1
|
Scheggi S, Rossi F, Corsi S, Fanni S, Tronci E, Ludovica C, Vargiu R, Gambarana C, Muñoz A, Stancampiano R, Björklund A, Carta M. BDNF Overexpression Increases Striatal D3 Receptor Level at Striatal Neurons and Exacerbates D1-Receptor Agonist-Induced Dyskinesia. JOURNAL OF PARKINSONS DISEASE 2021; 10:1503-1514. [PMID: 32651332 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-202061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We recently showed that striatal overexpression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) by adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector exacerbated L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID) in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. An extensive sprouting of striatal serotonergic terminals accompanied this effect, accounting for the increased susceptibility to LID. OBJECTIVE We set to investigate whether the BDNF effect was restricted to LID, or extended to dyskinesia induced by direct D1 receptor agonists. METHODS Unilaterally 6-OHDA-lesioned rats received a striatal injection of an AAV vector to induce BDNF or GFP overexpression. Eight weeks later, animals received daily treatments with a low dose of SKF82958 (0.02 mg/kg s.c.) and development of dyskinesia was evaluated. At the end of the experiment, D1 and D3 receptors expression levels and D1 receptor-dependent signaling pathways were measured in the striatum. RESULTS BDNF overexpression induced significant worsening of dyskinesia induced by SKF82958 compared to the GFP group and increased the expression of D3 receptor at striatal level, even in absence of pharmacological treatment; by contrast, D1 receptor levels were not affected. In BDNF-overexpressing striata, SKF82958 administration resulted in increased levels of D1-D3 receptors co-immunoprecipitation and increased phosphorylation levels of Thr34 DARPP-32 and ERK1/2. CONCLUSION Here we provide evidence for a functional link between BDNF, D3 receptors and D1-D3 receptor close interaction in the augmented susceptibility to dyskinesia in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. We suggest that D1-D3 receptors interaction may be instrumental in driving the molecular alterations underlying the appearance of dyskinesia; its disruption may be a therapeutic strategy for treating dyskinesia in PD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Scheggi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Rossi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cagliari University, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sara Corsi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cagliari University, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Silvia Fanni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cagliari University, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Tronci
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cagliari University, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Congiu Ludovica
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cagliari University, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Romina Vargiu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cagliari University, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Carla Gambarana
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Ana Muñoz
- Department of Morphological Sciences, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | | | - Anders Björklund
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Division of Neurobiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Manolo Carta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cagliari University, Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Caffino L, Mottarlini F, Zita G, Gawliński D, Gawlińska K, Wydra K, Przegaliński E, Fumagalli F. The effects of cocaine exposure in adolescence: Behavioural effects and neuroplastic mechanisms in experimental models. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:4233-4253. [PMID: 33963539 PMCID: PMC9545182 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug addiction is a devastating disorder with a huge economic and social burden for modern society. Although an individual may slip into drug abuse throughout his/her life, adolescents are at higher risk, but, so far, only a few studies have attempted to elucidate the underlying cellular and molecular bases of such vulnerability. Indeed, preclinical evidence indicates that psychostimulants and adolescence interact and contribute to promoting a dysfunctional brain. In this review, we have focused our attention primarily on changes in neuroplasticity brought about by cocaine, taking into account that there is much less evidence from exposure to cocaine in adolescence, compared with that from adults. This review clearly shows that exposure to cocaine during adolescence, acute or chronic, as well as contingent or non‐contingent, confers a vulnerable endophenotype, primarily, by causing changes in neuroplasticity. Given the close relationship between drug abuse and psychiatric disorders, we also discuss the translational implications providing an interpretative framework for clinical studies involving addictive as well as affective or psychotic behaviours.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Caffino
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Mottarlini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianmaria Zita
- Dipartimento di Salute Mentale e Dipendenze, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Dawid Gawliński
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Kinga Gawlińska
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Karolina Wydra
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Edmund Przegaliński
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pelletier-Baldelli A, Strauss GP, Kuhney FS, Chun C, Gupta T, Ellman LM, Schiffman J, Mittal VA. Perceived stress influences anhedonia and social functioning in a community sample enriched for psychosis-risk. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 135:96-103. [PMID: 33460840 PMCID: PMC7914219 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Existing animal and human research support the causal role of stress in the emergence of anhedonia, and in turn, the influence of anhedonia in social functioning. However, this model has not been tested in relation to psychosis-risk; this literature gap is notable given that both anhedonia and declining social functioning represent key markers of risk of developing a psychotic disorder such as schizophrenia. The current research tested the evidence for this model using structural equation modeling in 240 individuals selected based on a range of psychosis-risk symptomatology from the general community. Results supported this model in comparison with alternative models, and additionally emphasized the direct role of perceived stress in social functioning outcomes. Findings suggest the clinical relevance of targeting early perceptions of stress in individuals meeting psychosis-risk self-report criteria in an effort to prevent subsequent anhedonia and declines in social functioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Franchesca S Kuhney
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Psychology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Charlotte Chun
- Temple University, Department of Psychology, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tina Gupta
- Northwestern University, Department of Psychology, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Lauren M Ellman
- Temple University, Department of Psychology, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Vijay A Mittal
- Northwestern University, Department of Psychology, Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern University, Department of Psychiatry, Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern University, Institute for Policy Research, Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern University, Department of Medical Social Science, Evanston, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Caffino L, Mottarlini F, Mingardi J, Zita G, Barbon A, Fumagalli F. Anhedonic-like behavior and BDNF dysregulation following a single injection of cocaine during adolescence. Neuropharmacology 2020; 175:108161. [PMID: 32585251 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that a single exposure to cocaine during adolescence causes several behavioural and neurobiological changes, highlighting the unique vulnerability of this period of life. The purpose of our work was to investigate whether a single exposure to cocaine during brain development is sufficient to shape a negative emotional state in adolescent rats. A single injection of cocaine during adolescence followed by measurement of sucrose consumption, a measure of anhedonia, identifies two separate groups of rats, i.e. anhedonic (AN) and non anhedonic (NON-AN) rats. AN rats show reduced ability to synthesize, traffic and translate the neurotrophin BDNF at synaptic level, reduced activation of hippocampal BDNF signaling, reduced BDNF plasma levels and a steep rise of corticosterone secretion. Conversely, NON-AN rats exhibit reduced trafficking of BDNF while up-regulating hippocampal BDNF synthesis and stabilizing its downstream signaling with no changes of BDNF and corticosterone plasma levels. Adult rats exposed to cocaine showed no signs of anhedonia, an increase of BDNF both in hippocampus and plasma and decreased levels of corticosterone. In conclusion, our findings reveal a complex central and peripheral dysregulation of BDNF-related mechanisms that instead are preserved in NON-AN rats, suggesting that BDNF modulation dictates behavioural vulnerability vs. resiliency to cocaine-induced anhedonia, a profile uniquely restricted to adolescent rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Caffino
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Mottarlini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Jessica Mingardi
- Biology and Genetic Division, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Gianmaria Zita
- Dipartimento di Salute Mentale e Dipendenze, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Barbon
- Biology and Genetic Division, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milano, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Han Y, Deng X, Zhang Y, Wang X, Zhu X, Mei S, Chen A. Antidepressant-like effect of flaxseed in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable stress. Brain Behav 2020; 10:e01626. [PMID: 32307916 PMCID: PMC7303375 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Depression is a serious mental illness. However, a significant proportion of patients with depression fail to achieve remission with antidepressant therapies. This study was conducted to explore the antidepressant-like effect of flaxseed oil and flour in an animal model with depression-like behaviors induced by chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). METHODS Rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal control (Sham-Sham), CUS plus saline (S-SN), CUS plus escitalopram (S-Esc), CUS plus flaxseeds oil (S-FO), and CUS plus flaxseed flour (S-FF). Behaviors were tested using sucrose preference test and forced swimming test. The serum BDNF concentration, hippocampal BDNF mRNA, and protein expression were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time PCR, and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS The sucrose preference rate was significantly higher in S-FO and S-FF rats than in S-SN and S-Esc rats (p < .01), and lower in S-Esc rats than in Sham-Sham rats (p < .01). The immobility time was significantly shorter in S-FO and S-FF rats than in S-SN rats (p < .01), and shorter in S-Esc rats than in S-SN rats (p < .01). Plasma BDNF concentrations were significantly lower in S-FO, S-FF, and S-Esc rats than in Sham-Sham rats (p < .01); BDNF was lower in S-FO, S-FF, and S-SN rats than in S-Esc rats. The hippocampal BDNF protein expression was significantly higher in S-Esc rats than in S-SN rats (p < .05). The hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression was significantly higher in S-Esc rats than in S-SN rats (p < .01). The BDNF gene expression in plasma and the hippocampus negatively correlated with the immobility time (p < .05), but BDNF gene expression in the hippocampus positively correlated with the sucrose preference rate (p < .05). CONCLUSION Flaxseed oil and flaxseed flour exert antidepressant-like effect in rats exposed to chronic stress. Flaxseed may have a therapeutic effect on depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Han
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xin Deng
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Stem-Fiber Biomass and Engineering Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiongzhao Zhu
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shiyong Mei
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Stem-Fiber Biomass and Engineering Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Anguo Chen
- Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Stem-Fiber Biomass and Engineering Microbiology, Ministry of Agriculture, Changsha, Hunan, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Scheggi S, Braccagni G, De Montis MG, Gambarana C. Heightened reward response is associated with HCN2 overexpression in the ventral tegmental area in morphine-sensitized rats. Behav Pharmacol 2020; 31:283-292. [DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
7
|
Orrù M, Strathman HJ, Floris G, Scheggi S, Levant B, Bortolato M. The adverse effects of pramipexole on probability discounting are not reversed by acute D 2 or D 3 receptor antagonism. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 32:104-119. [PMID: 31983530 PMCID: PMC9325630 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2020.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Pramipexole (PPX) is a D2 and D3 dopamine receptor agonist approved for clinical use, which is associated with a higher risk of impulse-control disorders. Using a rat model, we recently found that low doses of the monoamine-depleting agent reserpine (RES; 1 mg/kg/day, SC) dramatically increased the untoward effects of PPX (0.3 mg/kg/day, SC) on probability discounting, a key impulsivity function. To further understand the neurobehavioral mechanisms underlying these effects, we first tested whether the combination of PPX and RES may lead to a generalized enhancement in risk taking, as tested in the suspended wire-beam paradigm. The association of RES and PPX did not augment the proclivity of rats to cross the bridge in order to obtain a reward, suggesting that the effects of RES and PPX on probability discounting do not reflect a generalized increase in impulsivity. We then studied what receptors mediate the effects of PPX in RES-treated rats. The combination of RES and PPX increased membrane expression and binding of D3, but not D2 dopamine receptors, in the nucleus accumbens. However, the behavioral effects of PPX and RES were not reduced by acute treatments with the D2/D3 receptor antagonist raclopride (0.01-0.05 mg/kg, SC), the highly selective D2 receptor antagonist L-741,626 (0.1-1 mg/kg, SC) or the D3 receptor antagonists GR 103691 (0.1-0.3 mg/kg, SC) and SB 277011A (1-10 mg/kg, SC). These findings collectively suggest that the effects of PPX in probability discounting do not reflect generalized enhancements in impulsivity or acute dopamine D2 or D3 receptor activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Orrù
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Skaggs Hall, Room 3916, 30 S 2000 E, Salt Lake City, UT, Unites States
| | - Hunter J Strathman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Skaggs Hall, Room 3916, 30 S 2000 E, Salt Lake City, UT, Unites States
| | - Gabriele Floris
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Skaggs Hall, Room 3916, 30 S 2000 E, Salt Lake City, UT, Unites States
| | - Simona Scheggi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Skaggs Hall, Room 3916, 30 S 2000 E, Salt Lake City, UT, Unites States; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Siena, Italy
| | - Beth Levant
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, Unites States
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Skaggs Hall, Room 3916, 30 S 2000 E, Salt Lake City, UT, Unites States.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Scherma M, Masia P, Satta V, Fratta W, Fadda P, Tanda G. Brain activity of anandamide: a rewarding bliss? Acta Pharmacol Sin 2019; 40:309-323. [PMID: 30050084 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-018-0075-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Anandamide is a lipid mediator that acts as an endogenous ligand of CB1 receptors. These receptors are also the primary molecular target responsible for the pharmacological effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive ingredient in Cannabis sativa. Several studies demonstrate that anandamide exerts an overall modulatory effect on the brain reward circuitry. Several reports suggest its involvement in the addiction-producing actions of other abused drugs, and it can also act as a behavioral reinforcer in animal models of drug abuse. Importantly, all these effects of anandamide appear to be potentiated by pharmacological inhibition of its metabolic degradation. Enhanced brain levels of anandamide after treatment with inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase, the main enzyme responsible for its degradation, seem to affect the rewarding and reinforcing actions of many drugs of abuse. In this review, we will provide an overview from a preclinical perspective of the current state of knowledge regarding the behavioral pharmacology of anandamide, with a particular emphasis on its motivational/reinforcing properties. We will also discuss how modulation of anandamide levels through inhibition of enzymatic metabolic pathways could provide a basis for developing new pharmaco-therapeutic tools for the treatment of substance use disorders.
Collapse
|
9
|
Pettorruso M, Martinotti G, Santacroce R, Montemitro C, Fanella F, di Giannantonio M. rTMS Reduces Psychopathological Burden and Cocaine Consumption in Treatment-Seeking Subjects With Cocaine Use Disorder: An Open Label, Feasibility Study. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:621. [PMID: 31543838 PMCID: PMC6739618 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cocaine use disorder (CUD) currently represents a notable public health concern, linked with significant disability, high chances of chronicity, and lack of effective pharmacological or psychological treatments. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is supposed to be a potential therapeutic option for addictive disorders. Aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of rTMS on (1) cocaine craving and consumption and (2) other comorbid psychiatric symptoms. Methods: Twenty treatment seeking CUD subjects underwent 2 weeks of intensive rTMS treatment (15Hz; 5 days/week, twice a day for a total of 20 stimulation sessions) of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, followed by 2 weeks of maintenance treatment (15Hz, 1 day/week, twice a day). Sixteen patients completed the study. Patients were evaluated at baseline (T0), after 2 weeks of treatment (T1), and at the end of the study (T2; 4 weeks), with the following scales: Cocaine Selective Severity Assessment (CSSA), Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90), and the Insomnia Severity Index. Results: After four weeks of rTMS treatment, 9 out of 16 subjects (56.25%) had a negative urinalysis test, with a significant conversion rate with respect to baseline (Z = -3.00; p = 0.003). Craving scores significantly improved only at T2 (p = 0.020). The overall psychopathological burden, as measured by the SCL-90 Global Severity Index (GSI), significantly decreased during the study period (Z = -2.689; p = 0.007), with a relevant improvement with regards to depressive symptoms, anhedonia, and anxiety. Subjects exhibiting lower baseline scores on the SCL-90 were more likely to be in the positive outcome group at the end of the study (Z = -3.334; p = 0.001). Discussion: Findings from this study are consistent with previous contributions on rTMS use in subjects with cocaine use disorder. We evidenced a specific action on some psychopathological areas and a consequent indirect effect in terms of relapse prevention and craving reduction. A double-blind, sham-controlled, neuro-navigated rTMS study design is needed, in order to confirm the potential benefits of this technique, opening new scenarios in substance use disorders treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Pettorruso
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, G.d'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy.,La Promessa o.n.l.u.s., Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, G.d'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Postgraduate Medicine, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Rita Santacroce
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, G.d'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy.,Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Postgraduate Medicine, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Chiara Montemitro
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, G.d'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Massimo di Giannantonio
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, G.d'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Scheggi S, De Montis MG, Gambarana C. DARPP-32 in the orchestration of responses to positive natural stimuli. J Neurochem 2018; 147:439-453. [PMID: 30043390 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein (Mr 32 kDa, DARPP-32) is an integrator of multiple neuronal signals and plays a crucial role particularly in mediating the dopaminergic component of the systems involved in the evaluation of stimuli and the ensuing elaboration of complex behavioral responses (e.g., responses to reinforcers and stressors). Dopamine neurons can fire tonically or phasically in distinct timescales and in specific brain regions to code different behaviorally relevant information. Dopamine signaling is mediated mainly through the regulation of adenylyl cyclase activity, stimulated by D1-like or inhibited by D2-like receptors, respectively, that modulates cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) function. The activity of DARPP-32 is finely regulated by its phosphorylation at multiple sites. Phosphorylation at the threonine (Thr) 34 residue by PKA converts DARPP-32 into an inhibitor of protein phosphatase 1, while the phosphorylation at the Thr75 residue turns it into an inhibitor of PKA. Thus, DARPP-32 is critically implicated in regulating striatal output in response to the convergent pathways that influence signaling of the cAMP/PKA pathway. This review summarizes some of the landmark and recent studies of DARPP-32-mediated signaling in the attempt to clarify the role played by DARPP-32 in the response to rewarding natural stimuli. Particularly, the review deals with data derived from rodents studies and discusses the involvement of the cAMP/PKA/DARPP-32 pathway in: 1) appetitive food-sustained motivated behaviors, 2) motivated behaviors sustained by social reward, 3) sexual behavior, and 4) responses to environmental enrichment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Scheggi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Carla Gambarana
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Scheggi S, Pelliccia T, Cuomo A, De Montis MG, Gambarana C. Antidepressant and pro-motivational effects of repeated lamotrigine treatment in a rat model of depressive symptoms. Heliyon 2018; 4:e00849. [PMID: 30338306 PMCID: PMC6190531 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.e00849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Methods Results Limitations Conclusions
Collapse
|
12
|
Scheggi S, De Montis MG, Gambarana C. Making Sense of Rodent Models of Anhedonia. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2018; 21:1049-1065. [PMID: 30239762 PMCID: PMC6209858 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyy083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A markedly reduced interest or pleasure in activities previously considered pleasurable is a main symptom in mood disorder and psychosis and is often present in other psychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. This condition can be labeled as "anhedonia," although in its most rigorous connotation the term refers to the lost capacity to feel pleasure that is one aspect of the complex phenomenon of processing and responding to reward. The responses to rewarding stimuli are relatively easy to study in rodents, and the experimental conditions that consistently and persistently impair these responses are used to model anhedonia. To this end, long-term exposure to environmental aversive conditions is primarily used, and the resulting deficits in reward responses are often accompanied by other deficits that are mainly reminiscent of clinical depressive symptoms. The different components of impaired reward responses induced by environmental aversive events can be assessed by different tests or protocols that require different degrees of time allocation, technical resources, and equipment. Rodent models of anhedonia are valuable tools in the study of the neurobiological mechanisms underpinning impaired behavioral responses and in the screening and characterization of drugs that may reverse these behavioral deficits. In particular, the antianhedonic or promotivational effects are relevant features in the spectrum of activities of drugs used in mood disorders or psychosis. Thus, more than the model, it is the choice of tests that is crucial since it influences which facets of anhedonia will be detected and should be tuned to the purpose of the study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Scheggi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena
| | | | - Carla Gambarana
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena,Correspondence: Carla Gambarana, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 2 – 53100 Siena, Italy ()
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
McCreary JK, Metz GA. Environmental enrichment as an intervention for adverse health outcomes of prenatal stress. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2016; 2:dvw013. [PMID: 29492294 PMCID: PMC5804528 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvw013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal stress (PS) has complex neurological, behavioural and physiological consequences for the developing offspring. The phenotype linked to PS usually lasts into adulthood and may even propagate to subsequent generations. The often uncontrollable exposure to maternal stress and the lasting consequences emphasize the urgent need for treatment strategies that effectively reverse stress programming. Exposure to complex beneficial experiences, such as environmental enrichment (EE), is one of the most powerful therapies to promote neuroplasticity and behavioural performance at any time in life. A small number of studies have previously used EE to postnatally treat consequences of PS in the attempt to reverse deficits that were primarily induced in utero . This review discusses the available data on postnatal EE exposure in prenatally stressed individuals. The goal is to determine if EE is a suitable treatment option that reverses adverse consequences of stress programming and enhances stress resiliency. Moreover, this review discusses data with respect to relevant hypotheses including the cumulative stress and the mismatch hypotheses. The articles included in this review emphasize that EE reverses most behavioural, physiological and neural deficits associated with PS. Differing responses may be dependent on the timing and variability of stress and EE, exercise, and potentially vulnerable and resilient phenotypes of PS. Results from this study suggest that enrichment may provide an effective therapy for clinical populations suffering from the effects of PS or early life trauma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J. Keiko McCreary
- Department of Neuroscience, Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada T1K3M4
| | - Gerlinde A.S. Metz
- Department of Neuroscience, Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada T1K3M4
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Exposure to sucrose during periods of withdrawal does not reduce cocaine-seeking behavior in rats. Sci Rep 2016; 6:23272. [PMID: 26997496 PMCID: PMC4800416 DOI: 10.1038/srep23272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Concomitant access to drugs of abuse and alternative rewards such as sucrose has been shown to decrease addiction-related behaviors in animals. Here we investigated whether access to sucrose during abstinence in contexts that are temporally and physically distinct from drug-related contexts could reduce subsequent drug seeking. In addition, we investigated whether a history of cocaine self-administration would alter the rewarding effects of sucrose. Rats self-administered cocaine for ten sessions, while yoked-saline rats received only saline injections, and then we subjected them to a 30-day withdrawal period during which they had access to water and sucrose continuously or intermittently according to a schedule that induces binge-drinking behavior. At the end of the withdrawal period, rats were tested for cocaine seeking behavior during a single 6 h session. We found that exposure to cocaine increased sucrose consumption only when rats had intermittent access to sucrose, but exposure to sucrose did not alter drug seeking regardless of the schedule of access. These results suggest that exposure to cocaine cross-sensitizes to the rewarding effects of sucrose, but exposure to sucrose during abstinence, temporally and physically distinct from drug-related environments, does not to reduce drug seeking.
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhang Y, Wang Y, Wang L, Bai M, Zhang X, Zhu X. Dopamine Receptor D2 and Associated microRNAs Are Involved in Stress Susceptibility and Resistance to Escitalopram Treatment. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 18:pyv025. [PMID: 25740916 PMCID: PMC4571637 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyv025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early life stress has been demonstrated to increase the risk of developing depression in adulthood. However, the roles and associated molecular mechanisms of stresses in the onset and relapse of depression have yet to be fully elucidated. METHODS Depression-like behaviors were induced in rats by maternal deprivation and chronic unpredictable stress. Depression- and anxiety-like behaviors of rats, dopamine receptor D2 level, and microRNAs expression in rats' brain tissues were measured. RESULTS Chronic unpredictable stress alone induced depression-like behaviors in rats, but maternal deprivation enhanced the effect of chronic unpredictable stress. Escitalopram significantly decreased depression-like behaviors in chronic unpredictable stress rats but was less effective in maternal deprivation with chronic unpredictable stress rats. Maternal deprivation increased dopamine receptor D2 messenger RNA expression and decreased microRNA-9 expression in the striatum. Chronic unpredictable stress increased dopamine receptor D2 mRNA and protein levels and decreased microRNA-9 expression in the nucleus accumbens. Furthermore, maternal deprivation enhanced the effect of chronic unpredictable stress on dopamine receptor D2 gene and microRNA-9 expression. Chronic unpredictable stress increased the expression of microRNA-326 in the nucleus accumbens but decreased it in the striatum, whereas maternal deprivation elevated microRNA-326 expression in the striatum. Escitalopram normalized microRNA-326 expression but had no effect on the expression of microRNA-9, dopamine receptor D2 mRNA, and dopamine receptor D2 protein in both the nucleus accumbens and striatum. The in vitro study showed that only microRNA-9 directly targeted the 3' untranslated region of dopamine receptor D2 mRNA and inhibited dopamine receptor D2 protein expression. CONCLUSION Early life stress enhanced the susceptibility to late life stress and resistance to escitalopram treatment through decreasing microRNA-9 expression and subsequently upregulating dopamine receptor D2 expression in the nucleus accumbens. microRNA-326 may be a novel target of escitalopram.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Medical Psychological Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University,Changsha, PR China (Drs Y. Zhang, Y. Wang, L. Wang, Bai, and Zhu); Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD (Drs Y. Zhang and X. Zhang); National Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Central South University, Changsha, PR China (Drs Y. Wang and L. Wang); Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, PR China (Drs Bai and Zhu)
| | - Yuting Wang
- Medical Psychological Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University,Changsha, PR China (Drs Y. Zhang, Y. Wang, L. Wang, Bai, and Zhu); Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD (Drs Y. Zhang and X. Zhang); National Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Central South University, Changsha, PR China (Drs Y. Wang and L. Wang); Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, PR China (Drs Bai and Zhu)
| | - Lei Wang
- Medical Psychological Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University,Changsha, PR China (Drs Y. Zhang, Y. Wang, L. Wang, Bai, and Zhu); Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD (Drs Y. Zhang and X. Zhang); National Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Central South University, Changsha, PR China (Drs Y. Wang and L. Wang); Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, PR China (Drs Bai and Zhu)
| | - Mei Bai
- Medical Psychological Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University,Changsha, PR China (Drs Y. Zhang, Y. Wang, L. Wang, Bai, and Zhu); Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD (Drs Y. Zhang and X. Zhang); National Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Central South University, Changsha, PR China (Drs Y. Wang and L. Wang); Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, PR China (Drs Bai and Zhu)
| | - Xiuwu Zhang
- Medical Psychological Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University,Changsha, PR China (Drs Y. Zhang, Y. Wang, L. Wang, Bai, and Zhu); Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD (Drs Y. Zhang and X. Zhang); National Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Central South University, Changsha, PR China (Drs Y. Wang and L. Wang); Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, PR China (Drs Bai and Zhu)
| | - Xiongzhao Zhu
- Medical Psychological Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University,Changsha, PR China (Drs Y. Zhang, Y. Wang, L. Wang, Bai, and Zhu); Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD (Drs Y. Zhang and X. Zhang); National Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Central South University, Changsha, PR China (Drs Y. Wang and L. Wang); Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, PR China (Drs Bai and Zhu).
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Spinello C, Macrì S, Porfiri M. Acute ethanol administration affects zebrafish preference for a biologically inspired robot. Alcohol 2013; 47:391-8. [PMID: 23725654 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2013.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2013] [Revised: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical animal models constitute a cornerstone against which the reward processes involved in drug addiction are often studied and dissected. While rodents have traditionally represented the species of choice, a growing body of literature indicates that zebrafish are emerging as a valuable model organism. Specifically, several studies demonstrate that the effects of ethanol at the level of emotional- and cognitive-related domains can be reliably investigated using zebrafish. The rapidly evolving nature of these efforts allows substantial room for the development of novel experimental paradigms suited to this freshwater species. The field of ethorobotics may prove particularly beneficial, due to its ability to convey fully controllable and easily reproducible experimental tools. In this study, we addressed the possibility of using a biologically inspired robot to investigate the emotionally related properties of ethanol in a preference task in zebrafish. To this aim, we evaluated wild-type zebrafish preference toward a robotic stimulus and addressed whether ethanol administration (0.25% and 1.00% ethanol/water concentration) may alter such preferences. In accordance with our previous studies, we observed that zebrafish exhibit a natural attraction toward the robot. Additionally, in agreement with our predictions, we showed that ethanol administration abolishes such preferences. This work is the first to demonstrate that robotic stimuli can be used in zebrafish to investigate the reward-related properties of alcohol.
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhang Y, Zhu X, Bai M, Zhang L, Xue L, Yi J. Maternal deprivation enhances behavioral vulnerability to stress associated with miR-504 expression in nucleus accumbens of rats. PLoS One 2013; 8:e69934. [PMID: 23922862 PMCID: PMC3724734 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective In this study, the effect of maternal deprivation (MD) and chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) in inducing depressive behaviors and associated molecular mechanism were investigated in rats. Methods Maternal deprivation was established by separating pups from their mothers for 6 hours daily from postnatal day 1 to day 14. Chronic unpredictable stress was established by water deprivation, elevated open platform, food deprivation, restraint stress and electric foot shock. The depressive behaviors were determined by use of sucrose preference test and forced swim test. Results Rats in MD/CUS group exhibited lower sucrose preference rate, longer immobility time, and lighter body weights than rats in other groups (MD/control, non-MD/CUS and non-MD/control group). Meanwhile, higher miR-504 expression and lower dopamine receptor D1 (DRD1) and D2 (DRD2) expression were observed in the nucleus accumbens of rats in the MD/CUS group than in the other three groups. MiR-504 expression correlated negatively with DRD1 gene expression and sucrose preference rate in the sucrose preference test, but correlated positively with immobility time in forced swim test. Both DRD2 mRNA and protein expression correlated negatively with immobility time in forced swim test. Conclusion These results suggest that MD enhances behavioral vulnerability to stress during adulthood, which is associated with the upregulation of miR-504 and downregulation of DRD2 expression in the nucleus accumbens.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Aging/metabolism
- Animals
- Behavior, Animal
- Choice Behavior
- Depression/complications
- Depression/genetics
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- Male
- Maternal Deprivation
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- Nucleus Accumbens/metabolism
- Nucleus Accumbens/pathology
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptors, Dopamine D1/genetics
- Receptors, Dopamine D1/metabolism
- Receptors, Dopamine D2/genetics
- Receptors, Dopamine D2/metabolism
- Stress, Psychological/complications
- Stress, Psychological/genetics
- Sucrose
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Medical Psychological Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiongzhao Zhu
- Medical Psychological Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Mei Bai
- Medical Psychological Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Medical Psychological Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Liang Xue
- Medical Psychological Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jinyao Yi
- Medical Psychological Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Province Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Savitz JB, Drevets WC. Neuroreceptor imaging in depression. Neurobiol Dis 2013; 52:49-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2012.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2011] [Revised: 05/21/2012] [Accepted: 06/02/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
|