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Vlkolinsky R, Khom S, Vozella V, Bajo M, Roberto M. Withdrawal from chronic alcohol impairs the serotonin-mediated modulation of GABAergic transmission in the infralimbic cortex in male rats. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 199:106590. [PMID: 38996987 PMCID: PMC11412312 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The infralimbic cortex (IL) is part of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), exerting top-down control over structures that are critically involved in the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Activity of the IL is tightly controlled by γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transmission, which is susceptible to chronic alcohol exposure and withdrawal. This inhibitory control is regulated by various neuromodulators, including 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin). We used chronic intermittent ethanol vapor inhalation exposure, a model of AUD, in male Sprague-Dawley rats to induce alcohol dependence (Dep) followed by protracted withdrawal (WD; 2 weeks) and performed ex vivo electrophysiology using whole-cell patch clamp to study GABAergic transmission in layer V of IL pyramidal neurons. We found that WD increased frequencies of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs), whereas miniature IPSCs (mIPSCs; recorded in the presence of tetrodotoxin) were unaffected by either Dep or WD. The application of 5-HT (50 μM) increased sIPSC frequencies and amplitudes in naive and Dep rats but reduced sIPSC frequencies in WD rats. Additionally, 5-HT2A receptor antagonist M100907 and 5-HT2C receptor antagonist SB242084 reduced basal GABA release in all groups to a similar extent. The blockage of either 5-HT2A or 5-HT2C receptors in WD rats restored the impaired response to 5-HT, which then resembled responses in naive rats. Our findings expand our understanding of synaptic inhibition in the IL in AUD, indicating that antagonism of 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors may restore GABAergic control over IL pyramidal neurons. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Impairment in the serotonergic modulation of GABAergic inhibition in the medial prefrontal cortex contributes to alcohol use disorder (AUD). We used a well-established rat model of AUD and ex vivo whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology to characterize the serotonin modulation of GABAergic transmission in layer V infralimbic (IL) pyramidal neurons in ethanol-naive, ethanol-dependent (Dep), and ethanol-withdrawn (WD) male rats. We found increased basal inhibition following WD from chronic alcohol and altered serotonin modulation. Exogenous serotonin enhanced GABAergic transmission in naive and Dep rats but reduced it in WD rats. 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptor blockage in WD rats restored the typical serotonin-mediated enhancement of GABAergic inhibition. Our findings expand our understanding of synaptic inhibition in the infralimbic neurons in AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Vlkolinsky
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | - Sophia Khom
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria.
| | - Valentina Vozella
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | - Michal Bajo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | - Marisa Roberto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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2
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Maddern XJ, Ursich LT, Bailey G, Pearl A, Anversa RG, Lawrence AJ, Walker LC. Sex Differences in Alcohol Use: Is It All About Hormones? Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae088. [PMID: 39018449 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Risky alcohol use and alcohol use disorders (AUD) are a rising problem in women, yet a major disparity in our understanding of what drives alcohol consumption in women remains. Historically biomedical research has focused on male subjects; however, recent increases in reporting of females, have highlighted major differences between the sexes. Here we review the current literature of the effect of gonadal steroid hormones (estrogens, androgens, and progestins), neurosteriods, and neurobiological factors on alcohol use in clinical and preclinical studies of both sexes. Further, we briefly discuss how fundamental sex differences in genetics, metabolism, neuroimmune, and stress responses may influence sex differences in alcohol intake. Comparing the sexes could aid in the discovery of novel therapeutics to treat AUD, and implementation of current treatment options in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier J Maddern
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Lauren T Ursich
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Grace Bailey
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Amy Pearl
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Roberta G Anversa
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Leigh C Walker
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
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3
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Patel RR, Gandhi P, Spencer K, Salem NA, Erikson CM, Borgonetti V, Vlkolinsky R, Rodriguez L, Nadav T, Bajo M, Roberts AJ, Dayne Mayfield R, Roberto M. Functional and morphological adaptation of medial prefrontal corticotropin releasing factor receptor 1-expressing neurons in male mice following chronic ethanol exposure. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 31:100657. [PMID: 38983690 PMCID: PMC11231756 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic ethanol dependence and withdrawal activate corticotropin releasing factor (CRF)-containing GABAergic neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), which tightly regulate glutamatergic pyramidal neurons. Using male CRF1:GFP reporter mice, we recently reported that CRF1-expressing (mPFCCRF1+) neurons predominantly comprise mPFC prelimbic layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons, undergo profound adaptations following chronic ethanol exposure, and regulate anxiety and conditioned rewarding effects of ethanol. To explore the effects of acute and chronic ethanol exposure on glutamate transmission, the impact of chronic alcohol on spine density and morphology, as well as persistent changes in dendritic-related gene expression, we employed whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, diOlistic labeling for dendritic spine analysis, and dendritic gene expression analysis to further characterize mPFCCRF1+ and mPFCCRF1- prelimbic layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons. We found increased glutamate release in mPFCCRF1+ neurons with ethanol dependence, which recovered following withdrawal. In contrast, we did not observe significant changes in glutamate transmission in neighboring mPFCCRF1- neurons. Acute application of 44 mM ethanol significantly reduced glutamate release onto mPFCCRF1+ neurons, which was observed across all treatment groups. However, this sensitivity to acute ethanol was only evident in mPFCCRF1- neurons during withdrawal. In line with alterations in glutamate transmission, we observed a decrease in total spine density in mPFCCRF1+ neurons during dependence, which recovered following withdrawal, while again no changes were observed in mPFCCRF- neurons. Given the observed decreases in mPFCCRF1+ stubby spines during withdrawal, we then identified persistent changes at the dendritic gene expression level in mPFCCRF1+ neurons following withdrawal that may underlie these structural adaptations. Together, these findings highlight the varying responses of mPFCCRF1+ and mPFCCRF1- cell-types to acute and chronic ethanol exposure, as well as withdrawal, revealing specific functional, morphological, and molecular adaptations that may underlie vulnerability to ethanol and the lasting effects of ethanol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reesha R Patel
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Pauravi Gandhi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Kathryn Spencer
- Core Microscopy Facility, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Nihal A Salem
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Chloe M Erikson
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Vittoria Borgonetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Roman Vlkolinsky
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Larry Rodriguez
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Tali Nadav
- Animal Models Core Facility, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Michal Bajo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Amanda J Roberts
- Animal Models Core Facility, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - R Dayne Mayfield
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Marisa Roberto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
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Peedikayil-Kurien S, Setty H, Oren-Suissa M. Environmental experiences shape sexually dimorphic neuronal circuits and behaviour. FEBS J 2024; 291:1080-1101. [PMID: 36582142 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Dimorphic traits, shaped by both natural and sexual selection, ensure optimal fitness and survival of the organism. This includes neuronal circuits that are largely affected by different experiences and environmental conditions. Recent evidence suggests that sexual dimorphism of neuronal circuits extends to different levels such as neuronal activity, connectivity and molecular topography that manifest in response to various experiences, including chemical exposures, starvation and stress. In this review, we propose some common principles that govern experience-dependent sexually dimorphic circuits in both vertebrate and invertebrate organisms. While sexually dimorphic neuronal circuits are predetermined, they have to maintain a certain level of fluidity to be adaptive to different experiences. The first layer of dimorphism is at the level of the neuronal circuit, which appears to be dictated by sex-biased transcription factors. This could subsequently lead to differences in the second layer of regulation namely connectivity and synaptic properties. The third regulator of experience-dependent responses is the receptor level, where dimorphic expression patterns determine the primary sensory encoding. We also highlight missing pieces in this field and propose future directions that can shed light onto novel aspects of sexual dimorphism with potential benefits to sex-specific therapeutic approaches. Thus, sexual identity and experience simultaneously determine behaviours that ultimately result in the maximal survival success.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hagar Setty
- Department of Brain Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Meital Oren-Suissa
- Department of Brain Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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Torres Irizarry VC, Feng B, Yang X, Patel N, Schaul S, Ibrahimi L, Ye H, Luo P, Carrillo-Sáenz L, Lai P, Kota M, Dixit D, Wang C, Lasek AW, He Y, Xu P. Estrogen signaling in the dorsal raphe regulates binge-like drinking in mice. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:122. [PMID: 38413577 PMCID: PMC10899193 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02821-2] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Estrogens promote binge alcohol drinking and contribute to sex differences in alcohol use disorder. However, the mechanisms are largely unknown. This study aims to test if estrogens act on 5-hydroxytryptamine neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (5-HTDRN) to promote binge drinking. We found that female mice drank more alcohol than male mice in chronic drinking in the dark (DID) tests. This sex difference was associated with distinct alterations in mRNA expression of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and 5-HT-related genes in the DRN, suggesting a potential role of estrogen/ERs/5-HT signaling. In supporting this view, 5-HTDRN neurons from naïve male mice had lower baseline firing activity but higher sensitivity to alcohol-induced excitation compared to 5-HTDRN neurons from naïve female mice. Notably, this higher sensitivity was blunted by 17β-estradiol treatment in males, indicating an estrogen-dependent mechanism. We further showed that both ERα and ERβ are expressed in 5-HTDRN neurons, whereas ERα agonist depolarizes and ERβ agonist hyperpolarizes 5-HTDRN neurons. Notably, both treatments blocked the stimulatory effects of alcohol on 5-HTDRN neurons in males, even though they have antagonistic effects on the activity dynamics. These results suggest that ERs' inhibitory effects on ethanol-induced burst firing of 5-HTDRN neurons may contribute to higher levels of binge drinking in females. Consistently, chemogenetic activation of ERα- or ERβ-expressing neurons in the DRN reduced binge alcohol drinking. These results support a model in which estrogens act on ERα/β to prevent alcohol-induced activation of 5-HTDRN neurons, which in return leads to higher binge alcohol drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria C Torres Irizarry
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Bing Feng
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808, USA
| | - Xiaohua Yang
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, 510642, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Nirali Patel
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Sarah Schaul
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Lucas Ibrahimi
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Hui Ye
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Pei Luo
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, 510642, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Leslie Carrillo-Sáenz
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Penghua Lai
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Maya Kota
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Devin Dixit
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Amy W Lasek
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics and Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VI, 23298, USA
| | - Yanlin He
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808, USA.
| | - Pingwen Xu
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
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6
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Sneddon EA, Masters BM, Ream KD, Fennell KA, DeMedio JN, Cash MM, Hollingsworth BP, Pandrangi S, Thach CM, Shi H, Radke AK. Sex chromosome and gonadal hormone contributions to binge-like and aversion-resistant ethanol drinking behaviors in Four Core Genotypes mice. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1098387. [PMID: 36960454 PMCID: PMC10027717 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1098387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction While substantial research has focused on the contribution of sex hormones to driving elevated levels of alcohol drinking in female rodents, fewer studies have investigated how genetic influences may underlie sex differences in this behavior. Methods We used the Four Core Genotypes (FCG) mouse model to explore the contribution of sex chromosome complement (XX/XY) and gonad type [ovaries (Sry-)/testes (Sry+)] to ethanol (EtOH) consumption and quinine-resistant drinking across two voluntary self-administration tasks: limited access consumption in the home cage and an operant response task. Results For limited access drinking in the dark, XY/Sry + (vs. XX/Sry +) mice consumed more 15% EtOH across sessions while preference for 15% EtOH vs. water was higher in XY vs. XX mice regardless of gonad type. XY chromosomes promoted quinine-resistant drinking in mice with ovaries (Sry-) and the estrous cycle did not affect the results. In the operant response task, responding for EtOH was concentration dependent in all genotypes except XX/Sry + mice, which maintained consistent response levels across all concentrations (5-20%) of EtOH. When increasing concentrations of quinine (100-500 μM) were added to the solution, FCG mice were insensitive to quinine-punished EtOH responding, regardless of sex chromosome complement. Sry + mice were further found to be insensitive to quinine when presented in water. Importantly, these effects were not influenced by sensitivity to EtOH's sedative effect, as no differences were observed in the time to lose the righting reflex or the time to regain the righting reflex between genotypes. Additionally, no differences in EtOH concentration in the blood were observed between any of the genotypes once the righting reflex was regained. Discussion These results provide evidence that sex chromosome complement regulates EtOH consumption, preference, and aversion resistance and add to a growing body of literature suggesting that chromosomal sex may be an important contributor to alcohol drinking behaviors. Examination of sex-specific genetic differences may uncover promising new therapeutic targets for high-risk drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Sneddon
- Department of Psychology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
- Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
| | - Brianna M. Masters
- Department of Psychology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
- Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
| | - Kiara D. Ream
- Department of Psychology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
- Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
| | - Kaila A. Fennell
- Department of Psychology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
- Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
| | - Jenelle N. DeMedio
- Department of Psychology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
- Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
| | - Miranda M. Cash
- Department of Psychology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
- Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
| | - Brynn P. Hollingsworth
- Department of Psychology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
- Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
| | - Sai Pandrangi
- Department of Psychology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
- Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
| | - Chloe M. Thach
- Department of Psychology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
- Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
| | - Haifei Shi
- Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
- Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
| | - Anna K. Radke
- Department of Psychology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
- Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
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Sneddon EA, Rasizer LN, Cavalco NG, Jaymes AH, Ostlie NJ, Minshall BL, Masters BM, Hughes MR, Hrncir H, Arnold AP, Radke AK. Gonadal hormones and sex chromosome complement differentially contribute to ethanol intake, preference, and relapse-like behaviour in four core genotypes mice. Addict Biol 2022; 27:e13222. [PMID: 36001422 PMCID: PMC9413386 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use and high-risk alcohol drinking behaviours among women are rapidly rising. In rodent models, females typically consume more ethanol (EtOH) than males. Here, we used the four core genotypes (FCG) mouse model to investigate the influence of gonadal hormones and sex chromosome complement on EtOH drinking behaviours. FCG mice were given access to escalating concentrations of EtOH in a two-bottle, 24-h continuous access drinking paradigm to assess consumption and preference. Relapse-like behaviour was measured by assessing escalated intake following repeated cycles of deprivation and re-exposure. Twenty-four-hour EtOH consumption was greater in mice with ovaries (Sry-), relative to those with testes, and in mice with the XX chromosome complement, relative to those with XY sex chromosomes. EtOH preference was higher in XX versus XY mice. For both consumption and preference, the influences of the Sry gene and sex chromosomes were concentration dependent. Escalated intake following repeated cycles of deprivation and re-exposure emerged only in XX mice (vs. XY). Mice with ovaries (Sry- FCG mice and C57BL/6J females) were also found to consume more water than mice with testes. These results demonstrate that aspects of EtOH drinking behaviour may be independently regulated by sex hormones and chromosomes and inform our understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms which contribute to EtOH dependence in male and female mice. Future investigation of the contribution of sex chromosomes to EtOH drinking behaviours is warranted. We used the FCG mouse model to investigate the influence of gonadal hormones and sex chromosome complement on EtOH drinking behaviours, including the alcohol deprivation effect. Escalated intake following repeated cycles of deprivation and re-exposure emerged only in XX mice (vs. XY). These results demonstrate that aspects of EtOH drinking behaviour may be independently regulated by sex hormones and chromosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Sneddon
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - Lindsay N. Rasizer
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - Natalie G. Cavalco
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - Asa H. Jaymes
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - Noah J. Ostlie
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - Brianna L. Minshall
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - Brianna M. Masters
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | | | - Haley Hrncir
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, and Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Arthur P. Arnold
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, and Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anna K. Radke
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
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8
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Radke AK, Sneddon EA, Frasier RM, Hopf FW. Recent Perspectives on Sex Differences in Compulsion-Like and Binge Alcohol Drinking. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073788. [PMID: 33917517 PMCID: PMC8038761 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder remains a substantial social, health, and economic problem and problem drinking levels in women have been increasing in recent years. Understanding whether and how the underlying mechanisms that drive drinking vary by sex is critical and could provide novel, more targeted therapeutic treatments. Here, we examine recent results from our laboratories and others which we believe provide useful insights into similarities and differences in alcohol drinking patterns across the sexes. Findings for binge intake and aversion-resistant, compulsion-like alcohol drinking are considered, since both are likely significant contributors to alcohol problems in humans. We also describe studies regarding mechanisms that may underlie sex differences in maladaptive alcohol drinking, with some focus on the importance of nucleus accumbens (NAcb) core and shell regions, several receptor types (dopamine, orexin, AMPA-type glutamate), and possible contributions of sex hormones. Finally, we discuss how stressors such as early life stress and anxiety-like states may interact with sex differences to contribute to alcohol drinking. Together, these findings underscore the importance and critical relevance of studying female and male mechanisms for alcohol and co-morbid conditions to gain a true and clinically useful understanding of addiction and neuropsychiatric mechanisms and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K. Radke
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45040, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Elizabeth A. Sneddon
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45040, USA;
| | - Raizel M. Frasier
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (R.M.F.); (F.W.H.)
| | - Frederic W. Hopf
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (R.M.F.); (F.W.H.)
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9
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Abstract
Animal models of addictive behaviors are useful for uncovering neural mechanisms involved in the development of dependence and for identifying risk factors for drug abuse. One such risk factor is biological sex, which strongly moderates drug self-administration behavior in rodents. Female rodents are more likely to acquire drug self-administration behaviors, consume higher amounts of drug, and reinstate drug-seeking behavior more readily. Despite this female vulnerability, preclinical addiction research has largely been done in male animals. The study of sex differences in rodent models of addictive behavior is increasing, however, as more investigators are choosing to include both male and female animals in experiments. This commentary is meant to serve as an introductory guide for preclinical investigators new to the study of sex differences in addiction. We provide an overview of self-administration models, a broad view of female versus male self-administration behaviors, and suggestions for study design and implementation. Inclusion of female subjects in preclinical addiction research is timely, as problem drug and alcohol use in women is increasing. With proper attention, design, and analysis, the study of sex differences in addiction has the potential to uncover novel neural mechanisms and lead to greater translational success for addiction research. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K. Radke
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
| | - Elizabeth A. Sneddon
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
| | - Sean C. Monroe
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
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Vandegrift BJ, Hilderbrand ER, Satta R, Tai R, He D, You C, Chen H, Xu P, Coles C, Brodie MS, Lasek AW. Estrogen Receptor α Regulates Ethanol Excitation of Ventral Tegmental Area Neurons and Binge Drinking in Female Mice. J Neurosci 2020; 40:5196-5207. [PMID: 32482639 PMCID: PMC7329299 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2364-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevations in estrogen (17β-estradiol, E2) are associated with increased alcohol drinking by women and experimentally in rodents. E2 alters the activity of the dopamine system, including the VTA and its projection targets, which plays an important role in binge drinking. A previous study demonstrated that, during high E2 states, VTA neurons in female mice are more sensitive to ethanol excitation. However, the mechanisms responsible for the ability of E2 to enhance ethanol sensitivity of VTA neurons have not been investigated. In this study, we used selective agonists and antagonists to examine the role of ER subtypes (ERα and ERβ) in regulating the ethanol sensitivity of VTA neurons in female mice and found that ERα promotes the enhanced ethanol response of VTA neurons. We also demonstrated that enhancement of ethanol excitation requires the activity of the metabotropic glutamate receptor, mGluR1, which is known to couple with ERα at the plasma membrane. To investigate the behavioral relevance of these findings, we administered lentivirus-expressing short hairpin RNAs targeting either ERα or ERβ into the VTA and found that knockdown of each receptor in the VTA reduced binge-like ethanol drinking in female, but not male, mice. Reducing ERα in the VTA had a more dramatic effect on binge-like drinking than reducing ERβ, consistent with the ability of ERα to alter ethanol sensitivity of VTA neurons. These results provide important insight into sex-specific mechanisms that drive excessive alcohol drinking.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Estrogen has potent effects on the dopamine system and increases the vulnerability of females to develop addiction to substances, such as alcohol. We investigated the mechanisms by which estrogen increases the response of neurons in the VTA to ethanol. We found that activation of the ERα increased the ethanol-induced excitation of VTA neurons. 17β-Estradiol-mediated enhancement of ethanol-induced excitation required the metabotropic glutamate receptor mGluR1. We also demonstrated that ERs in the VTA regulate binge-like alcohol drinking by female, but not male, mice. The influence of ERs on binge drinking in female mice suggests that treatments for alcohol use disorder in women may need to account for this sex difference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertha J Vandegrift
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics and Department of Psychiatry
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics
| | | | - Rosalba Satta
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics and Department of Psychiatry
| | - Rex Tai
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics and Department of Psychiatry
| | - Donghong He
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics and Department of Psychiatry
| | - Chang You
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics
| | - Hu Chen
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics and Department of Psychiatry
| | - Pingwen Xu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612
| | - Cassandre Coles
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics and Department of Psychiatry
| | - Mark S Brodie
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics and Department of Psychiatry
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics
| | - Amy W Lasek
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics and Department of Psychiatry
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11
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Molina-Martínez LM, Juárez J. Differential expression of μ-opioid receptors in the nucleus accumbens, amygdala and VTA depends on liking for alcohol, chronic alcohol intake and estradiol treatment. Behav Brain Res 2019; 378:112255. [PMID: 31550484 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Affectations of the opioid system have been related to exacerbated alcohol consumption. The objectives of this work were to assess whether a deficit of β-endorphinergic neurons differentially affects alcohol intake in female rats with low (LC) and high alcohol consumption (HC), and to determine changes in the μ-opioid receptors (MOR) related to alcohol consumption and chronic exposure to alcohol in structures of the mesolimbic system. Female wild-type rats were selected according to their baseline alcohol intake levels and then exposed to chronic voluntary alcohol consumption after a single injection of either the vehicle or estradiol valerate (EV) to produce a β-endorphin neuronal deficit. Changes in alcohol consumption and MOR expression levels were assessed in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), amygdala (Amy) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) at 5 and 10 weeks after EV treatment. The LC rats increased alcohol intake from baseline to the initial weeks after EV treatment and this consumption remained stable throughout the studied period. In contrast, alcohol consumption increased steadily over time in the HC rats. The HC vehicle rats had a 38% higher MOR protein expression in the NAc than the LC vehicle rats. In addition, chronic alcohol consumption increased MOR expression in the Amy regardless of consumption level, whereas EV treatment produced a decrease in MOR expression in the VTA in all groups. These results suggest intrinsic differences in MOR expression related to alcohol consumption levels. Also, the EV treatment and chronic exposure to alcohol produced adaptive changes in MOR expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Molina-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Farmacología y Conducta, Instituto de Neurociencias, CUCBA, Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - J Juárez
- Laboratorio de Farmacología y Conducta, Instituto de Neurociencias, CUCBA, Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico.
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12
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Erol A, Ho AMC, Winham SJ, Karpyak VM. Sex hormones in alcohol consumption: a systematic review of evidence. Addict Biol 2019; 24:157-169. [PMID: 29280252 PMCID: PMC6585852 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Sex hormones play an important role in establishing sex‐distinctive brain structural and functional variations that could contribute to the sex differences in alcohol consumption behavior. Here, we systematically reviewed articles that studied sex hormone impacts on alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder (AUD). An extensive literature search conducted in MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus and CINAHL databases identified 776 articles, which were then evaluated for pre‐specified criteria for relevance and quality assurance. A total of 50 articles, including 19 human studies and 31 animal studies, were selected for this review. Existing evidence supports the association of increased testosterone level and increased risk for alcohol use and AUD in males but results are inconclusive in females. In contrast, the evidence supports the association of increased estrogen level and increased alcohol use in females, with mixed findings reported in males. Much less is known about the impact of progestins on alcohol use and misuse in human subjects. Future observational and experimental studies conducted in both sexes with a comprehensive hormone panel are needed to elucidate the impact of the interplay between various sex hormone levels during various developmental stages on alcohol use‐related phenotypes and AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almila Erol
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology; Mayo Clinic; Rochester MN USA
- Department of Psychiatry; Ataturk Education and Research Hospital; Turkey
| | - Ada M.-C. Ho
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology; Mayo Clinic; Rochester MN USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics; Mayo Clinic; Rochester MN USA
| | - Stacey J. Winham
- Department of Health Sciences Research; Mayo Clinic; Rochester MN USA
| | - Victor M. Karpyak
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology; Mayo Clinic; Rochester MN USA
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13
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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: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [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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14
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Satta R, Hilderbrand ER, Lasek AW. Ovarian Hormones Contribute to High Levels of Binge-Like Drinking by Female Mice. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2018; 42:286-294. [PMID: 29205408 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, the incidence of binge drinking by women has increased. Binge drinking is detrimental to women's health, yet the biological mechanisms that promote excessive drinking by women are not well understood. One method of assessing binge-like ethanol (EtOH) consumption in mice is the drinking in the dark (DID) test, in which mice drink sufficient EtOH to achieve intoxication. In this study, we directly compared male, female, and ovariectomized (OVX) mice for DID and tested whether 17β-estradiol (E2) contributes to DID. We also measured whether DID varies throughout the estrous cycle and whether repeated intermittent DID impacts the estrous cycle. METHODS Male, female, and OVX C57BL/6J mice were tested for DID for 2 hours per day on days 1 to 3 and for 4 hours on day 4 using a single bottle containing 20% EtOH. To measure the effects of E2 on DID, OVX mice were treated with estradiol benzoate (EB) or vehicle daily starting 2 weeks prior to the drinking test and throughout the DID procedure. In a separate group of experiments, EtOH consumption and estrous cycle phase were measured in freely cycling mice that were drinking EtOH or water 5 days per week for 2 or 6 weeks. RESULTS Female mice consumed more EtOH than male and OVX mice. Treatment with EB increased EtOH consumption by OVX mice compared with vehicle-treated controls. However, EtOH intake did not vary across the estrous cycle, nor did long-term DID alter the estrous cycle. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that ovarian hormones, specifically E2, contribute to increased EtOH consumption by female mice in the DID test. Although ovarian hormones contribute to this behavior, EtOH consumption is not affected by estrous cycle phase in freely cycling mice. This study provides a framework for understanding the factors that contribute to binge drinking in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalba Satta
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Elisa R Hilderbrand
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Amy W Lasek
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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15
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Vandegrift BJ, You C, Satta R, Brodie MS, Lasek AW. Estradiol increases the sensitivity of ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons to dopamine and ethanol. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187698. [PMID: 29107956 PMCID: PMC5673180 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Gender differences in psychiatric disorders such as addiction may be modulated by the steroid hormone estrogen. For instance, 17β-estradiol (E2), the predominant form of circulating estrogen in pre-menopausal females, increases ethanol consumption, suggesting that E2 may affect the rewarding properties of ethanol and thus the development of alcohol use disorder in females. The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is critically involved in the rewarding and reinforcing effects of ethanol. In order to determine the role of E2 in VTA physiology, gonadally intact female mice were sacrificed during diestrus II (high E2) or estrus (low E2) for electrophysiology recordings. We measured the excitation by ethanol and inhibition by dopamine (DA) of VTA DA neurons and found that both excitation by ethanol and inhibition by dopamine were greater in diestrus II compared with estrus. Treatment of VTA slices from mice in diestrus II with an estrogen receptor antagonist (ICI 182,780) reduced ethanol-stimulated neuronal firing, but had no effect on ethanol-stimulated firing of neurons in slices from mice in estrus. Surprisingly, ICI 182,780 did not affect the inhibition by DA, indicating different mechanisms of action of estrogen receptors in altering ethanol and DA responses. We also examined the responses of VTA DA neurons to ethanol and DA in ovariectomized mice treated with E2 and found that E2 treatment enhanced the responses to ethanol and DA in a manner similar to what we observed in mice in diestrus II. Our data indicate that E2 modulates VTA neuron physiology, which may contribute to both the enhanced reinforcing and rewarding effects of alcohol and the development of other psychiatric disorders in females that involve alterations in DA neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertha J. Vandegrift
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Chang You
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Rosalba Satta
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Mark S. Brodie
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Amy W. Lasek
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Mackie AR, Krishnamurthy P, Verma SK, Thorne T, Ramirez V, Qin G, Abramova T, Hamada H, Losordo DW, Kishore R. Alcohol consumption negates estrogen-mediated myocardial repair in ovariectomized mice by inhibiting endothelial progenitor cell mobilization and function. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:18022-34. [PMID: 23645678 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.468009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We have shown previously that estrogen (estradiol, E2) supplementation enhances voluntary alcohol consumption in ovariectomized female rodents and that increased alcohol consumption impairs ischemic hind limb vascular repair. However, the effect of E2-induced alcohol consumption on post-infarct myocardial repair and on the phenotypic/functional properties of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) is not known. Additionally, the molecular signaling of alcohol-estrogen interactions remains to be elucidated. This study examined the effect of E2-induced increases in ethanol consumption on post-infarct myocardial function/repair. Ovariectomized female mice, implanted with 17β-E2 or placebo pellets were given access to alcohol for 6 weeks and subjected to acute myocardial infarction. Left ventricular functions were consistently depressed in mice consuming ethanol compared with those receiving only E2. Alcohol-consuming mice also displayed significantly increased infarct size and reduced capillary density. Ethanol consumption also reduced E2-induced mobilization and homing of EPCs to injured myocardium compared with the E2-alone group. In vitro, exposure of EPCs to ethanol suppressed E2-induced proliferation, survival, and migration and markedly altered E2-induced estrogen receptor-dependent cell survival signaling and gene expression. Furthermore, ethanol-mediated suppression of EPC biology was endothelial nitric oxide synthase-dependent because endothelial nitric oxide synthase-null mice displayed an exaggerated response to post-acute myocardial infarction left ventricular functions. These data suggest that E2 modulation of alcohol consumption, and the ensuing EPC dysfunction, may negatively compete with the beneficial effects of estrogen on post-infarct myocardial repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander R Mackie
- Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
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Romano-Torres M, Fernández-Guasti A. Estradiol valerate elicits antidepressant-like effects in middle-aged female rats under chronic mild stress. Behav Pharmacol 2010; 21:104-11. [PMID: 20168212 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0b013e328337bdfc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to analyze the antidepressant-like actions of estradiol valerate (1 or 2 mg/rat, single injection) or citalopram (5 or 10 mg/kg, chronically administered for 21 days) given independently or combined at low doses, to middle-aged ovariectomized female rats, as a model of human menopause. Animals were exposed to chronic mild stress, a model of depression that mimics anhedonia as revealed by diminished sucrose solution intake. Stressed rats decreased their sucrose preference 1 week after chronic stress and treatment with vehicle did not reverse this reduction. A single injection of estradiol valerate (2 mg/rat) produced an antidepressant-like action, evidenced as an increase in sucrose preference specific to stressed rats. Chronic citalopram (10 mg/kg) produced an antidepressant-like effect after 1 week. A single low-dose of estradiol valerate (1 mg/rat) did not potentiate or shorten the latency of action of chronic citalopram (5 mg/kg). These results reveal the antidepressant-like action of estrogens in middle-aged rats exposed to chronic stress. These data may be of importance for clinical depression in menopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Romano-Torres
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios, Avanzados del IPN. Calzada de los Tenorios, Col. Granjas Coapa, Tlalpan, México City, México
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Rajasingh J, Bord E, Qin G, Ii M, Silver M, Hamada H, Ahluwalia D, Goukassian D, Zhu Y, Losordo DW, Kishore R. Enhanced voluntary alcohol consumption after estrogen supplementation negates estrogen-mediated vascular repair in ovariectomized mice. Endocrinology 2007; 148:3618-24. [PMID: 17478555 DOI: 10.1210/en.2006-1357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical and observational studies in ovariectomized (OVX) animals and pre- and postmenopausal women, respectively, have suggested the cardioprotective effects of estrogen replacement therapy. However, randomized clinical trials have not confirmed estrogen-mediated cardioprotection. Although uncertainties about the duration and optimal type of estrogen replacement regimen might explain the disparity, other factors that may mask the protective effects of 17beta-estradiol (E2) on cardiovascular outcome need scrutiny. Increased ethanol consumption may be one such factor. We examined the effect of E2 supplementation on ethanol consumption in OVX mice and the effect of ethanol consumption on E2-mediated vascular repair, in vivo. OVX mice implanted with E2 pellets consumed significantly more ethanol, compared with those receiving placebo pellets. E2-induced increase in ethanol consumption was not affected by the absence of either estrogen receptor-alpha or -beta. Reendothelialization after carotid artery denudation was repressed, and neovascularization in ischemic hind limbs was blunted in mice consuming ethanol, despite E2 supplementation. In vitro, ethanol dose-dependently attenuated E2-induced endothelial cell (EC) proliferation and tube formation activity and enhanced EC apoptosis, suggesting that ethanol blocks E2-induced EC survival and function. Taken together our data suggest that increased ethanol consumption after E2 supplementation blunts the beneficial effects of E2 on EC function and that novel approaches to estrogen replacement for cardioprotection may benefit from the control of alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnson Rajasingh
- Division of Cardiovascular Research, Caritas St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02135, USA
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Estradiol valerate and alcohol intake: dose-response assessments. BMC Pharmacol 2007; 7:3. [PMID: 17335585 PMCID: PMC1821017 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2210-7-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2006] [Accepted: 03/04/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background An injection of estradiol valerate (EV) provides estradiol for a prolonged period. Recent research indicates that a single 2.0 mg injection of EV modifies a female rat's appetite for alcoholic beverages. This research extends the initial research by assessing 8 doses of EV (from .001 to 2.0 mg/female rat), as well assessing the effects of 2.0 mg EV in females with ovariectomies. Results With the administration of EV, there was a dose-related loss of bodyweight reaching the maximum loss, when it occurred, at about 4 days after injections. Subsequently, rats returned to gaining weight regularly. Of the doses tested, only the 2.0 mg dose produced a consistent increase in intake of ethanol during the time previous research indicated that the rats would show enhanced intakes. There was, however, a dose-related trend for smaller doses to enhance intakes. Rats with ovariectomies showed a similar pattern of effects, to intact rats, with the 2 mg dose. After extensive histories of intake of alcohol, both placebo and EV-treated females had estradiol levels below the average measured in females without a history of alcohol-intake. Conclusion The data support the conclusion that pharmacological doses of estradiol can produce enduring changes that are manifest as an enhanced appetite for alcoholic beverages. The effect can occur among females without ovaries.
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Boswell KJ, Reid LD, Caffalette CA, Stitt KT, Klein LA, Lacroix AM, Reid ML. Estradiol increases consumption of a chocolate cake mix in female rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2006; 84:84-93. [PMID: 16735059 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2006.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2005] [Revised: 04/08/2006] [Accepted: 04/11/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Female Sprague-Dawley rats were given an opportunity to eat chocolate cake mix (CCM) using a common brand of cake mix, while standard laboratory food was also available. They took large amounts of the CCM, often taking more than 20 g in 24 h. Some animals were given a single injection of 1 of 6 doses of estradiol valerate (ranging from 0.09 to 10.0 mg/kg) and others were given vehicle. Estradiol valerate provides for sustained release of estradiol. Those receiving estradiol ate more than those receiving vehicle at doses larger than 0.09 mg/kg. Further, with a dose of 10 mg/kg, greater intake among estradiol-treated females was apparent 2 months post-injection. Methodological issues of neophobia and conditioned avoidance were addressed in the study's design and may explain why increased intakes were observed here in contrast to the consensus that estradiol reduces food intake.
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