotion. After 10 days of treatment, MDMA induced a hyperlocomotion that was not reduced (rather enhanced) in antagonist-pretreated animals. This early hyperlocomotion was accompanied by a significant increase in heteromeric nicotinic receptors in cortex that was not blocked by DHβE or VAR. Behavioral sensitization to MDMA was highest 2 weeks after the discontinuation of MDMA treatment. This additional increase in sensitivity was prevented in animals pretreated with DHβE or VAR. At this time, MDMA-treated mice showed a significant increase in heteromeric receptors in cortex that was prevented by DHβE and VAR. An involvement of α7 nicotinic receptors in this effect is ruled out. MDMA (10 mg/kg) induced positive CPP that was abolished by DHβE (2 mg/kg) and VAR (2 mg/kg). Moreover, chronic nicotine pretreatment (2 mg/kg, ip, b.i.d., for 14 days) caused MDMA, administered at a low dose (3 mg/kg), to induce CPP, which would otherwise not occur. Finally, present results point out that heteromeric nicotinic receptors are involved in locomotor sensitization and addictive potential induced by MDMA. Thus, varenicline might be a useful drug to treat both tobacco and MDMA abuse at once.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Ciudad-Roberts
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry (Pharmacology Section), Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Role of α7- and α4β2-nAChRs in the neuroprotective effect of nicotine in stress-induced impairment of hippocampus-dependent memory. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2013; 16:1105-13. [PMID: 23067572 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145712001046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that nicotine prevents stress-induced memory impairment. In this study, we have investigated the role of α7- and α4β2-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the protective effect of nicotine during chronic stress conditions. Chronic psychosocial stress was induced using a form of rat intruder model. During stress, specific antagonist for either α7-nAChRs [methyllycaconitine (MLA)] or α4β2-nAChRs [dihydro-β-erythroidine (DHβE)] was infused into the hippocampus using a 4-wk osmotic pump at a rate of 82 μg/side.d and 41 μg/side.d, respectively. Three weeks after the start of infusion, all rats were subjected to a series of cognitive tests in the radial arm water maze (RAWM) for six consecutive days or until the animal reached days to criterion (DTC) in the fourth acquisition trial and in all memory tests. DTC is defined as the number of days the animal takes to make no more than one error in three consecutive days. In the short-term memory test, MLA-infused stressed/nicotine-treated rats made similar errors to those of stress and significantly more errors compared to those of stress/nicotine, nicotine or control groups. This finding was supported by the DTC values for the short memory tests. Thus, MLA treatment blocked the neuroprotective effect of nicotine during chronic stress. In contrast, DHβE infusion did not affect the RAWM performance of stress/nicotine animals. These results strongly suggest the involvement of α7-nAChRs, but not α4β2-nAChRs, in the neuroprotective effect of chronic nicotine treatment during chronic stress conditions.
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Robson MJ, Seminerio MJ, McCurdy CR, Coop A, Matsumoto RR. σ Receptor antagonist attenuation of methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity is correlated to body temperature modulation. Pharmacol Rep 2013; 65:343-9. [DOI: 10.1016/s1734-1140(13)71009-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2012] [Revised: 11/16/2012] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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14
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Ferchmin PA, Pérez D, Castro Alvarez W, Penzo MA, Maldonado HM, Eterovic VA. γ-Aminobutyric acid type A receptor inhibition triggers a nicotinic neuroprotective mechanism. J Neurosci Res 2012; 91:416-25. [PMID: 23280428 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2012] [Revised: 08/09/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR)-mediated neuroprotection has been implicated in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and hypoxic ischemic events as well as other diseases hallmarked by excitotoxic and apoptotic neuronal death. Several modalities of nicotinic neuroprotection have been reported. However, although this process generally involves α4β2 and α7 subtypes, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Interestingly, both activation and inhibition of α7 nAChRs have been reported to be neuroprotective. We have shown that inhibition of α7 nAChRs protects the function of acute hippocampal slices against excitotoxicity in an α4β2-dependent manner. Neuroprotection was assessed as the prevention of the N-methyl-D-aspartate-dependent loss of the area of population spikes (PSs) in the CA1 area of acute hippocampal slices. Our results support a model in which α7 AChRs control the release of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Blocking either α7 or GABA(A) receptors reduces the inhibitory tone on cholinergic terminals, thereby promoting α4β2 activation, which in turn mediates neuroprotection. These results shed light on how α7 nAChR inhibition can be neuroprotective through a mechanism mediated by activation of α4β2 nAChRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Ferchmin
- School of Medicine, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, Puerto Rico.
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Kuwayama K, Tsujikawa K, Miyaguchi H, Kanamori T, Iwata YT, Inoue H. Interaction of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine and Methamphetamine During Metabolism by In Vitro Human Metabolic Enzymes and in Rats*. J Forensic Sci 2011; 57:1008-13. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2011.02039.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Tellez R, Gómez-Víquez L, Meneses A. GABA, glutamate, dopamine and serotonin transporters expression on memory formation and amnesia. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2011; 97:189-201. [PMID: 22183017 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2011.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2011] [Revised: 11/11/2011] [Accepted: 12/01/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Notwithstanding several neurotransmission systems are frequently related to memory formation, amnesia and/or therapeutic targets for memory alterations, the role of transporters γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA, GAT1), glutamate (neuronal glutamate transporter excitatory amino acid carrier; EACC1), dopamine (DAT) and serotonin (SERT) is poorly understood. Hence, in this paper Western-blot analysis was used to evaluate expression changes on them during memory formation in trained and untrained rats treated with the selective serotonin transporter inhibitor fluoxetine, the amnesic drug d-methamphetamine (METH) and fluoxetine plus METH. Transporters expression was evaluated in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and striatum. Data indicated that in addition of memory performance other behavioral parameters (e.g., explorative behavior, food-intake, etc.) that memory formation was recorded. Thus, memory formation in a Pavlovian/instrumental autoshaping was associated to up-regulation of prefrontal cortex GAT1 and EAAC1, striatal SERT, DAT and EACC1; while, hippocampal EACC1, GAT1 and SERT were down-regulated. METH impaired short (STM) and long-term memory (LTM), at 24 or 48h. The METH-induced amnesia down-regulated SERT, DAT, EACC1 and GAT1 in hippocampus and the GAT1 in striatum; no-changes were observed in prefrontal cortex. Post-training administration of fluoxetine improved LTM (48h), which was associated to DAT, GAT1 (prefrontal cortex) up-regulation, but GAT1 (striatum) and SERT (hippocampus) down-regulation. Fluoxetine plus METH administration was able to prevent amnesia, which was associated to DAT, EACC1 and GAT1 (prefrontal cortex), SERT and DAT (hippocampus) and EACC1 or DAT (striatal) up-regulation. Together these data show that memory formation, amnesia and anti-amnesic effects are associated to specific patters of transporters expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Tellez
- Depto. de Farmacobiología, CINVESTAV-IPN, Tenorios 235, Granjas Coapa, Mexico City 14330, Mexico
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Kuo CS, Chai SC, Chen HH. Mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus is critical for the expression of memory of methamphetamine-produced conditioned place preference in rats. Neuroscience 2011; 178:138-46. [PMID: 21256933 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2010] [Revised: 12/07/2010] [Accepted: 12/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (MA) is a powerful and highly addictive psychostimulant. However, the neural substrate mediating MA-induced conditioned effects, an essential part of addiction, remain unclear. The present study investigated the involvement of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), the lateral nucleus of amygdala (LNA), and the mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus (MD) in MA-conditioned place preference (CPP). Rats underwent bilateral radio-frequency lesions of the ACC, LNA, or MD followed by MA CPP training. Lesions of the MD, but not the ACC or LNA, disrupted MA CPP learning. To clarify the role of the MD on the different stages of the MA CPP memory process, bilateral microinfusions of lidocaine into the MD were performed 5 min prior to each conditioning trial, immediately after the conditioning trial, or 5 min before the testing phase. Pretesting, but not pre- or post-conditioning, infusions of lidocaine into the MD impaired MA CPP. Furthermore, a clear preference for the previously conditioned MA paired cues was expressed when the rats were tested again 24 h after infusions of lidocaine. These results are interpreted as indicating that the MD is specifically involved in the memory retrieval process of MA associated memory which suggests the MD could have an important role in relapse in individuals suffering from MA addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- C-S Kuo
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Tzu Chi University, 701, Section 3, Chung-Yang Road, Hualien, 970 Taiwan, ROC
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Rahman S. Brain nicotinic receptors as emerging targets for drug addiction: neurobiology to translational research. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2011; 98:349-65. [PMID: 21199776 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-385506-0.00008-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Drug addiction, a chronic relapsing disorder, is a serious public health problem around the world. A growing body of preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that mammalian brain nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), the heterogeneous family of ion channels, play a pivotal role in drug addiction, including nicotine and alcohol dependence. As a result, there is an increasing interest in developing nAChR-based therapies for the treatment of addictive disorders. The current review summarizes the important preclinical and clinical data, demonstrating the ability of nAChR ligands to modulate nicotine and alcohol-induced biobehavioral and neurochemical changes in laboratory animals and humans. Recent studies suggest that partial agonists and antagonists at nAChRs have therapeutic potential for the management of nicotine and alcohol dependence. The complexity of nAChRs and their regulation for the development of nAChR-based drug candidates as novel pharmacotherapy for other addictive disorders will also be discussed. Taken together, this review will provide new insights into nAChR-based compounds and offer innovative translational strategies for combating drug addictive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shafiqur Rahman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota, USA
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Escubedo E, Abad S, Torres I, Camarasa J, Pubill D. Comparative neurochemical profile of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine and its metabolite alpha-methyldopamine on key targets of MDMA neurotoxicity. Neurochem Int 2011; 58:92-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2010.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2010] [Revised: 08/31/2010] [Accepted: 11/03/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Arias-Cavieres A, Rozas C, Reyes-Parada M, Barrera N, Pancetti F, Loyola S, Lorca RA, Zeise ML, Morales B. MDMA (“ecstasy”) impairs learning in the Morris Water Maze and reduces hippocampal LTP in young rats. Neurosci Lett 2010; 469:375-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2009.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2009] [Revised: 12/09/2009] [Accepted: 12/12/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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