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Rae M, Gomes I, Spelta LEW, Bailey A, Marcourakis T, Devi L, Camarini R. Environmental enrichment enhances ethanol preference over social reward in male swiss mice: Involvement of oxytocin-dopamine interactions. Neuropharmacology 2024; 253:109971. [PMID: 38705568 PMCID: PMC11145911 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.109971] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The impact of environmental enrichment (EE) on natural rewards, including social and appetitive rewards, was investigated in male Swiss mice. EE, known for providing animals with various stimuli, was assessed for its effects on conditioned place preference (CPP) associated with ethanol and social stimuli. We previously demonstrated that EE increased the levels of the prosocial neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) in the hypothalamus and enhanced ethanol rewarding effects via an oxytocinergic mechanism. This study also investigated the impact of EE on social dominance and motivation for rewards, measured OT-mediated phospholipase C (PLC) activity in striatal membranes, and assessed OT expression in the hypothalamus. The role of dopamine in motivating rewards was considered, along with the interaction between OT and D1 receptors (DR) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Results showed that EE mice exhibited a preference for ethanol reward over social reward, a pattern replicated by the OT analogue Carbetocin. EE mice demonstrated increased social dominance and reduced motivation for appetitive taste stimuli. Higher OT mRNA levels in the hypothalamus were followed by diminished OT receptor (OTR) signaling activity in the striatum of EE mice. Additionally, EE mice displayed elevated D1R expression, which was attenuated by the OTR antagonist (L-368-889). The findings underscore the reinforcing effect of EE on ethanol and social rewards through an oxytocinergic mechanism. Nonetheless, they suggest that mechanisms other than the prosocial effect of EE may contribute to the ethanol pro-rewarding effect of EE and Carbetocin. They also point towards an OT-dopamine interaction potentially underlying some of these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Rae
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, 05508-900, Brazil; Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, United States
| | - Ivone Gomes
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, United States
| | - Lidia Emmanuela Wiazowski Spelta
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Alexis Bailey
- Pharmacology Section, Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Tania Marcourakis
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Lakshmi Devi
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, United States
| | - Rosana Camarini
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, 05508-900, Brazil.
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Ryabinin A, Johnson M, Zweig J, Zhang Y, Nunez L, Ryabinina O, Hibert M. Effects of Oxytocin Receptor Agonism on Acquisition and Expression of Pair Bonding in Male Prairie Voles. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4351761. [PMID: 38798348 PMCID: PMC11118693 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4351761/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
There is much interest in targeting the activity in the oxytocin system to regulate social bonding. However, studies with exogenous administration of oxytocin face the caveats of its low stability, poor brain permeability and insufficient receptor specificity. The use of a small-molecule oxytocin receptor-specific agonist could overcome these caveats. Prior to testing the potential effects of a brain-penetrant oxytocin receptor agonist in clinical settings, it is important to assess how such an agonist would affect social bonds in animal models. The facultatively monogamous prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), capable of forming long-term social attachments between adult individuals, are an ideal rodent model for such testing. Therefore, in a series of experiments we investigated the effects of the recently developed oxytocin receptor-specific agonist LIT-001 on the acquisition and expression of partner preference, a well-established model of pair bonding, in prairie voles. LIT-001 (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), as expected, facilitated the acquisition of partner preference when administered prior to a 4-hour cohabitation. In contrast, while animals injected with vehicle after the 4-hour cohabitation exhibited significant partner preference, animals that were injected with LIT-001 did not show such partner preference. This result suggests that OXTR activation during expression of pair bonding can inhibit partner preference. The difference in effects of LIT-001 on acquisition versus expression was not due to basal differences in partner preference between the experiments, as LIT-001 had no significant effects on expression of partner preference if administered following a shorter (2 hour-long) cohabitation. Instead, this difference agrees with the hypothesis that the activation of oxytocin receptors acts as a signal of presence of a social partner. Our results indicate that the effects of pharmacological activation of oxytocin receptors crucially depend on the phase of social attachments.
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Faraji M, Viera-Resto OA, Berrios BJ, Bizon JL, Setlow B. Effects of systemic oxytocin receptor activation and blockade on risky decision making in female and male rats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.13.593981. [PMID: 38798601 PMCID: PMC11118492 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.13.593981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin is traditionally known for its roles in parturition, lactation, and social behavior. Other data, however, show that oxytocin can modulate behaviors outside of these contexts, including drug self-administration and some aspects of cost-benefit decision making. Here we used a pharmacological approach to investigate the contributions of oxytocin signaling to decision making under risk of explicit punishment. Female and male Long-Evans rats were trained on a risky decision-making task in which they chose between a small, "safe" food reward and a large, "risky" food reward that was accompanied by varying probabilities of mild footshock. Once stable choice behavior emerged, rats were tested in the task following acute intraperitoneal injections of oxytocin or the oxytocin receptor antagonist L-368,899. Neither drug affected task performance in males. In females, however, both oxytocin and L-368,899 caused a dose-dependent reduction in preference for large risky reward. Control experiments showed that these effects could not be accounted for by alterations in food motivation or shock sensitivity. Together, these results reveal a sex-dependent effect of oxytocin signaling on risky decision making in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojdeh Faraji
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida
| | | | | | - Jennifer L Bizon
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida
| | - Barry Setlow
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida
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4
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DelaCuesta-Barrutia J, Hidema S, Caldwell HK, Nishimori K, Erdozain AM, Peñagarikano O. In need of a specific antibody against the oxytocin receptor for neuropsychiatric research: A KO validation study. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 173:260-270. [PMID: 38554622 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Antibodies are one of the most utilized tools in biomedical research. However, few of them are rigorously evaluated, as there are no accepted guidelines or standardized methods for determining their validity before commercialization. Often, an antibody is considered validated if it detects a band by Western blot of the expected molecular weight and, in some cases, if blocking peptides result in loss of staining. Neither of these approaches are unquestionable proof of target specificity. Since the oxytocin receptor has recently become a popular target in neuropsychiatric research, the need for specific antibodies to be used in brain has arisen. In this work, we have tested the specificity of six commercially available oxytocin receptor antibodies, indicated by the manufacturers to be suitable for Western blot and with an available image showing the correct size band (45-55 KDa). Antibodies were first tested by Western blot in brain lysates of wild-type and oxytocin receptor knockout mice. Uterus tissue was also tested as control for putative differential tissue specificity. In brain, the six tested antibodies lacked target specificity, as both wild-type and receptor knockout samples resulted in a similar staining pattern, including the expected 45-55 KDa band. Five of the six antibodies detected a selective band in uterus (which disappeared in knockout tissue). These five specific antibodies were also tested for immunohistochemistry in uterus, where only one was specific. However, when the uterine-specific antibody was tested in brain tissue, it lacked specificity. In conclusion, none of the six tested commercial antibodies are suitable to detect oxytocin receptor in brain by either Western blot or immunohistochemistry, although some do specifically detect it in uterus. The present work highlights the need to develop standardized antibody validation methods, including a proper negative control, in order to grant quality and reproducibility of the generated data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon DelaCuesta-Barrutia
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, 48940, Spain
| | - Shizu Hidema
- Department of Obesity and Inflammation, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Heather K Caldwell
- Department of Biological Sciences and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Ohio, 44242, USA
| | - Katsuhiko Nishimori
- Department of Obesity and Inflammation, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Amaia M Erdozain
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, 48940, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Leioa, 48940, Spain
| | - Olga Peñagarikano
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, 48940, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Leioa, 48940, Spain.
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5
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Donlon J, Kumari P, Varghese SP, Bai M, Florentin OD, Frost ED, Banks J, Vadlapatla N, Kam O, Shad MU, Rahman S, Abulseoud OA, Stone TW, Koola MM. Integrative Pharmacology in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders. J Dual Diagn 2024; 20:132-177. [PMID: 38117676 DOI: 10.1080/15504263.2023.2293854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
The detrimental physical, mental, and socioeconomic effects of substance use disorders (SUDs) have been apparent to the medical community for decades. However, it has become increasingly urgent in recent years to develop novel pharmacotherapies to treat SUDs. Currently, practitioners typically rely on monotherapy. Monotherapy has been shown to be superior to no treatment at all for most substance classes. However, many randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have revealed that monotherapy leads to poorer outcomes when compared with combination treatment in all specialties of medicine. The results of RCTs suggest that monotherapy frequently fails since multiple dysregulated pathways, enzymes, neurotransmitters, and receptors are involved in the pathophysiology of SUDs. As such, research is urgently needed to determine how various neurobiological mechanisms can be targeted by novel combination treatments to create increasingly specific yet exceedingly comprehensive approaches to SUD treatment. This article aims to review the neurobiology that integrates many pathophysiologic mechanisms and discuss integrative pharmacology developments that may ultimately improve clinical outcomes for patients with SUDs. Many neurobiological mechanisms are known to be involved in SUDs including dopaminergic, nicotinic, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), and kynurenic acid (KYNA) mechanisms. Emerging evidence indicates that KYNA, a tryptophan metabolite, modulates all these major pathophysiologic mechanisms. Therefore, achieving KYNA homeostasis by harmonizing integrative pathophysiology and pharmacology could prove to be a better therapeutic approach for SUDs. We propose KYNA-NMDA-α7nAChRcentric pathophysiology, the "conductor of the orchestra," as a novel approach to treat many SUDs concurrently. KYNA-NMDA-α7nAChR pathophysiology may be the "command center" of neuropsychiatry. To date, extant RCTs have shown equivocal findings across comparison conditions, possibly because investigators targeted single pathophysiologic mechanisms, hit wrong targets in underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms, and tested inadequate monotherapy treatment. We provide examples of potential combination treatments that simultaneously target multiple pathophysiologic mechanisms in addition to KYNA. Kynurenine pathway metabolism demonstrates the greatest potential as a target for neuropsychiatric diseases. The investigational medications with the most evidence include memantine, galantamine, and N-acetylcysteine. Future RCTs are warranted with novel combination treatments for SUDs. Multicenter RCTs with integrative pharmacology offer a promising, potentially fruitful avenue to develop novel therapeutics for the treatment of SUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Donlon
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - Pooja Kumari
- Community Living Trent Highlands, Peterborough, Canada
| | - Sajoy P Varghese
- Addiction Recovery Treatment Services, Veterans Affairs Northern California Health Care System, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Michael Bai
- Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ori David Florentin
- Department of Psychiatry, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Emma D Frost
- Department of Neurology, Cooper University Health Care, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - John Banks
- Talkiatry Mental Health Clinic, New York, New York, USA
| | - Niyathi Vadlapatla
- Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Alexandria, Virginia, USA
| | - Olivia Kam
- Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Mujeeb U Shad
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Shafiqur Rahman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota, USA
| | - Osama A Abulseoud
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Alix School of Medicine at Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Trevor W Stone
- Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Maju Mathew Koola
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Cooper University Health Care, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, New Jersey, USA
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Wenger LP, Hamm O, Mühle C, Hoffmann S, Reinhard I, Bach P, Kornhuber J, Alpers GW, Kiefer F, Leménager T, Lenz B. Alcohol does not influence trust in others or oxytocin, but increases positive affect and risk-taking: a randomized, controlled, within-subject trial. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024; 274:311-320. [PMID: 37707566 PMCID: PMC10914917 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01676-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol consumption to facilitate social interaction is an important drinking motive. Here, we tested whether alcohol influences trust in others via modulation of oxytocin and/or androgens. We also aimed at confirming previously shown alcohol effects on positive affect and risk-taking, because of their role in facilitating social interaction. METHODS This randomized, controlled, within-subject, parallel group, alcohol-challenge experiment investigated the effects of alcohol (versus water, both mixed with orange juice) on perceived trustworthiness via salivary oxytocin (primary and secondary endpoint) as well as testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, positive affect, and risk-taking (additional endpoints). We compared 56 male participants in the alcohol condition (1.07 ± 0.18 per mille blood alcohol concentration) with 20 in the control condition. RESULTS The group (alcohol versus control condition) × time (before [versus during] versus after drinking) interactions were not significantly associated with perceived trustworthiness (η2 < 0.001) or oxytocin (η2 = 0.003). Bayes factors provided also substantial evidence for the absence of these effects (BF01 = 3.65; BF01 = 7.53). The group × time interactions were related to dihydrotestosterone (η2 = 0.018 with an increase in the control condition) as well as positive affect and risk-taking (η2 = 0.027 and 0.007 with increases in the alcohol condition), but not significantly to testosterone. DISCUSSION The results do not verify alcohol effects on perceived trustworthiness or oxytocin in male individuals. However, they indicate that alcohol (versus control) might inhibit an increase in dihydrotestosterone and confirm that alcohol amplifies positive affect and risk-taking. This provides novel mechanistic insight into social facilitation as an alcohol-drinking motive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard P Wenger
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Oliver Hamm
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christiane Mühle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sabine Hoffmann
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Iris Reinhard
- Department of Biostatistics, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Patrick Bach
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Georg W Alpers
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Falk Kiefer
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Tagrid Leménager
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Bernd Lenz
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
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Proskynitopoulos PJ, Bleich S, Muschler MAN, Buchholz V, Frieling H, Glahn A, Rhein M. Methylation of the Oxytocin, Oxytocin Receptor, and Vasopressin Gene Promoters in Tobacco Use Disorder during Cessation. Neuropsychobiology 2024; 83:28-40. [PMID: 38185116 PMCID: PMC10871687 DOI: 10.1159/000535663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) exert sex-specific effects on social pair bonding and stress reactions while also influencing craving in substance use disorders. In this regard, intranasal oxytocin (OT) and AVP antagonists present potential treatments for tobacco use disorder (TUD). Since transcription of both hormones is also regulated by gene methylation, we hypothesized sex-specific changes in methylation levels of the AVP, OT, and OT receptor (OXTR) gene during nicotine withdrawal. METHODS The study population consisted of 49 smokers (29 males, 20 females) and 51 healthy non-smokers (25 males, 26 females). Blood was drawn at day 1, day 7, and day 14 of smoking cessation. Craving was assessed with the questionnaire on smoking urges (QSU). RESULTS Throughout cessation, mean methylation of the OT promoter gene increased in males and decreased in females. OXTR receptor methylation decreased in females, while in males it was significantly lower at day 7. Regarding the AVP promoter, mean methylation increased in males while there were no changes in females. Using mixed linear modeling, CpG position, time point, sex, and the interaction of time point and sex as well as time point, sex, and QSU had a significant fixed effect on OT and AVP gene methylation. The interaction effect suggests that sex, time point, and QSU are interrelated, meaning that, depending on the sex, methylation could be different at different time points and vice versa. There was no significant effect of QSU on mean OXTR methylation. DISCUSSION We identified differences at specific CpGs between controls and smokers in OT and AVP and in overall methylation of the AVP gene. Furthermore, we found sex-specific changes in mean methylation levels of the mentioned genes throughout smoking cessation, underlining the relevance of sex in the OT and vasopressin system. This is the first study on epigenetic regulation of the OT promoter in TUD. Our results have implications for research on the utility of the AVP and OT system for treating substance craving. Future studies on both targets need to analyze their effect in the context of sex, social factors, and gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefan Bleich
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Vanessa Buchholz
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuroscience, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Helge Frieling
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuroscience, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Alexander Glahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Mathias Rhein
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuroscience, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Jiang J, Zou Y, Xie C, Yang M, Tong Q, Yuan M, Pei X, Deng S, Tian M, Xiao L, Gong Y. Oxytocin alleviates cognitive and memory impairments by decreasing hippocampal microglial activation and synaptic defects via OXTR/ERK/STAT3 pathway in a mouse model of sepsis-associated encephalopathy. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 114:195-213. [PMID: 37648002 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a diffuse brain dysfunction, characterized by cognitive and memory impairments closely linked to hippocampal dysfunction. Though it is well-known that SAE is a diffuse brain dysfunction with microglial activation, the pathological mechanisms of SAE are not well established and effective clinical interventions are lacking. Oxytocin (OXT) is reported to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective roles. However, the effects of OXT on SAE and the underlying mechanisms are not clear. METHODS SAE was induced in adult C57BL/6J male mice by cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) surgery. Exogenous OXT was intranasally applied after surgery. Clinical score, survivor rate, cognitive and memory behaviors, and hippocampal neuronal and non-neuronal functions were evaluated. Cultured microglia challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used to investigate the effects of OXT on microglial functions, including inflammatory cytokines release and phagocytosis. The possible intracellular signal pathways involved in the OXT-induced neuroprotection were explored with RNA sequencing. RESULTS Hippocampal OXT level decreases, while the expression of OXT receptor (OXTR) increases around 24 h after CLP surgery. Intranasal OXT application at a proper dose increases mouse survival rate, alleviates cognitive and memory dysfunction, and restores hippocampal synaptic function and neuronal activity via OXTR in the SAE model. Intraperitoneal or local administration of the OXTR antagonist L-368,899 in hippocampal CA1 region inhibited the protective effects of OXT. Moreover, during the early stages of sepsis, hippocampal microglia are activated, while OXT application reduces microglial phagocytosis and the release of inflammatory cytokines, thereby exerting a neuroprotective effect. OXT may improve the SAE outcomes via the OXTR-ERK-STAT3 signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Our study uncovers the dysfunction of the OXT signal in SAE and shows that intranasal OXT application at a proper dose can alleviate SAE outcomes by reducing microglial overactivation, suggests that OXT may be a promising therapeutic approach in managing SAE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junliang Jiang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Orthopedics & Traumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Yue Zou
- Yunnan Eye Institute & Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Eye Disease Clinical Medical Center, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Chuantong Xie
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Miaoxian Yang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiuping Tong
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mimi Yuan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Pei
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuixiang Deng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mi Tian
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Xiao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ye Gong
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Costa BY, Santos LG, Marianno P, Rae M, de Almeida MG, de Brito MC, Eichler R, Camarini R. Carbetocin Inhibits Behavioral Sensitization to Ethanol in Male and Female Mice, Independent of Corticosterone Levels. TOXICS 2023; 11:893. [PMID: 37999545 PMCID: PMC10674331 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11110893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT), a pro-social peptide, is increasingly recognized as a potential protective substance against drug addiction. In the context of ethanol, previous research has shown OXT's properties in reducing self-administration, alleviating motor impairment in rodents, and reducing craving in humans. However, its role in behavioral sensitization, a neuroadaptive response resulting from repeated drug exposure linked to an increased drug incentive, remains unexplored. OXT is recognized for its role in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, in which corticosterone is acknowledged as a significant factor in the development of behavioral sensitization. This study aimed to investigate the effects of carbetocin (CBT), an analogue of OXT, on the expression of behavioral sensitization to ethanol and the concurrent alterations in plasma corticosterone levels in male and female Swiss mice. We also aimed to confirm previous studies on OXT's impact on ethanol consumption in male mice, but with a focus on CBT, using the two-bottle choice model and the drinking in the dark (DID) methodology. For the sensitization study, the mice received either ethanol (1.8 g/kg, i.p.) or saline treatments daily for 15 consecutive days, followed by treatment with carbetocin (0.64 mg/kg, i.p.) or a vehicle for 6 days. Subsequently, on day 22, all the animals underwent an ethanol challenge to assess the expression of behavioral sensitization. The plasma corticosterone levels were measured on days 21 and 22. The CBT effectively prevented the expression of ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization in both male and female subjects, with no alterations having been detected in their corticosterone levels. In the ethanol consumption study, following an initial phase of ethanol acquisition, the male mice underwent a 6-day treatment with CBT i.p. or saline before being re-exposed to ethanol. We also found a reduction in their ethanol consumption due to the CBT treatment. In conclusion, carbetocin emerges as a promising and effective intervention for mitigating ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization and reducing ethanol intake, highlighting its potential significance in alcohol addiction treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Yamada Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil; (B.Y.C.); (P.M.); (M.R.); (M.C.d.B.); (R.E.)
| | - Luana Gasparini Santos
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil;
| | - Priscila Marianno
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil; (B.Y.C.); (P.M.); (M.R.); (M.C.d.B.); (R.E.)
| | - Mariana Rae
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil; (B.Y.C.); (P.M.); (M.R.); (M.C.d.B.); (R.E.)
| | - Marina Gomes de Almeida
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil; (B.Y.C.); (P.M.); (M.R.); (M.C.d.B.); (R.E.)
| | - Malcon Carneiro de Brito
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil; (B.Y.C.); (P.M.); (M.R.); (M.C.d.B.); (R.E.)
| | - Rosângela Eichler
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil; (B.Y.C.); (P.M.); (M.R.); (M.C.d.B.); (R.E.)
| | - Rosana Camarini
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil; (B.Y.C.); (P.M.); (M.R.); (M.C.d.B.); (R.E.)
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10
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Teng PN, Barakat W, Tran SM, Tran ZM, Bateman NW, Conrads KA, Wilson KN, Oliver J, Gist G, Hood BL, Zhou M, Maxwell GL, Leggio L, Conrads TP, Lee MR. Brain proteomic atlas of alcohol use disorder in adult males. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:318. [PMID: 37833300 PMCID: PMC10575941 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02605-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects transcriptomic, epigenetic and proteomic expression in several organs, including the brain. There has not been a comprehensive analysis of altered protein abundance focusing on the multiple brain regions that undergo neuroadaptations occurring in AUD. We performed a quantitative proteomic analysis using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis of human postmortem tissue from brain regions that play key roles in the development and maintenance of AUD, the amygdala (AMG), hippocampus (HIPP), hypothalamus (HYP), nucleus accumbens (NAc), prefrontal cortex (PFC) and ventral tegmental area (VTA). Brain tissues were from adult males with AUD (n = 11) and matched controls (n = 16). Across the two groups, there were >6000 proteins quantified with differential protein abundance in AUD compared to controls in each of the six brain regions. The region with the greatest number of differentially expressed proteins was the AMG, followed by the HYP. Pathways associated with differentially expressed proteins between groups (fold change > 1.5 and LIMMA p < 0.01) were analyzed by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). In the AMG, adrenergic, opioid, oxytocin, GABA receptor and cytokine pathways were among the most enriched. In the HYP, dopaminergic signaling pathways were the most enriched. Proteins with differential abundance in AUD highlight potential therapeutic targets such as oxytocin, CSNK1D (PF-670462), GABAB receptor and opioid receptors and may lead to the identification of other potential targets. These results improve our understanding of the molecular alterations of AUD across brain regions that are associated with the development and maintenance of AUD. Proteomic data from this study is publicly available at www.lmdomics.org/AUDBrainProteomeAtlas/ .
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Affiliation(s)
- Pang-Ning Teng
- Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Waleed Barakat
- Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sophie M Tran
- Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Zoe M Tran
- Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nicholas W Bateman
- Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kelly A Conrads
- Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Katlin N Wilson
- Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Julie Oliver
- Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Glenn Gist
- Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Brian L Hood
- Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ming Zhou
- Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Women's Service Line, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA, USA
| | - G Larry Maxwell
- Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Women's Service Line, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA, USA
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Medication Development Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Division of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Thomas P Conrads
- Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Women's Service Line, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA, USA.
| | - Mary R Lee
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.
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11
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Schimmer J, Patwell R, Küppers S, Grinevich V. The Relationship Between Oxytocin and Alcohol Dependence. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2023. [PMID: 37697074 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2023_444] [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: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
The hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) is well known for its prosocial, anxiolytic, and ameliorating effects on various psychiatric conditions, including alcohol use disorder (AUD). In this chapter, we will first introduce the basic neurophysiology of the OT system and its interaction with other neuromodulatory and neurotransmitter systems in the brain. Next, we provide an overview over the current state of research examining the effects of acute and chronic alcohol exposure on the OT system as well as the effects of OT system manipulation on alcohol-related behaviors in rodents and humans. In rodent models of AUD, OT has been repeatedly shown to reduce ethanol consumption, particularly in models of acute alcohol exposure. In humans however, the results of OT administration on alcohol-related behaviors are promising but not yet conclusive. Therefore, we further discuss several physiological and methodological limitations to the effective application of OT in the clinic and how they may be mitigated by the application of synthetic OT receptor (OTR) agonists. Finally, we discuss the potential efficacy of cutting-edge pharmacology and gene therapies designed to specifically enhance endogenous OT release and thereby rescue deficient expression of OT in the brains of patients with severe forms of AUD and other incurable mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Schimmer
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ryan Patwell
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Stephanie Küppers
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Valery Grinevich
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.
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12
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Becker HC, Lopez MF, King CE, Griffin WC. Oxytocin Reduces Sensitized Stress-Induced Alcohol Relapse in a Model of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder Comorbidity. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 94:215-225. [PMID: 36822933 PMCID: PMC10247903 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is high comorbidity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder with few effective treatment options. Animal models of PTSD have shown increases in alcohol drinking, but effects of stress history on subsequent vulnerability to alcohol relapse have not been examined. Here we present a mouse model of PTSD involving chronic multimodal stress exposure that resulted in long-lasting sensitization to stress-induced alcohol relapse, and this sensitized stress response was blocked by oxytocin (OT) administration. METHODS Male and female mice trained to self-administer alcohol were exposed to predator odor (TMT) + yohimbine over 5 consecutive days or left undisturbed. After reestablishing stable alcohol responding/intake, mice were tested under extinction conditions, and then all mice were exposed to TMT or context cues previously associated with TMT before a reinstatement test session. Separate studies examined messenger RNA expression of Oxt and Oxtr in hypothalamus following chronic stress exposure. A final study examined the effects of systemic administration of OT on stress-induced alcohol relapse in mice with and without a history of chronic stress experience. RESULTS Chronic stress exposure produced long-lasting sensitization to subsequent stress-induced alcohol relapse that also generalized to stress-related context cues and transcriptional changes in hypothalamic OT system. OT injected before the reinstatement test session completely blocked the sensitized stress-induced alcohol relapse effect. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these results provide support for the therapeutic potential of OT, along with highlighting the value of utilizing this model in evaluating other pharmacological interventions for treatment of PTSD/alcohol use disorder comorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard C Becker
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina; Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina; Ralph H. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina.
| | - Marcelo F Lopez
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Courtney E King
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - William C Griffin
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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13
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Wilfur SM, McNeely EC, Lackan AA, Bowers CP, Leong KC. Oxytocin Attenuates Yohimbine-Induced Reinstatement of Alcohol-Seeking in Female Rats via the Central Amygdala. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:556. [PMID: 37504003 PMCID: PMC10376410 DOI: 10.3390/bs13070556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder is a significant public health concern, further exacerbated by an increased risk of relapse due to stress. In addition, factors such as biological sex may contribute to the progression of addiction, as females are especially susceptible to stress-induced relapse. While there have been many studies surrounding potential pharmacological interventions for male stress-induced ethanol reinstatement, research regarding females is scarce. Recently, the neuropeptide oxytocin has gained interest as a possible pharmacological intervention for relapse. The present study examines how oxytocin affects yohimbine-induced reinstatement of ethanol-seeking in female rats using a self-administration paradigm. Adult female rats were trained to press a lever to access ethanol in daily self-administration sessions. Rats then underwent extinction training before a yohimbine-induced reinstatement test. Rats administered with yohimbine demonstrated significantly higher lever response indicating a reinstatement of ethanol-seeking behavior. Oxytocin administration, both systemically and directly into the central amygdala, attenuated the effect of yohimbine-induced reinstatement of ethanol-seeking behavior. The findings from this study establish that oxytocin is effective at attenuating alcohol-relapse behavior mediated by the pharmacological stressor yohimbine and that this effect is modulated by the central amygdala in females. This provides valuable insight regarding oxytocin's potential therapeutic effect in female stress-induced alcohol relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Wilfur
- Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA
| | | | - Aliya A Lackan
- Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA
| | - Cassie P Bowers
- Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA
| | - Kah-Chung Leong
- Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA
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14
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Potretzke S, Zhang Y, Li J, Fecteau KM, Erikson DW, Hibert M, Ryabinin AE. Male-selective effects of oxytocin agonism on alcohol intake: behavioral assessment in socially housed prairie voles and involvement of RAGE. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:920-928. [PMID: 36369481 PMCID: PMC10156683 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01490-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Targeting the oxytocin (OXT) peptide system has emerged as a promising new approach for the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, further advancements in this development depend on properly modeling various complex social aspects of AUD and its treatment. Here we examined behavioral and molecular underpinnings of OXT receptor (OXTR) agonism in prairie voles, a rodent species with demonstrated translational validity for neurobiological mechanisms regulating social affiliations. To further improve translational validity of these studies, we examined effects of intranasal (IN) OXT administration in male and female prairie voles socially housed in the presence of untreated cagemates. IN OXT selectively inhibited alcohol drinking in male, but not female, animals. Further, we confirmed that exogenously administered OXT penetrates the prairie vole brain and showed that Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-products assists this penetration after IN, but not intraperitoneal (IP), OXT administration. Finally, we demonstrated that IP administration of LIT-001, a small-molecule OXTR agonist, inhibits alcohol intake in male, but not female, prairie voles socially housed in the presence of untreated cagemates. Taken together, results of this study support the promise of selectively targeting OXTR for individualized treatment of AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheena Potretzke
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Yangmiao Zhang
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Ju Li
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Kristopher M Fecteau
- Endocrine Technologies Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - David W Erikson
- Endocrine Technologies Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Marcel Hibert
- Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique, Faculté de Pharmacie, UMR7200 CNRS/Université de Strasbourg, 74 Route du Rhin, F-67412, Illkirch, France
| | - Andrey E Ryabinin
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
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15
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Hoffmann S, Gerhardt S, Koopmann A, Bach P, Sommer WH, Kiefer F, Mazza M, Lenz B. Body mass index interacts with sex to predict readmission in in-patients with alcohol use disorder. Addict Biol 2023; 28:e13239. [PMID: 36577723 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
A previous highly controlled pilot study revealed that body mass index (BMI) predicts outcome of in-patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) in a sex-specific manner. We here provide translational evidence from a daily clinical routine setting and investigated whether BMI and sex interact to predict 24-month readmission risk in four naturalistic cohorts of a specialized addiction clinic (i.e., all patients admitted to the clinic from 2016 to 2020): (i) in-patients (443 males and 197 females) and (ii) day clinic patients (241 males and 103 females) with a primary diagnosis of AUD; (iii) in-patients (175 males and 98 females) and (iv) day clinic patients (174 males and 64 females) with a primary substance use disorder (SUD) other than alcohol. In the in-patients with AUD, BMI interacted with sex to predict the 24-month readmission risks (p = 0.008; after adjustment for age and liver enzyme activities: p = 0.012); with higher BMI, the risk increases significantly in males, whereas for females, the risk tends to decrease. In the group of overweight in-patients, we found higher readmission rates in males relative to females with an odds ratio of 1.8 (p = 0.038). No such significant effects were found in the other cohorts. This study's findings support previous results, suggesting that the easily accessible BMI may serve as a predictive and sex-sensitive biomarker for outcome in in-patients with AUD. Future studies are necessary to elucidate the underlying aetiopathological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Hoffmann
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Department of Biostatistics, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sarah Gerhardt
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Anne Koopmann
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Patrick Bach
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Wolfgang H Sommer
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Department of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Bethanian Hospital for Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Falk Kiefer
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Massimiliano Mazza
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Bernd Lenz
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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16
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Tan H, Hubertus S, Thomas S, Lee AM, Gerhardt S, Gerchen MF, Sommer WH, Kiefer F, Schad L, Vollstädt-Klein S. Association between iron accumulation in the dorsal striatum and compulsive drinking in alcohol use disorder. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:249-257. [PMID: 36577866 PMCID: PMC9879829 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06301-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Brain iron accumulation has been observed in neuropsychiatric disorders and shown to be related to neurodegeneration. OBJECTIVES In this study, we used quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM), an emerging MRI technique developed for quantifying tissue magnetic susceptibility, to examine brain iron accumulation in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and its relation to compulsive drinking. METHODS Based on our previous projects, QSM was performed as a secondary analysis with gradient echo sequence images, in 186 individuals with AUD and 274 healthy participants. Whole-brain susceptibility values were calculated with morphology-enabled dipole inversion and referenced to the cerebrospinal fluid. Then, the susceptibility maps were compared between AUD individuals and healthy participants. The relationship between drinking patterns and susceptibility was explored. RESULTS Whole-brain analyses showed that the susceptibility in the dorsal striatum (putamen and caudate) among AUD individuals was higher than healthy participants and was positively related to the Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS) scores and the amount of drinking in the past three months. CONCLUSIONS Increased susceptibility suggests higher iron accumulation in the dorsal striatum in AUD. This surrogate for the brain iron level was linearly associated with the compulsive drinking pattern and the recent amount of drinking, which provides us a new clinical perspective in relation to brain iron accumulation, and also might indicate an association of AUD with neuroinflammation as a consequence of brain iron accumulation. The iron accumulation in the striatum is further relevant for functional imaging studies in AUD by potentially producing signal dropout and artefacts in fMRI images.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoye Tan
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Addictive Behaviour and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty of Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Simon Hubertus
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Computer Assisted Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty of Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sebastian Thomas
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Computer Assisted Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty of Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Alycia M. Lee
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Addictive Behaviour and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty of Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sarah Gerhardt
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Addictive Behaviour and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty of Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Martin Fungisai Gerchen
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty of Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany ,grid.455092.fBernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Heidelberg/Mannheim, 68159 Mannheim, Germany ,grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Psychology, Heidelberg University, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang H. Sommer
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Addictive Behaviour and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty of Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany ,grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany ,Bethania Hospital for Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Falk Kiefer
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Addictive Behaviour and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty of Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany ,grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Mannheim Center for Translational Neurosciences (MCTN), Medical Faculty of Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany ,grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Feuerlein Center on Translational Addiction Medicine, Heidelberg University, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lothar Schad
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Computer Assisted Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty of Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sabine Vollstädt-Klein
- Department of Addictive Behaviour and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty of Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159, Mannheim, Germany. .,Mannheim Center for Translational Neurosciences (MCTN), Medical Faculty of Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159, Mannheim, Germany.
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17
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Meta-analytic evidence for a sex-diverging association between alcohol use and body mass index. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21869. [PMID: 36535973 PMCID: PMC9763242 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25653-w] [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: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use is an important health issue and has been suggested to contribute to the burden produced by obesity. Both alcohol use and obesity are subject to sex differences. The available studies on the relationship between alcohol use and body mass index (BMI) report inconsistent results with positive, negative, and null findings which requests a meta-analytic approach. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of case-control, cohort, and cross-sectional studies. The systematic literature search and data extraction was performed by 3 independent raters. We conducted sex-separated meta-analyses and -regressions to investigate how alcohol consumption associates with BMI. Our systematic literature search resulted in 36 studies with 48 data sets (Nmen = 172,254; kmen = 30; Nwomen = 24,164; kwomen = 18; Nunknown sex = 672,344; kunknown sex = 24). Alcohol use was associated with higher BMI in men (g = 0.08 [0.07; 0.09]) and lower BMI in women (g = - 0.26 [- 0.29; - 0.22]). Moreover, we found the amount of daily alcohol intake in men (β = 0.001 [0.0008; 0.0014]) and ethnicity in women (g[Caucasians] = - 0.45 versus g[Asians] = - 0.05; z = 11.5, p < 0.0001) to moderate these effects. We here identified sex-diverging relationships between alcohol use and BMI, found daily alcohol intake and ethnicity to sex-specifically moderate these effects, and argue that sex-specific choice of beverage type and higher amount of daily alcohol use in men than in women account for these observations. Future research is needed to provide empirical evidence for the underlying mechanisms.
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18
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Giannotti G, Mottarlini F, Heinsbroek JA, Mandel MR, James MH, Peters J. Oxytocin and orexin systems bidirectionally regulate the ability of opioid cues to bias reward seeking. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:432. [PMID: 36195606 PMCID: PMC9532415 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02161-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
As opioid-related fatalities continue to rise, the need for novel opioid use disorder (OUD) treatments could not be more urgent. Two separate hypothalamic neuropeptide systems have shown promise in preclinical OUD models. The oxytocin system, originating in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), may protect against OUD severity. By contrast, the orexin system, originating in the lateral hypothalamus (LH), may exacerbate OUD severity. Thus, activating the oxytocin system or inhibiting the orexin system are potential therapeutic strategies. The specific role of these systems with regard to specific OUD outcomes, however, is not fully understood. Here, we probed the therapeutic efficacy of pharmacological interventions targeting the orexin or oxytocin system on two distinct metrics of OUD severity in rats-heroin choice (versus choice for natural reward, i.e., food) and cued reward seeking. Using a preclinical model that generates approximately equal choice between heroin and food reward, we examined the impact of exogenously administered oxytocin, an oxytocin receptor antagonist (L-368,899), and a dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA-12) on opioid choice. Whereas these agents did not alter heroin choice when rewards (heroin and food) were available, oxytocin and DORA-12 each significantly reduced heroin seeking in the presence of competing reward cues when no rewards were available. In addition, the number of LH orexin neurons and PVN oxytocin neurons correlated with specific behavioral economic variables indicative of heroin versus food motivation. These data identify a novel bidirectional role of the oxytocin and orexin systems in the ability of opioid-related cues to bias reward seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Giannotti
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Francesca Mottarlini
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045 USA ,grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Jasper A. Heinsbroek
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Mitchel R. Mandel
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Morgan H. James
- grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Department of Psychiatry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - Jamie Peters
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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19
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Fischler PV, Soyka M, Seifritz E, Mutschler J. Off-label and investigational drugs in the treatment of alcohol use disorder: A critical review. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:927703. [PMID: 36263121 PMCID: PMC9574013 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.927703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Compounds known to be successful in the treatment of alcohol use disorder include the aversive agent, Disulfiram, the glutamatergic NMDA receptor antagonist, Acamprosate, and the opioid receptor antagonists, Naltrexone and Nalmefene. Although all four are effective in maintaining abstinence or reduction of alcohol consumption, only a small percentage of patients receive pharmacological treatment. In addition, many other medications have been investigated for their therapeutic potential in the treatment of alcohol use disorder. In this review we summarize and compare Baclofen, Gabapentin, Topiramate, Ondansetron, Varenicline, Aripiprazole, Quetiapine, Clozapine, Antidepressants, Lithium, Neuropeptide Y, Neuropeptide S, Corticotropin-releasing factor antagonists, Oxytocin, PF-05190457, Memantine, Ifenprodil, Samidorphan, Ondelopran, ABT-436, SSR149415, Mifepristone, Ibudilast, Citicoline, Rimonabant, Surinabant, AM4113 and Gamma-hydroxybutyrate While some have shown promising results in the treatment of alcohol use disorder, others have disappointed and should be excluded from further investigation. Here we discuss the most promising results and highlight medications that deserve further preclinical or clinical study. Effective, patient-tailored treatment will require greater understanding provided by many more preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Valentin Fischler
- Department for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Women’s Clinic Lucerne, Cantonal Hospital of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Pascal Valentin Fischler,
| | - Michael Soyka
- Psychiatric Hospital University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Director of the Clinic for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Clinic Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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20
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The dual neural effects of oxytocin in autistic youth: results from a randomized trial. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16304. [PMID: 36175473 PMCID: PMC9523043 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19524-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent discoveries have highlighted the effects of oxytocin (OT) on social behavior and perception among autistic individuals. However, a gap persists in the literature regarding the potential effects of OT and the neural temporal dynamics due to OT administration. We explored the effect of OT on autistic individuals using magnetoencephalography (MEG), focusing on M100, M170, and M250, social perception-related components that tend to show atypical patterns in autistic individuals. Twenty-five autistic adolescents participated in this randomized, double-blind MEG study. Autistic individuals arrived at the lab twice and received an acute dose of intranasal OT or placebo in each session. During the scans, participants were asked to identify pictures of social and non-social stimuli. Additionally, 23 typically developing (TD) adolescents performed the same task in the MEG as a benchmark that allowed us to better characterize neural regions of interest and behavioral results for this age group in this task. A source-model beamformer analysis revealed that OT enhanced neural activity for social stimuli in frontal regions during M170. Additionally, in each of the preselected time windows, OT increased activation in the left hemisphere, regardless of the content of the presented stimuli. We suggest that OT increased the processing of social stimuli through two separate mechanisms. First, OT increased neural activity in a nonspecific manner, allowing increased allocation of attention toward the stimuli. Second, OT enhanced M170 activity in frontal regions only in response to social stimuli. These results reveal the temporal dynamics of the effects of OT on the early stages of social and non-social perception in autistic adolescents. Trial registration: This study was a part of a project registered as clinical trial October 27th, 2021. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05096676.
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21
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Mühle C, Mazza M, Weinland C, von Zimmermann C, Bach P, Kiefer F, Grinevich V, Zoicas I, Kornhuber J, Lenz B. Elevated Oxytocin Receptor Blood Concentrations Predict Higher Risk for, More, and Earlier 24-Month Hospital Readmissions after In-Patient Detoxification in Males with Alcohol Use Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179940. [PMID: 36077337 PMCID: PMC9455990 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a major global mental health challenge. Knowledge concerning mechanisms underlying AUD and predictive biomarkers of AUD progression and relapse are insufficient. Recently, addiction research is focusing attention on the oxytocin system. However, to our knowledge, blood concentrations of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) have not yet been studied in AUD. Here, in sex-separated analyses, OXTR serum concentrations were compared between early-abstinent in-patients with AUD (113 men, 87 women) and age-matched healthy controls (133 men, 107 women). The OXTR concentrations were correlated with sex hormone and oxytocin concentrations and alcohol-related hospital readmissions during a 24-month follow-up. In male patients with AUD, higher OXTR concentrations were found in those with an alcohol-related readmission than in those without (143%; p = 0.004), and they correlated with more prospective readmissions (ρ = 0.249; p = 0.008) and fewer days to the first readmission (ρ = −0.268; p = 0.004). In men and women, OXTR concentrations did not significantly differ between patients with AUD and controls. We found lower OXTR concentrations in smokers versus non-smokers in female patients (61%; p = 0.001) and controls (51%; p = 0.003). In controls, OXTR concentrations correlated with dihydrotestosterone (men, ρ = 0.189; p = 0.030) and testosterone concentrations (women, ρ = 0.281; p = 0.003). This clinical study provides novel insight into the role of serum OXTR levels in AUD. Future studies are encouraged to add to the available knowledge and investigate clinical implications of OXTR blood concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Mühle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +49-9131-85-44738; Fax: +49-9131-85-36381
| | - Massimiliano Mazza
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, J 5, D-68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christian Weinland
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Claudia von Zimmermann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Patrick Bach
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, J 5, D-68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Falk Kiefer
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, J 5, D-68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Valery Grinevich
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, J 5, D-68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Iulia Zoicas
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bernd Lenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Schwabachanlage 6, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, J 5, D-68159 Mannheim, Germany
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22
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Joseph JE, Bustos N, Crum K, Flanagan J, Baker NL, Hartwell K, Santa-Maria MM, Brady K, McRae-Clark A. Oxytocin moderates corticolimbic social stress reactivity in cocaine use disorder and healthy controls. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2022; 11:100150. [PMID: 35967924 PMCID: PMC9363641 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2022.100150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Social stress can contribute to the development of substance use disorders (SUDs) and increase the likelihood of relapse. Oxytocin (OT) is a potential pharmacotherapy that may buffer the effects of social stress on arousal and reward neurocircuitry. However, more research is needed to understand how OT moderates the brain’s response to social stress in SUDs. The present study examined the effect of intransasal OT (24 IU) versus placebo (PBO) on corticolimbic functional connectivity associated with acute social stress in individuals with cocaine use disorder (CUD; n = 67) and healthy controls (HC; n = 52). Psychophysiological interaction modeling used the left and right amygdala as seed regions with the left and right orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate cortex as a priori regions of interest. Moderators of the OT response included childhood trauma history and biological sex, which were examined in independent analyses. The main finding was that OT normalized corticolimbic connectivity (left amygdala-orbitofrontal and left amygdala-anterior cingulate) as a function of childhood trauma such that connectivity was different between trauma-present and trauma-absent groups on PBO, but not between trauma groups on OT. Effects of OT on corticolimbic connectivity were not different as a function of diagnosis (CUD vs HC) or sex. However, OT reduced subjective anxiety during social stress for CUD participants who reported childhood trauma compared to PBO and normalized craving response as a function of sex in CUD. The present findings add to some prior findings of normalizing effects of OT on corticolimbic circuitry in individuals with trauma histories and provide some initial support that OT can normalize subjective anxiety and craving in CUD. Social stress-related corticolimbic connectivity was affected by childhood trauma under placebo. Under oxytocin, corticolimbic connectivity differences due to childhood trauma were absent. Oxytocin reduced subjective anxiety in cocaine users with childhood trauma. Oxytocin reduced subjective craving in male cocaine users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane E. Joseph
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Cannon Street, Charleston SC, 29425, USA
- Corresponding author.
| | - Nicholas Bustos
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Cannon Street, Charleston SC, 29425, USA
| | - Kathleen Crum
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Cannon Street, Charleston SC, 29425, USA
- Department of Psychiatry Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Julianne Flanagan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Nathaniel L. Baker
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Karen Hartwell
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Megan Moran Santa-Maria
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Boehringer Ingelheim, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Kathleen Brady
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Aimee McRae-Clark
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
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23
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Dunigan AI, Roseberry AG. Actions of feeding-related peptides on the mesolimbic dopamine system in regulation of natural and drug rewards. ADDICTION NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 2:100011. [PMID: 37220637 PMCID: PMC10201992 DOI: 10.1016/j.addicn.2022.100011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The mesolimbic dopamine system is the primary neural circuit mediating motivation, reinforcement, and reward-related behavior. The activity of this system and multiple behaviors controlled by it are affected by changes in feeding and body weight, such as fasting, food restriction, or the development of obesity. Multiple different peptides and hormones that have been implicated in the control of feeding and body weight interact with the mesolimbic dopamine system to regulate many different dopamine-dependent, reward-related behaviors. In this review, we summarize the effects of a selected set of feeding-related peptides and hormones acting within the ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens to alter feeding, as well as food, drug, and social reward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna I. Dunigan
- Department of Biology and Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Aaron G. Roseberry
- Department of Biology and Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
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24
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Kozanian OO, Nedelescu H, Kufahl PR, Mayford M, Weiss F. Compulsive Alcohol Seeking and Relapse: Central Role of Conditioning Factors Associated with Alleviation of Withdrawal States by Alcohol. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 179:4330-4343. [PMID: 35411600 PMCID: PMC9388476 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Learned associations between environmental stimuli and drugs of abuse represent a major factor in the chronically relapsing nature of drug addiction. In drug dependent subjects these associations must be presumed to include associations linked to reversal of adverse withdrawal states by drug use—“withdrawal‐associated learning” (WDL). However, their significance in drug seeking has received little experimental scrutiny. Experimental Approach Using alcohol as a drug of abuse, the behavioural consequences of WDL were investigated in animal models of relapse and compulsive drug seeking by comparing the effects of WD L‐associated stimuli versus stimuli associated with alcohol without WDL experience in nondependent and post‐dependent rats. Brain sites activated by exposure to the respective stimuli were identified by c‐fos immunohistochemistry. Key Results (1) WDL‐associated stimuli elicited significant alcohol seeking. In rats with WDL experience, stimuli associated with alcohol in the nondependent state no longer elicited robust alcohol seeking. (2) Responding elicited by WDL‐associated stimuli, but not stimuli conditioned to alcohol in the nondependent state, was resistant to footshock punishment and increased response effort requirements for presentation of WDL‐related stimuli. (3) Stimuli conditioned to alcohol in rats with a dependence but not WDL history did not sustain punished responding or tolerance of increased effort. (4) The central nucleus of the amygdala was identified as a site selectively responsive to WDL stimulus exposure. Conclusion and Implications Environmental stimuli associated with reversal of adverse withdrawal states by alcohol elicit compulsive‐like alcohol seeking and establish WDL as a major, not well‐recognized factor, in relapse vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga O Kozanian
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA
| | - Hermina Nedelescu
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA
| | - Peter R Kufahl
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA.,Current Address: Zxerex Corporation, in Scottsdale, Arizona
| | - Mark Mayford
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, La Jolla, CA
| | - Friedbert Weiss
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA
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25
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Zimmermann S, Thomas BC, Krisam J, Limprecht R, Klose C, Stenger M, Pourbaix M, Ries M, Vollstaedt-Klein S, Koopmann A, Lenz B, Kiefer F, Bach P. ON-ICE trial: Investigation of the combined effects of oxytocin and naltrexone on stress-induced and alcohol cue-induced craving in alcohol use disorder-Study protocol of a phase II randomised double-blind placebo-controlled parallel-group trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e059672. [PMID: 35410938 PMCID: PMC9003596 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although alcohol dependence (AD) is highly prevalent, only few medications are approved for its treatment. While currently approved medications, such as naltrexone (NTX), reduce craving and relapse risk to a certain extent, new approaches are needed to complement these pharmaca. One potential compound is oxytocin (OXY), which proved beneficial effects on alcohol craving and stress reactivity in preliminary clinical studies and synergism with NTX effects. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This clinical phase II trial is a monocentre two-armed, placebo (PLC)-controlled, 1:1 randomised, double-blind, parallel-group study. 62 participants with AD will be randomised to receive either intranasal OXY spray (24 IU) or PLC spray plus oral NTX (50 mg) for 2 days, and alcohol craving will be assessed using a validated combined stress-exposure and cue-exposure experiments and MRI. The primary outcome will be the intensity of alcohol craving, assessed using the Alcohol Urge Questionnaire (AUQ), 60 min after OXY/PLC application, directly after the stress and cue exposures. Secondary outcomes include subjective stress, negative affect, cortisol and OXY plasma levels, and neural response to alcohol and emotional cues and natural rewards. Follow-up drinking data were collected over 90 days. The primary efficacy analysis will test the difference between the verum and the PLC group in the distribution of AUQ craving scores. Appropriate statistical analysis will be used for the evaluation of the secondary outcomes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This trial has been approved by the ethics committee of Heidelberg University and competent authority. All participants in the trial will provide written informed consent. The study will be conducted according to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and in accordance to the German Medicinal Products act. Results of this study will be disseminated in peer-reviewed scientific journals and deidentified data, and the statistical analysis plan will be made available via open-access online repositories. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS EudraCT 2021-003610-40 and NCT05093296.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Zimmermann
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Bettina C Thomas
- Coordination Centre for Clinical Trials (KKS), Medical Faculty, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Johannes Krisam
- Institute of Medical Biometry (IMBI), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ronald Limprecht
- Institute of Medical Biometry (IMBI), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christina Klose
- Institute of Medical Biometry (IMBI), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Manuel Stenger
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Madeleine Pourbaix
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Marcel Ries
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sabine Vollstaedt-Klein
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Anne Koopmann
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Bernd Lenz
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Falk Kiefer
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Patrick Bach
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany
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26
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Rung JM, Kidder QA, Horta M, Nazarloo HP, Carter CS, Berry MS, Ebner NC. Associations between alcohol use and peripheral, genetic, and epigenetic markers of oxytocin in a general sample of young and older adults. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2425. [PMID: 35146961 PMCID: PMC8933764 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human and nonhuman animal research suggests that greater oxytocin (OT) activity is protective against harmful substance use. Most research on this topic is preclinical, with few studies evaluating the association between substance use and individual differences in the human OT system. The present study sought to fill this gap by evaluating the relationship between alcohol use and multiple biological measures of OT activity in an overall low to moderate-drinking sample. METHOD As part of a larger study, generally healthy young (n = 51) and older (n = 53) adults self-reported whether they regularly used alcohol and how much alcohol they consumed per week. Participants also provided blood samples from which peripheral OT, and in an age-heterogeneous subset of participants (n = 56) variation in the oxytocin receptor gene (the OXTR rs53576 polymorphism) and OXTR DNA methylation levels (at cytosine-guanine dinucleotide sites -860, -924, -934), were obtained. RESULTS A-allele carriers of the OXTR rs53579 polymorphism were less likely to regularly consume alcohol. Among regular alcohol consumers, number of alcoholic drinks per week was positively associated with peripheral OT in regression models excluding observations of high influence (postdiagnostic models). Number of alcoholic drinks per week was consistently negatively associated with OXTR DNA methylation at site -860; and with OXTR DNA methylation at site -924 in postdiagnostic models. CONCLUSIONS The significant associations between alcohol use and individual differences in OT activity support the involvement of the OT system in alcohol use, which most likely reflect the role of OT when alcohol use is under control of its rewarding properties and/or the acute impacts of alcohol on the OT system. Additional research with markers of OT activity and alcohol use, particularly longitudinal, is needed to clarify the bidirectional effects of OT and alcohol use in moderate to harmful drinking and dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian M Rung
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Department of Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Quintin A Kidder
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Marilyn Horta
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - H P Nazarloo
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - C Sue Carter
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Meredith S Berry
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Department of Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence (PRICE), College of Medicine, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Natalie C Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence (PRICE), College of Medicine, Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Department of Aging & Geriatric Research, Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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27
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Creswell KG, Sayette MA. How laboratory studies of cigarette craving can inform the experimental alcohol craving literature. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2022; 46:344-358. [PMID: 35037262 PMCID: PMC8920775 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Interest in alcohol and other drug craving has flourished over the past two decades, and evidence has accumulated showing that craving can be meaningfully linked to both drug use and relapse. Considerable human experimental alcohol craving research since 2000 has focused on craving as a clinical phenomenon. Self-reported craving to drink typically has served as a catch-all for the craving construct in these studies, whereas few studies have considered craving as a process (or hypothetical construct) that interacts with other phenomena to affect use. In contrast to alcohol, we believe that recently there has been more mechanistic work targeting cigarette craving-related processes. Here, we briefly present a narrative review of studies of acute alcohol craving in humans that have been conducted during the past two decades. We then specify important ways in which alcohol and tobacco differ (e.g., the role of withdrawal), and we note the unique challenges in inducing robust alcohol craving states in the laboratory. Finally, we offer recommendations for how the alcohol field might advance its conceptual understanding of craving by adopting ideas and methods drawn from the smoking research literature. Specifically, we suggest that researchers extend their studies to not only examine the link between alcohol craving and relapse but also to focus on why and, in some instances, how alcohol cravings matter clinically, and the circumstances under which craving especially matters. We propose research to investigate the shifts in alcohol-related cognitive and affective processing that occur during alcohol craving states. Furthermore, we highlight the value of research examining the level of insight that individuals with varying levels of alcohol involvement possess about their own craving-related processing shifts. We believe that laboratory studies can provide rich opportunities to examine conceptual questions about alcohol craving that are central to addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasey G. Creswell
- Department of PsychologyCarnegie Mellon UniversityPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Michael A. Sayette
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
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28
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Ryabinin AE, Zhang Y. Barriers and Breakthroughs in Targeting the Oxytocin System to Treat Alcohol Use Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:842609. [PMID: 35295777 PMCID: PMC8919088 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.842609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of better treatments for alcohol use disorder (AUD) is urgently needed. One promising opportunity for this development is the potential of targeting the oxytocin peptide system. Preclinical studies showed that administration of exogenous oxytocin or, more recently, stimulation of neurons expressing endogenous oxytocin lead to a decreased alcohol consumption across several rodent models. Initial clinical studies also showed that administration of oxytocin decreased craving for alcohol and heavy alcohol drinking. However, several more recent clinical studies were not able to replicate these effects. Thus, although targeting the oxytocin system holds promise for the treatment of AUD, more nuanced approaches toward development and application of these treatments are needed. In this mini-review we discuss potential caveats resulting in differential success of attempts to use oxytocin for modulating alcohol use disorder-related behaviors in clinical studies and evaluate three directions in which targeting the oxytocin system could be improved: (1) increasing potency of exogenously administered oxytocin, (2) developing oxytocin receptor agonists, and (3) stimulating components of the endogenous oxytocin system. Both advances and potential pitfalls of these directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey E. Ryabinin
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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Sommer WH, Canals S, Bifone A, Heilig M, Hyytiä P. From a systems view to spotting a hidden island: A narrative review implicating insula function in alcoholism. Neuropharmacology 2022; 209:108989. [PMID: 35217032 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.108989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Excessive use of alcohol promotes the development of alcohol addiction, but the understanding of how alcohol-induced brain alterations lead to addiction remains limited. To further this understanding, we adopted an unbiased discovery strategy based on the principles of systems medicine. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging data from patients and animal models of alcohol addiction-like behaviors, and developed mathematical models of the 'relapse-prone' network states to identify brain sites and functional networks that can be selectively targeted by therapeutic interventions. Our systems level, non-local, and largely unbiased analyses converged on a few well-defined brain regions, with the insula emerging as one of the most consistent finding across studies. In proof-of-concept experiments we were able to demonstrate that it is possible to guide network dynamics towards increased resilience in animals but an initial translation into a clinical trial targeting the insula failed. Here, in a narrative review, we summarize the key experiments, methodological developments and knowledge gained from this completed round of a discovery cycle moving from identification of 'relapse-prone' network states in humans and animals to target validation and intervention trial. Future concerted efforts are necessary to gain a deeper understanding of insula function a in a state-dependent, circuit-specific and cell population perspective, and to develop the means for insula-directed interventions, before therapeutic targeting of this structure may become possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang H Sommer
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Bethania Hospital for Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Santiago Canals
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03550, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Angelo Bifone
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Sustainable Future Technologies, Torino, Italy
| | - Markus Heilig
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Linköping University and Dept. of Psychiatry, Linköping Univ. Hospital, S-581 85, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Petri Hyytiä
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
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Peris J, Totten K, Montgomery D, Lester H, Weatherington A, Piotrowski B, Sowell S, Doyle K, Scott K, Tan Y, MacFadyen KA, Engle H, de Kloet AD, Krause EG. Conditioned social preference and reward value of activating oxytocin-receptor-expressing ventral tegmental area neurons following repeated daily binge ethanol intake. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2022; 46:194-206. [PMID: 34964139 PMCID: PMC8858886 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) exhibit a disruption of social behavior and dysregulation of oxytocin signaling in the brain, possibly reflecting decreased activation of oxytocin receptors (OxTRs) in reward pathways in response to social stimuli. We hypothesize that daily binge ethanol intake causes a deficit in social reward and oxytocin signaling in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). METHODS After 9 weeks of daily binge ethanol intake (blood ethanol concentration >80 mg%), OxTR-cre mice underwent conditioned place preference for social reward. Separate groups of mice were tested for the effects of binge ethanol on voluntary social interactions, food reward, locomotion, and anxiety-like behaviors. A subset of mice underwent transfection of OxTR-expressing VTA neurons (VTAOxtr ) with a light-sensitive opsin, followed by operant training to respond to light delivered to VTA. RESULTS Ethanol-naïve male mice increased the time spent on the side previously paired with novel mice while ethanol-treated mice did not. Binge ethanol did not affect conditioned place preference for food reward in males, but this response was weakened in ethanol-treated females. Ethanol treatment also caused a sex-specific impairment of voluntary social interactions with novel mice. There were minimal differences between groups in measures of anxiety and locomotion. Ethanol-naïve mice had significantly greater operant responding for activation of VTAOxtr than sham-transfected mice but ethanol-treated mice did not. There was no difference in the number of VTAOxtr after binge ethanol. CONCLUSIONS Daily binge ethanol causes social reward deficits that cannot be explained by nonspecific effects on other behaviors, at least in males. Only ethanol-naïve mice exhibited positive reinforcement caused by activation of VTAOxtr while daily binge ethanol did not alter the number of VTAOxtr in either males or females. Thus, subtle dysregulation of VTAOxtr function may be related to the social reward deficits caused by daily binge ethanol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Peris
- University of Florida, Department of Pharmacodynamics, Gainesville FL 32610 USA
| | - Katye Totten
- University of Florida, Department of Pharmacodynamics, Gainesville FL 32610 USA
| | - Darrice Montgomery
- University of Florida, Department of Pharmacodynamics, Gainesville FL 32610 USA
| | - Hannah Lester
- University of Florida, Department of Pharmacodynamics, Gainesville FL 32610 USA
| | | | - Brian Piotrowski
- University of Florida, Department of Pharmacodynamics, Gainesville FL 32610 USA
| | - Sam Sowell
- University of Florida, Department of Pharmacodynamics, Gainesville FL 32610 USA
| | - Kristen Doyle
- University of Florida, Department of Pharmacodynamics, Gainesville FL 32610 USA
| | - Karen Scott
- University of Florida, Department of Pharmacodynamics, Gainesville FL 32610 USA
| | - Yalun Tan
- University of Florida, Department of Pharmacodynamics, Gainesville FL 32610 USA
| | - Kaley A. MacFadyen
- University of Florida, Department of Pharmacodynamics, Gainesville FL 32610 USA
| | - Hannah Engle
- University of Florida, Department of Pharmacodynamics, Gainesville FL 32610 USA
| | | | - Eric G. Krause
- University of Florida, Department of Pharmacodynamics, Gainesville FL 32610 USA
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Krimberg JS, Lumertz FS, Orso R, Viola TW, de Almeida RMM. Impact of social isolation on the oxytocinergic system: A systematic review and meta-analysis of rodent data. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 134:104549. [PMID: 35074312 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Social isolation (SI) stress results from a combination of intrinsic and environmental factors and is associated with a variety of negative developmental outcomes. Oxytocin (OXT) might play a role in the consequences of SI in the brain and periphery. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compile data about the effects of SI in the oxytocinergic system of rats and mice, and its relation to behavioral alterations. Five databases (EMBASE, PsychNet, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) in March 2021, using ("Social Isolation" AND (mouse OR rat) AND (oxytocin OR oxytocin receptor)). This review followed the PRISMA guidelines, including registration in PROSPERO, and risk of bias assessment. The twelve articles included in this review indicated that SI was associated with decreased OXTR levels, resulting in behavioral alterations like increased aggression and anxiety-like behavior, hyperactivity, and diminished social behaviors and memory. No significant effects on OXT levels were observed. Administration of synthetic OXT or its agonists partially decreases those unwanted behaviors to similar levels of control animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlia S Krimberg
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Basic Health Sciences Institute (IBCS), Universidade Federal of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, Centro Histórico, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil; Experimental Psychology, Neuroscience and Behavior Laboratory (LPNeC), Psychology Institute, Universidade Federal of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Ramiro Barcellos, 2600, Room 216. Santa Cecília, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil.
| | - Francisco S Lumertz
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (DCNL), Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Av. Ipiranga, 6690, Building 63, Jardim Botânico, Porto Alegre, RS, 90619-900, Brazil.
| | - Rodrigo Orso
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (DCNL), Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Av. Ipiranga, 6690, Building 63, Jardim Botânico, Porto Alegre, RS, 90619-900, Brazil.
| | - Thiago W Viola
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (DCNL), Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Av. Ipiranga, 6690, Building 63, Jardim Botânico, Porto Alegre, RS, 90619-900, Brazil.
| | - Rosa Maria M de Almeida
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Basic Health Sciences Institute (IBCS), Universidade Federal of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, Centro Histórico, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil; Experimental Psychology, Neuroscience and Behavior Laboratory (LPNeC), Psychology Institute, Universidade Federal of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Ramiro Barcellos, 2600, Room 216. Santa Cecília, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil.
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Bowen MT, George O, Muskiewicz DE, Hall FS. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ESCALATION OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 132:730-756. [PMID: 34839930 PMCID: PMC8892842 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Understanding factors that contribute to the escalation of alcohol consumption is key to understanding how an individual transitions from non/social drinking to AUD and to providing better treatment. In this review, we discuss how the way ethanol is consumed as well as individual and environmental factors contribute to the escalation of ethanol consumption from intermittent low levels to consistently high levels. Moreover, we discuss how these factors are modelled in animals. It is clear a vast array of complex, interacting factors influence changes in alcohol consumption. Some of these factors act early in the acquisition of ethanol consumption and initial escalation, while others contribute to escalation of ethanol consumption at a later stage and are involved in the development of alcohol dependence. There is considerable need for more studies examining escalation associated with the formation of dependence and other hallmark features of AUD, especially studies examining mechanisms, as it is of considerable relevance to understanding and treating AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T. Bowen
- The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia,The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia,Corresponding Author: Michael T. Bowen, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia,
| | - Olivier George
- Department of Psychology, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Dawn E. Muskiewicz
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacology and Pharmacological Science, University of Toledo, OH, USA
| | - F. Scott Hall
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacology and Pharmacological Science, University of Toledo, OH, USA
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Takayanagi Y, Onaka T. Roles of Oxytocin in Stress Responses, Allostasis and Resilience. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010150. [PMID: 35008574 PMCID: PMC8745417 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin has been revealed to work for anxiety suppression and anti-stress as well as for psychosocial behavior and reproductive functions. Oxytocin neurons are activated by various stressful stimuli. The oxytocin receptor is widely distributed within the brain, and oxytocin that is released or diffused affects behavioral and neuroendocrine stress responses. On the other hand, there has been an increasing number of reports on the role of oxytocin in allostasis and resilience. It has been shown that oxytocin maintains homeostasis, shifts the set point for adaptation to a changing environment (allostasis) and contributes to recovery from the shifted set point by inducing active coping responses to stressful stimuli (resilience). Recent studies have suggested that oxytocin is also involved in stress-related disorders, and it has been shown in clinical trials that oxytocin provides therapeutic benefits for patients diagnosed with stress-related disorders. This review includes the latest information on the role of oxytocin in stress responses and adaptation.
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Oxytocin blood concentrations in alcohol use disorder: A cross-sectional, longitudinal, and sex-separated study. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 51:55-67. [PMID: 34077851 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a severe illness, for which we lack sufficient mechanistic understanding. Preliminary evidence associates AUD with the oxytocin (OXT) system. Here we investigated alterations in endogenous OXT blood concentrations in patients with AUD and their association with alcohol drinking and prospective course. In sex-separated analyses, OXT serum concentrations of 200 in-patients with AUD (56.5% male; baseline, 24-72 h of abstinence) were compared with those of 240 age-matched healthy controls (55.4% male), investigated longitudinally (follow-up, 5 days later), and tested for associations with alcohol drinking behavior and prospective 24-month alcohol-related hospital readmissions. At baseline, the patients showed increased OXT concentrations relative to controls (men, 156%, P < 0.001; women, 124%, P = 0.002). The elevations normalized at follow-up. In male patients, baseline OXT concentrations correlated positively with alcohol concentration at admission, the amount of alcohol consumption per drinking year, and the number of previous withdrawal treatments (Rho > 0.195, P < 0.044). In beverage type-specific analysis, baseline OXT concentrations correlated with liquor consumption positively in male and negatively in female patients (|Rho| > 0.277, P < 0.017). Higher baseline OXT concentrations predicted more readmissions and fewer days to the first readmission (|Rho| > 0.185, P < 0.050) in male patients. This study provides novel and sex-separated insights into the role of the OXT system in AUD. We identified a mechanism that might underlie the sex-separated choice of beverage type and established that increased OXT concentrations during early abstinence predict a worse outcome in male patients with AUD.
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Activation of hypothalamic oxytocin neurons reduces binge-like alcohol drinking through signaling at central oxytocin receptors. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:1950-1957. [PMID: 34127796 PMCID: PMC8429589 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01046-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that exogenous administration of oxytocin (OT) may hold promise as a therapeutic strategy for reducing heavy alcohol drinking. However, it remains unknown whether these effects are mediated by stimulation of endogenous sources of OT and signaling at oxytocin receptors (OTR) in brain or in the periphery. To address this question, we employed a targeted chemogenetic approach to examine whether selective activation of OT-containing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) alters alcohol consumption in a binge-like drinking ("Drinking-in-the-Dark"; DID) model. Adult male Oxt-IRES-Cre mice received bilateral infusion of a Cre-dependent virus containing an excitatory DREADD (AAV8-hSyn-DIO-hM3Dq-mCherry) or control virus (AAV8-hSyn-DIO-mCherry) into the PVN. Chemogenetic activation of PVNOT+ neurons following clozapine-N-oxide injection reduced binge-like alcohol drinking in a similar manner as systemic administration of the neuropeptide. Pretreatment with a brain-penetrant OTR antagonist (L-368,899) reversed this effect while systemic administration of a peripherally restricted OTR antagonist (Atosiban) did not alter reduced alcohol drinking following chemogenetic activation of PVNOT+ neurons. Altogether, these data are the first to demonstrate that targeted activation of hypothalamic (endogenous) OT reduces alcohol consumption, providing further evidence that this neuropeptide plays a role in regulation of alcohol self-administration behavior. Further, results indicate that the ability OT to reduce alcohol drinking is mediated by signaling at OTR in the brain.
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Surakka A, Vengeliene V, Skorodumov I, Meinhardt M, Hansson AC, Spanagel R. Adverse social experiences in adolescent rats result in persistent sex-dependent effects on alcohol-seeking behavior. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2021; 45:1468-1478. [PMID: 34273113 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating clinical evidence suggests that women with prior exposure to adverse childhood experiences are more susceptible to heavy drinking and other health-related behaviors. Yet, preclinical studies investigating sex-dependent effects of adolescent adverse social experiences (ASEs) on later alcohol-seeking behavior are lacking. This is mainly due to the unavailability of valid animal models and a shortage of studies that compare effects in males and females. Therefore, we sought to investigate the sex-dependent effects of ASE on adult alcohol-seeking behavior, locomotion, and reward sensitivity in male and female rats. METHODS We recently developed a rat model for childhood/adolescent peer rejection that allows us to study the long-term consequences of ASEs. Adolescent Wistar rats were reared from postnatal day (pd) 21 to pd 50 either within a group of Fischer 344 rats (ASE) or within a group of Wistar rats (control). Wistar rats housed with Fischer 344 rats do not reciprocate social play in adolescence. This reduced play across adolescence mimics peer rejection and results in chronic dysregulation of social and pain-related behaviors. We tested adult male and female rats in the reinstatement paradigm for cue-induced alcohol-seeking behavior, circadian locomotor activity, and sucrose consumption long after the termination of the peer rejection condition. RESULTS Peer rejection induced persistent sex-dependent changes in alcohol cue-induced reinstatement. Females showed an increased reinstatement effect while peer-rejected males demonstrated a decrease. Sex differences were observed in locomotor activity or reward sensitivity to sucrose. CONCLUSIONS Peer rejection has long-lasting sex-dependent consequences on alcohol-seeking behavior without affecting locomotion or sweet reward sensitivity. Our results suggest that peer-rejected female rats represent a vulnerable population in which to study relapse-like behaviors that are similar to clinical findings, while males seem to buffer the peer rejection effect and demonstrate resilience to later life alcohol-seeking behaviors, as measured by the reinstatement effect. Finally, we provide a novel approach to investigate the molecular and neurobiological underpinnings of ASEs on alcohol and other drug-seeking behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akseli Surakka
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Valentina Vengeliene
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ivan Skorodumov
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Marcus Meinhardt
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Anita C Hansson
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rainer Spanagel
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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Houghton B, Kouimtsidis C, Duka T, Paloyelis Y, Bailey A. Can intranasal oxytocin reduce craving in automated addictive behaviours? A systematic review. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:4316-4334. [PMID: 34235724 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Existing pharmacotherapies for managing craving, a strong predictor of relapse to automated addictive behaviours, are limited in efficacy and characterised by increased health risks associated with their pharmacological profile. Preclinical studies have identified oxytocin as a promising pharmacotherapy with anticraving properties for addictive behaviours. Here, we provide the first systematic review of 17 human studies (n = 722; 30% female) investigating the efficacy of intranasal oxytocin to reduce craving or consumption in addictive behaviours. We identify intranasal oxytocin as a method that warrants further investigation regarding its capacity to decrease cue-induced, acute stress-induced or withdrawal-related craving and relapse related to alcohol, cannabis, opioids, cocaine or nicotine, including a potential role as ad hoc medication following exposure to drug-related cues. Future studies should investigate the role of factors such as treatment regimens and sample characteristics, including the role of the amygdala, which we propose as a distinct mechanism mediating oxytocin's anticraving properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Houghton
- Pharmacology Section, Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Theodora Duka
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Yannis Paloyelis
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Alexis Bailey
- Pharmacology Section, Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education, St George's University of London, London, UK
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Alcohol and oxytocin: Scrutinizing the relationship. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 127:852-864. [PMID: 34102150 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The initial enthusiasm towards oxytocin (OXT) as a potential treatment for alcohol use disorder has been recently tempered by recognizing existing gaps in literature and the recent appearance of a relatively small number of clinical studies with negative outcomes. On the other hand, several new studies continue to support the OXT system's potential for such treatment. In this review, we thoroughly analyze existing literature assessing both alcohol's effects on the OXT system and OXT's effects on alcohol-related behaviors. Both rodent and clinical research is discussed. We identify areas that have been studied extensively and those that have been undeservingly understudied. OXT's potential effects on tolerance, withdrawal, craving, anxiety and social behaviors, and how these processes ultimately affect alcohol consumption, are critically explored. We conclude that while OXT can affect alcohol consumption in males and females, more comprehensive studies on OXT's effects on alcohol-related tolerance, withdrawal, craving, anxiety and social affiliations in subjects of both sexes and across several levels of analyses are needed.
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Bardo MT, Hammerslag LR, Malone SG. Effect of early life social adversity on drug abuse vulnerability: Focus on corticotropin-releasing factor and oxytocin. Neuropharmacology 2021; 191:108567. [PMID: 33862030 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Early life adversity can set the trajectory for later psychiatric disorders, including substance use disorders. There are a host of neurobiological factors that may play a role in the negative trajectory. The current review examines preclinical evidence suggesting that early life adversity specifically involving social factors (maternal separation, adolescent social isolation and adolescent social defeat) may influence drug abuse vulnerability by strengthening corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) systems and weakening oxytocin (OT) systems. In adulthood, pharmacological and genetic evidence indicates that both CRF and OT systems are directly involved in drug reward processes. With early life adversity, numerous studies show an increase in drug abuse vulnerability measured in adulthood, along a concomitant strengthening of CRF systems and a weakening of OT systems. Mechanistic studies, while relatively few in number, are generally consistent with the theme that strengthened CRF systems and weakened OT systems mediate, at least in part, the link between early life adversity and drug abuse vulnerability. Establishing a direct role of CRF and OT in mediating the relation between early life social stressors and drug abuse vulnerability will inform clinical researchers and practitioners toward the development of intervention strategies to reduce risk among those suffering from early life adversities. This article is part of the special issue on 'Vulnerabilities to Substance Abuse'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Bardo
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536-0509, USA.
| | - Lindsey R Hammerslag
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536-0509, USA
| | - Samantha G Malone
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536-0509, USA
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Sanna F, De Luca MA. The potential role of oxytocin in addiction: What is the target process? Curr Opin Pharmacol 2021; 58:8-20. [PMID: 33845377 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin regulates a variety of centrally-mediated functions, ranging from socio-sexual behavior, maternal care, and affiliation to fear, stress, anxiety. In the past years, both clinical and preclinical studies characterized oxytocin for its modulatory role on reward-related neural substrates mainly involving the interplay with the mesolimbic and mesocortical dopaminergic pathways. This suggests a role of this nonapeptide on the neurobiology of addiction raising the possibility of its therapeutic use. Although far from a precise knowledge of the underlying mechanisms, the putative role of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis as a key structure where oxytocin may rebalance altered neurochemical processes and neuroplasticity involved in dependence and relapse has been highlighted. This view opens new opportunities to address the health problems related to drug misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Sanna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Cagliari 09042, Italy
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Kapetaniou GE, Reinhard MA, Christian P, Jobst A, Tobler PN, Padberg F, Soutschek A. The role of oxytocin in delay of gratification and flexibility in non-social decision making. eLife 2021; 10:e61844. [PMID: 33821797 PMCID: PMC8024008 DOI: 10.7554/elife.61844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is well-known for its impact on social cognition. This specificity for the social domain, however, has been challenged by findings suggesting a domain-general allostatic function for oxytocin by promoting future-oriented and flexible behavior. In this pre-registered study, we tested the hypothesized domain-general function of oxytocin by assessing the impact of intranasal oxytocin (24 IU) on core aspects of human social (inequity aversion) and non-social decision making (delay of gratification and cognitive flexibility) in 49 healthy volunteers (within-subject design). In intertemporal choice, patience was higher under oxytocin than under placebo, although this difference was evident only when restricting the analysis to the first experimental session (between-group comparison) due to carry-over effects. Further, oxytocin increased cognitive flexibility in reversal learning as well as generosity under conditions of advantageous but not disadvantageous inequity. Our findings show that oxytocin affects both social and non-social decision making, supporting theoretical accounts of domain-general functions of oxytocin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Eleni Kapetaniou
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig Maximilian University MunichMunichGermany
- Graduate School for Systemic Neurosciences, Department of Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University MunichMunichGermany
| | - Matthias A Reinhard
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University MunichMunichGermany
| | - Patricia Christian
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig Maximilian University MunichMunichGermany
- Graduate School for Systemic Neurosciences, Department of Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University MunichMunichGermany
| | - Andrea Jobst
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University MunichMunichGermany
| | - Philippe N Tobler
- Zurich Center for Neuroeconomics, Department of Economics, University of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Frank Padberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University MunichMunichGermany
| | - Alexander Soutschek
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig Maximilian University MunichMunichGermany
- Graduate School for Systemic Neurosciences, Department of Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University MunichMunichGermany
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42
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Rae M, Lemos Duarte M, Gomes I, Camarini R, Devi LA. Oxytocin and vasopressin: Signalling, behavioural modulation and potential therapeutic effects. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:1544-1564. [PMID: 33817785 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) are endogenous ligands for OT and AVP receptors in the brain and in the peripheral system. Several studies demonstrate that OT and AVP have opposite roles in modulating stress, anxiety and social behaviours. Interestingly, both peptides and their receptors exhibit high sequence homology which could account for the biased signalling interaction of the peptides with OT and AVP receptors. However, how and under which conditions this crosstalk occurs in vivo remains unclear. In this review we shed light on the complexity of the roles of OT and AVP, by focusing on their signalling and behavioural differences and exploring the crosstalk between the receptor systems. Moreover, we discuss the potential of OT and AVP receptors as therapeutic targets to treat human disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia and drug abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Rae
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mariana Lemos Duarte
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ivone Gomes
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rosana Camarini
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lakshmi A Devi
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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The Effects of Light-to-Moderate Alcohol Consumption on the Cognitive Function of Community Nondemented Male Elderly: A Cohort Study. Behav Neurol 2021; 2021:5681913. [PMID: 33833827 PMCID: PMC8018835 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5681913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To investigate the effects of light-to-moderate drinking on the cognitive function of the elderly in a large elderly community cohort. Although heavy drinking is linked with impaired brain functions, the effects of light-to-moderate drinking on the cognitive function of the elderly are still controversial. Methods A total of 1469 nondemented elderly men from 15 research centers in 8 cities and provinces were included and divided into two groups: drinking (531 subjects) and nondrinking (938 subjects). Cognitive functions were assessed by the Beijing version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) at baseline and one-year follow-up. Results There was no difference in total cognitive scores between the light-to-moderate drinking and nondrinking groups at baseline and follow-up. Nonalcohol users performed better naming and abstraction function at baseline and better naming function at follow-up. There was no difference in cognitive performance decline and new-onset dementia rates at follow-up. Conclusions Light-to-moderate alcohol consumption had no significant impact on the overall cognitive function and the risk of dementia in elderly men.
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44
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Walcott AT, Ryabinin AE. Assessing effects of oxytocin on alcohol consumption in socially housed prairie voles using radio frequency tracking. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e12893. [PMID: 32160654 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder affects millions of people each year. Currently approved pharmacotherapies have limited success in treating this disorder. Evidence suggests that this lack of success is partly due to how these pharmacotherapies are tested in preclinical settings. The vast majority of preclinical studies assessing the effects of pharmacotherapies on alcohol or drug self-administration are done in individually housed animals. However, it is known that alcohol and drug intake are heavily influenced by social settings. Here, we adapted radio frequency tracking technology to determine the effects of oxytocin, a potential therapy for alcohol use disorder, on alcohol consumption in socially housed male and female prairie voles. Voluntary alcohol consumption in these animals resulted in high daily alcohol intakes, blood ethanol concentrations that are considered intoxicating, and central changes in FosB immunoreactivity, indicative of changes in neural activity. Prairie voles that received oxytocin temporarily reduced alcohol consumption but not alcohol preference, compared with control prairie voles regardless whether their cagemates received a similar treatment or not. Our results demonstrate that oxytocin can decrease consummatory behaviors in the presence of peers that are not receiving this treatment, and therefore, its potential use in clinical trials is warranted. Moreover, effectiveness of other pharmacotherapies in preclinical studies can be tested in mixed-treatment socially housed animals similarly to clinical studies in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre T. Walcott
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience Oregon Health & Science University Portland OR 97239 USA
| | - Andrey E. Ryabinin
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience Oregon Health & Science University Portland OR 97239 USA
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45
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Morley KC, Perry CJ, Watt J, Hurzeler T, Leggio L, Lawrence AJ, Haber P. New approved and emerging pharmacological approaches to alcohol use disorder: a review of clinical studies. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2021; 22:1291-1303. [PMID: 33615945 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2021.1892641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
introduction: The number of medications approved for AUD is small and they generally have limited efficacy. We need new pharmacotherapies for the management of AUD.Areas covered: In this review, the authors aim to synthesise literature for new approved and emerging pharmacotherapies for AUD. Recently approved medications include nalmefene, which was approved in Europe and Australia for the purposes of controlled drinking. Baclofen has also been approved in France but not in other countries. Off label medications including topiramate and gabapentin have received significant attention with multiple RCTs and meta-analyses and have widespread use in several countries including the USA. Several novel medications have emerged over the last decade but further work is required to determine their efficacy and safety for the widespread management of AUD.Expert opinion: Despite significant advances in our understanding of the neurobiological basis of factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of AUD, there have been few new AUD medications approved for almost 20 years. There are many challenges to the development and introduction of new pharmacotherapies for AUD. Strategies for improving the translational pipeline include drug repurposing and utilisation of human acute laboratory models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten C Morley
- Central Clinical School, Sydney School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Edith Collins Centre (Alcohol, Drugs and Toxicology), Sydney Local Health District, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Christina J Perry
- University of Melbourne, Mental Health Theme, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Australia
| | - Joshua Watt
- Edith Collins Centre (Alcohol, Drugs and Toxicology), Sydney Local Health District, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Tristan Hurzeler
- Central Clinical School, Sydney School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore and Bethesda, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, USA.,Medication Development Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- University of Melbourne, Mental Health Theme, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Australia.,Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, USA
| | - Paul Haber
- Central Clinical School, Sydney School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Edith Collins Centre (Alcohol, Drugs and Toxicology), Sydney Local Health District, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Division of Addiction Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
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46
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Hansson AC, Spanagel R. No changes in the oxytocin system in alcohol-dependent female rodents and humans: Towards a sex-specific psychopharmacology in alcoholism. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e12945. [PMID: 32761675 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
A pronounced decrease of oxytocin and increase of oxytocin receptor binding sites were recently reported in male alcohol dependent rats and male alcohol dependent patients. Here we comment on this and emphasize that in female alcohol dependent rats and humans no changes occur in the oxytocin system. We therefore suggest specific intervention with oxytocin only in male subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita C. Hansson
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim Heidelberg University Heidelberg Germany
| | - Rainer Spanagel
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim Heidelberg University Heidelberg Germany
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Ferrer-Pérez C, Reguilón MD, Miñarro J, Rodríguez-Arias M. Oxytocin Signaling as a Target to Block Social Defeat-Induced Increases in Drug Abuse Reward. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052372. [PMID: 33673448 PMCID: PMC7956822 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
There is huge scientific interest in the neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) due to its putative capacity to modulate a wide spectrum of physiological and cognitive processes including motivation, learning, emotion, and the stress response. The present review seeks to increase the understanding of the role of OXT in an individual’s vulnerability or resilience with regard to developing a substance use disorder. It places specific attention on the role of social stress as a risk factor of addiction, and explores the hypothesis that OXT constitutes a homeostatic response to stress that buffers against its negative impact. For this purpose, the review summarizes preclinical and clinical literature regarding the effects of OXT in different stages of the addiction cycle. The current literature affirms that a well-functioning oxytocinergic system has protective effects such as the modulation of the initial response to drugs of abuse, the attenuation of the development of dependence, the blunting of drug reinstatement and a general anti-stress effect. However, this system is dysregulated if there is continuous drug use or chronic exposure to stress. In this context, OXT is emerging as a promising pharmacotherapy to restore its natural beneficial effects in the organism and to help rebalance the functions of the addicted brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Ferrer-Pérez
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, C/Ciudad Escolar s/n, 44003 Teruel, Spain;
| | - Marina D. Reguilón
- Unit of Research Psychobiology of Drug Dependence, Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Avda. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.D.R.); (J.M.)
| | - José Miñarro
- Unit of Research Psychobiology of Drug Dependence, Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Avda. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.D.R.); (J.M.)
| | - Marta Rodríguez-Arias
- Unit of Research Psychobiology of Drug Dependence, Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Avda. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (M.D.R.); (J.M.)
- Correspondence:
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Che X, Cai J, Liu Y, Xu T, Yang J, Wu C. Oxytocin signaling in the treatment of drug addiction: Therapeutic opportunities and challenges. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 223:107820. [PMID: 33600854 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Drug addiction is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Despite great advances were achieved in understanding the neurobiology of drug addiction, the therapeutic options are severely limited, with poor effectiveness and serious side effects. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) is well known for its effects on uterine contraction, sexual/maternal behaviors, social affiliation, stress and learning/memory by interacting with the OXT receptor and other neuromodulators. Emerging evidence suggests that the acute or chronic exposure to drugs can affect the OXT system. Additionally, OXT administration can ameliorate a wide range of abused drug-induced neurobehavioral changes. Overall, OXT not only suppresses drug reward in the binge stage of drug addiction, but also reduces stress responses and social impairments during the withdrawal stage and, finally, prevents drug/cue/stress-induced reinstatement. More importantly, clinical studies have also shown that OXT can exert beneficial effects on reducing substance use disorders of a series of drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, alcohol, cannabis and nicotine. Thus, the present review focuses on the role of OXT in treating drug addiction, including the preclinical and clinical therapeutic potential of OXT and its analogs on the neurobiological perspectives of drugs, to provide a better insight of the efficacy of OXT as a clinical addiction therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohang Che
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacodynamics Evaluation of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Jialing Cai
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Yueyang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacodynamics Evaluation of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Tianyu Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Jingyu Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacodynamics Evaluation of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China.
| | - Chunfu Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Pharmacodynamics Evaluation of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China.
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49
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Walker LC. A balancing act: the role of pro- and anti-stress peptides within the central amygdala in anxiety and alcohol use disorders. J Neurochem 2021; 157:1615-1643. [PMID: 33450069 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is widely implicated as a structure that integrates both appetitive and aversive stimuli. While intrinsic CeA microcircuits primarily consist of GABAergic neurons that regulate amygdala output, a notable feature of the CeA is the heterogeneity of neuropeptides and neuropeptide/neuromodulator receptors that it expresses. There is growing interest in the role of the CeA in mediating psychopathologies, including stress and anxiety states and their interactions with alcohol use disorders. Within the CeA, neuropeptides and neuromodulators often exert pro- or anti- stress actions, which can influence anxiety and alcohol associated behaviours. In turn, alcohol use can cause adaptions within the CeA, which may render an individual more vulnerable to stress which is a major trigger of relapse to alcohol seeking. This review examines the neurocircuitry, neurochemical phenotypes and how pro- and anti-stress peptide systems act within the CeA to regulate anxiety and alcohol seeking, focusing on preclinical observations from animal models. Furthermore, literature exploring the targeting of genetically defined populations or neuronal ensembles and the role of the CeA in mediating sex differences in stress x alcohol interactions are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh C Walker
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Vic, Australia.,Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic, Australia
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50
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Abstract
Alcohol dependence is a chronically relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug-seeking and drug-taking, loss of control in limiting intake, and the emergence of a withdrawal syndrome in the absence of the drug. Accumulating evidence suggests an important role for synaptic transmission in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) in mediating alcohol-related behaviors and neuroadaptive mechanisms associated with alcohol dependence. Acute alcohol facilitates γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic transmission in the CeA via both pre- and postsynaptic mechanisms, and chronic alcohol increases baseline GABAergic transmission. Acute alcohol inhibits glutamatergic transmission via effects at N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors in the CeA, whereas chronic alcohol up-regulates NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-mediated transmission. Pro- (e.g., corticotropin-releasing factor [CRF]) and antistress (e.g., nociceptin/orphanin FQ, oxytocin) neuropeptides affect alcohol- and anxiety-related behaviors, and also alter the alcohol-induced effects on CeA neurotransmission. Alcohol dependence produces plasticity in these neuropeptide systems, reflecting a recruitment of those systems during the transition to alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Roberto
- Departments of Molecular Medicine and Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Dean Kirson
- Departments of Molecular Medicine and Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Sophia Khom
- Departments of Molecular Medicine and Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
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