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Fisher ML, Prantzalos ER, O'Donovan B, Anderson TL, Sahoo PK, Twiss JL, Ortinski PI, Turner JR. Dynamic effects of ventral hippocampal NRG3/ERBB4 signaling on nicotine withdrawal-induced responses. Neuropharmacology 2024; 247:109846. [PMID: 38211698 PMCID: PMC10923109 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.109846] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Tobacco smoking remains a leading cause of preventable death in the United States, with approximately a 5% success rate for smokers attempting to quit. High relapse rates have been linked to several genetic factors, indicating that the mechanistic relationship between genes and drugs of abuse is a valuable avenue for the development of novel smoking cessation therapies. For example, various single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene for neuregulin 3 (NRG3) and its cognate receptor, the receptor tyrosine-protein kinase erbB-4 (ERBB4), have been linked to nicotine addiction. Our lab has previously shown that ERBB4 plays a role in anxiety-like behavior during nicotine withdrawal (WD); however, the neuronal mechanisms and circuit-specific effects of NRG3-ERBB4 signaling during nicotine and WD are unknown. The present study utilizes genetic, biochemical, and functional approaches to examine the anxiety-related behavioral and functional role of NRG3-ERBB4 signaling, specifically in the ventral hippocampus (VH) of male and female mice. We report that 24hWD from nicotine is associated with altered synaptic expression of VH NRG3 and ERBB4, and genetic disruption of VH ErbB4 leads to an elimination of anxiety-like behaviors induced during 24hWD. Moreover, we observed attenuation of GABAergic transmission as well as alterations in Ca2+-dependent network activity in the ventral CA1 area of VH ErbB4 knock-down mice during 24hWD. Our findings further highlight contributions of the NRG3-ERBB4 signaling pathway to anxiety-related behaviors seen during nicotine WD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda L Fisher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Emily R Prantzalos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Bernadette O'Donovan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Tanner L Anderson
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Pabitra K Sahoo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina College of Arts and Sciences, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Jeffery L Twiss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina College of Arts and Sciences, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Pavel I Ortinski
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jill R Turner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, KY, USA.
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2
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Elder TR, Turner JR. Nicotine use disorder and Neuregulin 3: Opportunities for precision medicine. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2024; 99:387-404. [PMID: 38467488 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Nicotine use disorder remains a major public health emergency despite years of trumpeting the consequences of smoking. This is likely due to the complex interplay of genetics and nicotine exposure across the lifespan of these individuals. Genetics influence all aspects of life, including complex disorders such as nicotine use disorder. This review first highlights the critical neurocircuitry underlying nicotine dependence and withdrawal, and then describes the cellular signaling mechanisms involved. Finally, current genetic, genomic, and transcriptomic evidence for new drug development of smoking cessation aids is discussed, with a focus on the Neuregulin 3 Signaling Pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor R Elder
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Jill R Turner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, KY, United States.
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3
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Fisher ML, Prantzalos ER, O'Donovan B, Anderson T, Sahoo PK, Twiss JL, Ortinski PI, Turner JR. Dynamic Effects of Ventral Hippocampal NRG3/ERBB4 Signaling on Nicotine Withdrawal-Induced Responses. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.17.524432. [PMID: 36711798 PMCID: PMC9882308 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.17.524432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Tobacco smoking remains a leading cause of preventable death in the United States, with a less than 5% success rate for smokers attempting to quit. High relapse rates have been linked to several genetic factors, indicating that the mechanistic relationship between genes and drugs of abuse is a valuable avenue for the development of novel smoking cessation therapies. For example, various single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene for neuregulin 3 (NRG3) and its cognate receptor, the receptor tyrosine-protein kinase erbB-4 (ERBB4), have been linked to nicotine addiction. Our lab has previously shown that ERBB4 plays a role in anxiety-like behavior during nicotine withdrawal (WD); however, the neuronal mechanisms and circuit-specific effects of NRG3-ERBB4 signaling during nicotine and WD are unknown. The present study utilizes genetic, biochemical, and functional approaches to examine the anxiety-related behavioral and functional role of NRG3-ERBB4 signaling, specifically in the ventral hippocampus (VH). We report that 24hWD from nicotine is associated with altered synaptic expression of VH NRG3 and ERBB4, and genetic disruption of VH ErbB4 leads to an elimination of anxiety-like behaviors induced during 24hWD. Moreover, we observed attenuation of GABAergic transmission as well as alterations in Ca2+-dependent network activity in the ventral CA1 area of VH ErbB4 knock-down mice during 24hWD. Our findings further highlight contributions of the NRG3-ERBB4 signaling pathway to anxiety-related behaviors seen during nicotine WD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda L Fisher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Emily R Prantzalos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Bernadette O'Donovan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tanner Anderson
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Pabitra K Sahoo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina College of Arts and Sciences, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jeffery L Twiss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina College of Arts and Sciences, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Pavel I Ortinski
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Jill R Turner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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4
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Neurobiology and Mechanisms of Nicotine Addiction. Respir Med 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-24914-3_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
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5
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Keady J, Fisher M, Anderson E, LeMalenfant R, Turner J. Age-specific impacts of nicotine and withdrawal on hippocampal neuregulin signalling. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 56:4705-4719. [PMID: 35899607 PMCID: PMC9710301 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15780] [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: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, with 87% of smokers starting before the age of 18. Age of initiation is a major predictive factor for smoking frequency and successful smoking cessation. People who initiate smoking during adolescences are 2.33 times more likely to become heavy smokers and half as likely to quit compared with smokers who started during adulthood. Additionally, schizophrenia, a disease state linked to altered neurodevelopment during adolescence, is a major predictive factor for smoking status. Smoking rates among people suffering from schizophrenia are between 60% and 90%. Interestingly, the Neuregulin Signalling Pathway (NSP), which plays an important role in neurodevelopment, is implicated in both schizophrenia and nicotine use disorder. Specifically, SNPS in neuregulin 3 (Nrg3) and Erb-B2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinase 4 (ErbB4) have been associated with smoking cessation outcomes and schizophrenia. Here, we examine the effects of chronic nicotine (18 mg/kg/day) and 24-h withdrawal on NSP gene expression in the hippocampus of adult (20-week-old) and adolescent (4-week-old) mice. We show that withdrawal from chronic nicotine decreased the expression of Erbb4 mRNA in the hippocampus of the adult mice but increased the expression of cytosolic Erbb4 protein in adolescent mice. Nrg3 mRNA and protein expression was not altered by chronic nicotine or withdrawal in the adult or adolescent cohorts, but Nrg3 mRNA and synaptosomal protein expression was lower in the adult withdrawal group when compared with their adolescent counterparts. These results highlight the age-specific effects of nicotine withdrawal on the NSP and may contribute to the lower quit rate and higher cigarette consumption of smokers who initiation during adolescences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Keady
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Kentucky 40536–0596, USA
| | - Miranda Fisher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Kentucky 40536–0596, USA
| | - Erin Anderson
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Rachel LeMalenfant
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Jill Turner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Kentucky 40536–0596, USA
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6
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Custodio L, Malone S, Bardo MT, Turner JR. Nicotine and opioid co-dependence: Findings from bench research to clinical trials. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 134:104507. [PMID: 34968525 PMCID: PMC10986295 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Concomitant use of tobacco and opioids represents a growing public health concern. In fact, the mortality rate due to smoking-related illness approaches 50% among SUD patients. Cumulative evidence demonstrates that the vulnerability to drugs of abuse is influenced by behavioral, environmental, and genetic factors. This review explores the contribution of genetics and neural mechanisms influencing nicotine and opioid reward, respiration, and antinociception, emphasizing the interaction of cholinergic and opioid receptor systems. Despite the substantial evidence demonstrating nicotine-opioid interactions within the brain and on behavior, the currently available pharmacotherapies targeting these systems have shown limited efficacy for smoking cessation on opioid-maintained smokers. Thus, further studies designed to identify novel targets modulating both nicotinic and opioid receptor systems may lead to more efficacious approaches for co-morbid nicotine dependence and opioid use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Custodio
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Samantha Malone
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Michael T Bardo
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jill R Turner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
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7
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Effects of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-activating alkaloids on anxiety-like behavior in zebrafish. J Nat Med 2021; 75:926-941. [PMID: 34264421 PMCID: PMC8397634 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-021-01544-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Alkaloids are a structurally complex group of natural products that have a diverse range of biological activities and significant therapeutic applications. In this study, we examined the acute, anxiolytic-like effects of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR)-activating alkaloids with reported neuropharmacological effects but whose effects on anxiety are less well understood. Because α4β2 nAChRs can regulate anxiety, we first demonstrated the functional activities of alkaloids on these receptors in vitro. Their effects on anxiety-like behavior in zebrafish were then examined using the zebrafish novel tank test (NTT). The NTT is a relatively high-throughput behavioral paradigm that takes advantage of the natural tendency of fish to dive down when stressed or anxious. We report for the first time that cotinine, anatabine, and methylanatabine may suppress this anxiety-driven zebrafish behavior after a single 20-min treatment. Effective concentrations of these alkaloids were well above the concentrations naturally found in plants and the concentrations needed to induce anxiolytic-like effect by nicotine. These alkaloids showed good receptor interactions at the α4β2 nAChR agonist site as demonstrated by in vitro binding and in silico docking model, although somewhat weaker than that for nicotine. Minimal or no significant effect of other compounds may have been due to low bioavailability of these compounds in the brain, which is supported by the in silico prediction of blood–brain barrier permeability. Taken together, our findings indicate that nicotine, although not risk-free, is the most potent anxiolytic-like alkaloid tested in this study, and other natural alkaloids may regulate anxiety as well. ![]()
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Hawkey AB, Hoeng J, Peitsch MC, Levin ED, Koshibu K. Subchronic effects of plant alkaloids on anxiety-like behavior in zebrafish. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 207:173223. [PMID: 34197843 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish provide a valuable emerging complementary model for neurobehavioral research. They offer a powerful way to screen for the potential therapeutic effects of neuroactive drugs. A variety of behavioral tests for zebrafish have been developed and validated for assessing neurobehavioral function. The novel tank diving test is a straightforward, reproducible way of measuring anxiety-like behavior in zebrafish. When introduced into a novel tank, zebrafish normally dive to the bottom of the tank and then gradually explore the higher levels of the water column as time progresses. Buspirone is an effective anxiolytic drug in humans, which has been found, with acute administration, to reduce this anxiety-like response in zebrafish. The current study used the zebrafish model to evaluate the potential anxiolytic effects of alkaloids, commonly found in Solanaceae plants, with known neuropharmacology relevant to mood regulation. In line with previous findings, acute treatment with anxiolytic positive controls buspirone and the plant alkaloid nicotine reduced the anxiety-like diving response in the zebrafish novel tank diving test. Further, both buspirone and nicotine continued to produce anxiolytic-like effects in zebrafish after 5 days of exposure. In the same treatment paradigm, the effects of five other alkaloids-cotinine, anatabine, anabasine, harmane, and norharmane-were investigated. Cotinine, the major metabolite of nicotine, also caused anxiolytic-like effects, albeit at a dose higher than the effective dose of nicotine. Nicotine's anxiolytic-like effect was not shared by the other nicotinic alkaloids, anabasine and anatabine, or by the naturally present monoamine oxidase inhibitors harmane and norharmane. We conclude that nicotine uniquely induces anxiolytic-like effects after acute and subchronic treatment in zebrafish. The zebrafish model with the novel tank diving test could be a useful complement to rodent models for screening candidate compounds for anxiolytic effects in nonclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew B Hawkey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Julia Hoeng
- PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Quai Jeanrenaud 5, CH-2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel C Peitsch
- PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Quai Jeanrenaud 5, CH-2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Edward D Levin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Kyoko Koshibu
- PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Quai Jeanrenaud 5, CH-2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
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9
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Fisher ML, Pauly JR, Froeliger B, Turner JR. Translational Research in Nicotine Addiction. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2021; 11:cshperspect.a039776. [PMID: 32513669 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a039776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
While commendable strides have been made in reducing smoking initiation and improving smoking cessation rates, current available smoking cessation treatment options are still only mildly efficacious and show substantial interindividual variability in their therapeutic responses. Therefore, the primary goal of preclinical research has been to further the understanding of the neural substrates and genetic influences involved in nicotine's effects and reassess potential drug targets. Pronounced advances have been made by investing in new translational approaches and placing more emphasis on bridging the gap between human and rodent models of dependence. Functional neuroimaging studies have identified key brain structures involved with nicotine-dependence phenotypes such as craving, impulsivity, withdrawal symptoms, and smoking cessation outcomes. Following up with these findings, rodent-modeling techniques have made it possible to dissect the neural circuits involved in these motivated behaviors and ascertain mechanisms underlying nicotine's interactive effects on brain structure and function. Likewise, translational studies investigating single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the cholinergic, dopaminergic, and opioid systems have found high levels of involvement of these neurotransmitter systems in regulating the reinforcing aspects of nicotine in both humans and mouse models. These findings and coordinated efforts between human and rodent studies pave the way for future work determining gene by drug interactions and tailoring treatment options to each individual smoker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda L Fisher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0596, USA
| | - James R Pauly
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0596, USA
| | - Brett Froeliger
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA
| | - Jill R Turner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0596, USA
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10
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Touchette JC, Moen JK, Robinson JM, Lee AM. Enhancement of alcohol aversion by the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor drug sazetidine-A. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e12908. [PMID: 32329567 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) has steadily increased in the United States over the last 30 years. Alcohol acts on multiple receptor systems including the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), which are known to mediate alcohol consumption and reward. We previously reported that the preclinical drug sazetidine-A, a nAChR agonist and desensitizer, reduces alcohol consumption without affecting nicotine consumption in C57BL/6J mice. Here, we found that sazetidine-A enhances the expression of alcohol aversion without affecting the expression or acquisition of conditioned alcohol reward in C57BL/6J mice. Microinjection of sazetidine-A into the ventral midbrain targeting the ventral tegmental area (VTA) reduced binge alcohol consumption, implicating this region in mediating the effects of sazetidine-A. Furthermore, the sazetidine-A-induced reduction in alcohol consumption was mediated by non-α4 containing nAChRs, as sazetidine-A reduced binge alcohol consumption in both α4 knock-out and wild-type mice. Finally, we found that in mice pretreated with sazetidine-A, alcohol induced Fos transcript in Th-, but not Gad2-expressing neurons in the VTA as measured by increased Fos transcript expression. In summary, we find that sazetidine-A enhances the expression of alcohol aversion, which may underlie the reduction in alcohol consumption induced by sazetidine-A. Elucidating the identity of non-α4 nAChRs in alcohol aversion mechanisms will provide a better understanding the complex role of nAChRs in alcohol addiction and potentially reveal novel drug targets to treat AUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janna K. Moen
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience University of Minnesota Minneapolis Minnesota USA
| | - Jenna M. Robinson
- Department of Pharmacology University of Minnesota Minneapolis Minnesota USA
| | - Anna M. Lee
- Department of Pharmacology University of Minnesota Minneapolis Minnesota USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience University of Minnesota Minneapolis Minnesota USA
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11
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Kumar M, Adeluyi A, Anderson EL, Turner JR. Glial cells as therapeutic targets for smoking cessation. Neuropharmacology 2020; 175:108157. [PMID: 32461156 PMCID: PMC7791555 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Smoking remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States, with less than 5% of smokers attempting to quit succeeding. This low smoking cessation success rate is thought to be due to the long-term adaptations and alterations in synaptic plasticity that occur following chronic nicotine exposure and withdrawal. Glial cells have recently emerged as active players in the development of dependence phenotypes due to their roles in modulating neuronal functions and synaptic plasticity. Fundamental studies have demonstrated that microglia and astrocytes are crucial for synapse formation and elimination in the developing brain, likely contributing to why glial dysfunction is implicated in numerous neurological and psychiatric disorders. Recently, there is increasing evidence for the involvement of glial cells in drug dependence and its associated behavioral manifestations. This review summarizes the newly evaluated role of microglia and astrocytes as molecular drivers of nicotine dependence and withdrawal phenotypes. This article is part of the special issue on 'Contemporary Advances in Nicotine Neuropharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, KY, USA.
| | - Adewale Adeluyi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, KY, USA; Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Disease, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Erin L Anderson
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA.
| | - Jill R Turner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, KY, USA.
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12
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Laikowski MM, Reisdorfer F, Moura S. NAChR α4β2 Subtype and their Relation with Nicotine Addiction, Cognition, Depression and Hyperactivity Disorder. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:3792-3811. [PMID: 29637850 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180410105135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuronal α4β2 nAChRs are receptors involved in the role of neurotransmitters regulation and release, and this ionic channel participates in biological process of memory, learning and attention. This work aims to review the structure and functioning of the α4β2 nAChR emphasizing its role in the treatment of associated diseases like nicotine addiction and underlying pathologies such as cognition, depression and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. METHODS The authors realized extensive bibliographic research using the descriptors "Nicotine Receptor α4β2" and "cognition", "depression", "attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder", besides cross-references of the selected articles and after analysis of references in the specific literature. RESULTS As results, it was that found 179 relevant articles presenting the main molecules with affinity to nAChR α4β2 related to the cited diseases. The α4β2 nAChR subtype is a remarkable therapeutic target since this is the most abundant receptor in the central nervous system. CONCLUSION In summary, this review presents perspectives on the pharmacology and therapeutic targeting of α4β2 nAChRs for the treatment of cognition and diseases like nicotine dependence, depression and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela M Laikowski
- Laboratory of Natural and Synthetics Products, University of Caxias do Sul, Caxias do Sul, Brazil
| | - Fávero Reisdorfer
- Laboratory of Drug Development and Quality Control, University Federal of Pampa, Brazil
| | - Sidnei Moura
- Laboratory of Natural and Synthetics Products, University of Caxias do Sul, Caxias do Sul, Brazil
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13
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Fowler CD, Turner JR, Imad Damaj M. Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Nicotine Pharmacology and Dependence. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2019; 258:373-393. [PMID: 31267166 DOI: 10.1007/164_2019_252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tobacco dependence is a leading cause of preventable disease and death worldwide. Nicotine, the main psychoactive component in tobacco cigarettes, has also been garnering increased popularity in its vaporized form, as derived from e-cigarette devices. Thus, an understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying nicotine pharmacology and dependence is required to ascertain novel approaches to treat drug dependence. In this chapter, we review the field's current understanding of nicotine's actions in the brain, the neurocircuitry underlying drug dependence, factors that modulate the function of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, and the role of specific genes in mitigating the vulnerability to develop nicotine dependence. In addition to nicotine's direct actions in the brain, other constituents in nicotine and tobacco products have also been found to alter drug use, and thus, evidence is provided to highlight this issue. Finally, currently available pharmacotherapeutic strategies are discussed, along with an outlook for future therapeutic directions to achieve to the goal of long-term nicotine cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christie D Fowler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Jill R Turner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - M Imad Damaj
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA. .,Translational Research Initiative for Pain and Neuropathy at VCU, Richmond, VA, USA.
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14
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Differential effects of α4β2 nicotinic receptor antagonists and partial-agonists on contextual fear extinction in male C57BL/6 mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:1211-1219. [PMID: 29383396 PMCID: PMC5871575 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4837-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Numerous studies have attributed the psychopathology of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to maladaptive behavioral responses such as an inability to extinguish fear. While exposure therapies are mostly effective in treating these disorders by enhancing extinction learning, relapse of PTSD symptoms is common. Although several studies indicated a role for cholinergic transmission and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in anxiety and stress disorder symptomatology, very little is known about the specific contribution of nAChRs to fear extinction OBJECTIVES: In the present study, we examined the effects of inhibition and desensitization of α4β2 nAChRs via a full antagonist (Dihydro-beta-erythroidine (DhβE)) and two α4β2 nAChR partial-agonists (varenicline and sazetidine-A) on contextual fear extinction, locomotor activity, and spontaneous recovery of contextual fear in mice. METHODS We trained and tested the subjects in a contextual fear extinction as well as an open field paradigm and spontaneous recovery following injections of DhβE, varenicline, and sazetidine-A. RESULTS Our results demonstrated that lower doses of DhβE (1 mg/kg) and sazetidine-A (0.01 mg/kg) enhanced contextual fear extinction whereas higher doses of varenicline (0.1 mg/kg) and sazetidine-A (0.1 mg/kg) resulted in impaired contextual fear extinction. However, the higher dose of sazetidine-A (0.1 mg/kg) decreased locomotor activity, which may contribute to increased freezing response observed during fear extinction. Finally, we found that the low dose of DhβE, but not sazetidine-A, also decreased spontaneous recovery of contextual fear following fear extinction. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these results suggest that inhibition and desensitization of α4β2 nAChRs enhance extinction of contextual fear memories. This suggests that modulation of α4β2 nAChRs may be employed as an alternative pharmacological strategy to aid exposure therapies associated with PTSD by augmenting contextual fear extinction processes.
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Distinct Roles of CREB Within the Ventral and Dorsal Hippocampus in Mediating Nicotine Withdrawal Phenotypes. Neuropsychopharmacology 2017; 42:1599-1609. [PMID: 27848935 PMCID: PMC5518892 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2016.257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Addiction to nicotine and the inability to quit smoking are influenced by genetic factors, emphasizing the importance of understanding how genes and drugs of abuse mechanistically impact each other. One well-characterized protein responsible for regulating both response to drugs and gene expression is the transcription factor CREB (cAMP-responsive element binding protein). Previous work indicates that hippocampal-specific alterations in CREB signaling and synaptic plasticity may underlie certain nicotine withdrawal phenotypes. However, the structure of the hippocampus possesses dorsal and ventral subregions, each differing in behavioral, anatomic and gene expression characteristics. This study examines the effects of CREB deletion specifically in the ventral or dorsal hippocampus of animals chronically treated with saline, nicotine, or undergoing 24 h withdrawal. After region-specific viral injections of AAV-GFP or AAV-CRE in CREBloxP/loxP animals, behavioral testing measured anxiety levels, using the Novelty-Induced Hypophagia test, and cognition, using a contextual fear conditioning paradigm. Deletion of CREB in the ventral, but not dorsal, hippocampus resulted in amelioration of nicotine withdrawal-induced anxiety-like behavior in the Novelty-Induced Hypophagia test. In contrast, CREB deletion in the dorsal hippocampus resulted in learning and memory deficits in fear conditioning, whereas CREB deletion in the ventral hippocampus showed an enhancement in learning. Gene expression analysis showed differential treatment- and region-dependent alterations of several CREB target genes that are well-known markers of neuroplasticity within the hippocampus. Collectively, these data provide persuasive evidence towards the distinct roles of CREB within the dorsal and ventral hippocampus separately in mediating select nicotine withdrawal phenotypes.
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16
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Mohamed TS, Jayakar SS, Hamouda AK. Orthosteric and Allosteric Ligands of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors for Smoking Cessation. Front Mol Neurosci 2015; 8:71. [PMID: 26635524 PMCID: PMC4658446 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2015.00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotine addiction, the result of tobacco use, leads to over six million premature deaths world-wide per year, a number that is expected to increase by a third within the next two decades. While more than half of smokers want and attempt to quit, only a small percentage of smokers are able to quit without pharmacological interventions. Therefore, over the past decades, researchers in academia and the pharmaceutical industry have focused their attention on the development of more effective smoking cessation therapies, which is now a growing 1.9 billion dollar market. Because the role of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) in nicotine addiction is well established, nAChR based therapeutics remain the leading strategy for smoking cessation. However, the development of neuronal nAChR drugs that are selective for a nAChR subpopulation is challenging, and only few neuronal nAChR drugs are clinically available. Among the many neuronal nAChR subtypes that have been identified in the brain, the α4β2 subtype is the most abundant and plays a critical role in nicotine addiction. Here, we review the role of neuronal nAChRs, especially the α4β2 subtype, in the development and treatment of nicotine addiction. We also compare available smoking cessation medications and other nAChR orthosteric and allosteric ligands that have been developed with emphasis on the difficulties faced in the development of clinically useful compounds with high nAChR subtype selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasnim S Mohamed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M Health Sciences Center Kingsville, TX, USA
| | - Selwyn S Jayakar
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ayman K Hamouda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M Health Sciences Center Kingsville, TX, USA ; Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Sciences Center Bryan, TX, USA
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Forcelli PA, Turner JR, Lee BG, Olson TT, Xie T, Xiao Y, Blendy JA, Kellar KJ. Anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects of the methadone metabolite 2-ethyl-5-methyl-3,3-diphenyl-1-pyrroline (EMDP). Neuropharmacology 2015; 101:46-56. [PMID: 26365569 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Revised: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The enhancement of GABAergic and monoaminergic neurotransmission has been the mainstay of pharmacotherapy and the focus of drug-discovery for anxiety and depressive disorders for several decades. However, the significant limitations of drugs used for these disorders underscores the need for novel therapeutic targets. Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) may represent one such target. For example, mecamylamine, a non-competitive antagonist of nAChRs, displays positive effects in preclinical tests for anxiolytic and antidepressant activity in rodents. In addition, nicotine elicits similar effects in rodent models, possibly by receptor desensitization. Previous studies (Xiao et al., 2001) have identified two metabolites of methadone, EMDP (2-ethyl-5-methyl-3,3-diphenyl-1-pyrroline) and EDDP (2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine), which are considered to be inactive at opiate receptors, as relatively potent noncompetitive channel blockers of rat α3β4 nAChRs. Here, we show that these compounds are likewise highly effective blockers of human α3β4 and α4β2 nAChRs. Moreover, we show that they display relatively low affinity for opiate binding sites labeled by [(3)H]-naloxone. We then evaluated these compounds in rats and mice in preclinical behavioral models predictive of potential anxiolytic and antidepressant efficacy. We found that EMDP, but not EDDP, displayed robust effects predictive of anxiolytic and antidepressant efficacy without significant effects on locomotor activity. Moreover, EMDP at behaviorally active doses, unlike mecamylamine, did not produce eyelid ptosis, suggesting it may produce fewer autonomic side effects than mecamylamine. Thus, the methadone metabolite EMDP may represent a novel therapeutic avenue for the treatment of some affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick A Forcelli
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Jill R Turner
- Department of Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Bridgin G Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Thao T Olson
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Teresa Xie
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Yingxian Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Julie A Blendy
- Department of Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Kenneth J Kellar
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
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18
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Leach PT, Gould TJ. Thyroid hormone signaling: Contribution to neural function, cognition, and relationship to nicotine. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 57:252-63. [PMID: 26344666 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Revised: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Cigarette smoking is common despite its adverse effects on health, such as cardiovascular disease and stroke. Understanding the mechanisms that contribute to the addictive properties of nicotine makes it possible to target them to prevent the initiation of smoking behavior and/or increase the chance of successful quit attempts. While highly addictive, nicotine is not generally considered to be as reinforcing as other drugs of abuse. There are likely other mechanisms at work that contribute to the addictive liability of nicotine. Nicotine modulates aspects of the endocrine system, including the thyroid, which is critical for normal cognitive functioning. It is possible that nicotine's effects on thyroid function may alter learning and memory, and this may underlie some of its addictive potential. Here, we review the literature on thyroid function and cognition, with a focus on how nicotine alters thyroid hormone signaling and the potential impact on cognition. Changes in cognition are a major symptom of nicotine addiction. Current anti-smoking therapies have modest success at best. If some of the cognitive effects of nicotine are mediated through the thyroid hormone system, then thyroid hormone agonists may be novel treatments for smoking cessation therapies. The content of this review is important because it clarifies the relationship between smoking and thyroid function, which has been ill-defined in the past. This review is timely because the reduction in smoking rates we have seen in recent decades, due to public awareness campaigns and public smoking bans, has leveled off in recent years. Therefore, novel treatment approaches are needed to help reduce smoking rates further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prescott T Leach
- Temple University Department of Psychology, Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States
| | - Thomas J Gould
- Temple University Department of Psychology, Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States.
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Cole RD, Poole RL, Guzman DM, Gould TJ, Parikh V. Contributions of β2 subunit-containing nAChRs to chronic nicotine-induced alterations in cognitive flexibility in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:1207-17. [PMID: 25281224 PMCID: PMC4361240 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3754-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Deficits in executive functions underlie compulsive drug use, and understanding how nicotine influences these cognitive processes may provide important information on neurobiological substrates of nicotine addiction. Accumulating evidence suggests that β2 subunit-containing nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) are involved in the reinforcing process of nicotine addiction. Whether these nAChRs also contributes to the detrimental effects of chronic nicotine on flexible decision-making is not known. OBJECTIVES In the present study, the effects of chronic nicotine were assessed in mice with partial or complete deletion of the β2 subunit-containing nAChR gene (β2+/- or β2-/-) performing an operant cognitive flexibility task. RESULTS Visual discrimination learning was not affected in saline-treated β2 nAChR mutants as compared to the wild-type (β2+/+) mice; yet, chronic nicotine facilitated acquisition of visual discrimination in all genotypes. The acquisition of new egocentric response strategy set-shifting remained similar in all genotypes, and there was no effect of treatment. Chronic nicotine treatment impaired reversal learning in β2+/+ mice by increasing response perseveration to the previously rewarded stimulus. Moreover, the acquisition of inverted stimulus-reward contingencies did not differ between β2+/+ and β2-/- mice exposed to chronic nicotine. Interestingly, nicotine-induced reversal learning deficits were not observed in β2+/- mice. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these findings suggest that β2 subunit-containing nAChRs are not critical for visual discrimination learning and extra dimensional rule shift. However, sustained activation of these nAChRs with nicotine may interfere with inhibitory control processes influencing affective shifts in stimulus-reward contingencies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Vinay Parikh
- Corresponding author: Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122. Phone: 215-204-1572,
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20
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Abstract
Nicotine dependence is a chronic, relapsing disorder with complex biological mechanisms underlying the motivational basis for this behavior. Although more than 70 % of current smokers express a desire to quit, most relapse within one year, underscoring the need for novel treatments. A key focus of translational research models addressing nicotine dependence has been on cross-validation of human and animal models in order to improve the predictive value of medication screening paradigms. In this chapter, we review several lines of research highlighting the utility of cross-validation models in elucidating the biological underpinnings of nicotine reward and reinforcement, identifying factors which may influence individual response to treatment, and facilitating rapid translation of findings to practice.
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Leach PT, Holliday E, Kutlu MG, Gould TJ. Withdrawal From Chronic Nicotine Reduces Thyroid Hormone Levels and Levothyroxine Treatment Ameliorates Nicotine Withdrawal-Induced Deficits in Hippocampus-Dependent Learning in C57BL/6J Mice. Nicotine Tob Res 2014; 17:690-6. [PMID: 25358661 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntu229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cigarette smoking alters a variety of endocrine systems including thyroid hormones. Altered thyroid hormone signaling may lead to a subclinical or overt hypothyroid condition that could contribute to nicotine withdrawal-related symptoms, such as cognitive deficits. Thus, normalizing thyroid hormone levels may represent a novel therapeutic target for ameliorating nicotine withdrawal-associated cognitive deficits. METHODS The current studies conducted an analysis of serum thyroid hormone levels after chronic and withdrawal from chronic nicotine treatment in C57BL/6J mice using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The present studies also evaluated the effect of synthetic thyroid hormone (levothyroxine) on contextual and cued memory. RESULTS The current studies found that nicotine withdrawal reduces secreted thyroid hormone levels by 9% in C57BL/6J mice. Further, supplemental thyroid hormone not only enhanced memory in naïve animals, but also ameliorated deficits in hippocampus-dependent learning associated with nicotine withdrawal. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that smokers attempting to quit should be monitored closely for changes in thyroid function. If successfully treated, normalization of thyroid hormone levels may ameliorate some deficits associated with nicotine withdrawal and this may lead to higher rates of successful abstinence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prescott T Leach
- Temple University Department of Psychology, Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Erica Holliday
- Temple University Department of Psychology, Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Munir G Kutlu
- Temple University Department of Psychology, Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Thomas J Gould
- Temple University Department of Psychology, Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
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22
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Yu LF, Zhang HK, Caldarone BJ, Eaton JB, Lukas RJ, Kozikowski AP. Recent developments in novel antidepressants targeting α4β2-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. J Med Chem 2014; 57:8204-23. [PMID: 24901260 PMCID: PMC4207546 DOI: 10.1021/jm401937a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
(nAChRs) have been investigated
for developing drugs that can potentially treat various central nervous
system disorders. Considerable evidence supports the hypothesis that
modulation of the cholinergic system through activation and/or desensitization/inactivation
of nAChR holds promise for the development of new antidepressants.
The introductory portion of this Miniperspective discusses the basic
pharmacology that underpins the involvement of α4β2-nAChRs
in depression, along with the structural features that are essential
to ligand recognition by the α4β2-nAChRs. The remainder
of this Miniperspective analyzes reported nicotinic ligands in terms
of drug design considerations and their potency and selectivity, with
a particular focus on compounds exhibiting antidepressant-like effects
in preclinical or clinical studies. This Miniperspective aims to provide
an in-depth analysis of the potential for using nicotinic ligands
in the treatment of depression, which may hold some promise in addressing
an unmet clinical need by providing relief from depressive symptoms
in refractory patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Fang Yu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Illinois at Chicago , 833 South Wood Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
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23
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Turner JR, Ray R, Lee B, Everett L, Xiang J, Jepson C, Kaestner KH, Lerman C, Blendy JA. Evidence from mouse and man for a role of neuregulin 3 in nicotine dependence. Mol Psychiatry 2014; 19:801-10. [PMID: 23999525 PMCID: PMC3877725 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2013.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2012] [Revised: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Addiction to nicotine and the ability to quit smoking are influenced by genetic factors. We used functional genomic approaches (chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and whole-genome sequencing) to identify cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) targets following chronic nicotine administration and withdrawal (WD) in rodents. We found that chronic nicotine and WD differentially modulate CREB binding to the gene for neuregulin 3 (NRG3). Quantitative analysis of saline, nicotine and nicotine WD in two biological replicates corroborate this finding, with NRG3 increases in both mRNA and protein following WD from chronic nicotine treatment. To translate these data for human relevance, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across NRG3 were examined for association with prospective smoking cessation among smokers of European ancestry treated with transdermal nicotine in two independent cohorts. Individual SNP and haplotype analysis support the association of NRG3 SNPs and smoking cessation success. NRG3 is a neural-enriched member of the epidermal growth factor family, and a specific ligand for the receptor tyrosine kinase ErbB4, which is also upregulated following nicotine treatment and WD. Mice with significantly reduced levels of NRG3 or pharmacological inhibition of ErbB4 show similar reductions in anxiety following nicotine WD compared with control animals, suggesting a role for NRG3 in nicotine dependence. Although the function of the SNP in NRG3 in humans is not known, these data suggest that Nrg3/ErbB4 signaling may be an important factor in nicotine dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill R. Turner
- Department of Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Riju Ray
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Bridgin Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Logan Everett
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Jing Xiang
- Department of Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Christopher Jepson
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Klaus H. Kaestner
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Caryn Lerman
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Julie A. Blendy
- Department of Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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Simmons SJ, Gould TJ. Involvement of neuronal β2 subunit-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in nicotine reward and withdrawal: implications for pharmacotherapies. J Clin Pharm Ther 2014; 39:457-67. [PMID: 24828779 DOI: 10.1111/jcpt.12171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE Tobacco smoking remains a major health problem. Nicotine binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), which can cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of nicotine administration. Pharmacotherapies for nicotine addiction target brain alterations that underlie withdrawal symptoms. This review will delineate the involvement of the β2 subunit of neuronal nAChRs in nicotine reward and in generating withdrawal symptoms to better understand the efficacy of smoking cessation pharmacotherapies. COMMENT Chronic nicotine desensitizes and upregulates β2 subunit-containing nAChRs, and the prolonged upregulation of receptors may underlie symptoms of withdrawal. Experimental research has demonstrated that the β2 subunit of neuronal nAChRs is necessary for generating nicotine reward and withdrawal symptoms. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION Smoking cessation pharmacotherapies act on β2 subunit-containing nAChRs to reduce nicotine reward and withdrawal symptom severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Simmons
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
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25
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Yohn NL, Turner JR, Blendy JA. Activation of α4β2*/α6β2* nicotinic receptors alleviates anxiety during nicotine withdrawal without upregulating nicotinic receptors. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2014; 349:348-54. [PMID: 24627467 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.113.211706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Although nicotine mediates its effects through several nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtypes, it remains to be determined which nAChR subtypes directly mediate heightened anxiety during withdrawal. Relative success in abstinence has been found with the nAChR partial agonist varenicline (Chantix; Pfizer, Groton, CT); however, treatment with this drug fails to alleviate anxiety in individuals during nicotine withdrawal. Therefore, it is hypothesized that success can be found by the repurposing of other nAChR partial agonists for cessation therapies that target anxiety. It is noteworthy that the selective partial agonists for α4β2, ABT-089 [2-methyl-3-[2(S)-pyrrolidinylmethoxy]pyridine], and α7, ABT-107 [5-(6-[(3R)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yloxy] pyridazin-3-yl)-1H-indole] (AbbVie, North Chicago, IL), have not been evaluated as possible therapeutics for nicotine cessation. Therefore, we examined the effect of ABT-089 and ABT-107 on anxiety during withdrawal from nicotine in the novelty-induced hypophagia (NIH) paradigm. We found that short-term administration of ABT-089 and ABT-107 alleviate anxiety-like behavior during withdrawal from nicotine while long-term administration of ABT-089 but not ABT-107 reduces anxiety-like behavior during withdrawal. After behavioral testing, brains were harvested and β2-containing nAChRs were measured using [(3)H]epibaditine. ABT-089 and ABT-107 do not upregulate nAChRs, which is in contrast to the upregulation of nAChRs observed after nicotine. Furthermore, ABT-089 is anxiogenic in nicotine naive animals, suggesting that the effects on anxiety are specifically related to the nicotine-dependent state. Together, these studies identify additional nAChR partial agonists that may aid in the rational development of smoking cessation aids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole L Yohn
- Department of Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Dissociation of tolerance and nicotine withdrawal-associated deficits in contextual fear. Brain Res 2014; 1559:1-10. [PMID: 24594018 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.02.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2014] [Revised: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 02/22/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nicotine addiction is associated with the development of tolerance and the emergence of withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of chronic nicotine administration. Changes in cognition, including deficits in learning, are one of the most common withdrawal symptoms reported by smokers. However, the neural substrates of tolerance to the effects of nicotine on learning and the substrates of withdrawal deficits in learning are unknown, and in fact it is unclear whether a common mechanism is involved in both. The present study tested the hypothesis that tolerance and withdrawal are separate processes and that nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) upregulation underlies changes in learning associated with withdrawal but not tolerance. C57BL/6 male mice were administered a dose of nicotine (3, 6.3, 12, or 24 mg/kg/d) chronically for varying days and tested for the onset of tolerance to the effects of nicotine on learning. Follow up experiments examined the number of days of chronic nicotine treatment required to produce withdrawal deficits in learning and a significant increase in [(3)H] epibatidine binding in the hippocampus indicative of receptor upregulation. The results indicate that tolerance onset was influenced by dose of chronic nicotine, that tolerance occurred before withdrawal deficits in learning emerged, and that nAChR upregulation in the dorsal hippocampus was associated with withdrawal but not tolerance. This suggests that for the effects of nicotine on learning, tolerance and withdrawal involve different substrates. These findings are discussed in terms of implications for development of therapeutics that target symptoms of nicotine addiction and for theories of addiction.
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