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Dwivedi I, Haddad GG. Investigating the neurobiology of maternal opioid use disorder and prenatal opioid exposure using brain organoid technology. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1403326. [PMID: 38812788 PMCID: PMC11133580 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1403326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades, Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) among pregnant women has become a major global public health concern. OUD has been characterized as a problematic pattern of opioid use despite adverse physical, psychological, behavioral, and or social consequences. Due to the relapsing-remitting nature of this disorder, pregnant mothers are chronically exposed to exogenous opioids, resulting in adverse neurological and neuropsychiatric outcomes. Collateral fetal exposure to opioids also precipitates severe neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive sequelae. At present, much of what is known regarding the neurobiological consequences of OUD and prenatal opioid exposure (POE) has been derived from preclinical studies in animal models and postnatal or postmortem investigations in humans. However, species-specific differences in brain development, variations in subject age/health/background, and disparities in sample collection or storage have complicated the interpretation of findings produced by these explorations. The ethical or logistical inaccessibility of human fetal brain tissue has also limited direct examinations of prenatal drug effects. To circumvent these confounding factors, recent groups have begun employing induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived brain organoid technology, which provides access to key aspects of cellular and molecular brain development, structure, and function in vitro. In this review, we endeavor to encapsulate the advancements in brain organoid culture that have enabled scientists to model and dissect the neural underpinnings and effects of OUD and POE. We hope not only to emphasize the utility of brain organoids for investigating these conditions, but also to highlight opportunities for further technical and conceptual progress. Although the application of brain organoids to this critical field of research is still in its nascent stages, understanding the neurobiology of OUD and POE via this modality will provide critical insights for improving maternal and fetal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ila Dwivedi
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Gabriel G. Haddad
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, CA, United States
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2
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Nieto-Estévez V, Donegan JJ, McMahon CL, Elam HB, Chavera TA, Varma P, Berg KA, Lodge DJ, Hsieh J. Buprenorphine Exposure Alters the Development and Migration of Interneurons in the Cortex. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:889922. [PMID: 35600077 PMCID: PMC9115473 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.889922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The misuse of opioids has reached epidemic proportions over the last decade, with over 2.1 million people in the United States suffering from substance use disorders related to prescription opioid pain relievers. This increase in opioid misuse affects all demographics of society, including women of child-bearing age, which has led to a rise in opioid use during pregnancy. Opioid use during pregnancy has been associated with increased risk of obstetric complications and adverse neonatal outcomes, including neonatal abstinence syndrome. Currently, opioid use disorder in pregnant women is treated with long-acting opioid agonists, including buprenorphine. Although buprenorphine reduces illicit opioid use during pregnancy and improves infant outcomes at birth, few long-term studies of the neurodevelopmental consequences have been conducted. The goal of the current experiments was to examine the effects of buprenorphine on the development of the cortex using fetal brain tissue, 3D brain cultures, and rodent models. First, we demonstrated that we can grow cortical and subpallial spheroids, which model the cellular diversity, connectivity, and activity of the developing human brain. Next, we show that cells in the developing human cortex express the nociceptin opioid (NOP) receptor and that buprenorphine can signal through this receptor in cortical spheroids. Using subpallial spheroids to grow inhibitory interneurons, we show that buprenorphine can alter interneuron development and migration into the cortex. Finally, using a rodent model of prenatal buprenorphine exposure, we demonstrate that alterations in interneuron distribution can persist into adulthood. Together, these results suggest that more research is needed into the long-lasting consequences of buprenorphine exposure on the developing human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanesa Nieto-Estévez
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
- Brain Health Consortium, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Jennifer J. Donegan
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Courtney L. McMahon
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
- Brain Health Consortium, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Hannah B. Elam
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Teresa A. Chavera
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Parul Varma
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
- Brain Health Consortium, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Kelly A. Berg
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Daniel J. Lodge
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, United States
- Audie L. Murphy Division, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Jenny Hsieh
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
- Brain Health Consortium, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
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3
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Cox BM, Toll L. Contributions of the International Narcotics Research Conference to Opioid Research Over the Past 50 years. ADVANCES IN DRUG AND ALCOHOL RESEARCH 2022; 2:10115. [PMID: 38390618 PMCID: PMC10880772 DOI: 10.3389/adar.2022.10115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The International Narcotics Research Conference (INRC), founded in 1969, has been a successful forum for research into the actions of opiates, with an annual conference since 1971. Every year, scientists from around the world have congregated to present the latest data on novel opiates, opiate receptors and endogenous ligands, mechanisms of analgesic activity and unwanted side effects, etc. All the important discoveries in the opiate field were discussed, often first, at the annual INRC meeting. With an apology to important events and participants not discussed, this review presents a short history of INRC with a discussion of groundbreaking discoveries in the opiate field and the researchers who presented from the first meeting up to the present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M Cox
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Lawrence Toll
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States
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Spotlight on Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Receptor in the Treatment of Pain. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27030595. [PMID: 35163856 PMCID: PMC8838650 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In our society today, pain has become a main source of strain on most individuals. It is crucial to develop novel treatments against pain while focusing on decreasing their adverse effects. Throughout the extent of development for new pain therapies, the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor (NOP receptor) has appeared to be an encouraging focal point. Concentrating on NOP receptor to treat chronic pain with limited range of unwanted effects serves as a suitable alternative to prototypical opioid morphine that could potentially lead to life-threatening effects caused by respiratory depression in overdose, as well as generate abuse and addiction. In addition to these harmful effects, the uprising opioid epidemic is responsible for becoming one of the most disastrous public health issues in the US. In this article, the contributing molecular and cellular structure in controlling the cellular trafficking of NOP receptor and studies that support the role of NOP receptor and its ligands in pain management are reviewed.
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Sagi V, Mittal A, Tran H, Gupta K. Pain in sickle cell disease: current and potential translational therapies. Transl Res 2021; 234:141-158. [PMID: 33711512 PMCID: PMC8217144 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Pain is a major comorbidity of sickle cell disease (SCD). Patients with SCD may suffer from both acute and chronic pain. Acute pain is caused by recurrent and unpredictable episodes of vaso-occlusive crises (VOC), whereas the exact etiology of chronic pain is still unknown. Opioids are the mainstay for pain treatment, but the opioid epidemic has significantly altered access to prescription opioids and has brought concerns over their long-term use into the forefront, which have negatively impacted the treatment of sickle pain. Opioids remain potent analgesics but growing opioid-phobia has led to the realization of an unmet need to develop nonopioid therapies that can provide relief for severe sickle pain. This realization has contributed to the approval of 3 different drugs by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of SCD, particularly to reduce VOC and/or have an impact on the pathobiology of SCD. In this review, we outline the challenges and need for validation of side-effects of opioids and provide an update on the development of mechanism-based translational therapies, specifically targeting pain in SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun Sagi
- School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Aditya Mittal
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Huy Tran
- School of Medicine, Kansas City University, Joplin, Missouri
| | - Kalpna Gupta
- Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine and Southern California Institute for Research and Education, VA Medical Center, Long Beach, California.
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Toll L, Cippitelli A, Ozawa A. The NOP Receptor System in Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders: Discrepancies, Peculiarities and Clinical Progress in Developing Targeted Therapies. CNS Drugs 2021; 35:591-607. [PMID: 34057709 PMCID: PMC8279133 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-021-00821-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The nociceptin opioid peptide (NOP) receptor and its endogenous ligand nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) are the fourth members of the opioid receptor and opioid peptide families. Although they have considerable sequence homology to the other family members, they are not considered opioid per se because they do not have pharmacological profiles similar to the other family members. The number of NOP receptors in the brain is higher than the other family members, and NOP receptors can be found throughout the brain. Because of the widespread distribution of NOP receptors, N/OFQ and other peptide and small molecule agonists and antagonists have extensive CNS activities. Originally thought to be anti-opioid, NOP receptor agonists block some opioid activities, potentiate others, and modulate other activities not affected by traditional opiates. Because the effect of receptor activation can be dependent upon site of administration, state of the animal, and other variables, the study of NOP receptors has been fraught with contradictions and inconsistencies. In this article, the actions and controversies pertaining to NOP receptor activation and inhibition are discussed with respect to CNS disorders including pain (acute, chronic, and migraine), drug abuse, anxiety and depression. In addition, progress towards clinical use of NOP receptor-directed compounds is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Toll
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA.
| | - Andrea Cippitelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA
| | - Akihiko Ozawa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA
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7
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Constantin S, Wray S. Nociceptin/Orphanin-FQ Inhibits Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neurons via G-Protein-Gated Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channels. eNeuro 2018; 5:ENEURO.0161-18.2018. [PMID: 30627649 PMCID: PMC6325553 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0161-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The pulsatile release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a key feature of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Kisspeptin neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) trigger GnRH neuronal activity, but how GnRH neurons return to baseline electrical activity is unknown. Nociceptin/orphanin-FQ (OFQ) is an inhibitory neuromodulator. ARC proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons, known to receive inputs from ARC kisspeptin neurons, contact GnRH neurons and coexpress OFQ in the rat. In the present study, the effect of OFQ(1-13) on GnRH neurons was determined in the mouse. We identified transcripts for the OFQ receptor [opioid receptor like 1 (ORL1)] in GnRH neurons, and, using two-model systems (explants and slices), we found that OFQ exerted a potent inhibition on GnRH neurons, with or without excitatory inputs. We confirmed that the inhibition was mediated by ORL1 via Gi/o-protein coupling. The inhibition, occurring independently of levels of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate, was sensitive to inwardly rectifying potassium channels. The only specific blocker of Gi/o-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels, tertiapin-Q (TPNQ), was ineffective in the inhibition of OFQ. Two GIRK activators, one sharing the binding site of TPNQ and one active only on GIRK1-containing GIRK channels, failed to trigger an inhibition. In contrast, protein kinase C phosphorylation activation, known to inhibit GIRK2-mediated currents, prevented the OFQ inhibition. These results indicate a specific combination of GIRK subunits, GIRK2/3 in GnRH neurons. In vivo, double-labeled OFQ/POMC fibers were found in the vicinity of GnRH neurons, and OFQ fibers apposed GnRH neurons. Together, this study brings to light a potent neuromodulator of GnRH neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Constantin
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-3703
| | - Susan Wray
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-3703
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8
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Meyer LC, Paisley CE, Mohamed E, Bigbee JW, Kordula T, Richard H, Lutfy K, Sato-Bigbee C. Novel role of the nociceptin system as a regulator of glutamate transporter expression in developing astrocytes. Glia 2017; 65:2003-2023. [PMID: 28906039 PMCID: PMC5766282 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Our previous results showed that oligodendrocyte development is regulated by both nociceptin and its G-protein coupled receptor, the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor (NOR). The present in vitro and in vivo findings show that nociceptin plays a crucial conserved role regulating the levels of the glutamate/aspartate transporter GLAST/EAAT1 in both human and rodent brain astrocytes. This nociceptin-mediated response takes place during a critical developmental window that coincides with the early stages of astrocyte maturation. GLAST/EAAT1 upregulation by nociceptin is mediated by NOR and the downstream participation of a complex signaling cascade that involves the interaction of several kinase systems, including PI-3K/AKT, mTOR, and JAK. Because GLAST is the main glutamate transporter during brain maturation, these novel findings suggest that nociceptin plays a crucial role in regulating the function of early astrocytes and their capacity to support glutamate homeostasis in the developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan C Meyer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Caitlin E Paisley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Esraa Mohamed
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - John W Bigbee
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Tomasz Kordula
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Hope Richard
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Kabirullah Lutfy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California
| | - Carmen Sato-Bigbee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
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9
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Pucci M, Micioni Di Bonaventura MV, Giusepponi ME, Romano A, Filaferro M, Maccarrone M, Ciccocioppo R, Cifani C, D'Addario C. Epigenetic regulation of nociceptin/orphanin FQ and corticotropin-releasing factor system genes in frustration stress-induced binge-like palatable food consumption. Addict Biol 2016; 21:1168-1185. [PMID: 26387568 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Revised: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that binge eating may be caused by a unique interaction between dieting and stress. We developed a binge-eating model in which female rats with a history of intermittent food restriction show binge-like palatable food consumption after a 15-minute exposure to the sight of the palatable food (frustration stress). The aim of the present study was to investigate the regulation of the stress neurohormone corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system and of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) system genes in selective rat brain regions, using our animal model. Food restriction by itself seems to be responsible in the hypothalamus for the downregulation on messenger RNA levels of CRF-1 receptor, N/OFQ and its receptor (NOP). For the latter, this alteration might be due to selective histone modification changes. Instead, CRF gene appears to be upregulated in the hypothalamus as well as in the ventral tegmental area only when rats are food restricted and exposed to frustration stress, and, of relevance, these changes appear to be due to a reduction in DNA methylation at gene promoters. Moreover, also CRF-1 receptor gene resulted to be differentially regulated in these two brain regions. Epigenetic changes may be viewed as adaptive mechanisms to environmental perturbations concurring to facilitate food consumption in adverse conditions, that is, in this study, under food restriction and stressful conditions. Our data on N/OFQ and CRF signaling provide insight on the use of this binge-eating model for the study of epigenetic modifications in controlled genetic and environmental backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Pucci
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Italy
| | | | | | - Adele Romano
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Filaferro
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic Sciences and Neurosciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research (CERC)/Santa Lucia Foundation, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Cifani
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Italy.
- Intramural Research Program, NIDA/NIH, Baltimore,, MD, USA.
| | - Claudio D'Addario
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Italy.
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.
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Hayashi S, Ohashi K, Mihara S, Nakata E, Emoto C, Ohta A. Discovery of small-molecule nonpeptide antagonists of nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor: The studies of design, synthesis, and structure–activity relationships for (4-arylpiperidine substituted-methyl)-[bicyclic (hetero)cycloalkanobenzene] derivatives. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 114:345-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Miranda-Morales RS, Pautassi RM. Pharmacological characterization of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor on ethanol-mediated motivational effects in infant and adolescent rats. Behav Brain Res 2016; 298:88-96. [PMID: 25907741 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Activation of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOP) receptors attenuates ethanol drinking and prevents relapse in adult rodents. In younger rodents (i.e., infant rats), activation of NOP receptors blocks ethanol-induced locomotor activation but does not attenuate ethanol intake. The aim of the present study was to extend the analysis of NOP modulation of ethanol's effects during early ontogeny. Aversive and anxiolytic effects of ethanol were measured in infant and adolescent rats via conditioned taste aversion and the light-dark box test; whereas ethanol-induced locomotor activity and ethanol intake was measured in adolescents only. Before these tests, infant rats were treated with the natural ligand of NOP receptors, nociceptin (0.0, 0.5 or 1.0 μg) and adolescent rats were treated with the specific agonist Ro 64-6198 (0.0, 0.1 or 0.3 mg/kg). The activation of NOP receptors attenuated ethanol-induced anxiolysis in adolescents only, and had no effect on ethanol's aversive effects. Administration of Ro 64-6198 blocked ethanol-induced locomotor activation but did not modify ethanol intake patterns. The attenuation of ethanol stimulating and anxiolytic effect by activation of NOP receptors indicates a modulatory role of this receptor on ethanol effects, which is expressed early in ontogeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Sebastián Miranda-Morales
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra (INIMEC-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), 5016 Córdoba, Argentina.
| | - Ricardo M Pautassi
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra (INIMEC-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), 5016 Córdoba, Argentina; Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina
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12
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Arcuri L, Viaro R, Bido S, Longo F, Calcagno M, Fernagut PO, Zaveri NT, Calò G, Bezard E, Morari M. Genetic and pharmacological evidence that endogenous nociceptin/orphanin FQ contributes to dopamine cell loss in Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2016; 89:55-64. [PMID: 26804029 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Revised: 01/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate whether the endogenous neuropeptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) contributes to the death of dopamine neurons in Parkinson's disease, we undertook a genetic and a pharmacological approach using NOP receptor knockout (NOP(-/-)) mice, and the selective and potent small molecule NOP receptor antagonist (-)-cis-1-methyl-7-[[4-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)piperidin-1-yl]methyl]-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-benzocyclohepten-5-ol (SB-612111). Stereological unbiased methods were used to estimate the total number of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra of i) NOP(-/-) mice acutely treated with the parkinsonian neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), ii) naïve mice subacutely treated with MPTP, alone or in combination with SB-612111, iii) rats injected with a recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector overexpressing human mutant p.A53T α-synuclein, treated with vehicle or SB-612111. NOP(-/-) mice showed a 50% greater amount of nigral dopamine neurons spared in response to acute MPTP compared to controls, which was associated with a milder motor impairment. SB-612111, given 4 days after MPTP treatment to mimic the clinical condition, prevented the loss of nigral dopamine neurons and striatal dopaminergic terminals caused by subacute MPTP. SB-612111, administered a week after the AAV injections in a clinically-driven protocol, also increased by 50% both the number of spared nigral dopamine neurons and striatal dopamine terminals, and prevented accompanying motor deficits induced by α-synuclein. We conclude that endogenous N/OFQ contributes to dopamine neuron loss in pathogenic and etiologic models of Parkinson's disease through NOP receptor-mediated mechanisms. NOP receptor antagonists might prove effective as disease-modifying agents in Parkinson's disease, through the rescue of degenerating nigral dopamine neurons and/or the protection of the healthy ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovico Arcuri
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; Neuroscience Center and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Riccardo Viaro
- Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, Section of Human Physiology, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Simone Bido
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; Neuroscience Center and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesco Longo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; Neuroscience Center and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mariangela Calcagno
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; Neuroscience Center and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Pierre-Olivier Fernagut
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Nurulain T Zaveri
- Astraea Therapeutics, 320 Logue Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94040, USA
| | - Girolamo Calò
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; Neuroscience Center and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Erwan Bezard
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Michele Morari
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; Neuroscience Center and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara 17-19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
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13
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Operant self-administration of ethanol in infant rats. Physiol Behav 2015; 148:87-99. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Revised: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Vang D, Paul JA, Nguyen J, Tran H, Vincent L, Yasuda D, Zaveri NT, Gupta K. Small-molecule nociceptin receptor agonist ameliorates mast cell activation and pain in sickle mice. Haematologica 2015; 100:1517-25. [PMID: 26294734 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2015.128736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of pain with morphine and its congeners in sickle cell anemia is suboptimal, warranting the need for analgesics devoid of side effects, addiction and tolerance liability. Small-molecule nociceptin opioid receptor ligands show analgesic efficacy in acute and chronic pain models. We show that AT-200, a high affinity nociceptin opioid receptor agonist with low efficacy at the mu opioid receptor, ameliorated chronic and hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced mechanical, thermal and deep tissue/musculoskeletal hyperalgesia in HbSS-BERK sickle mice. The antinociceptive effect of AT-200 was antagonized by SB-612111, a nociceptin opioid receptor antagonist, but not naloxone, a non-selective mu opioid receptor antagonist. Daily 7-day treatment with AT-200 did not develop tolerance and showed a sustained anti-nociceptive effect, which improved over time and led to reduced plasma serum amyloid protein, neuropeptides, inflammatory cytokines and mast cell activation in the periphery. These data suggest that AT-200 ameliorates pain in sickle mice via the nociceptin opioid receptor by reducing inflammation and mast cell activation without causing tolerance. Thus, nociceptin opioid receptor agonists are promising drugs for treating pain in sickle cell anemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Vang
- Vascular Biology Center and Division of Hematology-Oncology-Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jinny A Paul
- Vascular Biology Center and Division of Hematology-Oncology-Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Julia Nguyen
- Vascular Biology Center and Division of Hematology-Oncology-Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Huy Tran
- Vascular Biology Center and Division of Hematology-Oncology-Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Lucile Vincent
- Vascular Biology Center and Division of Hematology-Oncology-Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Kalpna Gupta
- Vascular Biology Center and Division of Hematology-Oncology-Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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15
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Schröder W, Lambert DG, Ko MC, Koch T. Functional plasticity of the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system determines analgesic properties of NOP receptor agonists. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 171:3777-800. [PMID: 24762001 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite high sequence similarity between NOP (nociceptin/orphanin FQ opioid peptide) and opioid receptors, marked differences in endogenous ligand selectivity, signal transduction, phosphorylation, desensitization, internalization and trafficking have been identified; underscoring the evolutionary difference between NOP and opioid receptors. Activation of NOP receptors affects nociceptive transmission in a site-specific manner, with antinociceptive effects prevailing after peripheral and spinal activation, and pronociceptive effects after supraspinal activation in rodents. The net effect of systemically administered NOP receptor agonists on nociception is proposed to depend on the relative contribution of peripheral, spinal and supraspinal activation, and this may depend on experimental conditions. Functional expression and regulation of NOP receptors at peripheral and central sites of the nociceptive pathway exhibits a high degree of plasticity under conditions of neuropathic and inflammatory pain. In rodents, systemically administered NOP receptor agonists exerted antihypersensitive effects in models of neuropathic and inflammatory pain. However, they were largely ineffective in acute pain while concomitantly evoking severe motor side effects. In contrast, systemic administration of NOP receptor agonists to non-human primates (NHPs) exerted potent and efficacious antinociception in the absence of motor and sedative side effects. The reason for this species difference with respect to antinociceptive efficacy and tolerability is not clear. Moreover, co-activation of NOP and μ-opioid peptide (MOP) receptors synergistically produced antinociception in NHPs. Hence, both selective NOP receptor as well as NOP/MOP receptor agonists may hold potential for clinical use as analgesics effective in conditions of acute and chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Schröder
- Department of Translational Science, Global Innovation, Grünenthal GmbH, Aachen, Germany
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16
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Chiang YC, Ye LC, Hsu KY, Liao CW, Hung TW, Lo WJ, Ho IK, Tao PL. Beneficial effects of co-treatment with dextromethorphan on prenatally methadone-exposed offspring. J Biomed Sci 2015; 22:19. [PMID: 25890152 PMCID: PMC4376496 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-015-0126-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Heroin use among young women of reproductive age has drawn much attention around the world. Although methadone is widely used in maintenance therapy for heroin/morphine addiction, the long-term effects of prenatal exposure to methadone and preventative therapy remain unclear. For revealing this question, female pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats were sub-grouped to receive (1) vehicle, (2) methadone 5 mg/kg at embryonic day 3 (E3) and then 7 mg/kg from E4 to E20, (3) dextromethorphan (DM) 3 mg/kg, and (4) methadone + DM (the rats received methadone followed by DM treatment), subcutaneously, twice a day from E3 to E20. The body weight, natural withdrawal, pain sensitivity, ED50, conditioned place preference and water maze were conducted at different postnatal stages (P1 to P79) of offspring. The quantitative real-time RT-PCR and electrophysiology were also used to measure the gene expression of opioid receptors in the spinal cord and changes of LTP/LTD in the hippocampus, separately. Results Prenatal exposure to methadone or DM did not affect survival rate, body weight, water maze and LTP or LTD of offspring. However, prenatal methadone significantly increased the withdrawal symptoms, pain sensitivity, addiction liability and decreased the mRNA expression of pain related opioid receptors. Co-administration of DM with methadone in the maternal rats effectively prevented these abnormalities of offspring induced by methadone. Conclusions Our study clearly showed that co-administration of dextromethorphan with methadone in the maternal rats prevented the adverse effects induced by prenatal methadone exposure. It implies that dextromethorphan may have a potential to be used in combination with methadone for maintenance treatment in pregnant heroin-addicted women to prevent the adverse effects induced by methadone on offspring. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12929-015-0126-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Chang Chiang
- Center for Drug Abuse and Addiction, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan. .,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Li-Ci Ye
- Department of Pharmacology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Kuei-Ying Hsu
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Wei Liao
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan.
| | - Tsai-Wei Hung
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan.
| | - Wan-Jou Lo
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan.
| | - Ing-Kang Ho
- Center for Drug Abuse and Addiction, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan. .,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Pao-Luh Tao
- Department of Pharmacology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan.
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17
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Thomas R, Stover C, Lambert DG, Thompson JP. Nociceptin system as a target in sepsis? J Anesth 2014; 28:759-67. [PMID: 24728719 DOI: 10.1007/s00540-014-1818-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The nociceptin system comprises the nociceptin receptor (NOP) and the ligand nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) that binds to the receptor. The archetypal role of the system is in pain processing but the NOP receptor is also expressed on immune cells. Activation of the NOP receptor is known to modulate inflammatory responses, such as mast-cell degranulation, neutrophil rolling, vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, adhesion molecule regulation and leucocyte recruitment. As there is a loss of regulation of inflammatory responses during sepsis, the nociceptin system could be a target for therapies aimed at modulating sepsis. This review details the known effects of NOP activation on leucocytes and the vascular endothelium and discusses the most recent human and animal data on the role of the nociceptin system in sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Róisín Thomas
- University Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE2 7LX, UK
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18
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Chiang YC, Hung TW, Ho IK. Development of sensitization to methamphetamine in offspring prenatally exposed to morphine, methadone and buprenorphine. Addict Biol 2014; 19:676-86. [PMID: 23551991 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Heroin use among young women of reproductive age has drawn much attention around the world. However, there is lack of information on the long-term effects of prenatal exposure to opioids on their offspring. Our previous study demonstrated that prenatally buprenorphine-exposed offspring showed a marked change in the cross-tolerance to morphine compared with other groups. In the current study, this animal model was used to study effects of methamphetamine (METH)-induced behavioral sensitization in the offspring at their adulthood. The results showed no differences in either basal or acute METH-induced locomotor activity in any of the groups of animals tested. When male offspring received METH injections of 2 mg/kg, i.p., once a day for 5 days, behavioral sensitization was induced, as determined by motor activity. Furthermore, the distance and rate of development (slope) of locomotor activity and conditioned place preference induced by METH were significantly increased in the prenatally buprenorphine-exposed animals compared with those in other groups. The dopamine D1 R in the nucleus accumbens of the prenatally buprenorphine-exposed offspring had lower mRNA expression; but no significant changes in the μ-, κ-opioid, nociceptin, D2 R and D3 R receptors were noted. Furthermore, significant alterations were observed in the basal level of cAMP and the D1 R agonist enhanced adenylyl cyclase activity in the prenatally buprenorphine-exposed group. Overall, the study demonstrates that D1 R and its downregulated cAMP signals are involved in enhancing METH-induced behavioral sensitization in prenatally buprenorphine-exposed offspring. The study reveals that prenatal exposure to buprenorphine caused long-term effects on offspring and affected the dopaminergic system-related reward mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Chang Chiang
- Center for Drug Abuse and Addiction; China Medical University Hospital; Taiwan
- China Medical University; Taiwan
| | | | - Ing-Kang Ho
- Center for Drug Abuse and Addiction; China Medical University Hospital; Taiwan
- National Health Research Institutes; Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science; China Medical University; Taiwan
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19
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Tomita H, Ziegler ME, Kim HB, Evans SJ, Choudary PV, Li JZ, Meng F, Dai M, Myers RM, Neal CR, Speed TP, Barchas JD, Schatzberg AF, Watson SJ, Akil H, Jones EG, Bunney WE, Vawter MP. G protein-linked signaling pathways in bipolar and major depressive disorders. Front Genet 2013; 4:297. [PMID: 24391664 PMCID: PMC3870297 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2013.00297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The G-protein linked signaling system (GPLS) comprises a large number of G-proteins, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), GPCR ligands, and downstream effector molecules. G-proteins interact with both GPCRs and downstream effectors such as cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), phosphatidylinositols, and ion channels. The GPLS is implicated in the pathophysiology and pharmacology of both major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BPD). This study evaluated whether GPLS is altered at the transcript level. The gene expression in the dorsolateral prefrontal (DLPFC) and anterior cingulate (ACC) were compared from MDD, BPD, and control subjects using Affymetrix Gene Chips and real time quantitative PCR. High quality brain tissue was used in the study to control for confounding effects of agonal events, tissue pH, RNA integrity, gender, and age. GPLS signaling transcripts were altered especially in the ACC of BPD and MDD subjects. Transcript levels of molecules which repress cAMP activity were increased in BPD and decreased in MDD. Two orphan GPCRs, GPRC5B and GPR37, showed significantly decreased expression levels in MDD, and significantly increased expression levels in BPD. Our results suggest opposite changes in BPD and MDD in the GPLS, “activated” cAMP signaling activity in BPD and “blunted” cAMP signaling activity in MDD. GPRC5B and GPR37 both appear to have behavioral effects, and are also candidate genes for neurodegenerative disorders. In the context of the opposite changes observed in BPD and MDD, these GPCRs warrant further study of their brain effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Tomita
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California Irvine, CA, USA ; Department of Biological Psychiatry, Tohoku University Sendai, Japan ; Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California Irvine CA, USA
| | - Mary E Ziegler
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California Irvine, CA, USA ; Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California Irvine CA, USA
| | - Helen B Kim
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California Irvine, CA, USA ; Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California Irvine CA, USA
| | - Simon J Evans
- Molecular and Behavioral Neurosciences Institute, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Jun Z Li
- Molecular and Behavioral Neurosciences Institute, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Fan Meng
- Molecular and Behavioral Neurosciences Institute, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Manhong Dai
- Molecular and Behavioral Neurosciences Institute, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Charles R Neal
- Molecular and Behavioral Neurosciences Institute, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI, USA ; John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Terry P Speed
- Department of Statistics, University of California Berkeley CA, USA
| | - Jack D Barchas
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College New York, NY, USA
| | - Alan F Schatzberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Stanley J Watson
- Molecular and Behavioral Neurosciences Institute, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Huda Akil
- Molecular and Behavioral Neurosciences Institute, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Edward G Jones
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California Davis, CA, USA
| | - William E Bunney
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Marquis P Vawter
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California Irvine, CA, USA ; Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California Irvine CA, USA
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20
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Nestor CC, Coolen LM, Nesselrod GL, Valent M, Connors JM, Hileman SM, Cheng G, Lehman MN, Goodman RL. Evidence that orphanin FQ mediates progesterone negative feedback in the ewe. Endocrinology 2013; 154:4249-58. [PMID: 23928375 PMCID: PMC3800756 DOI: 10.1210/en.2013-1274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Orphanin FQ (OFQ), a member of the opioid family, is found in many areas of the hypothalamus and, when given centrally OFQ inhibits episodic LH secretion in rodents and sheep. Because GnRH neurons are devoid of the appropriate receptors to mediate steroid negative feedback directly, neurons that release OFQ may be involved. Using immunocytochemistry, we first determined that most OFQ neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and other hypothalamic regions of luteal phase ewes contained both estrogen receptor α and progesterone (P) receptor. Given a similar high degree of steroid receptor colocalization in other ARC subpopulations, we examined whether OFQ neurons of the ARC contained those other neuropeptides and neurotransmitters. OFQ did not colocalize with kisspeptin, tyrosine hydroxylase, or agouti-related peptide, but all ARC OFQ neurons coexpressed proopiomelanocortin. To test for a role for endogenous OFQ, we examined the effects of an OFQ receptor antagonist, [Nphe1,Arg14,Lys15]Nociceptin-NH2 (UFP-101) (30 nmol intracerebroventricular/h), on LH secretion in steroid-treated ewes in the breeding season and ovary-intact ewes in anestrus. Ovariectomized ewes with luteal phase concentrations of P and estradiol showed a significant increase in LH pulse frequency during infusion of UFP-101 (4.5 ± 0.5 pulses/6 h) compared with saline infusion (2.6 ± 0.4 pulses/6 h), whereas ewes implanted with only estradiol did not. Ovary-intact anestrous ewes displayed no significant differences in LH pulse amplitude or frequency during infusion of UFP-101. Therefore, we conclude that OFQ mediates, at least in part, the negative feedback action of P on GnRH/LH pulse frequency in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey C Nestor
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, PO Box 9229, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506.
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21
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Micioni Di Bonaventura MV, Ubaldi M, Liberati S, Ciccocioppo R, Massi M, Cifani C. Caloric restriction increases the sensitivity to the hyperphagic effect of nociceptin/orphanin FQ limiting its ability to reduce binge eating in female rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2013; 228:53-63. [PMID: 23455592 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-013-3013-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2012] [Accepted: 01/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is a functional antagonist of corticotrophin-releasing factor, the main mediator of the stress response. Stress represents a key determinant of binge eating (BE) for highly palatable food (HPF). OBJECTIVES In relation to the antistress properties of N/OFQ, we evaluated its effect on BE. After the observation that episodes of food restriction increase the sensitivity to its hyperphagic effects, the function of NOP receptor and N/OFQ was investigated after cycles of food restrictions. MATERIALS AND METHODS In BE experiments, four groups were used: rats fed normally and not stressed or stressed, rats exposed to cycles of restriction/refeeding and then stressed, or not stressed. In the other experiments, two groups were used: rats exposed or not to food restriction. RESULTS Only restricted and stressed rats exhibited BE for HPF (containing chocolate cream). Intracerebroventricular injections of N/OFQ of 0.5 nmol/rat significantly reduced BE. N/OFQ 1 nmol/rat did not reduce BE but significantly increased HPF intake following food restrictions. Cycles of food restriction increased animals' sensitivity to the hyperphagic effect of N/OFQ for HPF. In situ hybridization studies following food restrictions showed decreased ppN/OFQ mRNA expression in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and increased expression of ppN/OFQ and NOP receptor mRNA in the ventral tegmental area and in the ventromedial hypothalamus, respectively. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that N/OFQ slightly reduces BE at low doses, while higher doses increase HPF intake, due to increased sensitivity to its hyperphagic effect following a history of caloric restrictions.
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22
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Miranda-Morales RS, Nizhnikov ME, Waters DH, Spear NE. Participation of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor in ethanol-mediated locomotor activation and ethanol intake in preweanling rats. Behav Brain Res 2013; 245:137-44. [PMID: 23439216 PMCID: PMC3666860 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2013.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Revised: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 02/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Activation of nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOP) receptors seems to attenuate ethanol-induced reinforcement in adult rodents. Since early ethanol exposure results in later increased responsiveness to ethanol, it is important to analyze NOP receptor modulation of ethanol-related behaviors during early ontogeny. By measuring NOP involvement in ethanol intake and ethanol-induced locomotor activation, we analyzed the specific participation of NOP receptors on these ethanol-related behaviors in two-week-old rats. In each experiment animals were pre-treated with the endogenous ligand for this receptor (nociceptin/orphanin FQ at 0.0, 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 μg) or a selective NOP antagonist (J-113397 at 0.0, 0.5, 2.0 or 5.0 mg/kg). Results indicated that activation of the nociceptin receptor system had no effect on ethanol or water intake, while blockade of the NOP receptor has an unspecific effect on consummatory behavior: J-113397 increased ethanol (at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg) and water intake (at 0.5 and 5.0 mg/kg). Ethanol-mediated locomotor stimulation was attenuated by activation of the NOP system (nociceptin at 1.0 and 2.0 μg). Nociceptin had no effect on basal locomotor activity. Blockade of NOP receptors did not modify ethanol-induced locomotor activation. Contrary to what has been reported for adult rodents, nociceptin failed to suppress intake of ethanol in infants. Attenuation of ethanol-induced stimulation by activation of NOP receptor system suggests an early role of this receptor in this ethanol-related behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Sebastián Miranda-Morales
- Department of Psychology, Center for Development and Behavioral Neuroscience, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, USA.
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23
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León-Olea M, Miller-Pérez C, Sánchez-Islas E, Mendoza-Sotelo J, Garduño-Gutiérrez R, de Gortari P, Amaya MI. The nociceptin/orphanin FQ-like opioid peptide in nervous periesophageal ganglia of land snail Helix aspersa. Brain Res 2013; 1505:22-46. [PMID: 23419890 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2012] [Revised: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 02/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The neuropeptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and its receptor are members of the endogenous opioid peptide family. In mammals N/OFQ modulates a variety of biological functions such as nociception, food intake, endocrine, control of neurotransmitter release, among others. In the molluscs Cepea nemoralis and Helix aspersa the administration of N/OFQ produces a thermopronociceptive effect. However, little is known about its existence and anatomic distribution in invertebrates. The aim of this study was to provide a detailed anatomical distribution of N/OFQ like peptide immunoreactivity (N/OFQ-IL), to quantify the tissue content of this peptide, as well as to demostrate molecular evidence of N/OFQ mRNA in the nervous tissue of periesophageal ganglia of the land snail H. aspersa. Immunohistochemical, immunocytochemical, radioimmunoanalysis (RIA) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) techniques were used. With regard to RT-PCR, the primers to detect expression of mRNA transcripts from H. aspersa were derived from the rat N/OFQ opioid peptide. We show a wide distribution of N/OFQ-IL in neurons and fibers in all perioesophageal ganglia, fibers of the neuropile, nerves, periganglionar connective tissue, aortic wall and neurohemal sinuses. The total amount of N/OFQ-IL in the perioesophageal ganglia (7.75 ± 1.75 pmol/g of tissue) quantified by RIA was similar to that found in mouse hypothalamus (10.1 ± 1.6 pmol/g of tissue). In this study, we present molecular evidence of N/OFQ mRNA expression. Some N/OFQ-IL neurons have been identified as neuroendocrine or involved in olfaction, hydro-electrolyte regulation, feeding, and thermonociception. Therefore, we suggest that N/OFQ may participate in these snail functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha León-Olea
- Departamento de Neuromorfología Funcional, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñíz. Av. México Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, México D.F., C.P. 14370, México.
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24
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Wetmore C. Location, location, location-gene expression studies of brainstem ganglioglioma: a rare tumor in a very rare location. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59:1153-4. [PMID: 22976749 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.24287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2012] [Accepted: 07/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Wetmore
- Director, Molecular Clinical Trials Core Laboratory, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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25
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Ivanova EA, Sarycheva NY, Dubynin VA, Malyshev AV, Kalikhevich VN, Ardemasova ZA, Kamensky AA. Behavioral effects of original tetrapeptide, an analog of N-terminal nociceptin fragment. Bull Exp Biol Med 2012; 153:177-81. [PMID: 22816077 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-012-1670-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The study examined the effect of an analog to N-terminal nociceptin fragment AcOH×Phe-Gly-Gly-Phe-NH(2) on the behavior of albino rats. This tetrapeptide (5 μg/kg intraperitoneally) significantly enhanced motor and exploratory activity in mature rats and in 42-day pups and produced opposite effects in 21-day rat pups, which attests to the complex dynamics of maturation of nervous structures involved in the realization of nociceptin action.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Ivanova
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Biological Faculty, M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russia.
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Donica CL, Ramirez VI, Awwad HO, Zaveri NT, Toll L, Standifer KM. Orphanin FQ/nociceptin activates nuclear factor kappa B. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2011; 6:617-25. [PMID: 21547539 PMCID: PMC3208742 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-011-9279-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2011] [Accepted: 04/11/2011] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Endogenous neuropeptide orphanin FQ/nociceptin (OFQ/N) and its receptor, nociceptin orphanin FQ peptide receptor (NOPr), play a modulatory role throughout the body including nociceptive sensitivity, motor function, spatial learning, and the immune system. NOPr is an inhibitory G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) that modulates expression and release of inflammatory mediators from immune cells and in the CNS. Inhibitory GPCRs have been shown to activate the immune and central nervous system regulator, nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), whose family consists of several subunits. When activated, NFκB translocates to the nucleus and can modify transcription. To determine if OFQ/N modulates NFκB activity, SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells were treated with OFQ/N and assessed for changes in nuclear accumulation, DNA binding, and transcriptional activation. For the first time, we show that OFQ/N increases the nuclear accumulation (1.9-2.8-fold) and the DNA binding of NFκB (2.9-fold) by 2 h as determined by immunoblotting and electromobility shift assay, respectively. OFQ/N induction of NFκB binding to DNA is protein kinase C-dependent and NOPr-specific. OFQ/N stimulated binding of both NFκB p50 and p65 subunits to their consensus binding site on DNA. OFQ/N also induces transcriptional activation of an NFκB reporter gene 2.2-fold by 2 h with an EC(50) of 6.3 nM. This activation of NFκB by OFQ/N suggests a likely mechanism for its modulation of the central nervous and immune systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney L. Donica
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1110 N. Stonewall Ave Suite 323, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1110 N. Stonewall Ave Suite 323, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA
| | - Vanessa I. Ramirez
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1110 N. Stonewall Ave Suite 323, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA
| | - Hibah O. Awwad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1110 N. Stonewall Ave Suite 323, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA
| | - Nurulain T. Zaveri
- Astraea Therapeutics, LLC, 320 Logue Avenue, Suite 142, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA
| | - Lawrence Toll
- SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Kelly M. Standifer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1110 N. Stonewall Ave Suite 323, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1110 N. Stonewall Ave Suite 323, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1110 N. Stonewall Ave Suite 323, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA
- University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, 1110 N. Stonewall Ave Suite 326, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA
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Bernard R, Burke S, Kerman IA. Region-specific in situ hybridization-guided laser-capture microdissection on postmortem human brain tissue coupled with gene expression quantification. Methods Mol Biol 2011; 755:345-61. [PMID: 21761318 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-163-5_29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This chapter describes the procedure of in situ hybridization-guided laser-capture microdissection performed on postmortem human brain tissue. This procedure permits the precise collection of brain tissue within anatomically defined brain nuclei that is enriched with mRNA. The chapter emphasizes the specific handling of postmortem tissue and preservation of RNA integrity to ensure high-quality gene profiling. Downstream procedures including mRNA amplification, gene profiling using high-density microarray chips, and confirmation with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) are described. PCR primer design and cDNA quantification required for qPCR are delineated.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Bernard
- Centrum für Anatomie, Institut für Integrative Neuroanatomie, Charité Campus Mitte-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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28
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Serrano-Gomez A, Thompson JP, Lambert DG. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ in inflammation and sepsis. Br J Anaesth 2011; 106:6-12. [PMID: 21138900 DOI: 10.1093/bja/aeq337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ, N/OFQ, and its receptor NOP represent a non-opioid branch of the opioid superfamily that were first studied for their effects on pain responses. Both N/OFQ and NOP are involved in a wide range of 'non-pain' responses including immunomodulation and cardiovascular control. There is now growing interest in this system in inflammation and sepsis, which is the focus of this review article. The N/OFQ-NOP system is present in immune cells and N/OFQ modifies immunocyte function. On the basis of various in vitro and in vivo studies, N/OFQ increases the inflammatory response in healthy anaesthetized animals and in those with a septic or inflammatory process. It affects tissue perfusion, increases capillary leakage and inflammatory markers, and leads to immune cell chemotaxis. Moreover, NOP activation produces bradycardia and hypotension. Systemic N/OFQ administration also increased mortality in an animal model of sepsis, and there is limited evidence for increased plasma N/OFQ concentrations in patients with sepsis who died compared with those who survived. There is a need for further observational and mechanistic studies in patients with established inflammatory processes or sepsis. These studies may facilitate the design of appropriate clinical studies to evaluate NOP ligands as modifiers of the inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Serrano-Gomez
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK
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29
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Hayashi S, Nakata E, Morita A, Mizuno K, Yamamura K, Kato A, Ohashi K. Discovery of {1-[4-(2-{hexahydropyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrol-2(1H)-yl}-1H-benzimidazol-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl]cyclooctyl}methanol, systemically potent novel non-peptide agonist of nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor as analgesic for the treatment of neuropathic pain: Design, synthesis, and structure–activity relationships. Bioorg Med Chem 2010; 18:7675-99. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2010.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2010] [Revised: 07/14/2010] [Accepted: 07/15/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Dawe KL, Wakerley JB, Fulford AJ. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ and the regulation of neuronal excitability in the rat bed nucleus of the stria terminalis: interaction with glucocorticoids. Stress 2010; 13:516-27. [PMID: 20666662 DOI: 10.3109/10253890.2010.491134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nociceptin (N/OFQ) peptide has regulatory roles in neuroendocrine responses to stress. We sought to clarify the roles of nociceptin and its receptors (NOP receptors) in the regulation of rat bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) neurones in vitro. The effect of nociceptin (75 nM) across subregions of the anterior BNST was determined using extracellular single-unit recordings in rat brain slices. Firing patterns of the neurones were recorded in the presence of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA, 10 μm) for the classification of putative cell types. Based on the firing patterns, four cell types were identified. The distribution of cell types differed between the dorsal and ventral BNST. Nociceptin inhibited the activity of 53.2% of all the neurones tested (n = 47), regardless of the cell type or subregion. The duration of nociceptin-mediated inhibition of cell firing was significantly attenuated by pre-treatment with the NOP receptor antagonist, UFP-101 (750 nM), indicating that nociceptin-induced suppression of firing rate involves NOP receptor activation in the BNST. Pre-treatment of slices with 100-nM corticosterone (CORT) vs. dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) for 20 min significantly abolished the nociceptin-induced inhibition of firing rate (P < 0.001) when tested 2 h later. We did not, however, observe a significant effect of CORT on baseline firing rate or pattern in BNST neurones. We suggest that the interaction between nociceptin and glucocorticoids in the BNST may be essential for normal adaptive stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L Dawe
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
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Chiang YC, Hung TW, Lee CWS, Yan JY, Ho IK. Enhancement of tolerance development to morphine in rats prenatally exposed to morphine, methadone, and buprenorphine. J Biomed Sci 2010; 17:46. [PMID: 20529288 PMCID: PMC2890660 DOI: 10.1186/1423-0127-17-46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2010] [Accepted: 06/07/2010] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Abuse of addictive substances is a serious problem that has a significant impact on areas such as health, the economy, and public safety. Heroin use among young women of reproductive age has drawn much attention around the world. However, there is a lack of information on effects of prenatal exposure to opioids on their offspring. In this study, an animal model was established to study effects of prenatal exposure to opioids on offspring. Methods Female pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were sub-grouped to receive (1) vehicle, (2) 2-4 mg/kg morphine (1 mg/kg increment per week), (3) 7 mg/kg methadone, and (4) 3 mg/kg buprenorphine, subcutaneously, once or twice a day from E3 to E20. The experiments were conducted on animals 8-12 weeks old and with body weight between 250 and 350 g. Results Results showed that prenatal exposure to buprenorphine caused higher mortality than other tested substance groups. Although we observed a significantly lower increase in body weight in all of the opioid-administered dams, the birth weight of the offspring was not altered in all treated groups. Moreover, no obvious behavioral abnormality or body-weight difference was noted during the growing period (8-12 weeks) in all offspring. When the male offspring received morphine injection twice a day for 4 days, the prenatally opioid-exposed rats more quickly developed a tolerance to morphine (as shown by the tail-flick tests), most notably the prenatally buprenorphine-exposed offspring. However, the tolerance development to methadone or buprenorphine was not different in offspring exposed prenatally to methadone or buprenorphine, respectively, when compared with that of the vehicle controlled group. Similar results were also obtained in the female animals. Conclusions Animals prenatally exposed to morphine, methadone, or buprenorphine developed tolerance to morphine faster than their controlled mates. In our animal model, prenatal exposure to buprenorphine also resulted in higher mortality and much less sensitivity to morphine-induced antinociception than prenatal exposure to morphine or methadone. This indicates that buprenorphine in higher doses may not be an ideal maintenance drug for treating pregnant women. This study provides a reference in selecting doses for clinical usage in treating pregnant heroin addicts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Chang Chiang
- Division of Mental Health & Addiction Medicine, Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan, ROC
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Toll L, Khroyan TV, Polgar WE, Jiang F, Olsen C, Zaveri NT. Comparison of the antinociceptive and antirewarding profiles of novel bifunctional nociceptin receptor/mu-opioid receptor ligands: implications for therapeutic applications. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2009; 331:954-64. [PMID: 19773529 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.109.157446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The nociceptin receptor (NOPr), a member of the opioid receptor family, is a target for the treatment of pain and drug abuse. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), the endogenous peptide for NOPr, not only modulates opioid antinociception, but also blocks the rewarding effects of several abused drugs, such as morphine, cocaine, and amphetamine. We hypothesized that NOPr agonists, with bifunctional activity at the mu-opioid receptor (MOPr), may function as nonaddicting analgesics or as drug abuse medications. Bifunctional small-molecule NOPr agonists possessing different selectivities and efficacies at MOPr were evaluated in an acute thermal antinociception assay, and for their ability to induce conditioned place preference (CPP) and their effect on morphine-induced CPP. 1-(1-Cyclooctylpiperidin-4-yl)-indolin-2-one) (SR14150), a high-affinity NOPr partial agonist, with low MOPr affinity and efficacy, produced analgesia that was naloxone-reversible. SR14150 did not induce CPP alone, nor did it attenuate morphine-induced CPP. 3-Ethyl-1-(1-(4-isopropylcyclohexyl)piperidin-4-yl)-indolin-2-one (SR16507), which has high affinity for both NOPr and MOPr, full agonist activity at NOPr, and partial agonist activity at MOPr, was also a potent analgesic and produced CPP alone, but also modestly attenuated morphine CPP. 1-(1-(2,3,3a,4,5,6-hexahydro-1H-phenalen-1-yl)piperidinl-4-yl)-indolin-2-one (SR16835), a NOPr full agonist and low-affinity MOPr partial agonist, was not antinociceptive, did not produce CPP alone, but attenuated morphine CPP. Our results suggest that NOPr full-agonist activity is required to modulate opioid-induced reward, whereas a bifunctional NOPr/MOPr partial agonist profile may be suitable as a nonaddicting analgesic. The opioid-modulating effects of the NOPr ligands may be used effectively to produce better medications for treatment of drug abuse and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Toll
- Neuropharmacology Program, SRI International, Menlo Park, California, USA
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Macho Sanchez-Simon F, Rodriguez RE. Expression of the nociceptin receptor during zebrafish development: influence of morphine and nociceptin. Int J Dev Neurosci 2009; 27:315-20. [PMID: 19460625 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2009.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2008] [Revised: 01/30/2009] [Accepted: 03/26/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The NOP system is considered to be part of the opioid system, although it exerts antiopioid actions depending on the anatomical region where it is localized. This apparent controversy has lead to the hypothesis that the NOP system interacts with the classical opioid systems (mu, delta, kappa) and regulates/modulates their activity in relation to analgesia and the development of addiction to drugs. In order to shed light into the importance of the NOP system, we have analyzed the expression of NOP during zebrafish development, and the effect of its endogenous agonist nociceptin and the opioid agonist morphine on NOP expression. Our qPCR study show that the number of NOP transcripts is different at each developmental stage studied (0.5 hpf, 2.75 hpf, 3 hpf, 8 hpf, 16 hpf, 19 hpf, 22 hpf, 24 hpf, 30 hpf, 48 hpf, 60 hpf and 72 hpf). Nociceptin enhances NOP expression at 24 hpf but decreases the number of NOP copies at 48 hpf, whereas NOP expression decreases after morphine exposure at 24 hpf and 48 hpf. Also, our ISH analysis demonstrates that nociceptin causes a change in the distribution of NOP towards rostral areas at both developmental stages. Morphine produces similar changes to those of nociceptin although only at 48 hpf. The present work leads to the conclusion that the NOP system is important during embryogenesis. Exposure to drugs changes the expression level and localization of NOP, suggesting that also during development, NOP plays a role in the apparition of dependence and addiction to drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Macho Sanchez-Simon
- University of Salamanca, Institute of Neuroscience of Castilla y León, Dept. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Neuroreceptors, Pain and Drug Addiction, Spain
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34
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Ko MC, Naughton NN. Antinociceptive effects of nociceptin/orphanin FQ administered intrathecally in monkeys. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2009; 10:509-16. [PMID: 19231294 PMCID: PMC2797530 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2008.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2008] [Revised: 11/04/2008] [Accepted: 11/11/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is the endogenous peptide for the NOP receptors. Depending on the doses, intrathecal administration of N/OFQ has dual actions (ie, hyperalgesia and antinociception) in rodents. However, the pharmacological profile of intrathecal N/OFQ is not fully known in primates. The aim of this study was to investigate behavioral effects of intrathecal N/OFQ over a wide dose range and to compare its effects with ligands known to produce hyperalgesia or antinociception in monkeys. Intrathecal N/OFQ from 1 fmol to 1 nmol did not produce any hyperalgesic or scratching responses. In contrast, intrathecal substance P 100 nmol produced hyperalgesia, and intrathecal DAMGO 10 nmol produced antinociception. At the dose range between 10 nmol and 1 micromol, intrathecal N/OFQ dose-dependently produced thermal antinociception against a noxious stimulus in 2 intensities. More importantly, N/OFQ in combined with intrathecal morphine dose-dependently potentiated morphine-induced antinociception without inhibiting morphine-induced itch/scratching. Taken together, this study is the first to provide a unique functional profile of intrathecal N/OFQ over a wide dose range in primates. Intrathecal N/OFQ produces thermal antinociception without anti-morphine actions or scratching responses, indicating that N/OFQ or NOP receptor agonists represent a promising target as spinal analgesics. PERSPECTIVE Intrathecal administration of N/OFQ only produced thermal antinociception, not hyperalgesia, in monkeys. In addition, intrathecal N/OFQ does not have anti-morphine actions or itch/scratching responses. This study strongly supports the therapeutic potential of N/OFQ or NOP receptor agonists as spinal analgesics for clinical trials.
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MESH Headings
- Analgesics
- Analgesics, Opioid/administration & dosage
- Analgesics, Opioid/adverse effects
- Analgesics, Opioid/pharmacology
- Animals
- Behavior, Animal/drug effects
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Synergism
- Enkephalin, Ala(2)-MePhe(4)-Gly(5)-/administration & dosage
- Enkephalin, Ala(2)-MePhe(4)-Gly(5)-/adverse effects
- Enkephalin, Ala(2)-MePhe(4)-Gly(5)-/pharmacology
- Female
- Hyperalgesia/psychology
- Injections, Spinal
- Macaca mulatta
- Male
- Morphine/adverse effects
- Morphine/pharmacology
- Opioid Peptides/administration & dosage
- Opioid Peptides/adverse effects
- Opioid Peptides/therapeutic use
- Pain Measurement/drug effects
- Pruritus/chemically induced
- Receptors, Opioid/agonists
- Substance P/administration & dosage
- Substance P/adverse effects
- Substance P/pharmacology
- Nociceptin
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Chuan Ko
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-5632, USA.
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35
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Bernard R, Kerman IA, Meng F, Evans SJ, Amrein I, Jones EG, Bunney WE, Akil H, Watson SJ, Thompson RC. Gene expression profiling of neurochemically defined regions of the human brain by in situ hybridization-guided laser capture microdissection. J Neurosci Methods 2008; 178:46-54. [PMID: 19070632 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2008.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2008] [Revised: 11/12/2008] [Accepted: 11/12/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Laser capture microdissection (LCM) permits isolation of specific cell types and cell groups based upon morphology, anatomical landmarks and histochemical properties. This powerful technique can be used for region-specific dissection if the target structure is clearly delineated. However, it is difficult to visualize anatomical boundaries in an unstained specimen, while histological staining can complicate the microdissection process and compromise downstream processing and analysis. We now introduce a novel method in which in situ hybridization (ISH) signal is used to guide LCM on adjacent unstained sections to collect tissue from neurochemically defined regions of the human postmortem brain to minimize sample manipulation prior to analysis. This approach was validated in nuclei that provide monoaminergic inputs to the forebrain, and likely contribute to the pathophysiology of mood disorders. This method was used successfully to carry out gene expression profiling and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) confirmation from the dissected material. When compared to traditional micropunch dissections, our ISH-guided LCM method provided enhanced signal intensity for mRNAs of specific monoaminergic marker genes as measured by genome-wide gene expression microarrays. Enriched expression of specific monoaminergic genes (as determined by microarrays and qPCR) was detected within appropriate anatomical locations validating the accuracy of microdissection. Together these results support the conclusion that ISH-guided LCM permits acquisition of enriched nucleus-specific RNA that can be successfully used for downstream gene expression investigations. Future studies will utilize this approach for gene expression profiling of neurochemically defined regions of postmortem brains collected from mood disorder patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Bernard
- Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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36
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Olianas MC, Dedoni S, Boi M, Onali P. Activation of nociceptin/orphanin FQ-NOP receptor system inhibits tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylation, dopamine synthesis, and dopamine D(1) receptor signaling in rat nucleus accumbens and dorsal striatum. J Neurochem 2008; 107:544-56. [PMID: 18717817 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2008.05629.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2023]
Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) has been reported to inhibit dopamine (DA) release in basal ganglia mainly by acting on NOP receptors in substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area. We investigated whether N/OFQ could affect DA transmission by acting at either DA nerve endings or DA-targeted post-synaptic neurons. In synaptosomes of rat nucleus accumbens and striatum N/OFQ inhibited DA synthesis and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) phosphorylation at Ser40 via NOP receptors coupled to inhibition of the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway. Immunofluorescence studies showed that N/OFQ preferentially inhibited phospho-Ser40-TH in nucleus accumbens shell and that in this subregion NOP receptors partly colocalized with either TH or DA D(1) receptor positive structures. In accumbens and striatum N/OFQ inhibited DA D(1) receptor-stimulated cAMP formation, but failed to affect either adenosine A(2A) or DA D(2) receptor regulation of cAMP. In accumbens slices, N/OFQ inhibited DA D(1)-induced phosphorylation of NMDA and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate glutamate receptors, whereas in primary cultures of accumbal cells, which were found to coexpress NOP and DA D(1) receptors, N/OFQ curtailed DA D(1) receptor-induced cAMP-response element-binding protein phosphorylation. Thus, in accumbens and striatum N/OFQ exerts an inhibitory constraint on DA transmission by acting on either pre-synaptic NOP receptors inhibiting TH phosphorylation and DA synthesis or post-synaptic NOP receptors selectively down-regulating DA D(1) receptor signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Olianas
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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37
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Ding X, Jin Y, Wu Y, Wu Y, Wu H, Xiong L, Song X, Liu S, Fan W, Fan M. Localization and cellular distribution of CPNE5 in embryonic mouse brain. Brain Res 2008; 1224:20-8. [PMID: 18614158 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2008.05.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2007] [Revised: 05/07/2008] [Accepted: 05/19/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
CPNE5 is one of the ubiquitous Ca(2+)-dependent, phospholipid-binding proteins that are highly conserved in animals. It was cloned in the fetal human brain with no exact functions identified yet. We have examined the distribution pattern of CPNE5 mRNA and protein in the developing murine brain by using in situ hybridization, western blotting and immunocytochemistry. Expression of CPNE5 mRNA remains high from embryonic day 9.5 (E9.5) to E15.5 in the developing murine brain. Whole-mount in situ hybridization with the E11.5 and E12.5 embryos showed the strong positive signals in the central nervous system. Western-blot analysis showed that CPNE5 protein is expressed in the developing but not in the adult murine brain. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry analysis on the embryonic brain sections indicated that both at RNA and protein levels CPNE5 is mainly expressed in frontal cortex, medial nasal prominence, ganglionic eminence and medulla, particularly in the ventricular zones. Further investigation revealed the co-localization of CPNE5 with Tuj1 and Nestin on embryonic brain sections. In addition to the slight expression in primary cultured neural progenitor cells, CPNE5 is found in soma and neurite projections of primary cultured neurons where Tuj1 is co-localized. Our results demonstrate that CPNE5 is expressed in both neural progenitor cells and the differentiated neurons during the neural development, which suggests that CPNE5 might play an important role in the development of murine central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefeng Ding
- Department of Brain Protection and Plasticity Research, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Taiping Road 27, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
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38
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Viaro R, Sanchez-Pernaute R, Marti M, Trapella C, Isacson O, Morari M. Nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor blockade attenuates MPTP-induced parkinsonism. Neurobiol Dis 2008; 30:430-438. [PMID: 18413287 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2008.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2008] [Revised: 02/14/2008] [Accepted: 02/23/2008] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) inhibits the activity of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra and affects motor behavior. In this study we investigated whether a N/OFQ receptor (NOP) antagonist, J-113397, can modify movement in naive mice and nonhuman primates and attenuate motor deficits in MPTP-treated parkinsonian animals. J-113397 facilitated motor activity in naïve mice at low doses (0.1-1 mg/kg) and inhibited it at higher ones (10 mg/kg). Likewise, in MPTP-treated mice, J-113397 reversed motor deficit at 0.01 mg/kg but worsened hypokinesia at higher doses (1 mg/kg). In naïve nonhuman primates, J-113397, ineffective up to 1 mg/kg, produced inconsistent motor improvements at 3 mg/kg. Conversely, in parkinsonian primates J-113397 (0.01 mg/kg) reversed parkinsonism, being most effective against hypokinesia. We conclude that endogenous N/OFQ modulates motor activity in mice and nonhuman primates and contributes to parkinsonian symptoms in MPTP-treated animals. NOP receptor antagonists may represent a novel approach to Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Viaro
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Neuroscience Center and Istituto Nazionale di Neuroscienze, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Rosario Sanchez-Pernaute
- Neuroregeneration Laboratories, Center for Neuroregeneration Research, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Neuroscience Center and Istituto Nazionale di Neuroscienze, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biotechnology Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ole Isacson
- Neuroregeneration Laboratories, Center for Neuroregeneration Research, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michele Morari
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Neuroscience Center and Istituto Nazionale di Neuroscienze, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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Rodi D, Zucchini S, Simonato M, Cifani C, Massi M, Polidori C. Functional antagonism between nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in the rat brain: evidence for involvement of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2008; 196:523-31. [PMID: 17989958 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-007-0985-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2007] [Accepted: 10/14/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) has been proposed to be a functional antagonist of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in relation to its anti-stress action and its ability to antagonize the anorectic effect of CRF in rats without exhibiting affinity for CRF receptors. The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) is highly sensitive to the inhibitory effect of N/OFQ on CRF-induced anorexia. OBJECTIVE The present study was aimed at further evaluating the role of the BST in the functional antagonism between N/OFQ and CRF by examining it at molecular level and in the context of CRF-induced anxiety in the rat. MATERIALS AND METHODS First, in situ hybridization experiments investigated the expression of the pro-N/OFQ precursor and of NOP receptors in several brain areas 6 h after injection of CRF (0.2 and 1 microg/rat) into the lateral cerebroventricle (LV). Second, the elevated plus maze test was used to evaluate whether N/OFQ, injected into the BST (0.05 and 0.5 microg/rat) or into the LV (0.5, 1.8, and 2.4 microg/rat), inhibits the anxiogenic-like effect evoked by LV injection of CRF (1 microg/rat) in rats. RESULTS The in situ hybridization study showed that LV injection of CRF 1 microg/rat increases NOP receptor expression in the BST, while no change of the N/OFQ precursor was observed. On the other hand, N/OFQ injection into the BST blocks the anxiogenic effect of CRF at doses lower than those required by LV injection (0.5 vs 1.8 microg/rat, respectively). CONCLUSION These data provide further support for the hypothesis that N/OFQ may behave as functional antagonist of CRF and suggest that this antagonism may occur within the BST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donata Rodi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Section, and Neuroscience Centre, University of Ferrara, 44100 Ferrara, Italy
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40
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Foradori CD, Amstalden M, Coolen LM, Singh SR, McManus CJ, Handa RJ, Goodman RL, Lehman MN. Orphanin FQ: evidence for a role in the control of the reproductive neuroendocrine system. Endocrinology 2007; 148:4993-5001. [PMID: 17615146 DOI: 10.1210/en.2007-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Orphanin FQ (OFQ), also known as nociceptin, is a member of the endogenous opioid peptide family that has been functionally implicated in the control of pain, anxiety, circadian rhythms, and neuroendocrine function. In the reproductive system, endogenous opioid peptides are involved in the steroid feedback control of GnRH pulses and the induction of the GnRH surge. The distribution of OFQ in the preoptic area and hypothalamus overlaps with GnRH, and in vitro evidence suggests that OFQ can inhibit GnRH secretion from hypothalamic fragments. Using the sheep as a model, we examined the potential anatomical colocalization between OFQ and GnRH using dual-label immunocytochemistry. Confocal microscopy revealed that approximately 93% of GnRH neurons, evenly distributed across brain regions, were also immunoreactive for OFQ. In addition, almost all GnRH fibers and terminals in the external zone of the median eminence, the site of neurosecretory release of GnRH, also colocalized OFQ. This high degree of colocalization suggested that OFQ might be functionally important in controlling reproductive endocrine events. We tested this possibility by examining the effects of intracerebroventricular administration of [Arg(14), Lys(15)] OFQ, an agonist to the OFQ receptor, on pulsatile LH secretion. The agonist inhibited LH pulse frequency in both luteal phase and ovariectomized ewes and suppressed pulse amplitude in the latter. The results provide in vivo evidence supporting a role for OFQ in the control of GnRH secretion and raise the possibility that it acts as part of an ultrashort, autocrine feedback loop controlling GnRH pulses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad D Foradori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Division, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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41
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Capuano A, Currò D, Dello Russo C, Tringali G, Pozzoli G, Di Trapani G, Navarra P. Nociceptin (1-13)NH2 inhibits stimulated calcitonin-gene-related-peptide release from primary cultures of rat trigeminal ganglia neurones. Cephalalgia 2007; 27:868-76. [PMID: 17640294 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2982.2007.01354.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In this work we have developed and characterized primary cultures of neonatal rat trigeminal ganglia neurones; calcitonin-gene-related-peptide (CGRP) released from cells was taken as a marker of neuronal function. A significant and consistent increase in CGRP secretion was elicited by non-specific (56 mm KCl or veratridine) or specific (capsaicin) depolarizing stimuli. This paradigm was subsequently used to investigate the effects of nociceptin, an opioid-like peptide involved in central and peripheral control of nociception. We found that the nociceptin analogue nociceptin (1-13)NH2 (NOC) did not affect baseline CGRP release, but it reduced in a concentration-dependent manner CGRP release induced by all tested stimuli. NOC-induced reduction was statistically significant from 0.01 nm onward and achieved maximal effects at 10 nm. Such effects of NOC were seemingly mediated by the activation of specific ORL1 receptors, as a well-known nociceptin antagonist, N(Phe1)nociceptin (1-13)NH2, was able to completely revert NOC inhibition of capsaicin-stimulated CGRP release.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Capuano
- Department of Neuroscience and Institute of Pharmacology, Catholic University Medical School, Rome, Italy
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42
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Burmeister MA, Kapusta DR. Centrally administered nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) evokes bradycardia, hypotension, and diuresis in mice via activation of central N/OFQ peptide receptors. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2007; 322:324-31. [PMID: 17452419 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.107.120394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The present studies examined the cardiovascular and renal responses produced by activation of central nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide (NOP) receptors in conscious mice. To assess this, we examined changes in heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), urine output (V), urinary sodium excretion (UNaV), and free water clearance (CH(2)O) produced by acute i.c.v. injection of N/OFQ (0.03, 0.3, 1, or 3 nmol) or isotonic saline vehicle (2 mul) in conscious telemetered ICR-CD1 mice. After i.c.v. injection, N/OFQ, but not vehicle, dose dependently decreased HR and MAP and increased V. At 3 nmol, N/OFQ reduced HR [control (C), 672 +/- 23 beats/min; 20 min, 411 +/- 30 beats/min] and MAP (C, 108 +/- 4 mm Hg; 20 min, 62 +/- 6 mm Hg). In the same telemetered mice, i.c.v. N/OFQ significantly elevated V (0.65 +/- 0.03 cc/2 h) compared with levels for the vehicle-treated group (0.15 +/- 0.09 cc/2 h). Central N/OFQ/vehicle did not alter UNaV or CH(2)O. In separate studies, 2-h i.c.v. pretreatment with the NOP receptor antagonist UFP-101 ([Nphe(1),Arg(14),Lys(15)]N/OFQ-NH(2)) (10 or 30 nmol) markedly, but transiently, reduced HR but not MAP, V, UNaV, or CH(2)O. After 2-h UFP-101 (10 or 30 nmol) pretreatment, subsequent i.c.v. injection of N/OFQ (1 or 3 nmol) failed to alter cardiovascular or renal function. In contrast, in separate mice, 2-h pretreatment with N/OFQ (1 or 3 nmol) or vehicle failed to prevent the cardiodepressor and diuretic responses to a subsequent i.c.v. injection of the same dose of N/OFQ. Together, these findings demonstrate that in conscious mice, the central administration of N/OFQ evokes marked bradycardia, hypotension, and diuresis by selective activation of central NOP receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Burmeister
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA
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43
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Zaveri NT, Waleh N, Toll L. Regulation of the prepronociceptin gene and its effect on neuronal differentiation. Gene 2006; 384:27-36. [PMID: 16935438 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2006.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2006] [Revised: 06/11/2006] [Accepted: 07/03/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOP/OFQ) is the endogenous ligand for the NOP receptor and is processed from a precursor protein in the family of opioid peptides. Prepronociceptin (ppN/OFQ) mRNA has been shown to be upregulated by an increase in cAMP, a treatment that leads to differentiation of NS20Y neuroblastoma cells. Although a large increase in endogenous ppN/OFQ mRNA upon cAMP stimulation can be shown in cellular systems, a similar increase cannot be expressed in pGL3 luciferase vector containing 1.3 kb proximal promoter, suggesting that a larger portion of the sequence or a different chromatin structure is necessary for a fully functional promoter. The induction of ppN/OFQ mRNA by cAMP appears to be mediated by a cAMP-response element. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays show that CREB is recruited to the promoter region upon treatment of NS20Y cells with dibutyryl cAMP. In addition, the production of ppN/OFQ mRNA is regulated by histone acetylation, also through CREB, as the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor trichostatin A increases both CREB binding to the promoter and ppN/OFQ mRNA expression. In rat progenitor and mouse neuroblastoma cell lines, agents that increase ppN/OFQ mRNA expression also induce neurite outgrowth, suggesting a close relationship between ppN/OFQ and cellular differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naunihal T Zaveri
- SRI International, Biosciences Division, 333 Ravenswood Ave, LA214A, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA.
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44
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Vawter MP, Tomita H, Meng F, Bolstad B, Li J, Evans S, Choudary P, Atz M, Shao L, Neal C, Walsh DM, Burmeister M, Speed T, Myers R, Jones EG, Watson SJ, Akil H, Bunney WE. Mitochondrial-related gene expression changes are sensitive to agonal-pH state: implications for brain disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2006; 11:615, 663-79. [PMID: 16636682 PMCID: PMC3098558 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mp.4001830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial defects in gene expression have been implicated in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. We have now contrasted control brains with low pH versus high pH and showed that 28% of genes in mitochondrial-related pathways meet criteria for differential expression. A majority of genes in the mitochondrial, chaperone and proteasome pathways of nuclear DNA-encoded gene expression were decreased with decreased brain pH, whereas a majority of genes in the apoptotic and reactive oxygen stress pathways showed an increased gene expression with a decreased brain pH. There was a significant increase in mitochondrial DNA copy number and mitochondrial DNA gene expression with increased agonal duration. To minimize effects of agonal-pH state on mood disorder comparisons, two classic approaches were used, removing all subjects with low pH and agonal factors from analysis, or grouping low and high pH as a separate variable. Three groups of potential candidate genes emerged that may be mood disorder related: (a) genes that showed no sensitivity to pH but were differentially expressed in bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder; (b) genes that were altered by agonal-pH in one direction but altered in mood disorder in the opposite direction to agonal-pH and (c) genes with agonal-pH sensitivity that displayed the same direction of changes in mood disorder. Genes from these categories such as NR4A1 and HSPA2 were confirmed with Q-PCR. The interpretation of postmortem brain studies involving broad mitochondrial gene expression and related pathway alterations must be monitored against the strong effect of agonal-pH state. Genes with the least sensitivity to agonal-pH could present a starting point for candidate gene search in neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Vawter
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Irvine, USA.
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45
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Hou Y, Belcheva MM, Clark AL, Zahm DS, Coscia CJ. Increased opioid receptor binding and G protein coupling in the accumbens and ventral tegmental area of postnatal day 2 rats. Neurosci Lett 2006; 395:244-8. [PMID: 16300888 PMCID: PMC1819395 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2005.10.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2005] [Revised: 10/27/2005] [Accepted: 10/31/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In some regions of the developing rat brain such as the nucleus accumbens (Acb), mu opioid (MOP) receptor specific binding in the perinatal period exceeds that in the adult. To investigate the significance of these developmental changes, MOP and nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOP) receptor binding and G protein coupling as determined by GTPgammaS binding experiments were examined in mesolimbic regions of postnatal day 2 (P2) pups and compared to those of their dams. Acb of the P2 pup exhibited 2-fold greater MOP receptor specific binding than that of the dam. In the ventral tegmental area (VTA), NOP specific binding was about 2-fold higher in the P2 pup. A correlation was found between MOP and NOP binding and their coupling to G protein on dam and P2 pup brain sections. However, the magnitude of increases in MOP and NOP receptor G protein coupling to G protein in P2 pups exceeded the 2-fold differences in binding between pups and dams. Furthermore, the amplitude of the MOP receptor G protein coupling in female P2 Acb was greater than increases in male P2 pup Acb. Differences in MOP and NOP binding and G protein coupling in other mesolimbic regions between P2 pups and dams were rarely observed. The data indicate that greater binding and G protein coupling of MOP and NOP receptors occur in discrete, mesolimbic regions of P2 pups when compared to their dams. It may be of significance that these brain regions, Acb and VTA, are undergoing maturation on P2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanning Hou
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Mariana M. Belcheva
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Amy L. Clark
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Daniel S. Zahm
- Department of Pharmacological & Physiological Sciences, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Carmine J. Coscia
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
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46
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Okabe C, Takeshima H, Murphy NP. Methamphetamine sensitization in nociceptin receptor knockout mice: locomotor and c-fos expression. Eur J Pharmacol 2004; 507:57-67. [PMID: 15659295 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2004.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2004] [Revised: 11/12/2004] [Accepted: 11/16/2004] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The role of endogenous nociceptin in the development and expression of sensitization to repeated methamphetamine administration in a novel environment was studied in nociceptin receptor knockout mice. No differences in acute or sensitized locomotor responses were found in nociceptin receptor knockout mice. However, analysis of c-fos expression revealed significant interactions between chronic methamphetamine treatment and genotype in the nucleus accumbens and lateral septum. This was due to increased c-fos expression in chronically methamphetamine-treated nociceptin receptor knockout mice contrasted with reduced c-fos expression in chronically vehicle-treated nociceptin receptor knockout mice. Two further regions (nucleus accumbens core and ventromedial caudate putamen) showed significant interactions between genotype, chronic, and acute methamphetamine treatment due to accentuated c-fos expression in nociceptin receptor knockout mice sensitized and challenged with methamphetamine. These findings suggest endogenous nociceptin modulates the response of the central nervous system to repeated psychostimulant administration, although this is little reflected in locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinami Okabe
- Neuronal Circuit Mechanisms Research Group, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wakoshi, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
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Evans SJ, Choudary PV, Neal CR, Li JZ, Vawter MP, Tomita H, Lopez JF, Thompson RC, Meng F, Stead JD, Walsh DM, Myers RM, Bunney WE, Watson SJ, Jones EG, Akil H. Dysregulation of the fibroblast growth factor system in major depression. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004; 101:15506-11. [PMID: 15483108 PMCID: PMC523463 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0406788101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 301] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In this report we describe findings that imply dysregulation of several fibroblast growth factor (FGF) system transcripts in frontal cortical regions of brains from human subjects with major depressive disorder (MDD). This altered gene expression was discovered by microarray analysis of frontal cortical tissue from MDD, bipolar, and nonpsychiatric control subjects and was verified by quantitative real-time PCR analysis and, importantly, in a separate cohort of MDD subjects. Furthermore, we show, through a separate analysis of specific serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)-treated and non-SSRI-treated MDD subjects that the observed changes in expression of FGF transcripts are not secondary to drug treatment. Rather, changes in specific FGF transcripts are attenuated by SSRIs and may thus be partially responsible for the mechanism of action of these drugs. We also make available the gene-expression profile of all of the other growth factors and growth factor receptors detected in these postmortem samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Evans
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health Research Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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48
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Yamazaki H, Sekiguchi M, Takamatsu M, Tanabe Y, Nakanishi S. Distinct ontogenic and regional expressions of newly identified Cajal-Retzius cell-specific genes during neocorticogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004; 101:14509-14. [PMID: 15452350 PMCID: PMC521974 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0406295101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cajal-Retzius (CR) cells are early-generated transient neurons and are important in the regulation of cortical neuronal migration and cortical laminar formation. Molecular entities characterizing the CR cell identity, however, remain largely elusive. We purified mouse cortical CR cells expressing GFP to homogeneity by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and examined a genome-wide expression profile of cortical CR cells at embryonic and postnatal periods. We identified 49 genes that exceeded hybridization signals by >10-fold in CR cells compared with non-CR cells at embryonic day 13.5, postnatal day 2, or both. Among these CR cell-specific genes, 25 genes, including the CR cell marker genes such as the reelin and calretinin genes, are selectively and highly expressed in both embryonic and postnatal CR cells. These genes, which encode generic properties of CR cell specificity, are eminently characterized as modulatory composites of voltage-dependent calcium channels and sets of functionally related cellular components involved in cell migration, adhesion, and neurite extension. Five genes are highly expressed in CR cells at the early embryonic period and are rapidly down-regulated thereafter. Furthermore, some of these genes have been shown to mark two distinctly different focal regions corresponding to the CR cell origins. At the late prenatal and postnatal periods, 19 genes are selectively up-regulated in CR cells. These genes include functional molecules implicated in synaptic transmission and modulation. CR cells thus strikingly change their cellular phenotypes during cortical development and play a pivotal role in both corticogenesis and cortical circuit maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Yamazaki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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49
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Okabe C, Murphy NP. Short-term effects of the nociceptin receptor antagonist Compound B on the development of methamphetamine sensitization in mice: a behavioral and c-fos expression mapping study. Brain Res 2004; 1017:1-12. [PMID: 15261093 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2004.04.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The nociceptin antagonist Compound B (CompB) stimulates mesolimbic dopamine release and induces a conditioned place preference but has little effect on locomotion. As behavioral sensitization often occurs as an epiphenomenon to mesolimbic activation and reward, we studied the effect of CompB on behavioral sensitization to methamphetamine. Locomotor responses of C57BL6 mice to repeated methamphetamine (2 mg/kg s.c.) administration alone or immediately following CompB (10 mg/kg s.c.) were recorded for 3 alternating days. Six days later, methamphetamine (1 mg/kg s.c.) was administered and locomotor activity monitored again before determining neural activity by analysis of c-fos expression. Methamphetamine treatment induced a progressive locomotor (behavioral) sensitization, with CompB pretreatment enhancing the locomotor response to methamphetamine during the early stages only. Previous CompB administration little affected methamphetamine-sensitized or acute methamphetamine-induced locomotion on the challenge day. Analysis of c-fos expression supported these results as of the 36 neuroanatomical regions quantified; very few showed CompB-dependent responses. However, numerous regions differentially responsive to either acute (e.g. ventromedial, ventrolateral and central caudate putamen), chronic (e.g. central amygdala, lateral habenula, dorsomedial caudate putamen) or sensitized (e.g. medial nucleus accumbens core, central amygdala, lateral habenula) methamphetamine treatment were identified, thereby providing a comprehensive map of the short and long-term effects of methamphetamine on mouse brain activity per se. Thus, despite its mesolimbic activating and rewarding properties, CompB has little long-term influence on neural activity, suggesting CompB is able to induce short-term increases in hedonic state in the absence of locomotion or major long-term effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinami Okabe
- Neuronal Circuit Mechanisms Research Group, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wakoshi, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
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50
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Neal CR, Weidemann G, Kabbaj M, Vázquez DM. Effect of neonatal dexamethasone exposure on growth and neurological development in the adult rat. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2004; 287:R375-85. [PMID: 15117721 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00012.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Until recently, the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone was commonly used to lessen the morbidity of chronic lung disease in premature infants. This practice diminished as dexamethasone use was linked to an increased incidence of cerebral palsy and short-term neurodevelopmental delay. Of more concern is the fact that we know little regarding dexamethasone effects on long-term neurodevelopment. To study the effects of neonatal dexamethasone exposure on long-term neurodevelopment, we have developed a rat model where newborn pups are exposed to tapering doses of dexamethasone at time points corresponding to the neurodevelopmental age when human infants are traditionally exposed to this drug in the neonatal intensive care unit. Using a within-litter design, pups were assigned to one of three groups on postnatal day 2 (P2): handled controls, saline-injected controls, and animals receiving intramuscular dexamethasone between P3 and P6. Somatic growth was decreased in dexamethasone-treated animals. Dexamethasone-treated animals demonstrated slight delays in indexes of neurodevelopment and physical maturation at P7 and P14, but not P20. In adolescence (P45), there was no difference between groups in an open field test. However, as adult dexamethasone-treated animals were less active in the open field and spent more time in closed arms of the elevated plus maze. The serum corticosterone response to crowding stress in dexamethasone-treated animals was no different from controls, but they demonstrate a delay in return of corticosterone levels to baseline. These differences in behavior and hormonal stress responsiveness suggest that neonatal dexamethasone exposure may permanently alter function of the neuroendocrine stress axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles R Neal
- Mental Health Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0720, USA.
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