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Zack M, Behzadi A, Biback C, Chugani B, DiGiacomo D, Fang T, Houle S, Kalia A, Lobo D, Payer D, Poulos CX, Rusjan PM, Smart K, Tatone D, Warsh J, Wilson AA, Kennedy JL. Dopamine mediates a directionally opposite correlation between empathy and the reinforcing effects of amphetamine and gambling in people with gambling disorder vs. healthy controls. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024:173865. [PMID: 39236810 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2024.173865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the relationship between empathy, subjective effects of addictive reinforcers and dopamine function in people with gambling disorder (PGD) vs. healthy controls (HCs) may inform GD treatment. The current investigation addressed this issue via retrospective analysis of data from three studies using amphetamine and a slot machine (SLOTS) as reinforcers in PGD and HCs. The Empathy scale of Eysenck's Impulsiveness Questionnaire assessed trait Empathy. The Gamblers Beliefs Questionnaire assessed cognitive distortions. The Eysenck Lie scale assessed socially desirable responding. PET scans quantified dopamine receptor expression and amphetamine-induced dopamine release in Study 1. Pre-treatment with the D2-receptor (D2R)-preferring antagonist, haloperidol or D1R-D2R antagonist, fluphenazine before SLOTS tested the role of D2 autoreceptors and post-synaptic D2R in Study 2. Pre-treatment with the multi-system indirect dopamine agonist, modafinil before SLOTS assessed the reliability of correlations in PGD. Striatal D2R expression predicted greater Empathy and lower amphetamine 'Liking' in HCs, and predicted greater symptom severity in PGD. Empathy predicted lower 'Exciting' effects of SLOTS under placebo in HCs; no correlation emerged under either antagonist. Relative to placebo, haloperidol decreased, whereas fluphenazine increased, the positive correlation between Empathy and Exciting effects of SLOTS in PGD. Modafinil markedly reduced the positive correlation between Empathy and Exciting effects of SLOTS seen under placebo in PGD. Empathy predicted greater cognitive distortions in PGD in all studies. Lie scale variance influenced several primary effects. Prior research linking the insula with Empathy, reactivity to interoceptive signals for risky rewards (uncertainty), and cognitive distortions, provides a parsimonious account for these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Zack
- Molecular Brain Sciences Dept., Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada; Dept. of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Arian Behzadi
- Vivian M. Rakoff PET Centre, Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Candice Biback
- Dept. of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Bindiya Chugani
- Dept. of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Dan DiGiacomo
- Addiction Psychiatry Service, Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada
| | - Tim Fang
- Dept. of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Sylvain Houle
- Vivian M. Rakoff PET Centre, Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Aditi Kalia
- Dept. of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Daniela Lobo
- Addiction Psychiatry Service, Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, Toronto, ON M6J 1H4, Canada
| | - Doris Payer
- Vivian M. Rakoff PET Centre, Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Constantine X Poulos
- Molecular Brain Sciences Dept., Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Pablo M Rusjan
- Vivian M. Rakoff PET Centre, Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Kelly Smart
- Dept. of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Vivian M. Rakoff PET Centre, Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Daniel Tatone
- Dept. of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Jerry Warsh
- Vivian M. Rakoff PET Centre, Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada; Dept. of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Alan A Wilson
- Vivian M. Rakoff PET Centre, Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - James L Kennedy
- Molecular Brain Sciences Dept., Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada; Dept. of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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Hynes TJ, Chernoff CS, Hrelja KM, Tse MTL, Avramidis DK, Lysenko-Martin MR, Calderhead L, Kaur S, Floresco SB, Winstanley CA. Win-Paired Cues Modulate the Effect of Dopamine Neuron Sensitization on Decision Making and Cocaine Self-administration: Divergent Effects Across Sex. Biol Psychiatry 2024; 95:220-230. [PMID: 37673411 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both psychostimulant use and engagement with probabilistic schedules of reward sensitize the mesocorticolimbic dopamine (DA) system. Such behaviors may act synergistically to explain the high comorbidity between stimulant use and gambling disorder. The salient audiovisual stimuli of modern electronic gambling may exacerbate the situation. METHODS To probe these interactions, we sensitized ventral tegmental area DA neurons via chronic chemogenetic stimulation while rats (n = 134) learned a rat gambling task in the presence or absence of casino-like cues. The same rats then learned to self-administer cocaine. In a separate cohort (n = 25), we confirmed that our chemogenetic methods sensitized the locomotor response to cocaine and potentiated phasic excitability of ventral tegmental area DA neurons through in vivo electrophysiological recordings. RESULTS In the absence of cues, sensitization promoted risk taking in both sexes. When rewards were cued, sensitization expedited the development of a risk-preferring phenotype in males while attenuating cue-induced risk taking in females. CONCLUSIONS While these results provide further confirmation that ventral tegmental area DA neurons critically modulate risky decision making, they also reveal stark sex differences in the decisional impact that dopaminergic signals exert when winning outcomes are cued. As previously observed, risky decision making on the cued rat gambling task increased as both males and females learned to self-administer cocaine. The combination of DA sensitization and win-paired cues while gambling led to significantly greater cocaine taking, but these rats did not show any increase in risky choice as a result. Therefore, cocaine and heavily cued gambles may partially substitute for each other once the DA system has been rendered labile through sensitization, thereby compounding addiction risk across modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan J Hynes
- Department of Psychology, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Chloe S Chernoff
- Department of Psychology, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kelly M Hrelja
- Department of Psychology, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Maric T L Tse
- Department of Psychology, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Dimitrios K Avramidis
- Department of Psychology, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Melanie R Lysenko-Martin
- Department of Psychology, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lucas Calderhead
- Department of Psychology, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sukhbir Kaur
- Department of Psychology, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Stan B Floresco
- Department of Psychology, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Catharine A Winstanley
- Department of Psychology, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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Urueña-Méndez G, Arrondeau C, Bellés L, Ginovart N. Decoupling Dopamine Synthesis from Impulsive Action, Risk-Related Decision-Making, and Propensity to Cocaine Intake: A Longitudinal [ 18F]-FDOPA PET Study in Roman High- and Low-Avoidance Rats. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0492-23.2023. [PMID: 38253584 PMCID: PMC10867553 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0492-23.2023] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Impulsive action and risk-related decision-making (RDM) are two facets of impulsivity linked to a hyperdopaminergic release in the striatum and an increased propensity to cocaine intake. We previously showed that with repeated cocaine exposure, this initial hyperdopaminergic release is blunted in impulsive animals, potentially signaling drug-induced tolerance. Whether such dopaminergic dynamics involve changes in dopamine (DA) synthesis as a function of impulsivity is currently unknown. Here, we investigated the predictive value of DA synthesis for impulsive action, RDM, and the propensity to take cocaine in a rat model of vulnerability to cocaine abuse. Additionally, we assessed the effects of cocaine intake on these variables. Rats were tested sequentially in the rat Gambling Task (rGT) and were scanned with positron emission tomography and [18F]-FDOPA to respectively assess both impulsivity facets and striatal DA synthesis before and after cocaine self-administration (SA). Our results revealed that baseline striatal levels of DA synthesis did not significantly predict impulsive action, RDM, or a greater propensity to cocaine SA in impulsive animals. Besides, we showed that impulsive action, but not RDM, predicted higher rates of cocaine taking. However, chronic cocaine exposure had no impact on DA synthesis, nor affected impulsive action and RDM. These findings indicate that the hyper-responsive DA system associated with impulsivity and a propensity for cocaine consumption, along with the reduction in this hyper-responsive DA state in impulsive animals with a history of cocaine use, might not be mediated by dynamic changes in DA synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ginna Urueña-Méndez
- Departments of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva CH1206, Switzerland
- Basic Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva CH1206, Switzerland
| | - Chloé Arrondeau
- Departments of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva CH1206, Switzerland
- Basic Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva CH1206, Switzerland
| | - Lidia Bellés
- Departments of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva CH1206, Switzerland
- Basic Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva CH1206, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Ginovart
- Departments of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva CH1206, Switzerland
- Basic Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva CH1206, Switzerland
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Martín-González E, Olmedo-Córdoba M, Prados-Pardo Á, Cruz-Garzón DJ, Flores P, Mora S, Moreno-Montoya M. Behavioral domains in compulsive rats: implications for understanding compulsive spectrum disorders. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1175137. [PMID: 37273281 PMCID: PMC10234153 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1175137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Compulsive behavior has been proposed as a transdiagnostic trait observed in different neuropsychiatric disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, autism, and schizophrenia. Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) strategy could help to disentangle the neuropsychological basis of compulsivity for developing new therapeutic and preventive approaches. In preclinical research, the selection of high-drinker (HD) vs. low-drinker (LD) animals by schedule-induced polydipsia (SIP) is considered a putative model of compulsivity, which includes a well-differentiated behavioral pattern. Methods The purpose of this research was to assess the cognitive control and the negative valence system domains in a phenotype of compulsive HD rats. After the selection of animals as HD or LD, we assessed behavioral inflexibility by probabilistic spatial reversal learning (PSRL), motor and cognitive impulsivity by variable delay-to-signal (VDS), and risky decision-making by rodent gambling task (rGT). Results HD rats performed fewer reversals and showed less probability of pressing the same lever that was previously reinforced on PSRL, more premature responses after the exposure to longer delays on VDS, and more disadvantageous risky choices on rGT. Moreover, HD animals performed more perseverative responses under the punishment period on rGT. Discussion These results highlight that HD compulsive phenotype exhibits behavioral inflexibility, insensitivity to positive feedback, waiting impulsivity, risky decision-making, and frustrative non-reward responsiveness. Moreover, these findings demonstrate the importance of mapping different behavioral domains to prevent, treat, and diagnose compulsive spectrum disorders correctly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Martín-González
- Department of Psychology and Health Research Centre (CEINSA), University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Manuela Olmedo-Córdoba
- Department of Psychology and Health Research Centre (CEINSA), University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Ángeles Prados-Pardo
- Department of Psychology and Health Research Centre (CEINSA), University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Daniel J. Cruz-Garzón
- Department of Psychology and Health Research Centre (CEINSA), University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Pilar Flores
- Department of Psychology and Health Research Centre (CEINSA), University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Santiago Mora
- Department of Neuroscience and Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Margarita Moreno-Montoya
- Department of Psychology and Health Research Centre (CEINSA), University of Almería, Almería, Spain
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Zack M, Lobo D, Biback C, Fang T, Smart K, Tatone D, Kalia A, Digiacomo D, Kennedy JL. Priming effects of a slot machine game and amphetamine on probabilistic risk-taking in people with gambling disorder and healthy controls. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2023; 45:31-60. [PMID: 36919514 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2023.2187041] [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: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Game of Dice Task (GDT) captures probabilistic risk-taking, which is an important feature of addictions and integral to gambling disorder (GD). No research appears to have assessed effects of gambling-specific priming manipulations or the pharmacological basis of such effects on the GDT. AIMS To investigate effects of slot machine gambling (Slots) and d-amphetamine (AMPH; 20 mg) on risk-taking in people with GD and healthy controls (HCs) (n = 30/group). The role of dopamine (DA) was assessed by pre-treating participants with the D2 receptor (D2R)-preferring antagonist, haloperidol (HAL; 3-mg) or mixed D1R-D2R antagonist, fluphenazine (FLU; 3-mg). HYPOTHESES Slots and AMPH will each increase risk-taking based on fewer (less probable) possible outcomes selected (POS) and poorer net monetary outcomes (NMO; gains minus losses) on the GDT, with stronger effects in Group GD. If DA mediates these effects, outcomes will vary with pre-treatment. METHOD Participants attended a pre-experimental baseline session and 4 test sessions. Antagonist Group (HAL, FLU) was manipulated between-participants. Pre-treatment (antagonist, placebo) was manipulated within-participants and counterbalanced over sessions for Slots and AMPH test phases. Moderator/mediator effects of trait and neuropsychological factors and GD severity (South Oaks Gambling Screen; SOGS) were explored via covariance. RESULTS AMPH led to an escalation in risky POS over trial blocks in both groups, regardless of pre-treatment. Cognitive inflexibility (high perseveration-proneness) moderated this effect in Group HC. In Group GD, SOGS selectively predicted riskier POS on AMPH sessions. Group GD achieved poorer NMO vs. Group HC on the pre-experimental baseline and Placebo-Slots sessions. Group HC selectively displayed poorer NMO on the Antagonist-Slots session. CONCLUSIONS The GDT can detect behavioral and pharmacological priming effects. Cognitive inflexibility and symptom severity moderate AMPH-induced risk-taking in HC and GD participants, respectively. Sensitization-related "wanting" of risk may contribute to the latter effect in people with GD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Zack
- Molecular Brain Sciences Research Section, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniela Lobo
- Addiction Medicine Service, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Candice Biback
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tim Fang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kelly Smart
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Tatone
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aditi Kalia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Digiacomo
- Molecular Brain Sciences Research Section, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Addiction Medicine Service, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Hasan M, Lei Z, Akter M, Iqbal Z, Usaila F, Ramkrishnan AS, Li Y. Chemogenetic activation of astrocytes promotes remyelination and restores cognitive deficits in visceral hypersensitive rats. iScience 2023; 26:105840. [PMID: 36619970 PMCID: PMC9812719 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Using a well-established chronic visceral hypersensitivity (VH) rat model, we characterized the decrease of myelin basic protein, reduced number of mature oligodendrocytes (OLs), and hypomyelination in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). The results of rat gambling test showed impaired decision-making, and the results of electrophysiological studies showed desynchronization in the ACC to basolateral amygdala (BLA) neural circuitry. Astrocytes release various factors that modulate oligodendrocyte progenitor cell proliferation and myelination. Astrocytic Gq-modulation through expression of hM3Dq facilitated oligodendrocyte progenitor cell proliferation and OL differentiation, and enhanced ACC myelination in VH rats. Activating astrocytic Gq rescued impaired decision-making and desynchronization in ACC-BLA. These data indicate that ACC hypomyelination is an important component of impaired decision-making and network desynchronization in VH. Astrocytic Gq activity plays a significant role in oligodendrocyte myelination and decision-making behavior in VH. Insights from these studies have potential for interventions in myelin-related diseases such as chronic pain-associated cognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahadi Hasan
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhuogui Lei
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mastura Akter
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zafar Iqbal
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Faeeqa Usaila
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Aruna Surendran Ramkrishnan
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Biosystems, Neuroscience, and Nanotechnology, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Myers KP, Majewski M, Schaefer D, Tierney A. Chronic experience with unpredictable food availability promotes food reward, overeating, and weight gain in a novel animal model of food insecurity. Appetite 2022; 176:106120. [PMID: 35671918 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Ubiquitous, easy access to food is thought to promote obesity in the modern environment. However, people coping with food insecurity have limited, unpredictable food access and are also prone to obesity. Causal factors linking food insecurity and obesity are not understood. In this study we describe an animal model to investigate biopsychological impacts of the chronic unpredictability inherent in food insecurity. Female rats were maintained on a 'secure' schedule of highly predictable 4x/day feedings of uniform size, or an 'insecure' schedule delivering the same total food over time but frequently unpredictable regarding how much, if any, food would arrive at each scheduled feeding. Subgroups of secure and insecure rats were fed ordinary chow or high-fat/high-sugar (HFHS) chow to identify separate and combined effects of insecurity and diet quality. Insecure chow-fed rats, relative to secure chow-fed rats, were hyperactive and consumed more when provided a palatable liquid diet. Insecure HFHS-fed rats additionally had higher progressive ratio breakpoints for sucrose, increased meal size, and subsequently gained more weight during 8 days of ad libitum HFHS access. Insecurity appeared to maintain a heightened attraction to palatable food that habituated in rats with secure HFHS access. In a second experiment, rats fed ordinary chow on the insecure schedule subsequently gained more weight when provided ad libitum chow, showing that prior insecurity per se promoted short-term weight gain in the absence of HFHS food. We propose this to be a potentially useful animal model for mechanistic research on biopsychological impacts of insecurity, demonstrating that chronic food uncertainty is a factor promoting obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin P Myers
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Bucknell University, USA.
| | - Marta Majewski
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Bucknell University, USA
| | - Dominique Schaefer
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Bucknell University, USA
| | - Alexis Tierney
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Bucknell University, USA
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Mech AM, Merteroglu M, Sealy IM, Teh MT, White RJ, Havelange W, Brennan CH, Busch-Nentwich EM. Behavioral and Gene Regulatory Responses to Developmental Drug Exposures in Zebrafish. Front Psychiatry 2022; 12:795175. [PMID: 35082702 PMCID: PMC8785235 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.795175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental consequences of prenatal drug exposure have been reported in many human cohorts and animal studies. The long-lasting impact on the offspring-including motor and cognitive impairments, cranial and cardiac anomalies and increased prevalence of ADHD-is a socioeconomic burden worldwide. Identifying the molecular changes leading to developmental consequences could help ameliorate the deficits and limit the impact. In this study, we have used zebrafish, a well-established behavioral and genetic model with conserved drug response and reward pathways, to identify changes in behavior and cellular pathways in response to developmental exposure to amphetamine, nicotine or oxycodone. In the presence of the drug, exposed animals showed altered behavior, consistent with effects seen in mammalian systems, including impaired locomotion and altered habituation to acoustic startle. Differences in responses seen following acute and chronic exposure suggest adaptation to the presence of the drug. Transcriptomic analysis of exposed larvae revealed differential expression of numerous genes and alterations in many pathways, including those related to cell death, immunity and circadian rhythm regulation. Differential expression of circadian rhythm genes did not correlate with behavioral changes in the larvae, however, two of the circadian genes, arntl2 and per2, were also differentially expressed at later stages of development, suggesting a long-lasting impact of developmental exposures on circadian gene expression. The immediate-early genes, egr1, egr4, fosab, and junbb, which are associated with synaptic plasticity, were downregulated by all three drugs and in situ hybridization showed that the expression for all four genes was reduced across all neuroanatomical regions, including brain regions implicated in reward processing, addiction and other psychiatric conditions. We anticipate that these early changes in gene expression in response to drug exposure are likely to contribute to the consequences of prenatal exposure and their discovery might pave the way to therapeutic intervention to ameliorate the long-lasting deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra M. Mech
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Munise Merteroglu
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ian M. Sealy
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Muy-Teck Teh
- Centre for Oral Immunobiology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Dentistry, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J. White
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - William Havelange
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline H. Brennan
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elisabeth M. Busch-Nentwich
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine, Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Investigating the Relationship Between Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Obligatory Exercise and Exercise Addiction. Int J Ment Health Addict 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-021-00662-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Chen CY, Chen CR, Chen CN, Wang PS, Mündel T, Liao YH, Tsai SC. Amphetamine-Decreased Progesterone and Estradiol Release in Rat Granulosa Cells: The Regulatory Role of cAMP- and Ca 2+-Mediated Signaling Pathways. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050493. [PMID: 33947083 PMCID: PMC8145484 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the amphetamine effects on progesterone and estradiol production in rat granulosa cells and the underlying cellular regulatory mechanisms. Freshly dispersed rat granulosa cells were cultured with various test drugs in the presence of amphetamine, and the estradiol/progesterone production and the cytosolic cAMP level were measured. Additionally, the cytosolic-free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) were measured to examine the role of Ca2+ influx in the presence of amphetamine. Amphetamine in vitro inhibited both basal and porcine follicle-stimulating hormone-stimulated estradiol/progesterone release, and amphetamine significantly decreased steroidogenic enzyme activities. Adding 8-Bromo-cAMP did not recover the inhibitory effects of amphetamine on progesterone and estradiol release. H89 significantly decreased progesterone and estradiol basal release but failed to enhance a further amphetamine inhibitory effect. Amphetamine was capable of further suppressing the release of estradiol release under the presence of nifedipine. Pretreatment with the amphetamine for 2 h decreased the basal [Ca2+]i and prostaglandin F2α-stimulated increase of [Ca2+]i. Amphetamine inhibits progesterone and estradiol secretion in rat granulosa cells through a mechanism involving decreased PKA-downstream steroidogenic enzyme activity and L-type Ca2+ channels. Our current findings show that it is necessary to study the possibility of amphetamine perturbing reproduction in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Yu Chen
- Department of Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Taipei, Taipei City 111, Taiwan;
| | - Chien-Rung Chen
- Department of Nursing, Cardinal Tien Junior College of Healthcare and Management, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan;
| | - Chiao-Nan Chen
- Department of Physical Therapy and Assistive Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City 112, Taiwan;
| | - Paulus S. Wang
- Department of Physiology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City 112, Taiwan;
- Medical Center of Aging Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung City 404, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Health Science, Asia University, Taichung City 413, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei City 112, Taiwan
| | - Toby Mündel
- School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand;
| | - Yi-Hung Liao
- Department of Exercise and Health Science, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei City 112, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (Y.-H.L.); (S.-C.T.)
| | - Shiow-Chwen Tsai
- Institute of Sports Sciences, University of Taipei, Taipei City 112, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (Y.-H.L.); (S.-C.T.)
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