1
|
Flerlage WJ, Simmons SC, Thomas EH, Gouty S, Tsuda MC, Wu TJ, Armstrong RC, Cox BM, Nugent FS. Effects of Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury on Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Modulation of Lateral Habenula Excitability and Motivated Behavior. J Neurotrauma 2024. [PMID: 38943284 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2024.0184] [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: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a significant health burden due to mTBI-related chronic debilitating cognitive and psychiatric morbidities. Recent evidence from our laboratory suggests a possible dysregulation within reward/motivational circuit function at the level of a subcortical structure, the lateral habenula (LHb), where we demonstrated a causal role for hyperactive LHb in mTBI-induced motivational deficits in self-care grooming behavior in young adult male mice when exposed to mTBI during late adolescence (at ∼8 weeks old). In this study, we extended this observation by further characterizing neurobehavioral effects of this repetitive closed head injury model of mTBI in both young adult male and female mice on LHb excitability, corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) modulation of LHb activity, and behavioral responses of motivation to self-care behavior and approach versus avoidance behavior in the presence of a social- or threat-related stimulus. We show that mTBI increases LHb spontaneous tonic activity in female mice similar to what we previously observed in male mice, as well as promoting LHb neuronal hyperexcitability and hyperpolarization-induced LHb bursting in both male and female mice. Interestingly, mTBI only increases LHb intrinsic excitability in male mice coincident with higher levels of the hyperpolarization-activated cation currents (HCN/Ih) and reduces levels of the M-type potassium currents while potentiating M-currents without altering intrinsic excitability in LHb neurons of female mice. Because persistent dysregulation of brain CRF systems is suggested to contribute to chronic psychiatric morbidities and that LHb neurons are highly responsive to CRF, we tested whether the LHb CRF subsystem becomes engaged following mTBI. We found that in vitro inhibition of CRF receptor type 1 (CRFR1) within the LHb reverses mTBI-induced enhancement of LHb tonic activity and hyperexcitability in both sexes, suggesting that an augmented intra-LHb CRF-CRFR1-mediated signaling contributes to the overall LHb hyperactivity following mTBI. Behaviorally, mTBI diminishes motivation for self-care grooming in female mice as in male mice. mTBI also alters defensive behaviors in the looming shadow task by shifting the innate defensive behaviors toward more passive action locking rather than escape behaviors in response to an aerial threat in both male and female mice, as well as prolonging the latency to escape responses in female mice. While this model of mTBI reduces social preference in male mice, it induces higher social novelty seeking during the novel social encounters in both male and female mice. Overall, our study provides further translational validity for the use of this pre-clinical model of mTBI for investigation of mTBI-related reward circuit dysfunction and mood/motivation-related behavioral deficits in both sexes while uncovering a few sexually dimorphic neurobehavioral effects of this model that may differentially affect young males and females when exposed to this type of mTBI during late adolescence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William J Flerlage
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sarah C Simmons
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Emily H Thomas
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Shawn Gouty
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mumeko C Tsuda
- Preclinical Behavior and Modeling Core, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - T John Wu
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Regina C Armstrong
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Brian M Cox
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Fereshteh S Nugent
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bhandari A, Seguin A, Rothenfluh A. Synaptic Mechanisms of Ethanol Tolerance and Neuroplasticity: Insights from Invertebrate Models. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6838. [PMID: 38999947 PMCID: PMC11241699 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol tolerance is a neuroadaptive response that leads to a reduction in the effects of alcohol caused by previous exposure. Tolerance plays a critical role in the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD) because it leads to the escalation of drinking and dependence. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying alcohol tolerance is therefore important for the development of effective therapeutics and for understanding addiction in general. This review explores the molecular basis of alcohol tolerance in invertebrate models, Drosophila and C. elegans, focusing on synaptic transmission. Both organisms exhibit biphasic responses to ethanol and develop tolerance similar to that of mammals. Furthermore, the availability of several genetic tools makes them a great candidate to study the molecular basis of ethanol response. Studies in invertebrate models show that tolerance involves conserved changes in the neurotransmitter systems, ion channels, and synaptic proteins. These neuroadaptive changes lead to a change in neuronal excitability, most likely to compensate for the enhanced inhibition by ethanol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aakriti Bhandari
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Molecular Medicine Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Alexandra Seguin
- Molecular Medicine Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Adrian Rothenfluh
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Molecular Medicine Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ramirez LA, Przybysz KR, Pitock JR, Starr EM, Yang H, Glover EJ. Attenuated incubation of ethanol-induced conditioned taste aversion in a model of dependence. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:1191-1203. [PMID: 38383904 PMCID: PMC11105978 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06553-5] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Preclinical studies report attenuated ethanol-induced conditioned taste aversion (CTA) following chronic ethanol exposure, suggesting that tolerance develops to the aversive properties of ethanol. However, these studies are confounded by pre-exposure to the unconditioned stimulus (US; ethanol), which is well known to hinder conditioning. OBJECTIVES This study was designed to determine whether chronic ethanol exposure produces tolerance to the aversive properties of ethanol in the absence of a US pre-exposure confound. METHODS CTA was performed in adult male and female Long-Evans rats by pairing 0.1% ingested saccharin with an intraperitoneal injection of ethanol (1.5 or 2.0 g/kg) or saline. Rats were then rendered ethanol dependent using chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) vapor exposure. Controls were exposed to room air (AIR). The effect of chronic ethanol on CTA expression and reconditioning were examined following vapor exposure. RESULTS Prior to vapor exposure, both sexes developed CTA to a comparable degree with 2.0 g/kg producing greater CTA than 1.5 g/kg ethanol. Following vapor exposure, AIR controls exhibited an increase in CTA magnitude compared to pre-vapor levels. This effect was largely absent in CIE-exposed rats. Re-conditioning after vapor exposure facilitated increased CTA magnitude to a similar degree in AIR- and CIE-exposed males. In contrast, CTA magnitude was unchanged by re-conditioning in females. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that chronic ethanol does not facilitate tolerance to the aversive properties of ethanol but rather attenuates incubation of ethanol-induced CTA. Loss of CTA incubation suggests that CIE exposure disrupts circuits encoding aversion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey A Ramirez
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W Taylor St, MC912, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Kathryn R Przybysz
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W Taylor St, MC912, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Joseph R Pitock
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W Taylor St, MC912, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - E Margaret Starr
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W Taylor St, MC912, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Hyerim Yang
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W Taylor St, MC912, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Glover
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W Taylor St, MC912, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Flerlage WJ, Simmons SC, Thomas EH, Gouty S, Tsuda MC, Wu TJ, Armstrong RC, Cox BM, Nugent FS. Effects of Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury on Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Modulation of Lateral Habenula Excitability and Motivated Behavior. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.16.589760. [PMID: 38798343 PMCID: PMC11118357 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.16.589760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a significant health burden due to mTBI-related chronic debilitating cognitive and psychiatric morbidities. Recent evidence from our laboratory suggests a possible dysregulation within reward/motivational circuit function at the level of a subcortical structure, the lateral habenula (LHb), where we demonstrated a causal role for hyperactive LHb in mTBI-induced motivational deficits in self-care grooming behavior in young adult male mice when exposed to mTBI injury during late adolescence (at ~8 weeks old). Here we extended this observation by further characterizing neurobehavioral effects of this repetitive closed head injury model of mTBI in both young adult male and female mice on LHb excitability, corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) modulation of LHb activity, and behavioral responses of motivation to self-care behavior, and approach versus avoidance behavior in the presence of a social- or threat-related stimulus. We show that mTBI increases LHb spontaneous tonic activity in female mice similar to what we previously observed in male mice as well as promoting LHb neuronal hyperexcitability and hyperpolarization-induced LHb bursting in both male and female mice. Interestingly, mTBI only increases LHb intrinsic excitability in male mice coincident with higher levels of the hyperpolarization-activated cation currents (HCN/Ih) and reduces levels of the M-type potassium currents while potentiating M-currents without altering intrinsic excitability in LHb neurons of female mice. Since persistent dysregulation of brain CRF systems is suggested to contribute to chronic psychiatric morbidities and that LHb neurons are highly responsive to CRF, we then tested whether LHb CRF subsystem becomes engaged following mTBI. We found that in vitro inhibition of CRF receptor type 1 (CRFR1) within the LHb normalizes mTBI-induced enhancement of LHb tonic activity and hyperexcitability in both sexes, suggesting that an augmented intra-LHb CRF-CRFR1-mediated signaling contributes to the overall LHb hyperactivity following mTBI. Behaviorally, mTBI diminishes motivation for self-care grooming in female mice as in male mice. mTBI also alters defensive behaviors in the looming shadow task by shifting the innate defensive behaviors towards more passive action-locking rather than escape behaviors in response to an aerial threat in both male and female mice as well as prolonging the latency to escape responses in female mice. While, this model of mTBI reduces social preference in male mice, it induces higher social novelty seeking during the novel social encounters in both male and female mice. Overall, our study provides further translational validity for the use of this preclinical model of mTBI for investigation of mTBI-related reward circuit dysfunction and mood/motivation-related behavioral deficits in both sexes while uncovering a few sexually dimorphic neurobehavioral effects of this model that may differentially affect young males and females when exposed to this type of mTBI injury during late adolescence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William J. Flerlage
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
| | - Sarah C. Simmons
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
| | - Emily H. Thomas
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
| | - Shawn Gouty
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
| | - Mumeko C. Tsuda
- Preclinical Behavior and Modeling Core, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
| | - T. John Wu
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Bethesda, MD 20814
| | - Regina C. Armstrong
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
| | - Brian M. Cox
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
| | - Fereshteh S. Nugent
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Simmons SC, Flerlage WJ, Langlois LD, Shepard RD, Bouslog C, Thomas EH, Gouty KM, Sanderson JL, Gouty S, Cox BM, Dell'Acqua ML, Nugent FS. AKAP150-anchored PKA regulates synaptic transmission and plasticity, neuronal excitability and CRF neuromodulation in the mouse lateral habenula. Commun Biol 2024; 7:345. [PMID: 38509283 PMCID: PMC10954712 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06041-8] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The scaffolding A-kinase anchoring protein 150 (AKAP150) is critically involved in kinase and phosphatase regulation of synaptic transmission/plasticity, and neuronal excitability. Emerging evidence also suggests that AKAP150 signaling may play a key role in brain's processing of rewarding/aversive experiences, however its role in the lateral habenula (LHb, as an important brain reward circuitry) is completely unknown. Using whole cell patch clamp recordings in LHb of male wildtype and ΔPKA knockin mice (with deficiency in AKAP-anchoring of PKA), here we show that the genetic disruption of PKA anchoring to AKAP150 significantly reduces AMPA receptor-mediated glutamatergic transmission and prevents the induction of presynaptic endocannabinoid-mediated long-term depression in LHb neurons. Moreover, ΔPKA mutation potentiates GABAA receptor-mediated inhibitory transmission while increasing LHb intrinsic excitability through suppression of medium afterhyperpolarizations. ΔPKA mutation-induced suppression of medium afterhyperpolarizations also blunts the synaptic and neuroexcitatory actions of the stress neuromodulator, corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), in mouse LHb. Altogether, our data suggest that AKAP150 complex signaling plays a critical role in regulation of AMPA and GABAA receptor synaptic strength, glutamatergic plasticity and CRF neuromodulation possibly through AMPA receptor and potassium channel trafficking and endocannabinoid signaling within the LHb.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Simmons
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - William J Flerlage
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Ludovic D Langlois
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Ryan D Shepard
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Christopher Bouslog
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Emily H Thomas
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Kaitlyn M Gouty
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Jennifer L Sanderson
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Shawn Gouty
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Brian M Cox
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Mark L Dell'Acqua
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Fereshteh S Nugent
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Belelli D, Riva A, Nutt DJ. Reducing the harms of alcohol: nutritional interventions and functional alcohol alternatives. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 175:241-276. [PMID: 38555118 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The health risks and harm associated with regular alcohol consumption are well documented. In a recent WHO statement published in The Lancet Public Health alcohol consumption has been estimated to contribute worldwide to 3 million deaths in 2016 while also being responsible for 5·1% of the global burden of disease and injury. The total elimination of alcohol consumption, which has been long imbedded in human culture and society, is not practical and prohibition policies have proved historically ineffective. However, valuable strategies to reduce alcohol harms are already available and improved alternative approaches are currently being developed. Here, we will review and discuss recent advances on two main types of approaches, that is nutritional interventions and functional alcohol alternatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delia Belelli
- GABALabs Res. Senior Scientific Consultant, United Kingdom
| | - Antonio Riva
- Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology (Foundation for Liver Research), London; Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Simmons S, Flerlage W, Langlois L, Shepard R, Bouslog C, Thomas E, Gouty K, Sanderson J, Gouty S, Cox B, Dell’Acqua M, Nugent F. AKAP150-anchored PKA regulation of synaptic transmission and plasticity, neuronal excitability and CRF neuromodulation in the lateral habenula. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.06.570160. [PMID: 38106086 PMCID: PMC10723374 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.06.570160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies of hippocampal synaptic function in learning and memory have established the functional significance of the scaffolding A-kinase anchoring protein 150 (AKAP150) in kinase and phosphatase regulation of synaptic receptor and ion channel trafficking/function and hence synaptic transmission/plasticity, and neuronal excitability. Emerging evidence also suggests that AKAP150 signaling may play a critical role in brain's processing of rewarding/aversive experiences. Here we focused on an unexplored role of AKAP150 in the lateral habenula (LHb), a diencephalic brain region that integrates and relays negative reward signals from forebrain striatal and limbic structures to midbrain monoaminergic centers. LHb aberrant activity (specifically hyperactivity) is also linked to depression. Using whole cell patch clamp recordings in LHb of male wildtype (WT) and ΔPKA knockin mice (with deficiency in AKAP-anchoring of PKA), we found that the genetic disruption of PKA anchoring to AKAP150 significantly reduced AMPA receptor (AMPAR)-mediated glutamatergic transmission and prevented the induction of presynaptic endocannabinoid (eCB)-mediated long-term depression (LTD) in LHb neurons. Moreover, ΔPKA mutation potentiated GABAA receptor (GABAAR)-mediated inhibitory transmission postsynaptically while increasing LHb intrinsic neuronal excitability through suppression of medium afterhyperpolarizations (mAHPs). Given that LHb is a highly stress-responsive brain region, we further tested the effects of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) stress neuromodulator on synaptic transmission and intrinsic excitability of LHb neurons in WT and ΔPKA mice. As in our earlier study in rat LHb, CRF significantly suppressed GABAergic transmission onto LHb neurons and increased intrinsic excitability by diminishing small-conductance potassium (SK) channel-mediated mAHPs. ΔPKA mutation-induced suppression of mAHPs also blunted the synaptic and neuroexcitatory actions of CRF in mouse LHb. Altogether, our data suggest that AKAP150 complex signaling plays a critical role in regulation of AMPAR and GABAAR synaptic strength, glutamatergic plasticity and CRF neuromodulation possibly through AMPAR and potassium channel trafficking and eCB signaling within the LHb.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S.C. Simmons
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
| | - W.J. Flerlage
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
| | - L.D. Langlois
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
| | - R.D. Shepard
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
| | - C. Bouslog
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
| | - E.H. Thomas
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
| | - K.M. Gouty
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
| | - J.L. Sanderson
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - S. Gouty
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
| | - B.M. Cox
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
| | - M.L. Dell’Acqua
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - F.S. Nugent
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ren Z, Hou J, Li W, Tang Y, Wang M, Ding R, Liu S, Fu Y, Mai Y, Xia J, Zuo W, Zhou LH, Ye JH, Fu R. LPA1 receptors in the lateral habenula regulate negative affective states associated with alcohol withdrawal. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:1567-1578. [PMID: 37059867 PMCID: PMC10516930 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01582-8] [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: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
The role of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) signaling in psychiatric disorders and drug abuse is significant. LPA receptors are widely expressed in the central nervous system, including the lateral habenula (LHb). Recent studies suggest that LHb is involved in a negative emotional state during alcohol withdrawal, which can lead to relapse. The current study examines the role of LHb LPA signaling in the negative affective state associated with alcohol withdrawal. Adult male Long-Evans rats were trained to consume either alcohol or water for eight weeks. At 48 h of withdrawal, alcohol-drinking rats showed anxiety- and depression-like symptoms, along with a significant increase in LPA signaling and related neuronal activation molecules, including autotaxin (ATX, Enpp2), LPA receptor 1/3 (LPA1/3), βCaMKII, and c-Fos. However, there was a decrease in lipid phosphate phosphatase-related protein type 4 (LPPR4) in the LHb. Intra-LHb infusion of the LPA1/3 receptor antagonist ki-16425 or PKC-γ inhibitor Go-6983 reduced the abnormal behaviors and elevated relapse-like ethanol drinking. It also normalized high LPA1/3 receptors and enhanced AMPA GluA1 phosphorylation in Ser831 and GluA1/GluA2 ratio. Conversely, selective activation of LPA1/3 receptors by intra-LHb infusion of 18:1 LPA induced negative affective states and upregulated βCaMKII-AMPA receptor phosphorylation in Naive rats, which were reversed by pretreatment with intra-LHb Go-6983. Our findings suggest that disturbances in LPA signaling contribute to adverse affective disorders during alcohol withdrawal, likely through PKC-γ/βCaMKII-linked glutamate signaling. Targeting LPA may therefore be beneficial for individuals suffering from alcohol use disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiheng Ren
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518106, China
| | - Jiawei Hou
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518106, China
| | - Wenfu Li
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518106, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
- Basic and Clinical Medicine Teaching Laboratory, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518100, China
| | - Molin Wang
- Basic and Clinical Medicine Teaching Laboratory, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518100, China
| | - Ruxuan Ding
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518106, China
| | - Songlin Liu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518106, China
| | - Yixin Fu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518106, China
| | - Yunlin Mai
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518106, China
| | - Jianxun Xia
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunkang School of Medicine and Health, Nanfang College, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510970, China
| | - Wanhong Zuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Li-Hua Zhou
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518106, China
| | - Jiang-Hong Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
| | - Rao Fu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518106, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Systems Medicine in Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518106, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ramirez LA, Przybysz KR, Pitock JR, Starr EM, Yang H, Glover EJ. Attenuated incubation of ethanol-induced conditioned taste aversion in a model of dependence. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.13.557582. [PMID: 37745477 PMCID: PMC10515951 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.13.557582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Rationale Preclinical studies report attenuated ethanol-induced conditioned taste aversion (CTA) following chronic ethanol exposure, suggesting that tolerance develops to the aversive properties of ethanol. However, these studies are confounded by pre-exposure to the unconditioned stimulus (US; ethanol), which is well known to hinder conditioning. Objectives This study was designed to determine whether chronic ethanol exposure produces tolerance to the aversive properties of ethanol in the absence of a US pre-exposure confound. Methods CTA was performed in adult male and female Long-Evans rats by pairing 0.1% ingested saccharin with an intraperitoneal injection of ethanol (1.5 or 2.0 g/kg) or saline. Rats were then rendered ethanol dependent using chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) vapor exposure. Controls were exposed to room air (AIR). The effect of chronic ethanol on CTA expression and reconditioning were examined following vapor exposure. Results Prior to vapor exposure, both sexes developed CTA to a comparable degree with 2.0 g/kg producing greater CTA than 1.5 g/kg ethanol. Following vapor exposure, AIR controls exhibited an increase in CTA magnitude compared to pre-vapor levels. This effect was absent in CIE-exposed rats. These group differences were eliminated upon re-conditioning after vapor exposure. Conclusions These data suggest that chronic ethanol does not facilitate tolerance to the aversive properties of ethanol but rather, attenuates incubation of ethanol-induced CTA. Loss of CTA incubation suggests that CIE exposure disrupts circuits encoding aversion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey A Ramirez
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kathryn R Przybysz
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joseph R Pitock
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - E Margaret Starr
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hyerim Yang
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Glover
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Urena ES, Diezel CC, Serna M, Hala'ufia G, Majuta L, Barber KR, Vanderah TW, Riegel AC. K v 7 Channel Opener Retigabine Reduces Self-Administration of Cocaine but Not Sucrose in Rats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.18.541208. [PMID: 37292619 PMCID: PMC10245780 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.18.541208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The increasing rates of drug misuse highlight the urgency of identifying improved therapeutics for treatment. Most drug-seeking behaviors that can be modeled in rodents utilize the repeated intravenous self-administration (SA) of drugs. Recent studies examining the mesolimbic pathway suggest that K v 7/KCNQ channels may contribute in the transition from recreational to chronic drug use. However, to date, all such studies used noncontingent, experimenter-delivered drug model systems, and the extent to which this effect generalizes to rats trained to self-administer drug is not known. Here, we tested the ability of retigabine (ezogabine), a K v 7 channel opener, to regulate instrumental behavior in male Sprague Dawley rats. We first validated the ability of retigabine to target experimenter-delivered cocaine in a CPP assay and found that retigabine reduced the acquisition of place preference. Next, we trained rats for cocaine-SA under a fixed-ratio or progressive-ratio reinforcement schedule and found that retigabine-pretreatment attenuated the self-administration of low to moderate doses of cocaine. This was not observed in parallel experiments, with rats self-administering sucrose, a natural reward. Compared to sucrose-SA, cocaine-SA was associated with reductions in the expression of the K v 7.5 subunit in the nucleus accumbens, without alterations in K v 7.2 and K v 7.3. Therefore, these studies reveal a reward specific reduction in SA behavior considered relevant for the study of long-term compulsive-like behavior and supports the notion that K v 7 is a potential therapeutic target for human psychiatric diseases with dysfunctional reward circuitry.
Collapse
|
11
|
Flanigan ME, Hon OJ, D'Ambrosio S, Boyt KM, Hassanein L, Castle M, Haun HL, Pina MM, Kash TL. Subcortical serotonin 5HT 2c receptor-containing neurons sex-specifically regulate binge-like alcohol consumption, social, and arousal behaviors in mice. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1800. [PMID: 37002196 PMCID: PMC10066391 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36808-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Binge alcohol consumption induces discrete social and arousal disturbances in human populations that promote increased drinking and accelerate the progression of Alcohol Use Disorder. Here, we show in a mouse model that binge alcohol consumption disrupts social recognition in females and potentiates sensorimotor arousal in males. These negative behavioral outcomes were associated with sex-specific adaptations in serotonergic signaling systems within the lateral habenula (LHb) and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), particularly those related to the receptor 5HT2c. While both BNST and LHb neurons expressing this receptor display potentiated activation following binge alcohol consumption, the primary causal mechanism underlying the effects of alcohol on social and arousal behaviors appears to be excessive activation of LHb5HT2c neurons. These findings may have valuable implications for the development of sex-specific treatments for mood and alcohol use disorders targeting the brain's serotonin system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M E Flanigan
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - O J Hon
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Curriculum in Neuroscience, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - S D'Ambrosio
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - K M Boyt
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - L Hassanein
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - M Castle
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - H L Haun
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - M M Pina
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - T L Kash
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Nentwig TB, Vaughan DT, Braunscheidel KM, Browning BD, Woodward JJ, Chandler LJ. The lateral habenula is not required for ethanol dependence-induced escalation of drinking. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:2123-2131. [PMID: 35717465 PMCID: PMC9556754 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01357-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The lateral habenula (LHb) is an epithalamic nuclei that has been shown to signal the aversive properties of ethanol. The present study tested the hypothesis that activity of the LHb is required for the acquisition and/or expression of dependence-induced escalation of ethanol drinking and somatic withdrawal symptoms. Male Sprague-Dawley rats completed 4 weeks of baseline drinking under a standard intermittent access two-bottle choice (2BC) paradigm before undergoing 2 weeks of daily chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) via vapor inhalation. Following this CIE exposure period, rats resumed 2BC drinking to assess dependence-induced changes in voluntary ethanol consumption. CIE exposed rats exhibited a significant increase in ethanol drinking that was associated with high levels of blood alcohol and a reduction in somatic symptoms of ethanol withdrawal. However, despite robust cFos activation in the LHb during ethanol withdrawal, chemogenetic inhibition of the LHb did not alter either ethanol consumption or somatic signs of ethanol withdrawal. Consistent with this observation, ablating LHb outputs via electrolytic lesions of the fasciculus retroflexus (FR) did not alter the acquisition of somatic withdrawal symptoms or escalation of ethanol drinking in CIE-exposed rats. The LHb controls activity of the rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg), a midbrain nucleus activated by aversive experiences including ethanol withdrawal. During ethanol withdrawal, both FR lesioned and sham control rats exhibited similar cFos activation in the RMTg, suggesting that RMTg activation during ethanol withdrawal does not require LHb input. These data suggest that, at least in male rats, the LHb is not necessary for the acquisition or expression of escalation of ethanol consumption or expression of somatic symptoms of ethanol withdrawal. Overall, our findings provide evidence that the LHb is dispensable for some of the negative consequences of ethanol withdrawal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Todd B Nentwig
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Dylan T Vaughan
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kevin M Braunscheidel
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Department of Neuroscience Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brittney D Browning
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - John J Woodward
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - L Judson Chandler
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Liu S, Guo P, Wang K, Zhang S, Li Y, Shen J, Mei L, Ye Y, Zhang Q, Yang H. General Pharmacological Activation Mechanism of K + Channels Bypassing Channel Gates. J Med Chem 2022; 65:10285-10299. [PMID: 35878013 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c02115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Under the known pharmacological activation mechanisms, activators allosterically or directly open potassium channel gates. However, herein, molecular dynamics simulations on TREK-1, a member of the channel class gated at the filter, suggested that negatively charged activators act with a gate-independent mechanism where compounds increase currents by promoting ions passing through the central cavity. Then, based on studies of KCNQ2, we uncovered that this noncanonical activation mechanism is shared by the other channel class gated at the helix-bundle crossing. Rational drug design found a novel KCNQ2 agonist, CLE030, which stably binds to the central cavity. Functional analysis, molecular dynamics simulations, and calculations of the potential of mean force revealed that the carbonyl oxygen of CLE030 influences permeant ions in the central cavity to contribute to its activation effects. Together, this study discovered a ligand-to-ion activation mechanism for channels that bypasses their gates and thus is conserved across subfamilies with different gates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shijie Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Peipei Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Shaoying Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Ya Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Juwen Shen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Lianghe Mei
- Suzhou Institute of Drug Innovation, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Yangliang Ye
- Suzhou AlphaMa Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Qiansen Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Huaiyu Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Patterson JT, Koob GF, Anderson RI. Understanding Hyperkatifeia to Inform Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder: An Assessment of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Research Portfolio. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:e53-e59. [PMID: 35469669 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - George F Koob
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Rachel I Anderson
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Gakare SG, Varghese SS, Patni PP, Wagh SA, Ugale RR. Prevention of glutamate excitotoxicity in lateral habenula alleviates ethanol withdrawal-induced somatic and behavioral effects in ethanol dependent mice. Behav Brain Res 2022; 416:113557. [PMID: 34453973 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Ethanol withdrawal commonly leads to anxiety-related disorder, a central factor toward negative reinforcement leading to relapse. The lateral habenula (LHb), an epithalamic nucleus, has emerged to be critical for both reward and aversion processing. Recent studies have also implicated the hyperactivity of LHb, adding to the emergence of negative emotional states during withdrawal from addictive drugs. Herein, we have studied the effects of glutamate transporter inhibitor (PDC), GluN2B-containing NMDAR antagonist (Ro25-6981), and intracellular calcium chelator (BAPTA-AM) injection in LHb on ethanol withdrawal symptoms. We found that ethanol 4 g/kg 20 % w/v intragastric (i.g.) for 10 days followed by 24 h of withdrawal showed a significant increase in somatic signs characterized by vocalization, shaking, and scratching. It also increased locomotor activity and anxiety-like behavior, collectively showing expression of ethanol withdrawal symptoms. The intra-LHb administration of PDC (0.5 ng) worsened the effect of ethanol withdrawal, whereas Ro25-6981 (2 and 4 ng) and BAPTA-AM (6.5 and 13 ng) significantly reversed ethanol withdrawal-induced behavior evident by a decrease in somatic signs, locomotor activity, and anxiety-like behavior. Further, pretreatment of Ro25-6981 and BAPTA-AM reduced the neuronal loss, whereas PDC increased it compared to the vehicle-treated group, as evidenced by NeuN staining. Altogether, our results suggest that increased glutamate, GluN2B activation, and likely calcium increase indicative of glutamate excitotoxicity-induced neuronal loss in LHb possibly endorse the emergence of ethanol withdrawal symptoms, while their inhibition might help in alleviating the ethanol withdrawal symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sukanya G Gakare
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur 440 033, India
| | - Shejin S Varghese
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur 440 033, India
| | - Paras P Patni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur 440 033, India
| | - Samruddhi A Wagh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur 440 033, India
| | - Rajesh R Ugale
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur 440 033, India.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Du CX, Guo Y, Liu J. Lesions of the lateral habenula produce anxiolytic effects in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. Neurol Res 2021; 43:785-792. [PMID: 34081574 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2021.1935100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Objective: This study was designed to investigate the effects of lateral habenula (LHb) lesion on anxiety-like behaviors in parkinsonian rats.Methods: Anxiety-like behaviors were assessed by the open field and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests in control, medial forebrain bundle (MFB)-lesioned, MFB- and LHb-lesioned and MFB-lesioned and LHb sham-lesioned rats, respectively. The levels of extracellular dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT) and noradrenaline (NA) in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) were measured by in vivo microdialysis and neurochemistry.Results: Compared to control rats, MFB lesions in rats decreased the percentage of time spent in the central area in the open field test and the percentages of open arm time and open arm entries in the EPM test, indicating the induction of anxiety-like behaviors, and this lesion also decreased the level of extracellular DA in the BLA. Further, rats in the MFB + LHb lesion group showed increased percentage of time spent in the central area and the percentages of open arm time and open arm entries compared to rats in the MFB lesion group, suggesting anxiolytic effects after lesioning the LHb. Neurochemical results found that lesions of the LHb increased the levels of extracellular DA and 5-HT in the BLA in the MFB and LHb lesion groups, whereas NA level was not altered.Discussion: These findings suggest that depletion of DA plays an important role in anxiety-like behaviors, and lesions of the LHb produce anxiolytic responses in MFB-lesioned rats, which are related to increased levels of extracellular DA and 5-HT in the BLA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Xue Du
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
- Department of Neurology, Xi'an 3rd Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuan Guo
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
De Oliveira Sergio T, Lei K, Kwok C, Ghotra S, Wegner SA, Walsh M, Waal J, Darevsky D, Hopf FW. The role of anterior insula-brainstem projections and alpha-1 noradrenergic receptors for compulsion-like and alcohol-only drinking. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:1918-1926. [PMID: 34168279 PMCID: PMC8429444 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01071-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Compulsion-like alcohol drinking (CLAD), where consumption continues despite negative consequences, is a major obstacle to treating alcohol use disorder. The locus coeruleus area in the brainstem and norepinephrine receptor (NER) signaling in forebrain cortical regions have been implicated in adaptive responding under stress, which is conceptually similar to compulsion-like responding (adaptive responding despite the presence of stress or conflict). Thus, we examined whether anterior insula (aINS)-to-brainstem connections and alpha-1 NERs regulated compulsion-like intake and alcohol-only drinking (AOD). Halorhodopsin inhibition of aINS-brainstem significantly reduced CLAD, with no effect on alcohol-only or saccharin intake, suggesting a specific aINS-brainstem role in aversion-resistant drinking. In contrast, prazosin inhibition of alpha-1 NERs systemically reduced both CLAD and AOD. Similar to systemic inhibition, intra-aINS alpha-1-NER antagonism reduced both CLAD and AOD. Global aINS inhibition with GABAR agonists also strongly reduced both CLAD and AOD, without impacting saccharin intake or locomotion, while aINS inhibition of calcium-permeable AMPARs (with NASPM) reduced CLAD without impacting AOD. Finally, prazosin inhibition of CLAD and AOD was not correlated with each other, systemically or within aINS, suggesting the possibility that different aINS pathways regulate CLAD versus AOD, which will require further study to definitively address. Together, our results provide important new information showing that some aINS pathways (aINS-brainstem and NASPM-sensitive) specifically regulate compulsion-like alcohol consumption, while aINS more generally may contain parallel pathways promoting CLAD versus AOD. These findings also support the importance of the adaptive stress response system for multiple forms of alcohol drinking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thatiane De Oliveira Sergio
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kelly Lei
- Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Claudina Kwok
- Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Shahbaj Ghotra
- Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Scott A Wegner
- Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Margaret Walsh
- Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jaclyn Waal
- Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David Darevsky
- Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Frederic W Hopf
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zuo W, Zuo Q, Wu L, Mei Q, Shah M, Zheng J, Li D, Xu Y, Ye JH. Roles of corticotropin-releasing factor signaling in the lateral habenula in anxiety-like and alcohol drinking behaviors in male rats. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 15:100395. [PMID: 34568522 PMCID: PMC8449174 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) signaling in the mesocorticolimbic system is known to modulate anxiety-like behavior and alcohol consumption, behaviors that also have been associated with the hyper-glutamatergic state of the lateral habenula (LHb) neurons in rats. However, the role of CRF signaling in the LHb on the glutamate transmission, anxiety-like behaviors and alcohol consumption is unknown. Here, we used male rats that had been consuming alcohol for three months to address this gap in the literature. First, using electrophysiological techniques, we evaluated CRF's effects on the glutamate transmission in LHb neurons in brain slices. CRF facilitated glutamate transmission. The facilitation was greater in neurons of alcohol-withdrawing rats than in those of naïve rats. The facilitation was mimicked by the activation of CRF receptor 1 (CRF1R) but attenuated by the activation of CRF receptor 2 (CRF2R). This facilitation was mediated by upregulating CRF1R-protein kinase A signaling. Conversely, protein kinase C blockade attenuated CRF's facilitation in neurons of naïve rats but promoted it in neurons of alcohol-withdrawing rats. Next, using site-direct pharmacology, we evaluated the role of CRF signaling in the LHb on anxiety-like behaviors and alcohol consumption. Intra-LHb inhibition of CRF1R or activation of CRF2R ameliorated the anxiety-like behaviors in alcohol-withdrawing rats and reduced their alcohol intake when drinking was resumed. These observations provide the first direct behavioral pharmacological and cellular evidence that CRF signaling in the LHb modulates glutamate transmission, anxiety-like behaviors and alcohol consumption, and that adaptation occurs in CRF signaling in the LHb after chronic alcohol consumption. CRF regulates glutamate transmission in the lateral habenula of male rats. CRF1R blockage or CRF2R activation in the LHb reduces anxiety in male rats. CRF1R blockage/CRF2R activation in the LHb reduces alcohol consumption in male rats. Acute ethanol facilitates LHb glutamate transmission involving CRF signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanhong Zuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Qikang Zuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Liangzhi Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Qinghua Mei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Manan Shah
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Jiayi Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Ding Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Jiang-Hong Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Nakamura T, Kurosaki K, Kanemoto M, Sasahara M, Ichijo H. Early-life experiences altered the maturation of the lateral habenula in mouse models, resulting in behavioural disorders in adulthood. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2021; 46:E480-E489. [PMID: 34346201 PMCID: PMC8410472 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.200226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormally high activity in the lateral habenula causes anxiety- or depression-like behaviours in animal experimental models. It has also been reported in humans that excessive stress in early life is correlated with the onset of psychiatric disorders in adults. These findings raise the question of whether maturation of the lateral habenula is affected under the influence of early-life experiences, which could govern behaviours throughout life. METHODS We examined the maturation of the lateral habenula in mice based on neuronal activity markers and plastic components: Zif268/Egr1, parvalbumin and perineuronal nets. We examined the effect of early-life stress using repeated maternal deprivation. RESULTS First, we found a transient highly sensitive period of the lateral habenula under stress. The lateral habenula matured through 4 stages: postnatal days 1-9 (P1-9), P10-20, around P35 and after P35. At P10-20, the lateral habenula was highly sensitive to stress. We also observed experience-dependent maturation of the lateral habenula. Only mice exposed to chronic stress from P10-20 exhibited changes specific to the lateral habenula at P60: abnormally high stress reactivity shown by Zif268/Egr1 and fewer parvalbumin neurons. These mice showed anxiety- or depression-like behaviours in the light-dark box test and forced swim test. LIMITATIONS The effect of parvalbumin neurons in the lateral habenula on behavioural alterations remains unknown. It will be important to understand the "sensitive period" of the neuronal circuits in the lateral habenula and how the period P10-20 is different from P9 or earlier, or P35 or later. CONCLUSION In mice, early-life stress in the period P10-20 led to late effects in adulthood: hyperactivity in the lateral habenula and anxiety or depression, indicating differences in neuronal plasticity between stages of lateral habenula maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Nakamura
- From the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan (Nakamura, Kurosaki, Kanemoto, Ichijo); and the Department of Pathology Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan (Sasahara)
| | - Kohei Kurosaki
- From the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan (Nakamura, Kurosaki, Kanemoto, Ichijo); and the Department of Pathology Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan (Sasahara)
| | - Munenori Kanemoto
- From the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan (Nakamura, Kurosaki, Kanemoto, Ichijo); and the Department of Pathology Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan (Sasahara)
| | - Masakiyo Sasahara
- From the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan (Nakamura, Kurosaki, Kanemoto, Ichijo); and the Department of Pathology Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan (Sasahara)
| | - Hiroyuki Ichijo
- From the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan (Nakamura, Kurosaki, Kanemoto, Ichijo); and the Department of Pathology Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan (Sasahara)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Acetaldehyde Excitation of Lateral Habenular Neurons via Multiple Cellular Mechanisms. J Neurosci 2021; 41:7532-7545. [PMID: 34326141 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2913-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Acetaldehyde (ACD), the first metabolite of ethanol, is implicated in several of ethanol's actions, including the reinforcing and aversive effects. The neuronal mechanisms underlying ACD's aversive effect, however, are poorly understood. The lateral habenula (LHb), a regulator of midbrain monoaminergic centers, is activated by negative valence events. Although the LHb has been linked to the aversive responses of several abused drugs, including ethanol, little is known about ACD. We, therefore, assessed ACD's action on LHb neurons in rats. The results showed that intraperitoneal injection of ACD increased cFos protein expression within the LHb and that intra-LHb infusion of ACD induced conditioned place aversion in male rats. Furthermore, electrophysiological recording in brain slices of male and female rats showed that bath application of ACD facilitated spontaneous firing and glutamatergic transmission. This effect of ACD was potentiated by an aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) inhibitor, disulfiram (DS), but attenuated by the antagonists of dopamine (DA) receptor (DAR) subtype 1 (SCH23390) and subtype 2 (raclopride), and partly abolished by the pretreatment of DA or DA reuptake blocker (GBR12935; GBR). Moreover, application of ACD initiated a depolarizing inward current (I ACD) and enhanced the hyperpolarizing-activated currents in LHb neurons. Bath application of Rp-cAMPs, a selective cAMP-PKA inhibitor, attenuated ACD-induced potentiation of EPSCs and I ACD Finally, bath application of ZD7288, a selective blocker of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels, attenuated ACD-induced potentiation of firing, EPSCs, and I ACD These results show that ACD exerts its aversive property by exciting LHb neurons via multiple cellular mechanisms, and new treatments targeting the LHb may be beneficial for alcoholism.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Acetaldehyde (ACD) has been considered aversive peripherally and rewarding centrally. However, whether ACD has a central aversive property is unclear. Here, we report that ACD excites the lateral habenula (LHb), a brain region associated with aversion and negative valence, through multiple cellular and molecular mechanisms. Intra-LHb ACD produces significant conditioned place aversion. These results suggest that ACD's actions on the LHb neurons might contribute to its central aversive property and new treatments targeting the LHb may be beneficial for alcoholism.
Collapse
|
21
|
Dwivedi D, Bhalla US. Physiology and Therapeutic Potential of SK, H, and M Medium AfterHyperPolarization Ion Channels. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:658435. [PMID: 34149352 PMCID: PMC8209339 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.658435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
SK, HCN, and M channels are medium afterhyperpolarization (mAHP)-mediating ion channels. The three channels co-express in various brain regions, and their collective action strongly influences cellular excitability. However, significant diversity exists in the expression of channel isoforms in distinct brain regions and various subcellular compartments, which contributes to an equally diverse set of specific neuronal functions. The current review emphasizes the collective behavior of the three classes of mAHP channels and discusses how these channels function together although they play specialized roles. We discuss the biophysical properties of these channels, signaling pathways that influence the activity of the three mAHP channels, various chemical modulators that alter channel activity and their therapeutic potential in treating various neurological anomalies. Additionally, we discuss the role of mAHP channels in the pathophysiology of various neurological diseases and how their modulation can alleviate some of the symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepanjali Dwivedi
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, GKVK Campus, Bengaluru, India.,Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Stanley Center at the Broad, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Upinder S Bhalla
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, GKVK Campus, Bengaluru, India
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Clerke JA, Congiu M, Mameli M. Neuronal adaptations in the lateral habenula during drug withdrawal: Preclinical evidence for addiction therapy. Neuropharmacology 2021; 192:108617. [PMID: 34019906 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The epithalamic lateral habenula (LHb) regulates monoaminergic systems and contributes to the expression of both appetitive and aversive behaviours. Over the past years, the LHb has emerged as a vulnerable brain structure in mental illnesses including addiction. Behavioural and functional evidence in humans and rodents provide substantial support for a role of LHb in the negative affective symptoms emerging during withdrawal from addictive substances. Multiple forms of cellular and synaptic adaptations that take hold during drug withdrawal within the LHb are causally linked with the emergence of negative affective symptoms. These results indicate that targeting drug withdrawal-driven adaptations in the LHb may represent a potential strategy to normalize drug-related behavioural adaptations. In the current review we describe the mechanisms leading to functional alterations in the LHb, as well as the existing interventions used to counteract addictive behaviours. Finally, closing this loop we discuss and propose new avenues to potentially target the LHb in humans in light of the mechanistic understanding stemming from pre-clinical studies. Altogether, we provide an overview on how to leverage cellular-level understanding to envision clinically-relevant approaches for the treatment of specific aspects in drug addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Clerke
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mauro Congiu
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Mameli
- The Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, The University of Lausanne, 1005, Lausanne, Switzerland; Inserm, UMR-S 839, 75005, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Fu R, Tang Y, Li W, Ren Z, Li D, Zheng J, Zuo W, Chen X, Zuo QK, Tam KL, Zou Y, Bachmann T, Bekker A, Ye JH. Endocannabinoid signaling in the lateral habenula regulates pain and alcohol consumption. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:220. [PMID: 33854035 PMCID: PMC8046806 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01337-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperalgesia, which often occurs in people suffering from alcohol use disorder, may drive excessive drinking and relapse. Emerging evidence suggests that the lateral habenula (LHb) may play a significant role in this condition. Previous research suggests that endocannabinoid signaling (eCBs) is involved in drug addiction and pain, and that the LHb contains core components of the eCBs machinery. We report here our findings in rats subjected to chronic ethanol vapor exposure. We detected a substantial increase in endocannabinoid-related genes, including Mgll and Daglb mRNA levels, as well as monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) protein levels, as well as a decrease in Cnr1 mRNA and type-1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) protein levels, in the LHb of ethanol-exposed rats. Also, rats withdrawing from ethanol exposure displayed hypersensitivity to mechanical and thermal nociceptive stimuli. Conversely, intra-LHb injection of the MAGL inhibitor JZL184, the fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597, or the CB1R agonist WIN55,212-2 produced an analgesic effect, regardless of ethanol or air exposure history, implying that alcohol exposure does not change eCB pain responses. Intra-LHb infusion of the CB1R inverse agonist rimonabant eliminated the analgesic effect of these chemicals. Rimonabant alone elicited hyperalgesia in the air-, but not ethanol-exposed animals. Moreover, intra-LHb JZL184, URB597, or WIN55,212-2 reduced ethanol consumption in both homecages and operant chambers in rats exposed to ethanol vapor but not air. These findings suggest that LHb eCBs play a pivotal role in nociception and facilitating LHb eCBs may attenuate pain in drinkers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rao Fu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Wenfu Li
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Zhiheng Ren
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Ding Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Jiayi Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Wanhong Zuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Xuejun Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Qi Kang Zuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Kelsey L Tam
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Yucong Zou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Thomas Bachmann
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Jiang-Hong Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
McCoy MT, Jayanthi S, Cadet JL. Potassium Channels and Their Potential Roles in Substance Use Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1249. [PMID: 33513859 PMCID: PMC7865894 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are ubiquitous throughout the world. However, much remains to be done to develop pharmacotherapies that are very efficacious because the focus has been mostly on using dopaminergic agents or opioid agonists. Herein we discuss the potential of using potassium channel activators in SUD treatment because evidence has accumulated to support a role of these channels in the effects of rewarding drugs. Potassium channels regulate neuronal action potential via effects on threshold, burst firing, and firing frequency. They are located in brain regions identified as important for the behavioral responses to rewarding drugs. In addition, their expression profiles are influenced by administration of rewarding substances. Genetic studies have also implicated variants in genes that encode potassium channels. Importantly, administration of potassium agonists have been shown to reduce alcohol intake and to augment the behavioral effects of opioid drugs. Potassium channel expression is also increased in animals with reduced intake of methamphetamine. Together, these results support the idea of further investing in studies that focus on elucidating the role of potassium channels as targets for therapeutic interventions against SUDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; (M.T.M.); (S.J.)
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
Kv7.1-Kv7.5 (KCNQ1-5) K+ channels are voltage-gated K+ channels with major roles in neurons, muscle cells and epithelia where they underlie physiologically important K+ currents, such as neuronal M current and cardiac IKs. Specific biophysical properties of Kv7 channels make them particularly well placed to control the activity of excitable cells. Indeed, these channels often work as 'excitability breaks' and are targeted by various hormones and modulators to regulate cellular activity outputs. Genetic deficiencies in all five KCNQ genes result in human excitability disorders, including epilepsy, arrhythmias, deafness and some others. Not surprisingly, this channel family attracts considerable attention as potential drug targets. Here we will review biophysical properties and tissue expression profile of Kv7 channels, discuss recent advances in the understanding of their structure as well as their role in various neurological, cardiovascular and other diseases and pathologies. We will also consider a scope for therapeutic targeting of Kv7 channels for treatment of the above health conditions.
Collapse
|
26
|
Padula AE, Rinker JA, Lopez MF, Mulligan MK, Williams RW, Becker HC, Mulholland PJ. Bioinformatics identification and pharmacological validation of Kcnn3/K Ca2 channels as a mediator of negative affective behaviors and excessive alcohol drinking in mice. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:414. [PMID: 33247097 PMCID: PMC7699620 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-01099-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mood disorders are often comorbid with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and play a considerable role in the development and maintenance of alcohol dependence and relapse. Because of this high comorbidity, it is necessary to determine shared and unique genetic factors driving heavy drinking and negative affective behaviors. In order to identify novel pharmacogenetic targets, a bioinformatics analysis was used to quantify the expression of amygdala K+ channel genes that covary with anxiety-related phenotypes in the well-phenotyped and fully sequenced family of BXD strains. We used a model of stress-induced escalation of drinking in alcohol-dependent mice to measure negative affective behaviors during abstinence. A pharmacological approach was used to validate the key bioinformatics findings in alcohol-dependent, stressed mice. Amygdalar expression of Kcnn3 correlated significantly with 40 anxiety-associated phenotypes. Further examination of Kcnn3 expression revealed a strong eigentrait for anxiety-like behaviors and negative correlations with binge-like and voluntary alcohol drinking. Mice treated with chronic intermittent alcohol exposure and repeated swim stress consumed more alcohol in their home cages and showed hypophagia on the novelty-suppressed feeding test during abstinence. Pharmacologically targeting Kcnn gene products with the KCa2 (SK) channel-positive modulator 1-EBIO decreased drinking and reduced feeding latency in alcohol-dependent, stressed mice. Collectively, these validation studies provide central nervous system links into the covariance of stress, negative affective behaviors, and AUD in the BXD strains. Further, the bioinformatics discovery tool is effective in identifying promising targets (i.e., KCa2 channels) for treating alcohol dependence exacerbated by comorbid mood disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Audrey E Padula
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Jennifer A Rinker
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Marcelo F Lopez
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Megan K Mulligan
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, 38163, USA
| | - Robert W Williams
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, 38163, USA
| | - Howard C Becker
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Patrick J Mulholland
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
The Emerging Role of LHb CaMKII in the Comorbidity of Depressive and Alcohol Use Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218123. [PMID: 33143210 PMCID: PMC7663385 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Depressive disorders and alcohol use disorders are widespread among the general population and are significant public health and economic burdens. Alcohol use disorders often co-occur with other psychiatric conditions and this dual diagnosis is called comorbidity. Depressive disorders invariably contribute to the development and worsening of alcohol use disorders, and vice versa. The mechanisms underlying these disorders and their comorbidities remain unclear. Recently, interest in the lateral habenula, a small epithalamic brain structure, has increased because it becomes hyperactive in depression and alcohol use disorders, and can inhibit dopamine and serotonin neurons in the midbrain reward center, the hypofunction of which is believed to be a critical contributor to the etiology of depressive disorders and alcohol use disorders as well as their comorbidities. Additionally, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) in the lateral habenula has emerged as a critical player in the etiology of these comorbidities. This review analyzes the interplay of CaMKII signaling in the lateral habenula associated with depressive disorders and alcohol use disorders, in addition to the often-comorbid nature of these disorders. Although most of the CaMKII signaling pathway's core components have been discovered, much remains to be learned about the biochemical events that propagate and link between depression and alcohol abuse. As the field rapidly advances, it is expected that further understanding of the pathology involved will allow for targeted treatments.
Collapse
|
28
|
Grupe M, Bentzen BH, Benned-Jensen T, Nielsen V, Frederiksen K, Jensen HS, Jacobsen AM, Skibsbye L, Sams AG, Grunnet M, Rottländer M, Bastlund JF. In vitro and in vivo characterization of Lu AA41178: A novel, brain penetrant, pan-selective Kv7 potassium channel opener with efficacy in preclinical models of epileptic seizures and psychiatric disorders. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 887:173440. [PMID: 32745603 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the voltage-gated Kv7 channels holds therapeutic promise in several neurological and psychiatric disorders, including epilepsy, schizophrenia, and depression. Here, we present a pharmacological characterization of Lu AA41178, a novel, pan-selective Kv7.2-7.5 opener, using both in vitro assays and a broad range of in vivo assays with relevance to epilepsy, schizophrenia, and depression. Electrophysiological characterization in Xenopus oocytes expressing human Kv7.2-Kv7.5 confirmed Lu AA41178 as a pan-selective opener of Kv7 channels by significantly left-shifting the activation threshold. Additionally, Lu AA41178 was tested in vitro for off-target effects, demonstrating a clean Kv7-selective profile, with no impact on common cardiac ion channels, and no potentiating activity on GABAA channels. Lu AA41178 was evaluated across preclinical in vivo assays with relevance to neurological and psychiatric disorders. In the maximum electroshock seizure threshold test and PTZ seizure threshold test, Lu AA41178 significantly increased the seizure thresholds in mice, demonstrating anticonvulsant efficacy. Lu AA41178 demonstrated antipsychotic-like activity by reducing amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion in mice as well as lowering conditioned avoidance responses in rats. In the mouse forced swim test, a model with antidepressant predictivity, Lu AA41178 significantly reduced immobility. Additionally, behavioral effects typically observed with Kv7 openers was also characterized. In vivo assays were accompanied by plasma and brain exposures, revealing minimum effective plasma levels <1000 ng/ml. Lu AA41178, a potent opener of neuronal Kv7 channels demonstrate efficacy in assays of epilepsy, schizophrenia and depression and might serve as a valuable tool for exploring the role of Kv7 channels in both neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morten Grupe
- H. Lundbeck A/S, Ottiliavej 9, 2500 Valby, Denmark.
| | - Bo Hjorth Bentzen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mario Rottländer
- CMC Outsourcing, Novo Nordisk A/S, Smoermosevej 17-19, 2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Nahar L, Grant CA, Hewett C, Cortes D, Reker AN, Kang S, Choi DS, Nam HW. Regulation of Pv-specific interneurons in the medial prefrontal cortex and reward-seeking behaviors. J Neurochem 2020; 156:212-224. [PMID: 32594517 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The corticostriatal circuitry and its glutamate-γ-aminobuturic acid (GABA) interactions play an essential role in regulating neuronal excitability during reward-seeking behavior. However, the contribution of GABAergic interneurons in the corticostriatal circuitry remains unclear. To investigate the role of GABAergic interneurons, we focused on parvalbumin-expressing fast-spiking interneurons (Pv-FSI) in the corticostriatal circuitry using the designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs approach in a Pv-Cre mouse model. We hypothesize that Pv-FSI activation elicits changes in cortical glutamate levels and reward-seeking behaviors. To determine molecular and behavioral effects of Pv-FSI, we performed microdialysis and operant conditioning tasks for sucrose and alcohol rewards. In addition, we also examined how alcohol reward itself affects Pv-FSI functioning. Interestingly, our microdialysis results demonstrate that alcohol exposure inhibits Pv-FSI functioning in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and this consequently can regulate glutamate levels downstream in the nucleus accumbens. For sucrose reward-seeking behaviors, Pv-FSI activation in the mPFC increases sucrose self-administration whereas it does not promote alcohol seeking. For alcohol rewards, however, Pv-FSI activation in the mPFC results in increased compulsive head entry in operant chambers during devaluation procedures. Overall, our results suggest that not only do Pv-FSI contribute to changes in the cortical microcircuit and reward-seeking behaviors but also that alcohol affects Pv-FSI neurotransmission. Therefore, Pv-FSI has prompted interest in their role in maintaining a balance in neuronal excitation/inhibition and in regulating reward-seeking processes such as compulsivity, all of which are important factors for excessive alcohol seeking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lailun Nahar
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Caleb A Grant
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Cameron Hewett
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Diego Cortes
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Ashlie N Reker
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Seungwoo Kang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester MN, USA
| | - Doo-Sup Choi
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester MN, USA
| | - Hyung W Nam
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Vigil FA, Carver CM, Shapiro MS. Pharmacological Manipulation of K v 7 Channels as a New Therapeutic Tool for Multiple Brain Disorders. Front Physiol 2020; 11:688. [PMID: 32636759 PMCID: PMC7317068 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
K v 7 ("M-type," KCNQ) K+ currents, play dominant roles in controlling neuronal excitability. They act as a "brake" against hyperexcitable states in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Pharmacological augmentation of M current has been developed for controlling epileptic seizures, although current pharmacological tools are uneven in practical usefulness. Lately, however, M-current "opener" compounds have been suggested to be efficacious in preventing brain damage after multiple types of insults/diseases, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, drug addiction and mood disorders. In this review, we will discuss what is known to date on these efforts and identify gaps in our knowledge regarding the link between M current and therapeutic potential for these disorders. We will outline the preclinical experiments that are yet to be performed to demonstrate the likelihood of success of this approach in human trials. Finally, we also address multiple pharmacological tools available to manipulate different K v 7 subunits and the relevant evidence for translational application in the clinical use for disorders of the central nervous system and multiple types of brain insults. We feel there to be great potential for manipulation of K v 7 channels as a novel therapeutic mode of intervention in the clinic, and that the paucity of existing therapies obligates us to perform further research, so that patients can soon benefit from such therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio A Vigil
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Chase M Carver
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Mark S Shapiro
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Chemogenetic inhibition of lateral habenula projections to the dorsal raphe nucleus reduces passive coping and perseverative reward seeking in rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2020; 45:1115-1124. [PMID: 31958800 PMCID: PMC7235029 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-0616-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The lateral habenula (LHb) processes information about aversive experiences that contributes to the symptoms of stress disorders. Previously, we found that chemogenetic inhibition of rat LHb neurons reduced immobility in the forced swim test, but the downstream target of these neurons was not known. Using an intersectional viral vector strategy, we selectively transduced three different output pathways from the LHb by injecting AAV8-DIO-hM4Di into the LHb and CAV2-CRE (a retrograde viral vector) into one of the three target areas as follows: dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), ventral tegmental area (VTA), or rostromedial tegmentum (RMTg). Using the forced swim test, we found that chemogenetic inhibition of DRN-projecting LHb neurons reduced passive coping (immobility), whereas inhibition of the other pathways did not. Chemogenetic activation of DRN-projecting neurons using hM3Dq in another cohort did not further exacerbate immobility. We next examined the impact of inhibiting DRN-projecting LHb neurons on reward sensitivity, perseverative behavior, and anxiety-like behavior using saccharin preference testing, reward-omission testing, and open-field testing, respectively. There was no effect of inhibiting any of these pathways on reward sensitivity, locomotion, or anxiety-like behavior, but inhibiting DRN-projecting LHb neurons reduced perseverative licking during reward-omission testing, whereas activating these neurons increased perseverative licking. These results support the idea that inhibiting LHb projections to the DRN provides animals with resilience during highly stressful or frustrating conditions but not under low-stress circumstances, and that inhibiting these neurons may promote persistence in active coping strategies.
Collapse
|
32
|
Elevation of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 Function in the Lateral Habenula Mediates Aversive Behaviors in Alcohol-withdrawn Rats. Anesthesiology 2020; 130:592-608. [PMID: 30676422 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000002615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
WHAT WE ALREADY KNOW ABOUT THIS TOPIC Chronic alcohol use and withdrawal leads to increased pain perception, anxiety, and depression. These aberrant behaviors are accompanied by increased excitatory glutamatergic transmission to, and activity of, the lateral habenula neurons.Vanilloid type 1, or TRPV1, channels are expressed in the habenula and they facilitate glutamatergic transmission. Whether TRPV1 channel plays a role in habenula hyperactivity is not clear. WHAT THIS ARTICLE TELLS US THAT IS NEW Glutamatergic transmission in the lateral habenula was inhibited by TRPV1 channel antagonists. In vivo, local administration of TRPV1 antagonists into the lateral habenula attenuated hyperalgesia, anxiety, and relapse-like drinking in rats who chronically consumed alcohol.The data suggest that enhanced TRPV1 channel function during withdrawal may contribute to aberrant behavior that promotes relapse alcohol consumption. BACKGROUND Recent rat studies indicate that alcohol withdrawal can trigger a negative emotional state including anxiety- and depression-like behaviors and hyperalgesia, as well as elevated glutamatergic transmission and activity in lateral habenula neurons. TRPV1, a vanilloid receptor expressed in the habenula, is involved in pain, alcohol dependence, and glutamatergic transmission. The authors therefore hypothesized that TRPV1 contributes to the changes in both the behavioral phenotypes and the habenula activity in alcohol-withdrawn rats. METHODS Adult male Long-Evans rats (n = 110 and 280 for electrophysiology and behaviors, respectively), randomly assigned into the alcohol and water (Naïve) groups, were trained to consume either alcohol or water-only using an intermittent-access procedure. Slice electrophysiology was used to measure spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents and firing of lateral habenula neurons. The primary outcome was the change in alcohol-related behaviors and lateral habenula activity induced by pharmacologic manipulation of TRPV1 activity. RESULTS The basal frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents and firing of lateral habenula neurons in alcohol-withdrawn rats was significantly increased. The TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine (10 µM) induced a stronger inhibition on spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (mean ± SD; by 26.1 ± 27.9% [n = 11] vs. 6.7 ± 18.6% [n = 17], P = 0.027) and firing (by 23.4 ± 17.6% [n = 9] vs. 11.9 ± 16.3% [n = 12], P = 0.025) in Withdrawn rats than Naive rats. By contrast, the TRPV1 agonist capsaicin (3 μM) produced a weaker potentiation in Withdrawn than Naïve rats (spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents: by 203.6 ± 124.7% [n = 20] vs. 415.2 ± 424.3% [n = 15], P < 0.001; firing: 38.1 ± 14.7% [n = 11] vs. 73.9 ± 41.9% [n = 11], P < 0.001). Conversely, capsaicin's actions in Naïve but not in Withdrawn rats were significantly attenuated by the pretreatment of TRPV1 endogenous agonist N-Oleoyldopamine. In Withdrawn rats, intra-habenula infusion of TRPV1 antagonists attenuated hyperalgesia and anxiety-like behaviors, decreased alcohol consumption upon resuming drinking, and elicited a conditioned place preference. CONCLUSIONS Enhanced TRPV1 function may contribute to increased glutamatergic transmission and activity of lateral habenula neurons, resulting in the aberrant behaviors during ethanol withdrawal.
Collapse
|
33
|
Bian G, Liu J, Guo Y, Yang Y, Li L, Qiao H, Li W, Xu T, Zhang Q. Kv7.2 subunit-containing M-type potassium channels in the lateral habenula are involved in the regulation of working memory in parkinsonian rats. Neuropharmacology 2020; 168:108012. [PMID: 32067988 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although the lateral habenula (LHb) is involved in the regulation of multiple brain functions and this region expresses abundant M-type potassium channel (M-channel) subunits Kv7.2 and Kv7.3, the role of M-channels in regulating working memory is unclear, particularly in Parkinson's disease (PD). Here we tested the effects of activation and blockade of LHb M-channels on working memory by the T-maze rewarded alternation test in rats with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the substantia nigra compacta (SNc). The SNc lesion induced working memory impairment, increased the firing rate of LHb neurons, decreased dopamine (DA) level in the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and reduced the expression of Kv7.2 subunit in the LHb. Intra-LHb injection of M-channel activator retigabine induced enhancement of working memory in SNc sham-lesioned and SNc-lesioned rats; conversely, the injection of M-channel blocker XE-991 impaired working memory in the two groups of rats. However, doses producing significant effects in SNc-lesioned rats were higher than those in SNc sham-lesioned rats. Further, intra-LHb injection of retigabine decreased the firing rate of LHb neurons and increased release of DA and serotonin (5-HT) in the vmPFC, while XE-991 increased the firing rate and decreased DA and 5-HT release in the two groups of rats. Compared with SNc sham-lesioned rats, the duration of M-channel activation and blockade action on the firing rate of the neurons and release of DA and 5-HT was significantly shortened in SNc-lesioned rats, which was consistent with reduced expression of Kv7.2 subunit in the LHb after lesioning the SNc. Collectively, these findings suggest involvement of LHb Kv7.2 subunit-containing M-channels in working memory impairment in SNc-lesioned rats, and that enhanced or impaired working memory after activation or blockade of M-channels in the LHb is related to the changes in the firing activity of LHb neurons and DA and 5-HT release in the vmPFC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guanyun Bian
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Yuan Guo
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Yaxin Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Libo Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Hongfei Qiao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Wenjuan Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Tian Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Qiaojun Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Wang J, Blasio A, Chapman HL, Doebelin C, Liaw V, Kuryatov A, Giovanetti SM, Lindstrom J, Lin L, Cameron MD, Kamenecka TM, Pomrenze MB, Messing RO. Promoting activity of (α4) 3(β2) 2 nicotinic cholinergic receptors reduces ethanol consumption. Neuropsychopharmacology 2020; 45:301-308. [PMID: 31394567 PMCID: PMC6901472 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-019-0475-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing interest in developing drugs that act at α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) to treat alcohol use disorder. The smoking cessation agent varenicline, a partial agonist of α4β2 nAChRs, reduces alcohol intake, but its use can be limited by side effects at high therapeutic doses. There are two stoichiometric forms of α4β2 nAChRs, (α4)3(β2)2 and (α4)2(β2)3. Here we investigated the hypothesis that NS9283, a positive allosteric modulator selective for the (α4)3(β2)2 form, reduces ethanol consumption. NS9283 increased the potency of varenicline to activate and desensitize (α4)3(β2)2 nAChRs in vitro without affecting other known targets of varenicline. In male and female C57BL/6J mice, NS9283 (10 mg/kg) reduced ethanol intake in a two-bottle choice, intermittent drinking procedure without affecting saccharin intake, ethanol-induced incoordination or ethanol-induced loss of the righting reflex. Subthreshold doses of NS9283 (2.5 mg/kg) plus varenicline (0.1 mg/kg) synergistically reduced ethanol intake in both sexes. Finally, despite having no aversive valence of its own, NS9283 enhanced ethanol-conditioned place aversion. We conclude that compounds targeting the (α4)3(β2)2 subtype of nAChRs can reduce alcohol consumption, and when administered in combination with varenicline, may allow use of lower varenicline doses to decrease varenicline side effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Wang
- Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
| | - Angelo Blasio
- 0000 0004 1936 9924grid.89336.37Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
| | - Holly L. Chapman
- 0000 0004 1936 9924grid.89336.37Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
| | - Christelle Doebelin
- 0000000122199231grid.214007.0Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL USA
| | - Victor Liaw
- 0000 0004 1936 9924grid.89336.37Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
| | - Alexander Kuryatov
- 0000 0004 1936 8972grid.25879.31Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Simone M. Giovanetti
- 0000 0004 1936 9924grid.89336.37Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
| | - Jon Lindstrom
- 0000 0004 1936 8972grid.25879.31Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Li Lin
- 0000000122199231grid.214007.0DMPK core, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL USA
| | - Michael D. Cameron
- 0000000122199231grid.214007.0DMPK core, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL USA
| | - Theodore M. Kamenecka
- 0000000122199231grid.214007.0Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL USA
| | - Matthew B. Pomrenze
- 0000 0004 1936 9924grid.89336.37Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
| | - Robert O. Messing
- 0000 0004 1936 9924grid.89336.37Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Metzger M, Souza R, Lima LB, Bueno D, Gonçalves L, Sego C, Donato J, Shammah-Lagnado SJ. Habenular connections with the dopaminergic and serotonergic system and their role in stress-related psychiatric disorders. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 53:65-88. [PMID: 31833616 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The habenula (Hb) is a phylogenetically old epithalamic structure differentiated into two nuclear complexes, the medial (MHb) and lateral habenula (LHb). After decades of search for a great unifying function, interest in the Hb resurged when it was demonstrated that LHb plays a major role in the encoding of aversive stimuli ranging from noxious stimuli to the loss of predicted rewards. Consistent with a role as an anti-reward center, aberrant LHb activity has now been identified as a key factor in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder. Moreover, both MHb and LHb emerged as new players in the reward circuitry by primarily mediating the aversive properties of distinct drugs of abuse. Anatomically, the Hb serves as a bridge that links basal forebrain structures with monoaminergic nuclei in the mid- and hindbrain. So far, research on Hb has focused on the role of the LHb in regulating midbrain dopamine release. However, LHb/MHb are also interconnected with the dorsal (DR) and median (MnR) raphe nucleus. Hence, it is conceivable that some of the habenular functions are at least partly mediated by the complex network that links MHb/LHb with pontomesencephalic monoaminergic nuclei. Here, we summarize research about the topography and transmitter phenotype of the reciprocal connections between the LHb and ventral tegmental area-nigra complex, as well as those between the LHb and DR/MnR. Indirect MHb outputs via interpeduncular nucleus to state-setting neuromodulatory networks will also be commented. Finally, we discuss the role of specific LHb-VTA and LHb/MHb-raphe circuits in anxiety and depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Metzger
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rudieri Souza
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leandro B Lima
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Debora Bueno
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciano Gonçalves
- Department of Human Anatomy, Federal University of the Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Chemutai Sego
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jose Donato
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sara J Shammah-Lagnado
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Fu R, Mei Q, Shiwalkar N, Zuo W, Zhang H, Gregor D, Patel S, Ye JH. Anxiety during alcohol withdrawal involves 5-HT2C receptors and M-channels in the lateral habenula. Neuropharmacology 2019; 163:107863. [PMID: 31778691 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders often co-occur with alcohol use disorders, but the mechanisms underlying this comorbidity remain elusive. Previously, we reported that rats withdrawn from chronic alcohol consumption (Post-EtOH rats) exhibited robust anxiety-like behaviors (AB), which were accompanied by neuronal hyperexcitability, and the downregulation of M-type potassium channels (M-channels) in the lateral habenula (LHb); and that serotonin (5-HT) stimulated LHb neurons via type 2C receptors (5-HT2CRs). Also, 5-HT2CR activation is known to inhibit M-current in mouse hypothalamic neurons. The present study investigated whether LHb 5-HT2CRs and M-channels contribute to AB in adult male Long-Evans rats. We used the intermittent-access to 20% ethanol two-bottle free-choice drinking paradigm to induce dependence. We measured AB with the elevated plus-maze, open-field, and marble-burying tests at 24 h withdrawal. We found that intra-LHb infusion of SB242084, a selective 5-HT2CR antagonist alleviated AB and reduced the elevated c-Fos expression in the LHb of Post-EtOH rats. By contrast, intra-LHb infusion of the selective 5-HT2CR agonist WAY161503 induced AB and increased c-Fos expression in the LHb in alcohol-naive but not Post-EtOH rats. Also, intra-LHb SB242084 significantly reduced self-administration of alcohol intake in the operant chambers. Furthermore, both 5-HT2CR protein levels and 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio was increased in the LHb of Post-EtOH rats. Finally, intra-LHb SB242084 increased LHb KCNQ2/3 membrane protein expression in Post-EtOH rats. Collectively, these results suggest that enhanced LHb 5-HT2CR signaling that interacted with M-channels triggers AB in Post-EtOH rats and that 5-HT2CRs may be a promising target for treating comorbid anxiety disorders in alcoholics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rao Fu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Qinghua Mei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Nimisha Shiwalkar
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Wanhong Zuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Haifeng Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Danielle Gregor
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Shivani Patel
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Jiang-Hong Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Glover EJ, Starr EM, Chao Y, Jhou TC, Chandler LJ. Inhibition of the rostromedial tegmental nucleus reverses alcohol withdrawal-induced anxiety-like behavior. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:1896-1905. [PMID: 31060041 PMCID: PMC6785010 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-019-0406-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Acute withdrawal from alcohol is associated with a number of unpleasant symptoms that play an important role in preventing recovery and long-term abstinence. Considerable research has focused on the role that neuropeptide systems and the amygdala play in mediating affective symptoms of acute withdrawal, but promising preclinical findings have not translated successfully into the clinic. The rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg) has been implicated in both fear and anxiety. In addition, RMTg neurons exert inhibitory control over midbrain dopamine neurons, the activity of which are suppressed during acute withdrawal. Thus, we hypothesized that the RMTg may play a role in mediating symptoms of acute withdrawal. Using a chronic ethanol vapor exposure paradigm that renders rats physically dependent on ethanol, we observed significant withdrawal-induced enhancement of cFos expression in the RMTg. This was accompanied by a significant increase in somatic symptoms and a decrease in reward sensitivity as measured by intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS). Both measures followed a similar time course to RMTg cFos expression with peak symptom severity occurring 12 h following cessation of ethanol exposure. Heightened anxiety-like behavior was also observed in withdrawn rats at this same time point. RMTg inhibition had no effect on somatic signs of withdrawal or withdrawal-induced changes in reward sensitivity, but significantly attenuated withdrawal-induced anxiety-like behavior. Together, these data demonstrate that the RMTg plays a distinct role in the negative affective state associated with acute withdrawal and may therefore be critically involved in the neurobiological mechanisms that promote relapse during early stages of recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J Glover
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
- Center for Drug & Alcohol Programs, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
| | - E Margaret Starr
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Center for Drug & Alcohol Programs, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Ying Chao
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Thomas C Jhou
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - L Judson Chandler
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Center for Drug & Alcohol Programs, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Li W, Zuo W, Wu W, Zuo QK, Fu R, Wu L, Zhang H, Ndukwe M, Ye JH. Activation of glycine receptors in the lateral habenula rescues anxiety- and depression-like behaviors associated with alcohol withdrawal and reduces alcohol intake in rats. Neuropharmacology 2019; 157:107688. [PMID: 31254534 PMCID: PMC6677595 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The lateral habenula (LHb) is activated by a range of aversive states including those related to alcohol withdrawal and has glycine receptors (GlyRs), a sensitive target of alcohol. However, whether GlyRs in the LHb contribute to alcohol-related behaviors is unknown. Here, we report that rats experiencing withdrawal from chronic alcohol consumption showed higher anxiety and sensitivity to stress compared to their alcohol-naïve counterparts. Intra-LHb injection of glycine attenuated these aberrant behaviors and reduced alcohol intake upon alcohol re-access. Glycine's effect was blocked by strychnine, a GlyR antagonist, indicating that it was mediated by strychnine-sensitive GlyRs. Conversely, intra-LHb strychnine elicited anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in Naïve rats but not in withdrawal rats. Additionally, both the frequency and the amplitude of the spontaneous IPSCs were lower in LHb neurons in slices of withdrawal rats compared to naïve rats. Also, there were sporadic strychnine-sensitive synaptic events in some LHb neurons. Bath perfusion of strychnine induced a depolarizing inward current and increased action potential firings in LHb neurons. By contrast, bath perfusion of glycine or sarcosine, a glycine transporter subtype 1 inhibitor, inhibited LHb activity. Collectively, these data reveal that LHb neurons are under the tonic glycine inhibition both in physiological and pathological conditions. Activation of GlyRs reverses LHb hyperactivity, alleviates aberrant behaviors, and reduces alcohol intake, thus highlighting the GlyRs in the LHb as a potential therapeutic target for alcohol-use disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, & Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Wanhong Zuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, & Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, & Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Qi Kang Zuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, & Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Rao Fu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, & Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Liangzhi Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, & Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Haifeng Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, & Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Michael Ndukwe
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, & Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Jiang-Hong Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, & Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Nucleus accumbens shell small conductance potassium channels underlie adolescent ethanol exposure-induced anxiety. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:1886-1895. [PMID: 31096263 PMCID: PMC6784903 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-019-0415-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use typically begins in adolescence, increasing the likelihood of adult mental disorders such as anxiety. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying the consequences of adolescent alcohol exposure as well as the behavioral consequences remain poorly understood. We examined the effects of adolescent or adult chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) exposure on intrinsic excitability of striatal medium-sized spiny neurons (MSNs) and anxiety levels. Rats underwent one of the following procedures: (1) light-dark transition (LDT) and open-field (OF) tests to evaluate anxiety levels and general locomotion; (2) whole-cell patch clamp recordings and biocytin labeling to assess excitability of striatal MSNs, as well as morphological properties; and (3) western blot immunostaining to determine small conductance (SK) calcium-activated potassium channel protein levels. Three weeks, but not 2 days, after CIE treatment, adolescent CIE-treated rats showed shorter crossover latency from the light to dark side in the LDT test and higher MSN excitability in the nucleus accumbens shell (NAcS). Furthermore, the amplitude of the medium afterhyperpolarization (mAHP), mediated by SK channels, and SK3 protein levels in the NAcS decreased concomitantly. Finally, increased anxiety levels, increased excitability, and decreased amplitude of mAHP of NAcS MSNs were reversed by SK channel activator 1-EBIO and mimicked by the SK channel blocker apamin. Thus, adolescent ethanol exposure increases adult anxiety-like behavior by downregulating SK channel function and protein expression, which leads to an increase of intrinsic excitability in NAcS MSNs. SK channels in the NAcS may serve as a target to treat adolescent alcohol binge exposure-induced mental disorders, such as anxiety in adulthood.
Collapse
|
40
|
Abstract
Drug consumption is driven by a drug's pharmacological effects, which are experienced as rewarding, and is influenced by genetic, developmental, and psychosocial factors that mediate drug accessibility, norms, and social support systems or lack thereof. The reinforcing effects of drugs mostly depend on dopamine signaling in the nucleus accumbens, and chronic drug exposure triggers glutamatergic-mediated neuroadaptations in dopamine striato-thalamo-cortical (predominantly in prefrontal cortical regions including orbitofrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex) and limbic pathways (amygdala and hippocampus) that, in vulnerable individuals, can result in addiction. In parallel, changes in the extended amygdala result in negative emotional states that perpetuate drug taking as an attempt to temporarily alleviate them. Counterintuitively, in the addicted person, the actual drug consumption is associated with an attenuated dopamine increase in brain reward regions, which might contribute to drug-taking behavior to compensate for the difference between the magnitude of the expected reward triggered by the conditioning to drug cues and the actual experience of it. Combined, these effects result in an enhanced motivation to "seek the drug" (energized by dopamine increases triggered by drug cues) and an impaired prefrontal top-down self-regulation that favors compulsive drug-taking against the backdrop of negative emotionality and an enhanced interoceptive awareness of "drug hunger." Treatment interventions intended to reverse these neuroadaptations show promise as therapeutic approaches for addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nora D Volkow
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Michael Michaelides
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ruben Baler
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Li J, Chen P, Han X, Zuo W, Mei Q, Bian EY, Umeugo J, Ye J. Differences between male and female rats in alcohol drinking, negative affects and neuronal activity after acute and prolonged abstinence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2019; 11:163-176. [PMID: 31523363 PMCID: PMC6737432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol consumption afflicts men and women differently. However, the underlying neuronal mechanisms that contribute to the difference are mostly unexplored. Although more men suffer from alcohol use disorders (AUD), women more frequently accelerate to dependence and develop adverse consequences of alcoholism sooner than men. Women also exhibit more significant negative emotions that cues more reactivity and alcohol-craving than men. Despite ample evidence that women are vulnerable to AUD, results of preclinical studies on sex differences in alcohol consumption and withdrawal-related behaviors are inconclusive. In this study, we trained adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats to drink alcohol in the intermittent access to 20% ethanol two-bottle free-choice paradigm for two months. Their behaviors and Fos expression in related brain regions were measured at acute (24 h) and after prolonged (28 days) abstinence. We found that female rats drank more alcohol than males. After acute abstinence, rats of both sexes showed higher sensitivity to depressive, thermal, and mechanical stimuli. Females also displayed higher anxiety levels. After prolonged abstinence, rats of both sexes displayed depressive-like behaviors; the males displayed allodynia; the females showed higher anxiety levels and drank more alcohol upon reaccess to alcohol. Furthermore, during acute withdrawal, Fos-positive nuclei were increased in the prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), nucleus accumbens (NAc), amygdala and lateral habenula (LHb) in the females, versus only in the ACC, amygdala, and LHb in the males. Conversely, after prolonged abstinence, Fos-positive nuclei were decreased in the prefrontal cortex, ACC, and NAc in the females, but fell in the ACC, NAc, and LHb of the males. Thus, adaptations in diverse brain regions may contribute to the sex differences in behaviors in ethanol-withdrawn rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Pei Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Xiao Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Wanhong Zuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Qinghua Mei
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Emily Yao Bian
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Jennifer Umeugo
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Jianghong Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Zuo W, Wu L, Mei Q, Zuo Q, Zhou Z, Fu R, Li W, Wu W, Matthew L, Ye JH. Adaptation in 5-HT 2 receptors-CaMKII signaling in lateral habenula underlies increased nociceptive-sensitivity in ethanol-withdrawn rats. Neuropharmacology 2019; 158:107747. [PMID: 31445991 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Alcoholics often experience hyperalgesia, especially during abstinence, yet the underlying cellular and molecular bases are unclear. Recent evidence suggests that 5-HT type 2 receptors (5-HT2Rs) at glutamatergic synapses on lateral habenula (LHb) neurons may play a critical role. We, therefore, measured paw withdrawal responses to thermal and mechanical stimuli, and alcohol intake in a rat model of intermittent drinking paradigm, as well as spontaneous glutamatergic transmission (sEPSCs), and firing of LHb neurons in brain slices. Here, we report that nociceptive sensitivity was higher in rats at 24 h withdrawal from chronic alcohol consumption than that of alcohol-naive counterparts. The basal frequency of sEPSCs and firings was higher in slices of withdrawn rats than that of Naïve rats, and 5-HT2R antagonists attenuated the enhancement. Also, an acute ethanol-induced increase of sEPSCs and firings was smaller in withdrawal than in Naïve rats; it was attenuated by 5-HT2R antagonists but mimicked by 5-HT2R agonists. Importantly, intra-LHb infusion of 5-HT2R agonists increased nociceptive sensitivity in Naïve rats, while antagonists or 5-HT reuptake blocker decreased nociceptive sensitivity and alcohol intake in withdrawn rats. Additionally, KN-62, a CaMKII inhibitor, attenuated the enhancement of EPSCs and firing induced by acute alcohol and by 5-HT2R agonist. Furthermore, intra-LHb KN-62 reduced nociceptive sensitivity and alcohol intake. Quantitative real-time PCR assay detected mRNA of 5-HT2A and 2C in the LHb. Thus adaptation in 5-HT2R-CaMKII signaling pathway contributes to the hyper-glutamatergic state, the hyperactivity of LHb neurons as well as the higher nociceptive sensitivity in rats withdrawn from chronic alcohol consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanhong Zuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Liangzhi Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Qinghua Mei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Qikang Zuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Zhongyang Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Rao Fu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Wenting Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Leberer Matthew
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Jiang-Hong Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Fu R, Zuo W, Shiwalkar N, Mei Q, Fan Q, Chen X, Li J, Bekker A, Ye JH. Alcohol withdrawal drives depressive behaviors by activating neurons in the rostromedial tegmental nucleus. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:1464-1475. [PMID: 30928995 PMCID: PMC6784902 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-019-0378-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [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: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg) GABA neurons exert a primary inhibitory drive onto midbrain dopamine neurons and are excited by a variety of aversive stimuli. There is, however, little evidence that the RMTg-ventral tegmental area (VTA)-nucleus accumbens shell (Acb) circuit plays a role in the aversive consequences of alcohol withdrawal. This study was performed in adult male Long-Evans rats at 48-h withdrawal from chronic alcohol drinking in the intermittent schedule. These rats displayed clear anhedonia and depression-like behaviors, as measured with the sucrose preference, and forced swimming tests. These aberrant behaviors were accompanied by a substantial increase in cFos expression in the VTA-projecting RMTg neurons, identified by a combination of immunohistochemistry and retrograde-tracing techniques. Pharmacological or chemogenetic inhibition of RMTg neurons mitigated the anhedonia and depression-like behaviors. Ex vivo electrophysiological data showed that chemogenetic inactivation of RMTg neurons reduced GABA release and accelerated spontaneous firings of VTA dopamine neurons. Finally, using a functional hemispheric disconnection procedure, we demonstrated that inhibition of unilateral RMTg, when combined with activation of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors in the contralateral (but not ipsilateral) Acb, mitigated the anhedonia and depression-like behaviors in alcohol-withdrawal rats. These data show that the integrity in the RMTg-VTA-Acb pathway in a single hemisphere is sufficient to elicit depression-like behavior during ethanol-withdrawal. Overall, the present results reveal that the RMTg-VTA-Acb pathway plays a crucial role in the depression-like behavior in animals undergoing alcohol withdrawal, further advocating the RMTg as a potential therapeutic target for alcoholism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rao Fu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Wanhong Zuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Nimisha Shiwalkar
- Department of Anesthesiology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Qinghua Mei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Qing Fan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Xuejun Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of Anesthesiology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Jiang-Hong Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Li LB, Kim YW, Wang YH, Bai L, Zhu XD, Zhao ZL, Lee CW, Jiao Y, Wu T, Cai ZZ, Kim SC, An WG, Yang CH, Cui GC, Zhao RJ. Methanol extract of semen Ziziphi Spinosae attenuates ethanol withdrawal anxiety by improving neuropeptide signaling in the central amygdala. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 19:147. [PMID: 31234859 PMCID: PMC6591875 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2546-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethanol withdrawal (EtOHW) anxiety is a crucial risk factor for alcoholic relapse. The neuropeptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) acts upon its receptor (NOP) to antagonize corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and elicit anxiolytic actions. Semen Ziziphi Spinosae (SZS), a prototypical hypnotic-sedative herb in Oriental medicine, exhibits anxiolytic effects during nicotine withdrawal by improving amygdaloid CRF/CRF1 receptor (CRFR1) signaling. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of SZS on EtOHW anxiety and the involvement of amygdaloid CRF/CRFR1 and N/OFQ/NOP pathways. METHODS Male Sprague Dawley rats received intraperitoneal injections of 2 g/kg EtOH (20% v/v) once daily for 28 d followed by a 3-d withdrawal. During EtOHW, the rats were given once-daily intragastric treatments of a methanol extract of SZS (MESZS, 60 or 180 mg/kg/d). Anxiety-like behaviors were measured with the open field (OF) and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests, and plasma corticosterone (CORT) levels were examined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. mRNA and protein expression levels of the neuropeptides and their receptors were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assays. RESULTS MESZS increased the distance traveled in the center zone of the OF and dose-dependently elongated the duration of staying in the center zone in EtOHW rats. MESZS increased both the number of entries into and the time spent in the open arms of the EPM by EtOHW rats. And, MESZS inhibited the over secretion of plasma CORT during EtOHW. EtOHW enhanced CRF and CRFR1 gene and protein expression in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), which were inhibited by 180 mg/kg/d MESZS. EtOHW increased amygdaloid NOP mRNA and protein expression but spared N/OFQ mRNA expression, and 180 mg/kg/d MESZS further promoted these increases. Additionally, a post-MESZS intra-CeA infusion of either CRF or the selective NOP antagonist UFP-101 abolished the expected anxiolytic effect of 180 mg/kg/d MESZS. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that MESZS ameliorates EtOHW anxiety by improving both CRF/CRFR1 and N/OFQ/NOP transmissions in the CeA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Bo Li
- Department of Psychopharmacology, School of Mental Health, Qiqihar Medical University, 333 Bukuibei Street, Jianhua District, Qiqihar, 161006, China
| | - Young Woo Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan, 38610, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Hua Wang
- Department of Psychopharmacology, School of Mental Health, Qiqihar Medical University, 333 Bukuibei Street, Jianhua District, Qiqihar, 161006, China
| | - Li Bai
- Department of Psychopharmacology, School of Mental Health, Qiqihar Medical University, 333 Bukuibei Street, Jianhua District, Qiqihar, 161006, China
| | - Xiao Dong Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, China
| | - Zheng Lin Zhao
- Department of Psychopharmacology, School of Mental Health, Qiqihar Medical University, 333 Bukuibei Street, Jianhua District, Qiqihar, 161006, China
| | - Chul Won Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Jiao
- Department of Psychopharmacology, School of Mental Health, Qiqihar Medical University, 333 Bukuibei Street, Jianhua District, Qiqihar, 161006, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Psychopharmacology, School of Mental Health, Qiqihar Medical University, 333 Bukuibei Street, Jianhua District, Qiqihar, 161006, China
| | - Zhen Zhen Cai
- Department of Psychopharmacology, School of Mental Health, Qiqihar Medical University, 333 Bukuibei Street, Jianhua District, Qiqihar, 161006, China
| | - Sang Chan Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan, 38610, Republic of Korea
| | - Won G An
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Chae Ha Yang
- College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan, 38610, Republic of Korea
| | - Guang Cheng Cui
- Department of Psychopharmacology, School of Mental Health, Qiqihar Medical University, 333 Bukuibei Street, Jianhua District, Qiqihar, 161006, China.
| | - Rong Jie Zhao
- Department of Psychopharmacology, School of Mental Health, Qiqihar Medical University, 333 Bukuibei Street, Jianhua District, Qiqihar, 161006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
WU Y, ZHANG S, CHEN Z. [The roles of habenula and related neural circuits in neuropsychiatric diseases]. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2019; 48:310-317. [PMID: 31496164 PMCID: PMC8800680 DOI: 10.3785/j.issn.1008-9292.2019.06.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The habenula is a small and bilateral nucleus above dorsal thalamus, which contains several different types of neurons. The habenula has extensive connections with the forebrain, septum and monoaminergic nuclei in the midbrain and brainstem. Habenula is known as an 'anti-reward' nucleus, which can be activated by aversive stimulus and negative reward prediction errors. Accumulating researchs have implicated that the habenula is involved in several behaviors crucial to survival. Meanwhile, the roles of the habenula in neuropsychiatric diseases have received increasing attention. This review summaries the studies regarding the roles of habenula and the related circuits in neuropathic pain, depression, drug addiction and schizophrenia, and discusses the possibility to use the habenula as a treatment target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zhong CHEN
- 陈忠(1968-), 男, 博士, 教授, 博士生导师, 主要从事慢性脑病的分子生物学机制及药物新靶点研究; E-mail:
;
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4755-9357
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Kang S, Li J, Zuo W, Chen P, Gregor D, Fu R, Han X, Bekker A, Ye JH. Downregulation of M-channels in lateral habenula mediates hyperalgesia during alcohol withdrawal in rats. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2714. [PMID: 30804373 PMCID: PMC6389965 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-38393-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperalgesia often occurs in alcoholics, especially during abstinence, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. The lateral habenula (LHb) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of pain and alcohol use disorders. Suppression of m-type potassium channels (M-channels) has been found to contribute to the hyperactivity of LHb neurons of rats withdrawn from chronic alcohol administration. Here, we provided evidence that LHb M-channels may contribute to hyperalgesia. Compared to alcohol naïve counterparts, in male Long-Evans rats at 24-hours withdrawal from alcohol administration under the intermittent access paradigm for eight weeks, hyperalgesia was evident (as measured by paw withdrawal latencies in the Hargreaves Test), which was accompanied with higher basal activities of LHb neurons in brain slices, and lower M-channel protein expression. Inhibition of LHb neurons by chemogenetics, or pharmacological activation of M-channels, as well as overexpression of M-channels' subunit KCNQ3, relieved hyperalgesia and decreased relapse-like alcohol consumption. In contrast, chemogenetic activation of LHb neurons induced hyperalgesia in alcohol-naive rats. These data reveal a central role for the LHb in hyperalgesia during alcohol withdrawal, which may be due in part to the suppression of M-channels and, thus, highlights M-channels in the LHb as a potential therapeutic target for hyperalgesia in alcoholics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seungwoo Kang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.,Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.,Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.,Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Wanhong Zuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.,Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Pei Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.,Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Danielle Gregor
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.,Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Rao Fu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.,Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Xiao Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.,Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Alex Bekker
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.,Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jiang-Hong Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA. .,Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Cheng Y, Wang J. The use of chemogenetic approaches in alcohol use disorder research and treatment. Alcohol 2019; 74:39-45. [PMID: 30442535 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2018.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Several novel techniques were developed recently to explore neural circuit mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders. These techniques include the Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADD)-based chemogenetic tools, which represent valuable platforms for selective and non-invasive control of neural activity with a high degree of spatial resolution. Among all variants, Gq- and Gi-DREADDs are widely used by neuroscientists to dissect out the circuitry and cellular signals. This review is focused on strategies to access a specific neuronal population or circuit using the DREADD technique and summarizes the current knowledge of the DREADDs' application in alcohol use disorder research and therapeutics.
Collapse
|
48
|
Qiao X, Gai H, Su R, Deji C, Cui J, Lai J, Zhu Y. PI3K-AKT-GSK3β-CREB signaling pathway regulates anxiety-like behavior in rats following alcohol withdrawal. J Affect Disord 2018; 235:96-104. [PMID: 29655081 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol abuse and anxiety disorders often occur concurrently, but their underlying cellular mechanisms remain unclear. Neuroadaptation within the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) have been implicated in the molecular mechanisms underlying alcohol drinking behavior and withdrawal. METHODS A chronic alcohol exposure rat model (35 consecutive days of 10% alcohol intake and 48 h of withdrawal) was established, then, wortmannin (0.5 µg/side) was injected bilaterally into the mPFC. The elevated plus maze (EPM) and open field test (OFT) were used to assess anxiety-like behavior. Western blot assays were used to assess protein levels. RESULTS We found that anxiety-like behavior peaked approximately 6 h after alcohol withdrawal. However, wortmannin greatly decreased alcohol intake and attenuated anxiety-like behavior in the alcohol exposure rats. Moreover, the PI3K-AKT-GSK3β signaling pathway was activated after alcohol withdrawal, and phosphorylation of the downstream cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) was increased. Wortmannin uniformly reversed PI3K-AKT-GSK3β-CREB pathway phosphorylation. LIMITATIONS The downstream GSK3β activity was not intervened and a single dose level of wortmannin was used. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that activating the PI3K-AKT-GSK3β-CREB pathway in the mPFC is an important contributor to the molecular mechanisms underlying alcohol withdrawal. PI3K signaling pathway inhibitors are thus potential candidates for treating alcohol abuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Qiao
- College of Forensic Science, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Haiyun Gai
- Xi'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China
| | - Rui Su
- College of Forensic Science, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Cuola Deji
- College of Forensic Science, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Jingjing Cui
- College of Forensic Science, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Jianghua Lai
- College of Forensic Science, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Yongsheng Zhu
- College of Forensic Science, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Manville RW, Abbott GW. Gabapentin Is a Potent Activator of KCNQ3 and KCNQ5 Potassium Channels. Mol Pharmacol 2018; 94:1155-1163. [PMID: 30021858 DOI: 10.1124/mol.118.112953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic gabapentinoids, exemplified by gapapentin and pregabalin, are in extensive clinical use for indications including epilepsy, neuropathic pain, anxiety, and alcohol withdrawal. Their mechanisms of action are incompletely understood, but are thought to involve inhibition of α2δ subunit-containing voltage-gated calcium channels. Here, we report that gabapentin is a potent activator of the heteromeric KCNQ2/3 voltage-gated potassium channel, the primary molecular correlate of the neuronal M-current, and also homomeric KCNQ3 and KCNQ5 channels. In contrast, the structurally related gabapentinoid, pregabalin, does not activate KCNQ2/3, and at higher concentrations (≥10 µM) is inhibitory. Gabapentin activation of KCNQ2/3 (EC50 = 4.2 nM) or homomeric KCNQ3* (EC50 = 5.3 nM) channels requires KCNQ3-W265, a conserved tryptophan in KCNQ3 transmembrane segment 5. Homomeric KCNQ2 or KCNQ4 channels are insensitive to gabapentin, whereas KCNQ5 is highly sensitive (EC50 = 1.9 nM). Given the potent effects and the known anticonvulsant, antinociceptive, and anxiolytic effects of M-channel activation, our findings suggest the possibility of an unexpected role for M-channel activation in the mechanism of action of gabapentin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rían W Manville
- Bioelectricity Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Geoffrey W Abbott
- Bioelectricity Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
McGuier NS, Rinker JA, Cannady R, Fulmer DB, Jones SR, Hoffman M, Mulholland PJ. Identification and validation of midbrain Kcnq4 regulation of heavy alcohol consumption in rodents. Neuropharmacology 2018; 138:10-19. [PMID: 29775679 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Currently available pharmacotherapies for treating alcohol use disorder (AUD) suffer from deleterious side effects and are not efficacious in diverse populations. Clinical and preclinical studies provide evidence that the Kcnq family of genes that encode KV7 channels influence alcohol intake and dependence. KV7 channels are a class of slowly activating voltage-dependent K+ channels that regulate neuronal excitability. Studies indicate that the KV7 channel positive modulator retigabine can decrease dopaminergic neuron firing, alter dopamine (DA) release, and reduce alcohol intake in heavy drinking rodents. Given the critical nature of ventral tegmental area (VTA) DA to the addiction process and predominant expression of Kcnq4 in DA neurons, we investigated the role of midbrain Kcnq genes and KV7 channels in the VTA of genetically diverse mice and long-term heavy drinking rats, respectively. Integrative bioinformatics analysis identified negative correlations between midbrain Kcnq4 expression and alcohol intake and seeking behaviors. Kcnq4 expression levels were also correlated with dopaminergic-related phenotypes in BXD strains, and Kcnq4 was present in support intervals for alcohol sensitivity and alcohol withdrawal severity QTLs in rodents. Pharmacological validation studies revealed that VTA KV7 channels regulate excessive alcohol intake in rats with a high-drinking phenotype. Administration of a novel and selective KV7.2/4 channel positive modulator also reduced alcohol drinking in rats. Together, these findings indicate that midbrain Kcnq4 expression regulates alcohol-related behaviors in genetically diverse mice and provide evidence that KV7.4 channels are a critical mediator of excessive alcohol drinking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie S McGuier
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Neuroscience, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States
| | - Jennifer A Rinker
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Neuroscience, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States; Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States
| | - Reginald Cannady
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Neuroscience, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States
| | - Diana B Fulmer
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Neuroscience, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States
| | - Sara R Jones
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston Salem, NC, 27157, United States
| | - Michaela Hoffman
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States
| | - Patrick J Mulholland
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Neuroscience, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States; Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States.
| |
Collapse
|