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Maal-Bared G, Yee M, Harding EK, Ghebreselassie M, Bergamini M, Choy R, Kim E, Di Vito S, Patel M, Amirzadeh M, Grieder TE, Coles BL, Nagy JI, Bonin RP, Steenland HW, van der Kooy D. Connexin-36-positive gap junctions in ventral tegmental area GABA neurons sustain opiate dependence. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:3422-3444. [PMID: 38679044 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Drug dependence is characterized by a switch in motivation wherein a positively reinforcing substance can become negatively reinforcing. Put differently, drug use can transform from a form of pleasure-seeking to a form of relief-seeking. Ventral tegmental area (VTA) GABA neurons form an anatomical point of divergence between two double dissociable pathways that have been shown to be functionally implicated and necessary for these respective motivations to seek drugs. The tegmental pedunculopontine nucleus (TPP) is necessary for opiate conditioned place preferences (CPP) in previously drug-naïve rats and mice, whereas dopaminergic (DA) transmission in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) is necessary for opiate CPP in opiate-dependent and withdrawn (ODW) rats and mice. Here, we show that this switch in functional anatomy is contingent upon the gap junction-forming protein, connexin-36 (Cx36), in VTA GABA neurons. Intra-VTA infusions of the Cx36 blocker, mefloquine, in ODW rats resulted in a reversion to a drug-naïve-like state wherein the TPP was necessary for opiate CPP and where opiate withdrawal aversions were lost. Consistent with these data, conditional knockout mice lacking Cx36 in GABA neurons (GAD65-Cre;Cx36 fl(CFP)/fl(CFP)) exhibited a perpetual drug-naïve-like state wherein opiate CPP was always DA independent, and opiate withdrawal aversions were absent even in mice subjected to an opiate dependence and withdrawal induction protocol. Further, viral-mediated rescue of Cx36 in VTA GABA neurons was sufficient to restore their susceptibility to an ODW state wherein opiate CPP was DA dependent. Our findings reveal a functional role for VTA gap junctions that has eluded prevailing circuit models of addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geith Maal-Bared
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mandy Yee
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erika K Harding
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Martha Ghebreselassie
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Bergamini
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Human Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Roxanne Choy
- Department of Human Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ethan Kim
- Department of Human Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephanie Di Vito
- Department of Human Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maryam Patel
- Department of Human Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohammadreza Amirzadeh
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Taryn E Grieder
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brenda L Coles
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - James I Nagy
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Robert P Bonin
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Derek van der Kooy
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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2
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Coviello C, Lori S, Bertini G, Montano S, Gabbanini S, Bastianelli M, Cossu C, Cavaliere S, Lunardi C, Dani C. Morphine exposure and prematurity affect flash visual evoked potentials in preterm infants. Clin Neurophysiol Pract 2024; 9:85-93. [PMID: 38371463 PMCID: PMC10869246 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnp.2023.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The present study aimed to explore first the impact of perinatal risk factors on flash-VEP waves and morphology in a group of preterm infants studied at term equivalent age (TEA). Second, to correlate VEP morphology with neurological outcome at 2 years corrected age (CA). Methods Infants with a gestational age (GA) at birth <32 weeks, without major brain injury, were enrolled. Multivariate regression analyses were performed, and the models were run separately for each dependent variable N2, P2, N3 latencies and P2 amplitude. Logistic regression was applied to study N4 component (present/absent) and VEP morphology (regular/irregular). The predictors were GA, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), postmenstrual age at VEP registration, cumulative morphine and fentanyl dose, and painful procedures. Lastly, linear regression models were performed to assess the relation between the Bayley-III cognitive and motor scores at 2 years CA and VEP morphology, in relation to GA, BPD, painful procedures and cumulative morphine dose. Results Eighty infants were enrolled. Morphine was the predictor of N2 (R2 = 0.09, p = 0.006), P2 (R2 = 0.11, p = 0.002), and N3 (R2 = 0.13, p = 0.003) latencies. Younger GA was associated with lower amplitude (R2 = 0.05, p = 0.029). None of the independent variables predicted the presence of N4 component, nor VEP morphology in the logistic analysis. VEP morphology was not associated with cognitive and motor scores at 2 years. Conclusions Morphine treatment and prematurity were risk factors for altered VEPs parameters at TEA. In our cohort VEP morphology did not predict neurological outcome. Significance Morphine administration should be evaluated according to potential risks and benefits, and dosage individually accustomed, according to pain and comfort scores, considering the possible risk for neurodevelopmental impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Coviello
- Division of Neonatology, Careggi University Hospital of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Lori
- Neurophysiology Unit, Neuro-Musculo-Skeletal Department, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanna Bertini
- Division of Neonatology, Careggi University Hospital of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Simona Montano
- Division of Neonatology, Careggi University Hospital of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Simonetta Gabbanini
- Neurophysiology Unit, Neuro-Musculo-Skeletal Department, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Bastianelli
- Neurophysiology Unit, Neuro-Musculo-Skeletal Department, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Cesarina Cossu
- Neurophysiology Unit, Neuro-Musculo-Skeletal Department, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Cavaliere
- Neurophysiology Unit, Neuro-Musculo-Skeletal Department, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Clara Lunardi
- Division of Neonatology, Careggi University Hospital of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Carlo Dani
- Division of Neonatology, Careggi University Hospital of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Careggi University Hospital of Florence, Florence, Italy
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3
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Vargas-Perez H, Minauro-Sanmiguel F, Ting-A-Kee R, Grieder TE, Méndez-Díaz M, Prospéro-García O, van der Kooy D. Rewarding Effects of the Hallucinogen 4-AcO-DMT Administration and Withdrawal in Rats: A Challenge to the Opponent-Process Theory. Neurosci Lett 2024; 820:137597. [PMID: 38110146 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
According to the opponent-process theory of drug addiction, the intake of an addictive substance initiates two processes: a rapid primary process that results in the drug's rewarding effects, and a slower opponent process that leads to the aversive motivational state of drug aftereffects. This aversive state is integral in the desire, pursuit, and maintenance of drug use, potentially leading to dependence and addiction. However, current observational and experimental evidence suggests that the administration of a 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors-type 2A (5-HT2A) agonist, while capable of inducing a positive mental state in humans, may not generate the behavioral patterns typically associated with drugs of abuse. In this study, we found that administering the 5-HT2A agonist 4-Acetoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine fumarate (4-AcO-DMT) did not result in place preference in male rats compared to control saline administration 24 h later, after the drug has been cleared from the organism. However, in a modified place preference test where only the acute motivational effects of the drug were evaluated (excluding withdrawal), 4-AcO-DMT was found to be rewarding. Furthermore, in another modified place preference test where only the motivational effects of drug withdrawal were evaluated (excluding the acute effects of drug administration), the 24-hour aftereffect of 5-HT2A agonist administration also resulted in a robust place preference. Therefore, while 4-AcO-DMT administration was able to induce place preference, its 24-hour aftereffect also produced a strong reward. In the counterbalanced test, this reward from the aftereffect effectively overshadowed its acute rewarding properties, which could potentially create a false impression that 4-AcO-DMT lacks motivational properties. This suggests that 5-HT2A agonist administration follows a different dynamic than that proposed by the opponent-process theory of motivation and implies that the administration of 5-HT2A agonists may lead to behavioral patterns less typical of drugs associated with addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector Vargas-Perez
- The Nierika Intercultural Medicine Institute, Ocuilan, Estado de México, 52483, Mexico; Institute of Medical Science and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada; Postgrado En Ciencias Cognitivas, Universidad Autonoma Del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico.
| | - Fernando Minauro-Sanmiguel
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Genética Humana, Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Ryan Ting-A-Kee
- Institute of Medical Science and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Taryn Elizabeth Grieder
- Department of Molecular Genetics, the Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Mónica Méndez-Díaz
- Laboratorio de Cannabinoides, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Mexico
| | - Oscar Prospéro-García
- Laboratorio de Cannabinoides, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Mexico
| | - Derek van der Kooy
- Institute of Medical Science and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, the Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
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4
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McArdle CJ, Arnone AA, Heaney CF, Raab-Graham KF. A paradoxical switch: the implications of excitatory GABAergic signaling in neurological disorders. Front Psychiatry 2024; 14:1296527. [PMID: 38268565 PMCID: PMC10805837 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1296527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. In the mature brain, inhibitory GABAergic signaling is critical in maintaining neuronal homeostasis and vital human behaviors such as cognition, emotion, and motivation. While classically known to inhibit neuronal function under physiological conditions, previous research indicates a paradoxical switch from inhibitory to excitatory GABAergic signaling that is implicated in several neurological disorders. Various mechanisms have been proposed to contribute to the excitatory switch such as chloride ion dyshomeostasis, alterations in inhibitory receptor expression, and modifications in GABAergic synaptic plasticity. Of note, the hypothesized mechanisms underlying excitatory GABAergic signaling are highlighted in a number of neurodevelopmental, substance use, stress, and neurodegenerative disorders. Herein, we present an updated review discussing the presence of excitatory GABAergic signaling in various neurological disorders, and their potential contributions towards disease pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J. McArdle
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Alana A. Arnone
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Department of General Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Chelcie F. Heaney
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Kimberly F. Raab-Graham
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
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McGovern DJ, Polter AM, Prévost ED, Ly A, McNulty CJ, Rubinstein B, Root DH. Ventral tegmental area glutamate neurons establish a mu-opioid receptor gated circuit to mesolimbic dopamine neurons and regulate opioid-seeking behavior. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:1889-1900. [PMID: 37407648 PMCID: PMC10584944 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01637-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
A two-neuron model of ventral tegmental area (VTA) opioid function classically involves VTA GABA neuron regulation of VTA dopamine neurons via a mu-opioid receptor dependent inhibitory circuit. However, this model predates the discovery of a third major type of neuron in the VTA: glutamatergic neurons. We found that about one-quarter of VTA neurons expressing the mu-opioid receptor are glutamate neurons without molecular markers of GABA co-release. Glutamate-Mu opioid receptor neurons are largely distributed in the anterior VTA. The majority of remaining VTA mu-opioid receptor neurons are GABAergic neurons that are mostly within the posterior VTA and do not express molecular markers of glutamate co-release. Optogenetic stimulation of VTA glutamate neurons resulted in excitatory currents recorded from VTA dopamine neurons that were reduced by presynaptic activation of the mu-opioid receptor ex vivo, establishing a local mu-opioid receptor dependent excitatory circuit from VTA glutamate neurons to VTA dopamine neurons. This VTA glutamate to VTA dopamine pathway regulated dopamine release to the nucleus accumbens through mu-opioid receptor activity in vivo. Behaviorally, VTA glutamate calcium-related neuronal activity increased following oral oxycodone consumption during self-administration and response-contingent oxycodone-associated cues during abstinent reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior. Further, chemogenetic inhibition of VTA glutamate neurons reduced abstinent oral oxycodone-seeking behavior in male but not female mice. These results establish 1) a three-neuron model of VTA opioid function involving a mu-opioid receptor gated VTA glutamate neuron pathway to VTA dopamine neurons that controls dopamine release within the nucleus accumbens, and 2) that VTA glutamate neurons participate in opioid-seeking behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dillon J McGovern
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, 2860 Wilderness Pl, Boulder, CO, 80301, USA
| | - Abigail M Polter
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | - Emily D Prévost
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, 2860 Wilderness Pl, Boulder, CO, 80301, USA
| | - Annie Ly
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, 2860 Wilderness Pl, Boulder, CO, 80301, USA
| | - Connor J McNulty
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, 2860 Wilderness Pl, Boulder, CO, 80301, USA
| | - Bodhi Rubinstein
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, 2860 Wilderness Pl, Boulder, CO, 80301, USA
| | - David H Root
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, 2860 Wilderness Pl, Boulder, CO, 80301, USA.
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Chang VN, Peters J. Neural circuits controlling choice behavior in opioid addiction. Neuropharmacology 2023; 226:109407. [PMID: 36592884 PMCID: PMC9898219 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
As the opioid epidemic presents an ever-expanding public health threat, there is a growing need to identify effective new treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD). OUD is characterized by a behavioral misallocation in choice behavior between opioids and other rewards, as opioid use leads to negative consequences, such as job loss, family neglect, and potential overdose. Preclinical models of addiction that incorporate choice behavior, as opposed to self-administration of a single drug reward, are needed to understand the neural circuits governing opioid choice. These choice models recapitulate scenarios that humans suffering from OUD encounter in their daily lives. Indeed, patients with substance use disorders (SUDs) exhibit a propensity to choose drug under certain conditions. While most preclinical addiction models have focused on relapse as the outcome measure, our data suggest that choice is an independent metric of addiction severity, perhaps relating to loss of cognitive control over choice, as opposed to excessive motivational drive to seek drugs during relapse. In this review, we examine both preclinical and clinical literature on choice behavior for drugs, with a focus on opioids, and the neural circuits that mediate drug choice versus relapse. We argue that preclinical models of opioid choice are needed to identify promising new avenues for OUD therapy that are translationally relevant. Both forward and reverse translation will be necessary to identify novel treatment interventions. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Opioid-induced changes in addiction and pain circuits".
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria N Chang
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Jamie Peters
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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We need to talk: The urgent conversation on chronic pain, mental health, prescribing patterns and the opioid crisis. J Psychopharmacol 2023; 37:437-448. [PMID: 37171242 DOI: 10.1177/02698811221144635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The opioid crisis’ pathways from first exposure onwards to eventual illnesses and fatalities are multiple, intertwined and difficult to dissect. Here, we offer a multidisciplinary appraisal of the relationships among mental health, chronic pain, prescribing patterns worldwide and the opioid crisis. Because the opioid crisis’ toll is especially harsh on young people, emphasis is given on data regarding the younger strata of the population. Because analgesic opioid prescription constitute a recognised entry point towards misuse, opioid use disorder, and ultimately overdose, prescribing patterns across different countries are examined as a modifiable hazard factor along these pathways of risk. Psychiatrists are called to play a more compelling role in this urgent conversation, as they are uniquely placed to provide synthesis and lead action among the different fields of knowledge and care that lie at the crossroads of the opioid crisis. Psychiatrists are also ideally positioned to gauge and disseminate the foundations for diagnosis and clinical management of mental conditions associated with chronic pain, including the identification of hazardous and protective factors. It is our hope to spark more interdisciplinary exchanges and encourage psychiatrists worldwide to become leaders in an urgent conversation with interlocutors from the clinical and basic sciences, policy makers and stakeholders including clients and their families.
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8
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Vargas-Perez H, Grieder TE, van der Kooy D. Neural Plasticity in the Ventral Tegmental Area, Aversive Motivation during Drug Withdrawal and Hallucinogenic Therapy. J Psychoactive Drugs 2023; 55:62-72. [PMID: 35114904 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2022.2033889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant glutamatergic signaling has been closely related to several pathologies of the central nervous system. Glutamatergic activity can induce an increase in neural plasticity mediated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a nodal point in the mesolimbic dopamine system. Recent studies have related BDNF dependent plasticity in the VTA with the modulation of aversive motivation to deal with noxious environmental stimuli. The disarray of these learning mechanisms would produce an abnormal augmentation in the representation of the emotional information related to aversion, sometimes even in the absence of external environmental trigger, inducing pathologies linked to mood disorders such as depression and drug addiction. Recent studies point out that serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) receptors, especially the 2a (5-HT2a) subtype, play an important role in BDNF-related neural plasticity in the VTA. It has been observed that a single administration of a 5HT2a agonist can both revert an animal to a nondependent state from a drug-dependent state (produced by the chronic administration of a substance of abuse). The 5HT2a agonist also reverted the BDNF-induced neural plasticity in the VTA, suggesting that the administration of 5-HT2a agonists could be used as effective therapeutic agents to treat drug addiction. These findings could explain the neurobiological correlate of the therapeutic use of 5HT2a agonists, which can be found in animals, plants and fungi during traditional medicine ceremonies and rituals to treat mood related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector Vargas-Perez
- The Nierika Intercultural Medicine Institute, Ocuilan, México.,Postgrado En Ciencias Cognitivas, Universidad Autonoma Del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Taryn Elizabeth Grieder
- Institute of Medical Science and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Derek van der Kooy
- Institute of Medical Science and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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9
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Hudson KE, Grau JW. Ionic Plasticity: Common Mechanistic Underpinnings of Pathology in Spinal Cord Injury and the Brain. Cells 2022; 11:2910. [PMID: 36139484 PMCID: PMC9496934 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotransmitter GABA is normally characterized as having an inhibitory effect on neural activity in the adult central nervous system (CNS), which quells over-excitation and limits neural plasticity. Spinal cord injury (SCI) can bring about a modification that weakens the inhibitory effect of GABA in the central gray caudal to injury. This change is linked to the downregulation of the potassium/chloride cotransporter (KCC2) and the consequent rise in intracellular Cl- in the postsynaptic neuron. As the intracellular concentration increases, the inward flow of Cl- through an ionotropic GABA-A receptor is reduced, which decreases its hyperpolarizing (inhibitory) effect, a modulatory effect known as ionic plasticity. The loss of GABA-dependent inhibition enables a state of over-excitation within the spinal cord that fosters aberrant motor activity (spasticity) and chronic pain. A downregulation of KCC2 also contributes to the development of a number of brain-dependent pathologies linked to states of neural over-excitation, including epilepsy, addiction, and developmental disorders, along with other diseases such as hypertension, asthma, and irritable bowel syndrome. Pharmacological treatments that target ionic plasticity have been shown to bring therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey E. Hudson
- Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - James W. Grau
- Psychological & Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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Massaly N, Markovic T, Creed M, Al-Hasani R, Cahill CM, Moron JA. Pain, negative affective states and opioid-based analgesics: Safer pain therapies to dampen addiction. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 157:31-68. [PMID: 33648672 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Across centuries and civilizations opioids have been used to relieve pain. In our modern societies, opioid-based analgesics remain one of the most efficient treatments for acute pain. However, the long-term use of opioids can lead to the development of analgesic tolerance, opioid-induced hyperalgesia, opioid use disorders, and overdose, which can ultimately produce respiratory depressant effects with fatal consequences. In addition to the nociceptive sensory component of pain, negative affective states arising from persistent pain represent a risk factor for developing an opioid use disorder. Several studies have indicated that the increase in prescribed opioid analgesics since the 1990s represents the root of our current opioid epidemic. In this review, we will present our current knowledge on the endogenous opioid system within the pain neuroaxis and the plastic changes occurring in this system that may underlie the occurrence of pain-induced negative affect leading to misuse and abuse of opioid medications. Dissecting the allostatic neuronal changes occurring during pain is the most promising avenue to uncover novel targets for the development of safer pain medications. We will discuss this along with current and potential approaches to treat pain-induced negative affective states that lead to drug misuse. Moreover, this chapter will provide a discussion on potential avenues to reduce the abuse potential of new analgesic drugs and highlight a basis for future research and drug development based on recent advances in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Massaly
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States; Washington University in St Louis, Pain Center, St. Louis, MO, United States; Washington University in St Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.
| | - Tamara Markovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States; Washington University in St Louis, Pain Center, St. Louis, MO, United States; Washington University in St Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Meaghan Creed
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States; Washington University in St Louis, Pain Center, St. Louis, MO, United States; Washington University in St Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States; Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Ream Al-Hasani
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States; Washington University in St Louis, Pain Center, St. Louis, MO, United States; Washington University in St Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, St. Louis, MO, United States; Center for Clinical Pharmacology, St. Louis College of Pharmacy and Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Catherine M Cahill
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioural Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jose A Moron
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States; Washington University in St Louis, Pain Center, St. Louis, MO, United States; Washington University in St Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States; Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
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11
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Lee J, Thrul J. Trends in opioid misuse by cigarette smoking status among US adolescents: Results from National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2015-2018. Prev Med 2021; 153:106829. [PMID: 34624387 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2021.106829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Increasing rates of opioid-related emergency department visits and deaths among adolescents in the United States are a public health concern. Adolescent cigarette smoking may be a risk factor for opioid misuse; though, there is a paucity of research on adolescents' cigarette smoking and opioid misuse. This study investigates current trends and the association between cigarette smoking and opioid misuse among US adolescents. Using pooled youth samples (ages 12-17) from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) 2015-2018 (N = 54,866), we calculated weighted estimates of past-year opioid misuse by cigarette smoking status across years. We further estimated a multivariable logistic regression model to examine the past-year opioid misuse by ever-cigarette-smoking, controlling for sociodemographics and other substance use. While there was a significant reduction in opioid misuse among the entire sample and among never-smokers over time (2.5% in 2015 to 1.9% in 2018), this trend was not significant among ever-smokers (14.2% in 2015 to 11.1% in 2018). Multivariable logistic regression showed ever-smokers (vs. never-smokers) had higher odds of past-year opioid misuse (aOR = 2.01; 95% CI = 1.66, 2.43). Findings suggest that comprehensive tobacco control policies and opioid misuse prevention programs are warranted to curb opioid misuse among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhan Lee
- Department of Health Behavior, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, USA.
| | - Johannes Thrul
- Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, USA; Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, USA; Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
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Lee J, Salloum RG, Lindstrom K, Kathryn McHugh R. Benzodiazepine misuse and cigarette smoking status in US adults: Results from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2015-2018. Addict Behav 2021; 123:107058. [PMID: 34315094 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.107058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Benzodiazepines are the third most commonly misused drugs in the U.S. POPULATION There is a growing public health concern related to recent increases in benzodiazepine-related overdose deaths, emergency department visits, and treatment admissions. Although benzodiazepine misuse often occurs along with other drug use, little is known about the association between benzodiazepine and cigarette smoking. METHODS We used a pooled dataset from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) for 2015-2018 (N = 171,766). We estimated a multivariable logistic regression model of past-year benzodiazepine misuse as a function of past-year tobacco use (cigarette smoking, other tobacco use), controlling for survey years, sociodemographics, past-year substance use, and psychiatric comorbidities. RESULTS Among the analytic sample (N = 171,766), 2.1% (weighted; unweighted n = 4,942) reported they misused benzodiazepines in the past 12 months. In the multivariable logistic regression model, correlates of past-year benzodiazepine misuse were past-year cigarette smoking (aOR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.67, 2.06) and other tobacco use (e.g., cigars and smokeless tobacco) (aOR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.34), female (aOR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.04, 1.26), uninsured (aOR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.12, 1.42), past-year use of alcohol (aOR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.21, 1.80), cannabis (aOR = 2.76, 95% CI = 2.46, 3.10), and other drugs (aOR = 7.92, 95% CI = 7.08, 8.86), as well as, past-year distress (aOR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.61, 2.10), and depressive symptoms (aOR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.16, 1.51). CONCLUSION Nicotine is independently associated with benzodiazepine misuse, even after controlling for other drug use and psychiatric variables. Future studies examining potential mechanisms linking nicotine and benzodiazepine use are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhan Lee
- Department of Health Education and Behavior, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, United States.
| | - Ramzi G Salloum
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, United States
| | - Katie Lindstrom
- Department of Health Education and Behavior, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, United States
| | - R Kathryn McHugh
- Division of Alcohol, Drugs and Addiction, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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13
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Tolomeo S, Yaple ZA, Yu R. Neural representation of prediction error signals in substance users. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e12976. [PMID: 33236447 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal decision making can result in detrimental outcomes of clinical importance, and decision making is strongly linked to neural prediction error signalling. Activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analyses were used to examine the neural correlates of prediction error signals of individuals taking different types of substances and healthy controls with contrast and conjunction analyses. Twenty-eight studies were included in the meta-analysis, representing 424 substance users' individuals and 834 healthy control individuals. Robust brain activity associated with prediction error signals in substance users was found for the bilateral striatum and insula. Healthy control subjects also activated bilateral striatum, midbrain, right insula and right medial-inferior frontal gyrus. Compared with healthy controls, substance users showed blunted activity in the bilateral putamen, right medial-inferior frontal gyrus and insula. The current meta-analysis of cross-sectional findings investigated neural prediction error signals in substance users. PE abnormalities in substance users might be related to poor decision making. In conclusion, the present study helps identify the pathophysiological underpinnings of maladaptive decision making in substance users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zachary A. Yaple
- Department of Psychology National University of Singapore Singapore
| | - Rongjun Yu
- Department of Psychology National University of Singapore Singapore
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering National University of Singapore Singapore
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14
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Heinsbroek JA, De Vries TJ, Peters J. Glutamatergic Systems and Memory Mechanisms Underlying Opioid Addiction. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2021; 11:cshperspect.a039602. [PMID: 32341068 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a039602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and is of critical importance for the synaptic and circuit mechanisms that underlie opioid addiction. Opioid memories formed over the course of repeated drug use and withdrawal can become powerful stimuli that trigger craving and relapse, and glutamatergic neurotransmission is essential for the formation and maintenance of these memories. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms by which glutamate, dopamine, and opioid signaling interact to mediate the primary rewarding effects of opioids, and cover the glutamatergic systems and circuits that mediate the expression, extinction, and reinstatement of opioid seeking over the course of opioid addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper A Heinsbroek
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Taco J De Vries
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Neuroscience, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, VU University Medical Center, 1081HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jamie Peters
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
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15
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Doyle MA, Mazei-Robison MS. Opioid-Induced Molecular and Cellular Plasticity of Ventral Tegmental Area Dopamine Neurons. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2021; 11:cshperspect.a039362. [PMID: 31964652 PMCID: PMC7371531 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a039362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Opioid drugs are highly valued as potent analgesics; however, there are significant risks associated with long-term use because of their abuse liability. Opioids cause changes in ventral tegmental area (VTA) gene expression and cell activity that have been linked to addiction-related behaviors in rodent models. Here, we focus on VTA dopamine (DA) neurons and review the cellular, structural, and synaptic plasticity changes induced by acute and chronic opioid exposure. We also discuss many avenues for future research including determination of whether opioid neuroadaptations are specific for subpopulations of VTA DA neurons. A better understanding of the molecular adaptations within the cells and circuits that drive opioid abuse is crucial for the development of better treatments for substance use disorders and to create novel, safer pain-relieving therapeutics.
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16
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Microinjection of the BDNF receptor antagonist ANA-12 into the nucleus accumbens and medial-prefrontal cortex attenuates morphine-induced reward memory, and alterations of BDNF levels and apoptotic cells in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 201:173111. [PMID: 33444602 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
This study was designed to examine the effects of intra- nucleus accumbens (NAc) of BDNF receptor antagonist ANA-12 on the acquisition and expression and intra- medial-prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of ANA-12 on the extinction and reinstatement of morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) and also BDNF levels and apoptotic neurons in the NAc and mPFC of rats. In this study, adult male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were used. Two separate cannulas were inserted bilaterally into the NAc and/or mPFC. ANA-12 (3 μg/0.5 μl/side) was injected into the NAc and/or mPFC to evaluate the rewarding effects of morphine using a CPP paradigm. Then, the levels of BDNF and apoptotic in the NAc and mPFC were assessed at the end of each treatment phase using ELISA and TUNEL methods, respectively. All of vehicle-treated rats following morphine CPP showed the increase of BDNF levels and apoptotic neurons in the NAc and mPFC. ANA-12 significantly attenuated the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced CPP, BDNF levels and apoptotic neurons in the NAc during the acquisition, but not the expression phase. Also, ANA-12 significantly facilitated the extinction, but no effect on reinstatement of morphine CPP, and decreased BDNF levels and apoptotic neurons in the mPFC during the extinction, but not the reinstatement. We conclude that blocking TrkB with ANA-12 showed therapeutic effects on morphine-associated reward memory and neuronal death in the NAc and mPFC induced by morphine CPP. Thus, the BDNF-TrkB signaling may be important in the acquisition, expression, extinction, but not the reinstatement of morphine CPP.
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17
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Barbour AJ, Nass SR, Hahn YK, Hauser KF, Knapp PE. Restoration of KCC2 Membrane Localization in Striatal Dopamine D2 Receptor-Expressing Medium Spiny Neurons Rescues Locomotor Deficits in HIV Tat-Transgenic Mice. ASN Neuro 2021; 13:17590914211022089. [PMID: 34445881 PMCID: PMC8404672 DOI: 10.1177/17590914211022089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
People infected with HIV (PWH) are highly susceptible to striatal and hippocampal damage. Motor and memory impairments are common among these patients, likely as behavioral manifestations of damage to these brain regions. GABAergic dysfunction from HIV infection and viral proteins such as transactivator of transcription (Tat) have been well documented. We recently demonstrated that the neuron specific Cl- extruder, K+ Cl- cotransporter 2 (KCC2), is diminished after exposure to HIV proteins, including Tat, resulting in disrupted GABAAR-mediated hyperpolarization and inhibition. Here, we utilized doxycycline (DOX)-inducible, GFAP-driven HIV-1 Tat transgenic mice to further explore this phenomenon. After two weeks of Tat expression, we found no changes in hippocampal KCC2 levels, but a significant decrease in the striatum that was associated with hyperlocomotion in the open field assay. We were able to restore KCC2 activity and baseline locomotion with the KCC2 enhancer, CLP290. Additionally, we found that CLP290, whose mechanism of action has yet to be described, acts to restore phosphorylation of serine 940 resulting in increased KCC2 membrane localization. We also examined neuronal subpopulation contributions to the noted effects and found significant differences. Dopamine D2 receptor-expressing medium spiny neurons (MSNs) were selectively vulnerable to Tat-induced KCC2 loss, with no changes observed in dopamine D1 receptor-expressing MSNs. These results suggest that disinhibition/diminished hyperpolarization of dopamine D2 receptor-expressing MSNs can manifest as increased locomotion in this context. They further suggest that KCC2 activity might be a therapeutic target to alleviate motor disturbances related to HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J. Barbour
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - Sara R. Nass
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - Yun K. Hahn
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - Kurt F. Hauser
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, United States
- Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - Pamela E. Knapp
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, United States
- Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, United States
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18
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Barbour AJ, Hauser KF, McQuiston AR, Knapp PE. HIV and opiates dysregulate K +- Cl - cotransporter 2 (KCC2) to cause GABAergic dysfunction in primary human neurons and Tat-transgenic mice. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 141:104878. [PMID: 32344154 PMCID: PMC7685173 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.104878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately half of people infected with HIV (PWH) exhibit HIV-associated neuropathology (neuroHIV), even when receiving combined antiretroviral therapy. Opiate use is widespread in PWH and exacerbates neuroHIV. While neurons themselves are not infected, they incur sublethal damage and GABAergic disruption is selectively vulnerable to viral and inflammatory factors released by infected/affected glia. Here, we demonstrate diminished K+-Cl- cotransporter 2 (KCC2) levels in primary human neurons after exposure to HIV-1 or HIV-1 proteins ± morphine. Resulting disruption of GABAAR-mediated hyperpolarization/inhibition was shown using genetically-encoded voltage (Archon1) and calcium (GCaMP6f) indicators. The HIV proteins Tat (acting through NMDA receptors) and R5-gp120 (acting via CCR5) but not X4-tropic gp120 (acting via CXCR4), and morphine (acting through μ-opioid receptors) all induced KCC2 loss. We demonstrate that modifying KCC2 levels or function, or antagonizing NMDAR, CCR5 or MOR rescues KCC2 and GABAAR-mediated hyperpolarization/inhibition in HIV, Tat, or gp120 ± morphine-exposed neurons. Using an inducible, Tat-transgenic mouse neuroHIV model, we found that chronic exposure to Tat also reduces KCC2. Our results identify KCC2 as a novel therapeutic target for ameliorating the pathobiology of neuroHIV, including PWH exposed to opiates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J Barbour
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Kurt F Hauser
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - A Rory McQuiston
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Pamela E Knapp
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, USA.
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Ostroumov A, Wittenberg RE, Kimmey BA, Taormina MB, Holden WM, McHugh AT, Dani JA. Acute Nicotine Exposure Alters Ventral Tegmental Area Inhibitory Transmission and Promotes Diazepam Consumption. eNeuro 2020; 7:ENEURO.0348-19.2020. [PMID: 32102779 PMCID: PMC7082131 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0348-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotine use increases the risk for subsequent abuse of other addictive drugs, but the biological basis underlying this risk remains largely unknown. Interactions between nicotine and other drugs of abuse may arise from nicotine-induced neural adaptations in the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system, a common pathway for the reinforcing effects of many addictive substances. Previous work identified nicotine-induced neuroadaptations that alter inhibitory transmission in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Here, we test whether nicotine-induced dysregulation of GABAergic signaling within the VTA increases the vulnerability for benzodiazepine abuse that has been reported in smokers. We demonstrate in rats that nicotine exposure dysregulates diazepam-induced inhibition of VTA GABA neurons and increases diazepam consumption. In VTA GABA neurons, nicotine impaired KCC2-mediated chloride extrusion, depolarized the GABAA reversal potential, and shifted the pharmacological effect of diazepam on GABA neurons from inhibition toward excitation. In parallel, nicotine-related alterations in GABA signaling observed ex vivo were associated with enhanced diazepam-induced inhibition of lateral VTA DA neurons in vivo Targeting KCC2 with the agonist CLP290 normalized diazepam-induced effects on VTA GABA transmission and reduced diazepam consumption following nicotine administration to the control level. Together, our results provide insights into midbrain circuit alterations resulting from nicotine exposure that contribute to the abuse of other drugs, such as benzodiazepines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey Ostroumov
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Ruthie E Wittenberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Blake A Kimmey
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Madison B Taormina
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - William M Holden
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Albert T McHugh
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - John A Dani
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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20
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Li X, Slesinger PA. GABA B Receptors and Drug Addiction: Psychostimulants and Other Drugs of Abuse. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2020; 52:119-155. [PMID: 33442842 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2020_187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Metabotropic GABAB receptors (GABABRs) mediate slow inhibition and modulate synaptic plasticity throughout the brain. Dysfunction of GABABRs has been associated with psychiatric illnesses and addiction. Drugs of abuse alter GABAB receptor (GABABR) signaling in multiple brain regions, which partly contributes to the development of drug addiction. Recently, GABABR ligands and positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) have been shown to attenuate the initial rewarding effect of addictive substances, inhibit seeking and taking of these drugs, and in some cases, ameliorate drug withdrawal symptoms. The majority of the anti-addiction effects seen with GABABR modulation can be localized to ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons, which receive complex inhibitory and excitatory inputs that are modified by drugs of abuse. Preclinical research suggests that GABABR PAMs are emerging as promising candidates for the treatment of drug addiction. Clinical studies on drug dependence have shown positive results with GABABR ligands but more are needed, and compounds with better pharmacokinetics and fewer side effects are critically needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofan Li
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Paul A Slesinger
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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21
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β2* nAChRs on VTA dopamine and GABA neurons separately mediate nicotine aversion and reward. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:25968-25973. [PMID: 31776253 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1908724116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence shows that the neurotransmitter dopamine mediates the rewarding effects of nicotine and other drugs of abuse, while nondopaminergic neural substrates mediate the negative motivational effects. β2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) are necessary and sufficient for the experience of both nicotine reward and aversion in an intra-VTA (ventral tegmental area) self-administration paradigm. We selectively reexpressed β2* nAChRs in VTA dopamine or VTA γ-amino-butyric acid (GABA) neurons in β2-/- mice to double-dissociate the aversive and rewarding conditioned responses to nicotine in nondependent mice, revealing that β2* nAChRs on VTA dopamine neurons mediate nicotine's conditioned aversive effects, while β2* nAChRs on VTA GABA neurons mediate the conditioned rewarding effects in place-conditioning paradigms. These results stand in contrast to a purely dopaminergic reward theory, leading to a better understanding of the neurobiology of nicotine motivation and possibly to improved therapeutic treatments for smoking cessation.
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22
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Thomas AM, Ostroumov A, Kimmey BA, Taormina MB, Holden WM, Kim K, Brown-Mangum T, Dani JA. Adolescent Nicotine Exposure Alters GABA A Receptor Signaling in the Ventral Tegmental Area and Increases Adult Ethanol Self-Administration. Cell Rep 2019; 23:68-77. [PMID: 29617674 PMCID: PMC5983379 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescent smoking is associated with pathological drinking later in life, but the biological basis for this vulnerability is unknown. To examine how adolescent nicotine exposure influences subsequent ethanol intake, nicotine was administered during adolescence or adulthood, and responses to alcohol were measured 1 month later. We found that adolescent, but not adult, nicotine exposure altered GABA signaling within the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and led to a long-lasting enhancement of alcohol self-administration. We detected depolarizing shifts in GABAA reversal potentials arising from impaired chloride extrusion in VTA GABA neurons. Alterations in GABA signaling were dependent on glucocorticoid receptor activation and were associated with attenuated dopaminergic neuron responses to alcohol in the lateral VTA. Importantly, enhancing chloride extrusion in adolescent nicotine-treated animals restored VTA GABA signaling and alcohol self-administration to control levels. Taken together, this work suggests that adolescent nicotine exposure increases the risk profile for increased alcohol drinking in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyse M Thomas
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alexey Ostroumov
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Blake A Kimmey
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Madison B Taormina
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - William M Holden
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kristen Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Tiffany Brown-Mangum
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - John A Dani
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Spagnolo PA, Kimes A, Schwandt ML, Shokri-Kojori E, Thada S, Phillips KA, Diazgranados N, Preston KL, Herscovitch P, Tomasi D, Ramchandani VA, Heilig M. Striatal Dopamine Release in Response to Morphine: A [ 11C]Raclopride Positron Emission Tomography Study in Healthy Men. Biol Psychiatry 2019; 86:356-364. [PMID: 31097294 PMCID: PMC6699765 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.03.965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical and human positron emission tomography studies have produced inconsistent results regarding the effects of opioids on mesolimbic dopamine (DA). Here, we quantify striatal DA release (measured by [11C]raclopride displacement) in response to an intravenous infusion of morphine, and its relationship with morphine-induced subjective effects, in healthy, nondependent opioid-experienced participants. METHODS Fifteen healthy male participants were initially included. Sessions were on separate days. On session 1, participants received intravenous morphine (10 mg/70 kg) in the clinic to ensure tolerability. Participants without adverse reactions (n = 10) then received intravenous morphine and placebo (saline) sessions, in counterbalanced order, while undergoing [11C]raclopride positron emission tomography scans. Subjective and physiological responses were assessed. Region-of-interest and voxelwise image analyses were used to assess changes in [11C]raclopride nondisplaceable binding potential. RESULTS Morphine produced marked subjective and physiological effects and induced a significant decrease in [11C]raclopride nondisplaceable binding potential, particularly in the nucleus accumbens and globus pallidus, where the change in [11C]raclopride nondisplaceable binding potential was approximately 9%. However, the subjective effects of morphine did not show a simple pattern of correlation with DA release. CONCLUSIONS This is, to our knowledge, the first study providing in vivo human evidence that DA transmission in the ventral striatum is affected by morphine. Further studies are required to fully delineate the DA contribution to the reinforcing effects of opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Primavera A Spagnolo
- Human Motor Control Section, National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Instutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Alane Kimes
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Melanie L Schwandt
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Instutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ehsan Shokri-Kojori
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Instutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Shantalaxmi Thada
- Positron Emission Tomography Department, Clinical Center, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Karran A Phillips
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Nancy Diazgranados
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Instutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Kenzie L Preston
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Peter Herscovitch
- Positron Emission Tomography Department, Clinical Center, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Dardo Tomasi
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Instutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Vijay A Ramchandani
- Section on Human Psychopharmacology, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Instutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
| | - Markus Heilig
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
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Bassareo V, Talani G, Frau R, Porru S, Rosas M, Kasture SB, Peana AT, Loi E, Sanna E, Acquas E. Inhibition of Morphine- and Ethanol-Mediated Stimulation of Mesolimbic Dopamine Neurons by Withania somnifera. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:545. [PMID: 31275092 PMCID: PMC6593272 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphine- and ethanol-induced stimulation of neuronal firing of ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopaminergic neurons and of dopamine (DA) transmission in the shell of the nucleus accumbens (AcbSh) represents a crucial electrophysiological and neurochemical response underlying the ability of these compounds to elicit motivated behaviors and trigger a cascade of plasticity-related biochemical events. Previous studies indicate that the standardized methanolic extract of Withania somnifera roots (WSE) prevents morphine- and ethanol-elicited conditioned place preference and oral ethanol self-administration. Aim of the present research was to investigate whether WSE may also interfere with the ability of morphine and ethanol to stimulate VTA dopaminergic neurons and thus AcbSh DA transmission as assessed in male Sprague-Dawley rats by means of patch-clamp recordings in mesencephalic slices and in vivo brain microdialysis, respectively. Morphine and ethanol significantly stimulated spontaneous firing rate of VTA neurons and DA transmission in the AcbSh. WSE, at concentrations (200-400 μg/ml) that significantly reduce spontaneous neuronal firing of VTA DA neurons via a GABAA- but not GABAB-mediated mechanism, suppressed the stimulatory actions of both morphine and ethanol. Moreover, in vivo administration of WSE at a dose (75 mg/kg) that fails to affect basal DA transmission, significantly prevented both morphine- and ethanol-elicited increases of DA in the AcbSh. Overall, these results highlight the ability of WSE to interfere with morphine- and ethanol-mediated central effects and suggest a mechanistic interpretation of the efficacy of this extract to prevent the motivational properties of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Bassareo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Centre of Excellence on Neurobiology of Addiction, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Talani
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Simona Porru
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Michela Rosas
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra T Peana
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Loi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Enrico Sanna
- Centre of Excellence on Neurobiology of Addiction, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Cagliari, Italy.,Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elio Acquas
- Centre of Excellence on Neurobiology of Addiction, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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25
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Corre J, van Zessen R, Loureiro M, Patriarchi T, Tian L, Pascoli V, Lüscher C. Dopamine neurons projecting to medial shell of the nucleus accumbens drive heroin reinforcement. eLife 2018; 7:39945. [PMID: 30373717 PMCID: PMC6207421 DOI: 10.7554/elife.39945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The dopamine (DA) hypothesis posits the increase of mesolimbic dopamine levels as a defining commonality of addictive drugs, initially causing reinforcement, eventually leading to compulsive consumption. While much experimental evidence from psychostimulants supports this hypothesis, it has been challenged for opioid reinforcement. Here, we monitor genetically encoded DA and calcium indicators as well as cFos in mice to reveal that heroin activates DA neurons located in the medial part of the VTA, preferentially projecting to the medial shell of the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Chemogenetic and optogenetic manipulations of VTA DA or GABA neurons establish a causal link to heroin reinforcement. Inhibition of DA neurons blocked heroin self-administration, while heroin inhibited optogenetic self-stimulation of DA neurons. Likewise, heroin occluded the self-inhibition of VTA GABA neurons. Together, these experiments support a model of disinhibition of a subset of VTA DA neurons in opioid reinforcement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Corre
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ruud van Zessen
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Michaël Loureiro
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tommaso Patriarchi
- School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis, California, United States
| | - Lin Tian
- School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis, California, United States
| | - Vincent Pascoli
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Christian Lüscher
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Service of Neurology, University of Geneva Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
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26
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Sweis BM, Redish AD, Thomas MJ. Prolonged abstinence from cocaine or morphine disrupts separable valuations during decision conflict. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2521. [PMID: 29955073 PMCID: PMC6023899 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04967-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroeconomic theories propose changes in decision making drive relapse in recovering drug addicts, resulting in continued drug use despite stated wishes not to. Such conflict is thought to arise from multiple valuation systems dependent on separable neural components, yet many neurobiology of addiction studies employ only simple tests of value. Here, we tested in mice how prolonged abstinence from different drugs affects behavior in a neuroeconomic foraging task that reveals multiple tests of value. Abstinence from repeated cocaine and morphine disrupts separable decision-making processes. Cocaine alters deliberation-like behavior prior to choosing a preferred though economically unfavorable offer, while morphine disrupts re-evaluations after rapid initial decisions. These findings suggest that different drugs have long-lasting effects precipitating distinct decision-making vulnerabilities. Our approach can guide future refinement of decision-making behavioral paradigms and highlights how grossly similar behavioral maladaptations may mask multiple underlying, parallel, and dissociable processes that treatments for addiction could potentially target. Neuroeconomic theories suggest that conflict during decision, such as exhibited by relapsing drug addicts who continue drug use despite stated wishes not to, might arise from separable processes in decision making. Here the authors test mice in a foraging task designed to separate these processes and find that mice show alterations in separable components of decision conflict following abstinence from cocaine versus morphine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M Sweis
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience & Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - A David Redish
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
| | - Mark J Thomas
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA. .,Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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27
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Fujita M, Ide S, Ikeda K. Opioid and nondopamine reward circuitry and state-dependent mechanisms. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2018. [PMID: 29512887 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A common notion is that essentially all addictive drugs, including opioids, activate dopaminergic pathways in the brain reward system, and the inappropriate use of such drugs induces drug dependence. However, an opioid reward response is reportedly still observed in several models of dopamine depletion, including in animals that are treated with dopamine blockers, animals that are subjected to dopaminergic neuron lesions, and dopamine-deficient mice. The intracranial self-stimulation response is enhanced by stimulants but reduced by morphine. These findings suggest that dopaminergic neurotransmission may not always be required for opioid reward responses. Previous findings also indicate the possibility that dopamine-independent opioid reward may be observed in opioid-naive states but not in opioid-dependent states. Therefore, a history of opioid use should be considered when evaluating the dopamine dependency of opioid reward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayo Fujita
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Soichiro Ide
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Ikeda
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
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28
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Nelson AC, Williams SB, Pistorius SS, Park HJ, Woodward TJ, Payne AJ, Obray JD, Shin SI, Mabey JK, Steffensen SC. Ventral Tegmental Area GABA Neurons Are Resistant to GABA(A) Receptor-Mediated Inhibition During Ethanol Withdrawal. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:131. [PMID: 29556175 PMCID: PMC5844957 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The neural mechanisms underlying alcohol dependence are not well-understood. GABAergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are a relevant target for ethanol. They are inhibited by ethanol at physiologically-relevant levels in vivo and display marked hyperexcitability during withdrawal. In the present study, we examined the effects of the GABA(A) receptor agonist muscimol on VTA neurons ex vivo following withdrawal from acute and chronic ethanol exposure. We used standard cell-attached mode electrophysiology in the slice preparation to evaluate the effects of muscimol on VTA GABA neuron firing rate following exposure to acute and chronic ethanol in male CD-1 GAD-67 GFP mice. In the acute condition, the effect of muscimol on VTA neurons was evaluated 24 h and 7 days after a single in vivo dose of saline or ethanol. In the chronic condition, the effect of muscimol on VTA neurons was evaluated 24 h and 7 days after either 2 weeks of twice-daily IP ethanol or saline or following exposure to chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) vapor or air for 3 weeks. VTA GABA neuron firing rate was more sensitive to muscimol than DA neuron firing rate. VTA GABA neurons, but not DA neurons, were resistant to the inhibitory effects of muscimol recorded 24 h after a single ethanol injection or chronic ethanol exposure. Administration of the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 before ethanol injection restored the sensitivity of VTA GABA neurons to muscimol inhibition. Seven days after ethanol exposure, VTA GABA neuron firing rate was again susceptible to muscimol's inhibitory effects in the acute condition, but the resistance persisted in the chronic condition. These findings suggest that VTA GABA neurons exclusively undergo a shift in GABA(A) receptor function following acute and chronic exposure. There appears to be transient GABA(A) receptor-mediated plasticity after a single exposure to ethanol that is mediated by NMDA glutamate receptors. In addition, the resistance to muscimol inhibition in VTA GABA neurons persists in the dependent condition, which may contribute to the the hyperexcitability of VTA GABA neurons and inhibition of VTA DA neurons during withdrawal as well as the motivation to seek alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley C Nelson
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Stephanie B Williams
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Stephanie S Pistorius
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Hyun J Park
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Taylor J Woodward
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Andrew J Payne
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - J Daniel Obray
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Samuel I Shin
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Jennifer K Mabey
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Scott C Steffensen
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
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29
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Skupio U, Sikora M, Korostynski M, Wawrzczak-Bargiela A, Piechota M, Ficek J, Przewlocki R. Behavioral and transcriptional patterns of protracted opioid self-administration in mice. Addict Biol 2017; 22:1802-1816. [PMID: 27578564 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to opioids induces adaptations in brain function that lead to the formation of the behavioral and physiological symptoms of drug dependence and addiction. Animal models commonly used to test these symptoms typically last less than two weeks, which is presumably too short to observe the alterations in the brain that accompany drug addiction. Here, we analyzed the phenotypic and molecular effects of nearly lifelong morphine or saccharin intake in C57BL/6J mice. We used multiple paradigms to evaluate the symptoms of compulsive drug intake: a progressive ratio schedule, intermittent access and a schedule involving a risk of punishment were programmed into an automated IntelliCage system. Gene expression profiles were evaluated in the striatum using whole-genome microarrays and further validated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction in the striatum and the prefrontal cortex. Mice voluntary self-administering morphine showed addiction-related behavioral pattern that included: higher motivation to work for a drug reward, increased reward seeking and increased craving. The analysis of molecular changes revealed a tolerance effect in the transcriptional response to morphine injection (20 mg/kg, ip), as well as some long-lasting alterations in gene expression profiles between the analyzed groups of animals. Interestingly, among the morphine-drinking animals, certain transcriptional profiles were found to be associated with alterations in behavior. In conclusion, our model represents a novel approach for investigating the behavioral and molecular mechanisms underlying opioid addiction. Prolonged morphine intake caused adaptive processes in the brain that manifested as altered behavior and transcriptional sensitivity to opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Skupio
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology; Polish Academy of Sciences; Poland
| | - Magdalena Sikora
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology; Polish Academy of Sciences; Poland
| | - Michal Korostynski
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology; Polish Academy of Sciences; Poland
| | | | - Marcin Piechota
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology; Polish Academy of Sciences; Poland
| | - Joanna Ficek
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology; Polish Academy of Sciences; Poland
| | - Ryszard Przewlocki
- Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology; Polish Academy of Sciences; Poland
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30
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Ostroumov A, Dani JA. Convergent Neuronal Plasticity and Metaplasticity Mechanisms of Stress, Nicotine, and Alcohol. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2017; 58:547-566. [PMID: 28977763 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010617-052735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Stress and tobacco smoking are risk factors for alcoholism, but the underlying neural mechanisms are not well understood. Although stress, nicotine, and alcohol have broad, individual effects in the brain, some of their actions converge onto the same mechanisms and circuits. Stress and nicotine augment alcohol-related behaviors, in part via modulation of alcohol-evoked neuronal plasticity and metaplasticity mechanisms. Stress modulates alcohol-evoked plasticity via the release of signaling molecules that influence synaptic transmission. Nicotine also activates some of the same signaling molecules, cells, and circuits, producing a convergence of both stress and nicotine onto common plasticity mechanisms that influence alcohol self-administration. We describe several forms of alcohol-induced plasticity, including classic Hebbian plasticity at glutamatergic synapses, and we highlight less appreciated forms, such as non-Hebbian and GABAergic synaptic plasticity. Risk factors such as stress and nicotine initiate lasting neural changes that modify subsequent alcohol-induced synaptic plasticity and increase the vulnerability to alcohol addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey Ostroumov
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA; ,
| | - John A Dani
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA; ,
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31
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Morud J, Strandberg J, Andrén A, Ericson M, Söderpalm B, Adermark L. Progressive modulation of accumbal neurotransmission and anxiety-like behavior following protracted nicotine withdrawal. Neuropharmacology 2017; 128:86-95. [PMID: 28986279 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Due to the highly addictive properties of nicotine, a low percentage of users successfully maintain cessation for longer periods of time. This might be linked to neuroadaptations elicited by the drug, and understanding progressive changes in neuronal function might provide critical insight into nicotine addiction. We have previously shown that neurotransmission in the nucleus accumbens (nAc), a key brain region with respect to drug reinforcement and relapse, is suppressed for as long as seven months after a brief period of nicotine treatment. Studies were therefore performed to define the temporal properties of these effects, and to assess behavioral correlates to altered neurotransmission. Ex vivo electrophysiology revealed progressive depression of synaptic efficacy in the nAc of rats previously receiving nicotine. In addition, following three months of nicotine withdrawal, the responses to GABAA receptor modulating drugs were blunted together with downregulation of several GABAA receptor subunits. In correlation to reduced accumbal neurotransmission, a reduced anxiety-like behavior; assessed in the elevated plus-maze and marble burying tests, were identified in animals pre-treated with nicotine. Lastly, to test the causal relationship between suppressed excitability in the nAc and reduced anxiety-like behavior, rats received local administration of diazepam in the nAc while monitoring behavioral effects on the elevated plus-maze. These results show that nicotine produces long-lasting changes in the GABAergic system, which are observed first after extended withdrawal. Our data also suggest that nicotine produces a progressive suppression of accumbal excitability, which could result in behavioral alterations that may have implications for further drug intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Morud
- Addiction Biology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Box 410, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Joakim Strandberg
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Box 432, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Andrén
- Addiction Biology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Box 410, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mia Ericson
- Addiction Biology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Box 410, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bo Söderpalm
- Addiction Biology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Box 410, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden; Beroendekliniken, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Louise Adermark
- Addiction Biology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Box 410, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
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32
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Opioid-induced rewards, locomotion, and dopamine activation: A proposed model for control by mesopontine and rostromedial tegmental neurons. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 83:72-82. [PMID: 28951251 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2017] [Revised: 08/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Opioids, such as morphine or heroin, increase forebrain dopamine (DA) release and locomotion, and support the acquisition of conditioned place preference (CPP) or self-administration. The most sensitive sites for these opioid effects in rodents are in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg). Opioid inhibition of GABA neurons in these sites is hypothesized to lead to arousing and rewarding effects through disinhibition of VTA DA neurons. We review findings that the laterodorsal tegmental (LDTg) and pedunculopontine tegmental (PPTg) nuclei, which each contain cholinergic, GABAergic, and glutamatergic cells, are important for these effects. LDTg and/or PPTg cholinergic inputs to VTA mediate opioid-induced locomotion and DA activation via VTA M5 muscarinic receptors. LDTg and/or PPTg cholinergic inputs to RMTg also modulate opioid-induced locomotion. Lesions or inhibition of LDTg or PPTg neurons reduce morphine-induced increases in forebrain DA release, acquisition of morphine CPP or self-administration. We propose a circuit model that links VTA and RMTg GABA with LDTg and PPTg neurons critical for DA-dependent opioid effects in drug-naïve rodents.
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33
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Abstract
Opioids are among the most effective pain relievers; however, their abuse has been on the rise worldwide evident from an alarming increase in accidental opioid overdoses. This demands for an urgent increase in scientific endeavors for better understanding of main cellular mechanisms and circuits involved in opiate addiction. Preclinical studies strongly suggest that memories associated with positive and negative opioid experiences are critical in promoting compulsive opiate-seeking and opiate-taking behaviors, and relapse. Particular focus on synaptic plasticity as the cellular correlate of learning and memory has rapidly evolved in drug addiction field over the past two decades. Several critical addiction-related brain areas are identified, one of which is the ventral tegmental area (VTA), an area intensively studied as the initial locus for drug reward. Here, we provide an update to our previous review on "Opiates and Plasticity" highlighting the most recent discoveries of synaptic plasticity associated with opiates in the VTA. Electrophysiological studies of plasticity of addiction to date have been invaluable in addressing learning processes and mechanisms that underlie motivated and addictive behaviors, and now with the availability of powerful technologies of transgenic approaches and optogenetics, circuit-based studies hold high promise in fostering synaptic studies of opiate addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovic D. Langlois
- Department of Pharmacology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, United States
| | - Fereshteh S. Nugent
- Department of Pharmacology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, United States
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34
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Reece AS, Norman A, Hulse GK. Serum ionic dysequilibria in clinical opioid dependence: Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Hum Exp Toxicol 2017; 36:776-784. [PMID: 28703074 DOI: 10.1177/0960327116666649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite an increasing awareness that the activity of excitable membranes is determined by the underlying ionic gradients across them, and their importance in drug dependency, we were not able to identify any reports of comparing the electrolyte composition of opioid-dependent and non-addicted controls. METHODS Linear regression was used to compare clinical pathology blood results taken from 2699 opioid-dependent patients (ODP) and 5307 medical control (MC) patients on a total of 21,734 occasions for the period 1995-2015. The presence of a hepatitis C antibody test was used to separate OPD and MC patients. RESULTS The mean age among ODP and MC was 33.51 ± 0.16 and 37.99 ± 0.23 years, respectively ( p < 0.0001). The groups were 71.5% and 54.2% male ( p < 0.0001). Drug use in this cohort has been reported previously. Analysis of sodium, haemoglobin and albumin were used to exclude marked effects of haemodilution/haemoconcentration. Repeated measures linear regression against age and time showed depressed levels of bicarbonate ( p < 0.0001) and potassium ( p < 0.05) and elevated levels of chloride ( p < 0.025) and anions ( p < 0.01) in ODP in both sexes. Multiple regression in mixed-effects models showed that these effects were all worse in females ( p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION This data shows that opioid dependence is associated with significant changes in chloride, potassium, bicarbonate and anions in both sexes, and worse in females. This likely has implications for the electrophysiological properties of excitable membranes. It is consistent with the reported impairment of potassium-chloride exchangers in opioid dependence. Explication of the mechanisms responsible must await further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Reece
- School of Psychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia, 6009
| | - A Norman
- School of Psychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia, 6009
| | - G K Hulse
- School of Psychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia, 6009
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35
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Grieder TE, George O, Yee M, Bergamini MA, Chwalek M, Maal-Bared G, Vargas-Perez H, van der Kooy D. Deletion of α5 nicotine receptor subunits abolishes nicotinic aversive motivational effects in a manner that phenocopies dopamine receptor antagonism. Eur J Neurosci 2017; 46:1673-1681. [PMID: 28498560 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Nicotine addiction is a worldwide epidemic that claims millions of lives each year. Genetic deletion of α5 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits has been associated with increased nicotine intake, however, it remains unclear whether acute nicotine is less aversive or more rewarding, and whether mice lacking the α5 nAChR subunit can experience withdrawal from chronic nicotine. We used place conditioning and conditioned taste avoidance paradigms to examine the effect of α5 subunit-containing nAChR deletion (α5 -/-) on conditioned approach and avoidance behaviour in nondependent and nicotine-dependent and -withdrawn mice, and compared these motivational effects with those elicited after dopamine receptor antagonism. We show that nondependent α5 -/- mice find low, non-motivational doses of nicotine rewarding, and do not show an aversive conditioned response or taste avoidance to higher aversive doses of nicotine. Furthermore, nicotine-dependent α5 -/- mice do not show a conditioned aversive motivational response to withdrawal from chronic nicotine, although they continue to exhibit a somatic withdrawal syndrome. These effects phenocopy those observed after dopamine receptor antagonism, but are not additive, suggesting that α5 nAChR subunits act in the same pathway as dopamine and are critical for the experience of nicotine's aversive, but not rewarding motivational effects in both a nondependent and nicotine-dependent and -withdrawn motivational state. Genetic deletion of α5 nAChR subunits leads to a behavioural phenotype that exactly matches that observed after antagonizing dopamine receptors, thus we suggest that modulation of nicotinic receptors containing α5 subunits may modify dopaminergic signalling, suggesting novel therapeutic treatments for smoking cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taryn E Grieder
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1110-160 College St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Center for the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Olivier George
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mandy Yee
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1110-160 College St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Michael A Bergamini
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1110-160 College St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Michal Chwalek
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Geith Maal-Bared
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1110-160 College St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Hector Vargas-Perez
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Derek van der Kooy
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1110-160 College St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Vargas-Perez H, Grieder TE, Ting-A-Kee R, Maal-Bared G, Chwalek M, van der Kooy D. A single administration of the hallucinogen, 4-acetoxy-dimethyltryptamine, prevents the shift to a drug-dependent state and the expression of withdrawal aversions in rodents. Eur J Neurosci 2017; 45:1410-1417. [PMID: 28378435 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite several studies suggesting the therapeutic use of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors type 2A (5-HT2A ) agonists in the treatment of substance use disorders, the neurobiological basis accounting for such effects are still unknown. It has been observed that chronic exposure to drugs of abuse produces molecular and cellular adaptations in ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurons, mediated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). These BDNF-induced adaptations in the VTA are associated with the establishment of aversive withdrawal motivation that leads to a drug-dependent state. Growing evidence suggests that 5-HT2A receptor signaling can regulate the expression of BDNF in the brain. In this study, we observed that a single systemic or intra-VTA administration of a 5-HT2A agonist in rats and mice blocks both the aversive conditioned response to drug withdrawal and the mechanism responsible for switching from a drug-naive to a drug-dependent motivational system. Our results suggest that 5-HT2A agonists could be used as therapeutic agents to reverse a drug dependent state, as well as inhibiting the aversive effects produced by drug withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector Vargas-Perez
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1130-160 College St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada.,The Nierika Intercultural Medicine Institute, Ocuilan, Estado de México, México.,Postgrado en Ciencias Cognitivas, Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Taryn E Grieder
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1130-160 College St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Ryan Ting-A-Kee
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1130-160 College St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Geith Maal-Bared
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1130-160 College St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Michal Chwalek
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Derek van der Kooy
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1130-160 College St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Burma NE, Bonin RP, Leduc-Pessah H, Baimel C, Cairncross ZF, Mousseau M, Shankara JV, Stemkowski PL, Baimoukhametova D, Bains JS, Antle MC, Zamponi GW, Cahill CM, Borgland SL, De Koninck Y, Trang T. Blocking microglial pannexin-1 channels alleviates morphine withdrawal in rodents. Nat Med 2017; 23:355-360. [PMID: 28134928 DOI: 10.1038/nm.4281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Opiates are essential for treating pain, but termination of opiate therapy can cause a debilitating withdrawal syndrome in chronic users. To alleviate or avoid the aversive symptoms of withdrawal, many of these individuals continue to use opiates. Withdrawal is therefore a key determinant of opiate use in dependent individuals, yet its underlying mechanisms are poorly understood and effective therapies are lacking. Here, we identify the pannexin-1 (Panx1) channel as a therapeutic target in opiate withdrawal. We show that withdrawal from morphine induces long-term synaptic facilitation in lamina I and II neurons within the rodent spinal dorsal horn, a principal site of action for opiate analgesia. Genetic ablation of Panx1 in microglia abolished the spinal synaptic facilitation and ameliorated the sequelae of morphine withdrawal. Panx1 is unique in its permeability to molecules up to 1 kDa in size and its release of ATP. We show that Panx1 activation drives ATP release from microglia during morphine withdrawal and that degrading endogenous spinal ATP by administering apyrase produces a reduction in withdrawal behaviors. Conversely, we found that pharmacological inhibition of ATP breakdown exacerbates withdrawal. Treatment with a Panx1-blocking peptide (10panx) or the clinically used broad-spectrum Panx1 blockers, mefloquine or probenecid, suppressed ATP release and reduced withdrawal severity. Our results demonstrate that Panx1-mediated ATP release from microglia is required for morphine withdrawal in rodents and that blocking Panx1 alleviates the severity of withdrawal without affecting opiate analgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole E Burma
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Robert P Bonin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Heather Leduc-Pessah
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Corey Baimel
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Zoe F Cairncross
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Michael Mousseau
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Patrick L Stemkowski
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Dinara Baimoukhametova
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jaideep S Bains
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Michael C Antle
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gerald W Zamponi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Catherine M Cahill
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Stephanie L Borgland
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yves De Koninck
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Institut Universitaire en santé mentale de Québec, Université Laval, Ville de Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Tuan Trang
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Glial and Neuroimmune Mechanisms as Critical Modulators of Drug Use and Abuse. Neuropsychopharmacology 2017; 42:156-177. [PMID: 27402494 PMCID: PMC5143481 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2016.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Drugs of abuse cause persistent alterations in synaptic plasticity that may underlie addiction behaviors. Evidence suggests glial cells have an essential and underappreciated role in the development and maintenance of drug abuse by influencing neuronal and synaptic functions in multifaceted ways. Microglia and astrocytes perform critical functions in synapse formation and refinement in the developing brain, and there is growing evidence that disruptions in glial function may be implicated in numerous neurological disorders throughout the lifespan. Linking evidence of function in health and under pathological conditions, this review will outline the glial and neuroimmune mechanisms that may contribute to drug-abuse liability, exploring evidence from opioids, alcohol, and psychostimulants. Drugs of abuse can activate microglia and astrocytes through signaling at innate immune receptors, which in turn influence neuronal function not only through secretion of soluble factors (eg, cytokines and chemokines) but also potentially through direct remodeling of the synapses. In sum, this review will argue that neural-glial interactions represent an important avenue for advancing our understanding of substance abuse disorders.
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Ostroumov A, Thomas AM, Kimmey BA, Karsch JS, Doyon WM, Dani JA. Stress Increases Ethanol Self-Administration via a Shift toward Excitatory GABA Signaling in the Ventral Tegmental Area. Neuron 2016; 92:493-504. [PMID: 27720487 PMCID: PMC5091663 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2016.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Stress is a well-known risk factor for subsequent alcohol abuse, but the neural mechanisms underlying interactions between stress and alcohol remain largely unknown. Addictive drug reinforcement and stress signaling involve common neural circuitry, including the mesolimbic dopamine system. We demonstrate in rodents that pre-exposure to stress attenuates alcohol-induced dopamine responses and increases alcohol self-administration. The blunted dopamine signaling resulted from ethanol-induced excitation of GABA neurons in the ventral tegmental area. Excitation of GABA neurons was mediated by GABAA receptor activation and involved stress-induced functional downregulation of the K+, Cl- cotransporter, KCC2. Blocking stress hormone receptors, enhancing KCC2 function, or preventing excitatory GABA signaling by alternative methods all prevented the attenuated alcohol-induced dopamine response and prevented the increased alcohol self-administration. These results demonstrate that stress alters the neural and behavioral responses to alcohol through a neuroendocrine signal that shifts inhibitory GABA transmission toward excitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey Ostroumov
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alyse M Thomas
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Blake A Kimmey
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jordan S Karsch
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - William M Doyon
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - John A Dani
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Cahill CM, Walwyn W, Taylor AMW, Pradhan AAA, Evans CJ. Allostatic Mechanisms of Opioid Tolerance Beyond Desensitization and Downregulation. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2016; 37:963-976. [PMID: 27670390 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mechanisms of opioid tolerance have focused on adaptive modifications within cells containing opioid receptors, defined here as cellular allostasis, emphasizing regulation of the opioid receptor signalosome. We review additional regulatory and opponent processes involved in behavioral tolerance, and include mechanistic differences both between agonists (agonist bias), and between μ- and δ-opioid receptors. In a process we will refer to as pass-forward allostasis, cells modified directly by opioid drugs impute allostatic changes to downstream circuitry. Because of the broad distribution of opioid systems, every brain cell may be touched by pass-forward allostasis in the opioid-dependent/tolerant state. We will implicate neurons and microglia as interactive contributors to the cumulative allostatic processes creating analgesic and hedonic tolerance to opioid drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Cahill
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care, University of California, Irvine, 837 Health Sciences Road, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Wendy Walwyn
- Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, 675 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Anna M W Taylor
- Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, 675 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Amynah A A Pradhan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Christopher J Evans
- Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, 675 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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41
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Wasserman DI, Tan JMJ, Kim JC, Yeomans JS. Muscarinic control of rostromedial tegmental nucleus GABA neurons and morphine-induced locomotion. Eur J Neurosci 2016; 44:1761-70. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Revised: 02/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David I. Wasserman
- Department of Psychology; University of Toronto; Toronto ON Canada
- Department of Psychology; University of Guelph; Guelph ON N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Joel M. J. Tan
- Department of Psychology; University of Toronto; Toronto ON Canada
| | - Jun Chul Kim
- Department of Psychology; University of Toronto; Toronto ON Canada
| | - John S. Yeomans
- Department of Psychology; University of Toronto; Toronto ON Canada
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Abstract
UNLABELLED Treating pain is one of the most difficult challenges in medicine and a key facet of disease management. The isolation of morphine by Friedrich Sertürner in 1804 added an essential pharmacological tool in the treatment of pain and spawned the discovery of a new class of drugs known collectively as opioid analgesics. Revered for their potent pain-relieving effects, even Morpheus the god of dreams could not have dreamt that his opium tincture would be both a gift and a burden to humankind. To date, morphine and other opioids remain essential analgesics for alleviating pain. However, their use is plagued by major side effects, such as analgesic tolerance (diminished pain-relieving effects), hyperalgesia (increased pain sensitivity), and drug dependence. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the key causes of these adverse effects and explores the effect of chronic pain on opioid reward. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Chronic pain is pervasive and afflicts >100 million Americans. Treating pain in these individuals is notoriously difficult and often requires opioids, one of the most powerful and effective classes of drugs used for controlling pain. However, their use is plagued by major side effects, such as a loss of pain-relieving effects (analgesic tolerance), paradoxical pain (hyperalgesia), and addiction. Despite the potential side effects, opioids remain the pharmacological cornerstone of modern pain therapy. This review highlights recent breakthroughs in understanding the key causes of these adverse effects and explores the cellular control of opioid systems in reward and aversion. The findings will challenge traditional views of the good, the bad, and the ugly of opioids.
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Ju YY, Long JD, Liu Y, Liu JG. Formation of aversive memories associated with conditioned drug withdrawal requires BDNF expression in the amygdala in acute morphine-dependent rats. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2015; 36:1437-43. [PMID: 26567727 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2015.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in learning and memory in multiple brain areas. In the present study, we investigated the roles of BDNF in aversive memories associated with conditioned drug withdrawal in acute morphine-dependent rats. METHODS Conditioned place aversion (CPA) was induced in male SD rats exposed to a single dose of morphine (10 mg/kg, sc) followed by naloxone (0.3 mg/kg, sc). In some rats, BDNF receptor antagonist K252a (8.5 ng per side) or BDNF scavenger TrkB-FC (0.65 μg per side) was bilaterally microinjected into amygdala before naloxone injection. BDNF mRNA and protein expression levels in amygdala were detected after the behavior testing. RESULTS CPA behavior was induced in rats by the naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal, which was accompanied by significantly increased levels of BDNF mRNA and protein in the amygdala. Bilateral microinjection of TrkB-FC or K252a into the amygdala completely blocked CPA behavior in the rats. CONCLUSION Formation of aversive memories associated with conditioned drug withdrawal in acute morphine-dependent rats requires BDNF expression in the amygdala.
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Rosen LG, Sun N, Rushlow W, Laviolette SR. Molecular and neuronal plasticity mechanisms in the amygdala-prefrontal cortical circuit: implications for opiate addiction memory formation. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:399. [PMID: 26594137 PMCID: PMC4633496 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The persistence of associative memories linked to the rewarding properties of drugs of abuse is a core underlying feature of the addiction process. Opiate class drugs in particular, possess potent euphorigenic effects which, when linked to environmental cues, can produce drug-related "trigger" memories that may persist for lengthy periods of time, even during abstinence, in both humans, and other animals. Furthermore, the transitional switch from the drug-naïve, non-dependent state to states of dependence and withdrawal, represents a critical boundary between distinct neuronal and molecular substrates associated with opiate-reward memory formation. Identifying the functional molecular and neuronal mechanisms related to the acquisition, consolidation, recall, and extinction phases of opiate-related reward memories is critical for understanding, and potentially reversing, addiction-related memory plasticity characteristic of compulsive drug-seeking behaviors. The mammalian prefrontal cortex (PFC) and basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) share important functional and anatomical connections that are involved importantly in the processing of associative memories linked to drug reward. In addition, both regions share interconnections with the mesolimbic pathway's ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) and can modulate dopamine (DA) transmission and neuronal activity associated with drug-related DAergic signaling dynamics. In this review, we will summarize research from both human and animal modeling studies highlighting the importance of neuronal and molecular plasticity mechanisms within this circuitry during critical phases of opiate addiction-related learning and memory processing. Specifically, we will focus on two molecular signaling pathways known to be involved in both drug-related neuroadaptations and in memory-related plasticity mechanisms; the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase system (ERK) and the Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases (CaMK). Evidence will be reviewed that points to the importance of critical molecular memory switches within the mammalian brain that might mediate the neuropathological adaptations resulting from chronic opiate exposure, dependence, and withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura G Rosen
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario London, ON, Canada ; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario London, ON, Canada
| | - Ninglei Sun
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario London, ON, Canada ; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario London, ON, Canada
| | - Walter Rushlow
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario London, ON, Canada ; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario London, ON, Canada ; Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario London, ON, Canada
| | - Steven R Laviolette
- Addiction Research Group, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario London, ON, Canada ; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario London, ON, Canada ; Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario London, ON, Canada
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Yang MT, Lu DH, Chen JC, Fu WM. Inhibition of hyperactivity and impulsivity by carbonic anhydrase inhibitors in spontaneously hypertensive rats, an animal model of ADHD. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:3763-72. [PMID: 26228972 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-4036-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Dysregulation of noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems is involved in the pathology of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Carbonic anhydrase (CA) has been reported to affect monoamine transmission in the central nervous system. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of CA inhibitors on the hyperactivity and impulsivity of the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), which is currently the best-validated animal model of ADHD. METHODS SHRs and Wistar Kyoto rats at 6 to 8 weeks of age were pretreated with intraperitoneal injections of acetazolamide and methazolamide, both carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, before the behavior tests. The open-field locomotion test and the electro-foot shock aversive water drinking test were then applied to quantify their hyperactivity and impulsivity, respectively. The Morris water maze test, on the other hand, monitored their spatial learning. RESULTS Acetazolamide and methazolamide significantly inhibited the hyperactivity of SHRs but had no effects in Wistar Kyoto rats. Acetazolamide also inhibited the impulsivity of SHRs. Low doses of acetazolamide had the greater inhibitory effects on the hyperactivity and impulsivity, but did not impair the spatial learning of SHRs. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to show that carbonic anhydrase inhibitors can strain-specifically antagonize the hyperactivity and impulsivity of SHRs. Under a low dose of acetazolamide, there was no cognition impairment in SHRs. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors may be the novel drugs for treatment for patients with ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Tao Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, No. 21, Section 2, Nanya South Road, Banciao District, New Taipei City, 220, Taiwan
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Korpi ER, den Hollander B, Farooq U, Vashchinkina E, Rajkumar R, Nutt DJ, Hyytiä P, Dawe GS. Mechanisms of Action and Persistent Neuroplasticity by Drugs of Abuse. Pharmacol Rev 2015; 67:872-1004. [DOI: 10.1124/pr.115.010967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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Berretta S, Heckers S, Benes FM. Searching human brain for mechanisms of psychiatric disorders. Implications for studies on schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2015; 167:91-7. [PMID: 25458567 PMCID: PMC4427537 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2014.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Revised: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In the past 25years, research on the human brain has been providing a clear path toward understanding the pathophysiology of psychiatric illnesses. The successes that have been accrued are matched by significant difficulties identifying and controlling a large number of potential confounding variables. By systematically and effectively accounting for unwanted variance in data from imaging and postmortem human brain studies, meaningful and reliable information regarding the pathophysiology of human brain disorders can be obtained. This perspective paper focuses on postmortem investigations to discuss some of the most challenging sources of variance, including diagnosis, comorbidity, substance abuse and pharmacological treatment, which confound investigations of the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Berretta
- Translational Neuroscience Laboratory, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St., Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA 02115, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Stephan Heckers
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University. 161 21st Ave S. #T1217 Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Francine M. Benes
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Program in Structural and Molecular Neuroscience, 115 Mill St. Belmont MA, 02478, USA
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Liu C, Fang X, Wu Q, Jin G, Zhen X. Prefrontal cortex gates acute morphine action on dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area. Neuropharmacology 2015; 95:299-308. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Revised: 03/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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NMDA receptor blockade in the prelimbic cortex activates the mesolimbic system and dopamine-dependent opiate reward signaling. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:4669-79. [PMID: 24871699 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3616-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) are involved in opiate reward processing and modulate sub-cortical dopamine (DA) activity. NMDA receptor blockade in the prelimbic (PLC) division of the mPFC strongly potentiates the rewarding behavioural properties of normally sub-reward threshold doses of opiates. However, the possible functional interactions between cortical NMDA and sub-cortical DAergic motivational neural pathways underlying these effects are not understood. OBJECTIVE This study examines how NMDA receptor modulation in the PLC influences opiate reward processing via interactions with sub-cortical DAergic transmission. We further examined whether direct intra-PLC NMDA receptor modulation may activate DA-dependent opiate reward signaling via interactions with the ventral tegmental area (VTA). METHODS Using an unbiased place conditioning procedure (CPP) in rats, we performed bilateral intra-PLC microinfusions of the competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, (2R)-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (AP-5), prior to behavioural morphine place conditioning and challenged the rewarding effects of morphine with DA receptor blockade. We next examined the effects of intra-PLC NMDA receptor blockade on the spontaneous activity patterns of presumptive VTA DA or GABAergic neurons, using single-unit, extracellular in vivo neuronal recordings. RESULTS We show that intra-PLC NMDA receptor blockade strongly activates sub-cortical DA neurons within the VTA while inhibiting presumptive non-DA GABAergic neurons. Behaviourally, NMDA receptor blockade activates a DA-dependent opiate reward system, as pharmacological blockade of DA transmission blocked morphine reward only in the presence of intra-PLC NMDA receptor antagonism. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate a cortical NMDA-mediated mechanism controlling mesolimbic DAergic modulation of opiate reward processing.
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Draycott B, Loureiro M, Ahmad T, Tan H, Zunder J, Laviolette SR. Cannabinoid transmission in the prefrontal cortex bi-phasically controls emotional memory formation via functional interactions with the ventral tegmental area. J Neurosci 2014; 34:13096-109. [PMID: 25253856 PMCID: PMC6608340 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1297-14.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Revised: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Disturbances in cortical cannabinoid CB1 receptor signaling are well established correlates of various neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression and schizophrenia. Importantly, the ability of cannabinoid transmission to modulate emotional processing is functionally linked to interactions with subcortical DA systems. While considerable evidence demonstrates that CB1 receptor-mediated modulation of emotional processing and related behaviors follows a biphasic functional curve, little is known regarding how CB1 signaling within cortical networks may interact with subcortical DAergic systems involved in emotional behavior regulation. Using a combination of in vivo electrophysiological recordings and behavioral pharmacology in rats, we investigated the relationship between mPFC cannabinoid transmission, fear memory formation, and subcortical DA neuron activity patterns. We report that direct intra-mPFC CB1 activation biphasically modulates spontaneous, subcortical VTA DA neuron activity in a dose-dependent fashion; while lower doses of a CB1 receptor agonist, WIN 55,212-2, significantly increased spontaneous firing and bursting rates of VTA DA neurons, higher doses strongly inhibited spontaneous DA neuron activity. Remarkably, this same dose-related functional difference was observed with the regulation of fear-related emotional memory formation. Thus, lower levels of CB1 activation potentiated the emotional salience of normally subthreshold fear memory, whereas higher levels completely blocked fear memory acquisition. Furthermore, while the potentiation of subthreshold fear memory salience was blocked by DA receptor antagonism, CB1-mediated blunting of suprathreshold fear memory was rescued by intra-VTA administration of a GABAB receptor antagonist, demonstrating that reversal of GABAergic inhibitory mechanisms in the VTA can reverse the inhibitory influence of intra-PFC CB1 transmission on mesolimbic DA activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Loureiro
- Addiction Research Group, Departments of Anatomy and Cell Biology
| | - Tasha Ahmad
- Addiction Research Group, Departments of Anatomy and Cell Biology
| | - Huibing Tan
- Addiction Research Group, Departments of Anatomy and Cell Biology
| | - Jordan Zunder
- Addiction Research Group, Departments of Anatomy and Cell Biology
| | - Steven R Laviolette
- Addiction Research Group, Departments of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Psychiatry, and Department of Psychology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry. University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5C1
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