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Vierkant V, Xie X, Huang Z, He L, Bancroft E, Wang X, Nguyen T, Srinivasan R, Zhou Y, Wang J. Optogenetic inhibition of light-captured alcohol-taking striatal engrams facilitates extinction and suppresses reinstatement. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2024. [PMID: 39095328 DOI: 10.1111/acer.15412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a complex condition, and it remains unclear which specific neuronal substrates mediate alcohol-seeking and -taking behaviors. Engram cells and their related ensembles, which encode learning and memory, may play a role in this process. We aimed to assess the precise neural substrates underlying alcohol-seeking and -taking behaviors and determine how they may affect one another. METHODS Using FLiCRE (Fast Light and Calcium-Regulated Expression; a newly developed technique which permits the trapping of acutely activated neuronal ensembles) and operant self-administration (OSA), we tagged striatal neurons activated during alcohol-taking behaviors. We used FLiCRE to express an inhibitory halorhodopsin in alcohol-taking neurons, permitting loss-of-function manipulations. RESULTS We found that the inhibition of OSA-tagged alcohol-taking neurons decreased both alcohol-seeking and -taking behaviors in future OSA trials. In addition, optogenetic inhibition of these OSA-tagged alcohol-taking neurons during extinction training facilitated the extinction of alcohol-seeking behaviors. Furthermore, inhibition of these OSA-tagged alcohol-taking neurons suppressed the reinstatement of alcohol-seeking behaviors, but, interestingly, it did not significantly suppress alcohol-taking behaviors during reinstatement. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that alcohol-taking neurons are crucial for future alcohol-seeking behaviors during extinction and reinstatement. These results may help in the development of new therapeutic approaches to enhance extinction and suppress relapse in individuals with AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Vierkant
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Xueyi Xie
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Zhenbo Huang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Lian He
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Eric Bancroft
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Xuehua Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Tran Nguyen
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Rahul Srinivasan
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Yubin Zhou
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
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Vierkant V, Xie X, Huang Z, He L, Bancroft E, Wang X, Srinivisan R, Zhou Y, Wang J. Optogenetic inhibition of light-captured alcohol-taking striatal engrams facilitates extinction and suppresses reinstatement. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.02.597021. [PMID: 38853893 PMCID: PMC11160798 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.02.597021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Background Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a complex condition, and it remains unclear which specific neuronal substrates mediate alcohol-seeking and -taking behaviors. Engram cells and their related ensembles, which encode learning and memory, may play a role in this process. We aimed to assess the precise neural substrates underlying alcohol-seeking and -taking behaviors and determine how they may affect one another. Methods Using FLiCRE (Fast Light and Calcium-Regulated Expression; a newly developed technique which permits the trapping of acutely activated neuronal ensembles) and operant-self administration (OSA), we tagged striatal neurons activated during alcohol-taking behaviors. We used FLiCRE to express an inhibitory halorhodopsin in alcohol-taking neurons, permitting loss-of-function manipulations. Results We found that the inhibition of OSA-tagged alcohol-taking neurons decreased both alcohol-seeking and -taking behaviors in future OSA trials. In addition, optogenetic inhibition of these OSA-tagged alcohol-taking neurons during extinction training facilitated the extinction of alcohol-seeking behaviors. Furthermore, inhibition of these OSA-tagged alcohol-taking neurons suppressed the reinstatement of alcohol-seeking behaviors, but, interestingly, it did not significantly suppress alcohol-taking behaviors during reinstatement. Conclusions Our findings suggest that alcohol-taking neurons are crucial for future alcohol-seeking behaviors during extinction and reinstatement. These results may help in the development of new therapeutic approaches to enhance extinction and suppress relapse in individuals with AUD.
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3
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Xie X, Lu J, Ma T, Cheng Y, Woodson K, Bonifacio J, Bego K, Wang X, Wang J. Linking input- and cell-type-specific synaptic plasticity to the reinforcement of alcohol-seeking behavior. Neuropharmacology 2023; 237:109619. [PMID: 37290535 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109619] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The reinforcement of voluntary alcohol-seeking behavior requires dopamine-dependent long-term synaptic plasticity in the striatum. Specifically, the long-term potentiation (LTP) of direct-pathway medium spiny neurons (dMSNs) in the dorsomedial striatum (DMS) promotes alcohol drinking. However, it remains unclear whether alcohol induces input-specific plasticity onto dMSNs and whether this plasticity directly drives instrumental conditioning. In this study, we found that voluntary alcohol intake selectively strengthened glutamatergic transmission from the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) to DMS dMSNs in mice. Importantly, mimicking this alcohol-induced potentiation by optogenetically self-stimulating mPFC→dMSN synapse with an LTP protocol was sufficient to drive the reinforcement of lever pressing in operant chambers. Conversely, induction of a post-pre spike timing-dependent LTD at this synapse time-locked to alcohol delivery during operant conditioning persistently decreased alcohol-seeking behavior. Our results establish a causal relationship between input- and cell-type-specific corticostriatal plasticity and the reinforcement of alcohol-seeking behavior. This provides a potential therapeutic strategy to restore normal cortical control of dysregulated basal ganglia circuitries in alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyi Xie
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Jiayi Lu
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Tengfei Ma
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Yifeng Cheng
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Kayla Woodson
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Jordan Bonifacio
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Kassidy Bego
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Xuehua Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA.
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4
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Gangal H, Xie X, Huang Z, Cheng Y, Wang X, Lu J, Zhuang X, Essoh A, Huang Y, Chen R, Smith LN, Smith RJ, Wang J. Drug reinforcement impairs cognitive flexibility by inhibiting striatal cholinergic neurons. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3886. [PMID: 37391566 PMCID: PMC10313783 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39623-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Addictive substance use impairs cognitive flexibility, with unclear underlying mechanisms. The reinforcement of substance use is mediated by the striatal direct-pathway medium spiny neurons (dMSNs) that project to the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr). Cognitive flexibility is mediated by striatal cholinergic interneurons (CINs), which receive extensive striatal inhibition. Here, we hypothesized that increased dMSN activity induced by substance use inhibits CINs, reducing cognitive flexibility. We found that cocaine administration in rodents caused long-lasting potentiation of local inhibitory dMSN-to-CIN transmission and decreased CIN firing in the dorsomedial striatum (DMS), a brain region critical for cognitive flexibility. Moreover, chemogenetic and time-locked optogenetic inhibition of DMS CINs suppressed flexibility of goal-directed behavior in instrumental reversal learning tasks. Notably, rabies-mediated tracing and physiological studies showed that SNr-projecting dMSNs, which mediate reinforcement, sent axonal collaterals to inhibit DMS CINs, which mediate flexibility. Our findings demonstrate that the local inhibitory dMSN-to-CIN circuit mediates the reinforcement-induced deficits in cognitive flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu Gangal
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
- Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Xueyi Xie
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Zhenbo Huang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Yifeng Cheng
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Xuehua Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Jiayi Lu
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Xiaowen Zhuang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Amanda Essoh
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Yufei Huang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
- Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Ruifeng Chen
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Laura N Smith
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
- Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Rachel J Smith
- Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA.
- Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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5
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Wang W, Xie X, Zhuang X, Huang Y, Tan T, Gangal H, Huang Z, Purvines W, Wang X, Stefanov A, Chen R, Rodriggs L, Chaiprasert A, Yu E, Vierkant V, Hook M, Huang Y, Darcq E, Wang J. Striatal μ-opioid receptor activation triggers direct-pathway GABAergic plasticity and induces negative affect. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112089. [PMID: 36796365 PMCID: PMC10404641 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Withdrawal from chronic opioid use often causes hypodopaminergic states and negative affect, which may drive relapse. Direct-pathway medium spiny neurons (dMSNs) in the striatal patch compartment contain μ-opioid receptors (MORs). It remains unclear how chronic opioid exposure and withdrawal impact these MOR-expressing dMSNs and their outputs. Here, we report that MOR activation acutely suppressed GABAergic striatopallidal transmission in habenula-projecting globus pallidus neurons. Notably, withdrawal from repeated morphine or fentanyl administration potentiated this GABAergic transmission. Furthermore, intravenous fentanyl self-administration enhanced GABAergic striatonigral transmission and reduced midbrain dopaminergic activity. Fentanyl-activated striatal neurons mediated contextual memory retrieval required for conditioned place preference tests. Importantly, chemogenetic inhibition of striatal MOR+ neurons rescued fentanyl withdrawal-induced physical symptoms and anxiety-like behaviors. These data suggest that chronic opioid use triggers GABAergic striatopallidal and striatonigral plasticity to induce a hypodopaminergic state, which may promote negative emotions and relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Xueyi Xie
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Xiaowen Zhuang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Yufei Huang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Tao Tan
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Himanshu Gangal
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Zhenbo Huang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - William Purvines
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Xuehua Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Alexander Stefanov
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Ruifeng Chen
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Lucas Rodriggs
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Anita Chaiprasert
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Emily Yu
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Valerie Vierkant
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Michelle Hook
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Yun Huang
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Emmanuel Darcq
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Strasbourg, INSERM U1114, 67084 Strasbourg Cedex, France
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA; Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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6
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Huang S, Liu L, Tang X, Xie S, Li X, Kang X, Zhu S. Research progress on the role of hormones in ischemic stroke. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1062977. [PMID: 36569944 PMCID: PMC9769407 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1062977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a major cause of death and disability around the world. However, ischemic stroke treatment is currently limited, with a narrow therapeutic window and unsatisfactory post-treatment outcomes. Therefore, it is critical to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms following ischemic stroke brain injury. Changes in the immunometabolism and endocrine system after ischemic stroke are important in understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of cerebral ischemic injury. Hormones are biologically active substances produced by endocrine glands or endocrine cells that play an important role in the organism's growth, development, metabolism, reproduction, and aging. Hormone research in ischemic stroke has made very promising progress. Hormone levels fluctuate during an ischemic stroke. Hormones regulate neuronal plasticity, promote neurotrophic factor formation, reduce cell death, apoptosis, inflammation, excitotoxicity, oxidative and nitrative stress, and brain edema in ischemic stroke. In recent years, many studies have been done on the role of thyroid hormone, growth hormone, testosterone, prolactin, oxytocin, glucocorticoid, parathyroid hormone, and dopamine in ischemic stroke, but comprehensive reviews are scarce. This review focuses on the role of hormones in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke and discusses the mechanisms involved, intending to provide a reference value for ischemic stroke treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyuan Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaodong Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shulan Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinrui Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xianhui Kang
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,*Correspondence: Xianhui Kang, ; Shengmei Zhu,
| | - Shengmei Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,*Correspondence: Xianhui Kang, ; Shengmei Zhu,
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7
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Stewart CE, Branyan TE, Sampath D, Sohrabji F. Sex Differences in the Long-Term Consequences of Stroke. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2022; 62:287-308. [PMID: 35332459 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_311] [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: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and as healthcare intervention improves, the number of stroke survivors has also increased. Furthermore, there exists a subgroup of younger adults, who suffer stroke and survive. Given the overall improved survival rate, bettering our understanding of long-term stroke outcomes is critical. In this review we will explore the causes and challenges of known long-term consequences of stroke and if present, their corresponding sex differences in both old and young survivors. We have separated these long-term post-stroke consequences into three categories: mobility and muscle weakness, memory and cognitive deficits, and mental health and mood. Lastly, we discuss the potential of common preclinical stroke models to contribute to our understanding of long-term outcomes following stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney E Stewart
- Women's Health in Neuroscience Program, Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Taylor E Branyan
- Women's Health in Neuroscience Program, Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA.,Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Dayalan Sampath
- Women's Health in Neuroscience Program, Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Farida Sohrabji
- Women's Health in Neuroscience Program, Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA. .,Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, College Station, TX, USA.
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8
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Ma T, Huang Z, Xie X, Cheng Y, Zhuang X, Childs MJ, Gangal H, Wang X, Smith LN, Smith RJ, Zhou Y, Wang J. Chronic alcohol drinking persistently suppresses thalamostriatal excitation of cholinergic neurons to impair cognitive flexibility. J Clin Invest 2021; 132:154969. [PMID: 34941575 PMCID: PMC8843706 DOI: 10.1172/jci154969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to addictive substances impairs flexible decision making. Cognitive flexibility is mediated by striatal cholinergic interneurons (CINs). However, how chronic alcohol drinking alters cognitive flexibility through CINs remains unclear. Here, we report that chronic alcohol consumption and withdrawal impaired reversal of instrumental learning. Chronic alcohol consumption and withdrawal also caused a long-lasting (21 days) reduction of excitatory thalamic inputs onto CINs and reduced pause responses of CINs in the dorsomedial striatum (DMS). CINs are known to inhibit glutamatergic transmission in dopamine D1 receptor–expressing medium spiny neurons (D1-MSNs) but facilitate this transmission in D2-MSNs, which may contribute to flexible behavior. We discovered that chronic alcohol drinking impaired CIN-mediated inhibition in D1-MSNs and facilitation in D2-MSNs. Importantly, in vivo optogenetic induction of long-term potentiation of thalamostriatal transmission in DMS CINs rescued alcohol-induced reversal learning deficits. These results demonstrate that chronic alcohol drinking reduces thalamic excitation of DMS CINs, compromising their regulation of glutamatergic transmission in MSNs, which may contribute to alcohol-induced impairment of cognitive flexibility. These findings provide a neural mechanism underlying inflexible drinking in alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengfei Ma
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, United States of America
| | - Zhenbo Huang
- Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, United States of America
| | - Xueyi Xie
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, United States of America
| | - Yifeng Cheng
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, United States of America
| | - Xiaowen Zhuang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, United States of America
| | - Matthew J Childs
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, United States of America
| | - Himanshu Gangal
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, United States of America
| | - Xuehua Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, United States of America
| | - Laura N Smith
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, United States of America
| | - Rachel J Smith
- Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, United States of America
| | - Yubin Zhou
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Texas A&M University, Houston, United States of America
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, United States of America
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9
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Cheng Y, Xie X, Lu J, Gangal H, Wang W, Melo S, Wang X, Jerger J, Woodson K, Garr E, Huang Y, Janak P, Wang J. Optogenetic induction of orbitostriatal long-term potentiation in the dorsomedial striatum elicits a persistent reduction of alcohol-seeking behavior in rats. Neuropharmacology 2021; 191:108560. [PMID: 33894220 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Uncontrolled drug-seeking and -taking behaviors are generally driven by maladaptive corticostriatal synaptic plasticity. The orbital frontal cortex (OFC) and its projections to the dorsomedial striatum (DMS) have been extensively implicated in drug-seeking and relapse behaviors. The influence of the synaptic plasticity of OFC projections to the DMS (OFC→DMS) on drug-seeking and -taking behaviors has not been fully characterized. To investigate this, we trained rats to self-administer 20% alcohol and then delivered an in vivo optogenetic protocol designed to induce long-term potentiation (LTP) selectively at OFC→DMS synapses. We selected LTP induction because we found that voluntary alcohol self-administration suppressed OFC→DMS transmission and LTP may normalize this transmission, consequently reducing alcohol-seeking behavior. Importantly, ex vivo slice electrophysiology studies confirmed that this in vivo optical stimulation protocol resulted in a significant increase in excitatory OFC→DMS transmission strength on day two after stimulation, suggesting that LTP was induced in vivo. Rat alcohol-seeking and -taking behaviors were significantly reduced on days 1-3, but not on days 7-11, after LTP induction. Striatal synaptic plasticity is modulated by several critical neurotransmitter receptors, including dopamine D1 receptors (D1Rs) and adenosine A2A receptors (A2ARs). We found that delivery of in vivo optical stimulation in the presence of a D1R antagonist abolished the LTP-associated decrease in alcohol-seeking behavior, whereas delivery in the presence of an A2AR antagonist may facilitate this LTP-induced behavioral change. These results demonstrate that alcohol-seeking behavior was negatively regulated by the potentiation of excitatory OFC→DMS neurotransmission. Our findings provide direct evidence that the OFC exerts "top-down" control of alcohol-seeking behavior via the DMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Cheng
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA; Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Xueyi Xie
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Jiayi Lu
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Himanshu Gangal
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Sebastian Melo
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Xuehua Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Jared Jerger
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Kayla Woodson
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Eric Garr
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Yufei Huang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Patricia Janak
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA.
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10
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Whole-Brain Mapping of Direct Inputs to Dopamine D1 and D2 Receptor-Expressing Medium Spiny Neurons in the Posterior Dorsomedial Striatum. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0348-20.2020. [PMID: 33380525 PMCID: PMC7877463 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0348-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The posterior dorsomedial striatum (pDMS) is mainly composed of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) expressing either dopamine D1 receptors (D1Rs) or D2Rs. Activation of these two MSN types produces opposing effects on addictive behaviors. However, it remains unclear whether pDMS D1-MSNs or D2-MSNs receive afferent inputs from different brain regions or whether the extrastriatal afferents express distinct dopamine receptors. To assess whether these afferents also contained D1Rs or D2Rs, we generated double transgenic mice, in which D1R-expressing and D2R-expressing neurons were fluorescently labeled. We used rabies virus-mediated retrograde tracing in these mice to perform whole-brain mapping of direct inputs to D1-MSNs or D2-MSNs in the pDMS. We found that D1-MSNs preferentially received inputs from the secondary motor, secondary visual, and cingulate cortices, whereas D2-MSNs received inputs from the primary motor and primary sensory cortices, and the thalamus. We also discovered that the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) contained abundant D2R-expressing, but few D1R-expressing, neurons in a triple transgenic mouse model. Remarkably, although limited D1R or D2R expression was observed in extrastriatal neurons that projected to D1-MSNs or D2-MSNs, we found that cortical structures preferentially contained D1R-expressing neurons that projected to D1-MSNs or D2-MSNs, while the thalamus, substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), and BNST had more D2R-expressing cells that projected to D2-MSNs. Taken together, these findings provide a foundation for future understanding of the pDMS circuit and its role in action selection and reward-based behaviors.
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11
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Roltsch Hellard E, Binette A, Zhuang X, Lu J, Ma T, Jones B, Williams E, Jayavelu S, Wang J. Optogenetic control of alcohol-seeking behavior via the dorsomedial striatal circuit. Neuropharmacology 2019; 155:89-97. [PMID: 31121177 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.05.022] [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: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol consumption alters glutamatergic transmission in many brain regions, including the dorsomedial striatum (DMS); this aberrant plasticity is thought to be responsible for alcohol-seeking behavior. Recent studies reported that alcohol induced such plasticity specifically in direct pathway spiny projection neurons (dSPNs) of the DMS. However, it is unknown how this specific change contributes to alcohol-seeking behavior and relapse. Here, we first demonstrated that operant alcohol self-administration increased NMDA receptor activity in DMS dSPNs. Next, we found that optogenetic inhibition of dSPNs reversibly decreased operant lever presses for alcohol and alcohol intake. Furthermore, optogenetic stimulation of corticostriatal inputs at low and moderate frequencies induced reliable LTD in DMS slices. Surprisingly, in vivo delivery of the LTD-inducing protocol increased operant alcohol self-administration; this effect was blocked by a D2R antagonist. Importantly, LTD induction in the presence of both D1 and D2 receptor antagonists produced a long-lasting decrease in operant alcohol self-administration. Our results suggest that suppressing DMS dSPNs activity and their cortical inputs represents a novel treatment mechanism for alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Roltsch Hellard
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Annalise Binette
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA; Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Xiaowen Zhuang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Jiayi Lu
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Tengfei Ma
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Bradley Jones
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA; Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Eric Williams
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Swetha Jayavelu
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA; Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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12
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Alcohol intake enhances glutamatergic transmission from D2 receptor-expressing afferents onto D1 receptor-expressing medium spiny neurons in the dorsomedial striatum. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:1123-1131. [PMID: 30733568 PMCID: PMC6461835 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-019-0332-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Dopaminergic modulation of corticostriatal transmission is critically involved in reward-driven behaviors. This modulation is mainly mediated by dopamine D1 receptors (D1Rs) and D2Rs, which are highly expressed in medium spiny neurons (MSNs) of the dorsomedial striatum (DMS), a brain region essential for goal-directed behaviors and addiction. D1Rs and D2Rs are also present at presynaptic cortical terminals within the DMS. However, it is not known how addictive substances alter the glutamatergic strength of striatal synapses expressing presynaptic dopamine receptors. Using cell type-specific Cre mice in combination with optogenetic techniques, we measured glutamatergic transmission at D1R- or D2R-expressing afferents to DMS MSNs. We found larger excitatory postsynaptic currents at the synapses between the extra-striatal D2R-expressing afferents and D1R-expressing MSNs (D2→D1), as compared with those observed at the other tested synapses (D1→D1, D1→D2, and D2→D2). Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption induced a long-lasting potentiation of glutamatergic transmission at the corticostriatal D2→D1 synapse. Furthermore, we demonstrated that activation of postsynaptic, but not presynaptic, D2Rs inhibited corticostriatal transmission in an endocannabinoid-dependent manner. Taken together, these data provide detailed information on the mechanisms underlying dopamine receptor-mediated modulation of brain reward circuitry.
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13
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Naghavi FS, Koffman EE, Lin B, Du J. Post-stroke neuronal circuits and mental illnesses. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2019; 11:1-11. [PMID: 30911356 PMCID: PMC6420715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. It is also associated with severe mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety, that hinder the rehabilitation of surviving patients. Thus, a better understanding of how stroke causes mental illnesses is crucial, but little is known about the neurological mechanisms involved. In this review, we summarized the most common mental illnesses developed after stroke, as well as the underlying mechanisms at the neuronal circuit level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erin E Koffman
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Toledo Toledo, Ohio
| | - Boren Lin
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Toledo Toledo, Ohio
| | - Jianyang Du
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Toledo Toledo, Ohio
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14
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Gower A, Tiberi M. The Intersection of Central Dopamine System and Stroke: Potential Avenues Aiming at Enhancement of Motor Recovery. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2018; 10:18. [PMID: 30034335 PMCID: PMC6043669 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2018.00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopamine, a major neurotransmitter, plays a role in a wide range of brain sensorimotor functions. Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia are two major human neuropsychiatric disorders typically associated with dysfunctional dopamine activity levels, which can be alleviated through the druggability of the dopaminergic systems. Meanwhile, several studies suggest that optimal brain dopamine activity levels are also significantly impacted in other serious neurological conditions, notably stroke, but this has yet to be fully appreciated at both basic and clinical research levels. This is of utmost importance as there is a need for better treatments to improve recovery from stroke. Here, we discuss the state of knowledge regarding the modulation of dopaminergic systems following stroke, and the use of dopamine boosting therapies in animal stroke models to improve stroke recovery. Indeed, studies in animals and humans show stroke leads to changes in dopamine functioning. Moreover, evidence from animal stroke models suggests stimulation of dopamine receptors may be a promising therapeutic approach for enhancing motor recovery from stroke. With respect to the latter, we discuss the evidence for several possible receptor-linked mechanisms by which improved motor recovery may be mediated. One avenue of particular promise is the subtype-selective stimulation of dopamine receptors in conjunction with physical therapy. However, results from clinical trials so far have been more mixed due to a number of potential reasons including, targeting of the wrong patient populations and use of drugs which modulate a wide array of receptors. Notwithstanding these issues, it is hoped that future research endeavors will assist in the development of more refined dopaminergic therapeutic approaches to enhance stroke recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Gower
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (Neuroscience Program), Ottawa, ON, Canada.,University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Departments of Medicine, Cellular and Molecular Medicine, and Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Mario Tiberi
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (Neuroscience Program), Ottawa, ON, Canada.,University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Departments of Medicine, Cellular and Molecular Medicine, and Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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15
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Cheng Y, Wang X, Wei X, Xie X, Melo S, Miranda RC, Wang J. Prenatal Exposure to Alcohol Induces Functional and Structural Plasticity in Dopamine D1 Receptor-Expressing Neurons of the Dorsomedial Striatum. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2018; 42:10.1111/acer.13806. [PMID: 29870053 PMCID: PMC6281858 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is a leading cause of hyperactivity in children. Excitation of dopamine D1 receptor-expressing medium spiny neurons (D1-MSNs) of the dorsomedial striatum (DMS), a brain region that controls voluntary behavior, is known to induce hyperactivity in mice. We therefore hypothesized that PAE-linked hyperactivity was due to persistently altered glutamatergic activity in DMS D1-MSNs. METHODS Female Ai14 tdTomato reporter mice were given access to alcohol in an intermittent access, 2-bottle choice paradigm before pregnancy, and following mating with male D1-Cre mice, through the pregnancy period, and until postnatal day (P) 10. Locomotor activity was tested in juvenile (P21) and adult (P133) offspring, and alcohol-conditioned place preference (CPP) was measured in adult offspring. Glutamatergic activity in DMS D1-MSNs of adult PAE and control mice was measured by slice electrophysiology, followed by measurements of dendritic morphology. RESULTS Our voluntary maternal alcohol consumption model resulted in increased locomotor activity in juvenile PAE mice, and this hyperactivity was maintained into adulthood. Furthermore, PAE resulted in a higher alcohol-induced CPP in adult offspring. Glutamatergic activity onto DMS D1-MSNs was also enhanced by PAE. Finally, PAE increased dendritic complexity in DMS D1-MSNs in adult offspring. CONCLUSIONS Our model of PAE does result in persistent hyperactivity in offspring. In adult PAE offspring, hyperactivity is accompanied by potentiated glutamatergic strength and afferent connectivity in DMS D1-MSNs, an outcome that is also consistent with the observed increase in alcohol preference in PAE offspring. Consequently, a PAE-sensitive circuit, centered within the D1-MSN, may be linked to behavioral outcomes of PAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Cheng
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas 77807
| | - Xuehua Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas 77807
| | - Xiaoyan Wei
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas 77807
| | - Xueyi Xie
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas 77807
| | - Sebastian Melo
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas 77807
| | - Rajesh C Miranda
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas 77807
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas 77807
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16
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Zheng X, Wu J, Zhu Y, Chen S, Chen Z, Chen T, Huang Z, Wei J, Li Y, Lei W. A Comparative study for striatal-direct and -indirect pathway neurons to DA depletion-induced lesion in a PD rat model. Neurochem Int 2018; 118:14-22. [PMID: 29674121 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Striatal-direct and -indirect Pathway Neurons showed different vulnerability in basal ganglia disorders. Therefore, present study aimed to examine and compare characteristic changes of densities, protein and mRNA levels of soma, dendrites, and spines between striatal-direct and -indirect pathway neurons after DA depletion by using immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, real-time PCR and immunoelectron microscopy techniques. Experimental results showed that: 1) 6OHDA-induced DA depletion decreased the soma density of striatal-direct pathway neurons (SP+), but no significant changes for striatal-indirect pathway neurons (ENK+). 2) DA depletion resulted in a decline of dendrite density for both striatal-direct (D1+) and -indirect (D2+) pathway neurons, and D2+ dendritic density declined more obviously. At the ultrastructure level, the densities of D1+ and D2+ dendritic spines reduced in the 6OHDA groups compared with their control groups, but the density of D2+ dendritic spines reduced more significant than that of D1. 3) Striatal DA depletion down-regulated protein and mRNA expression levels of SP and D1, on the contrary, ENK and D2 protein and mRNA levels of indirect pathway neurons were up-regulated significantly. Present results suggested that indirect pathway neurons be more sensitive to 6OHDA-induced DA depletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefeng Zheng
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jiajia Wu
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Periodical Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Yaofeng Zhu
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Jishou University, Jishou 416000, China
| | - Si Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ziyun Huang
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jiayou Wei
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yanmei Li
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Wanlong Lei
- Department of Anatomy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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17
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Ma T, Cheng Y, Roltsch Hellard E, Wang X, Lu J, Gao X, Huang CCY, Wei XY, Ji JY, Wang J. Bidirectional and long-lasting control of alcohol-seeking behavior by corticostriatal LTP and LTD. Nat Neurosci 2018; 21:373-383. [PMID: 29434375 PMCID: PMC5857235 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-018-0081-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Addiction is proposed to arise from alterations in synaptic strength via mechanisms of long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD). However, the causality between these synaptic processes and addictive behaviors is difficult to demonstrate. Here we report that LTP and LTD induction altered operant alcohol self-administration, a motivated drug-seeking behavior. We first induced LTP by pairing presynaptic glutamatergic stimulation with optogenetic postsynaptic depolarization in the dorsomedial striatum, a brain region known to control goal-directed behavior. Blockade of this LTP by NMDA-receptor inhibition unmasked an endocannabinoid-dependent LTD. In vivo application of the LTP-inducing protocol caused a long-lasting increase in alcohol-seeking behavior, while the LTD protocol decreased this behavior. We further identified that optogenetic LTP and LTD induction at cortical inputs onto striatal dopamine D1 receptor-expressing neurons controlled these behavioral changes. Our results demonstrate a causal link between synaptic plasticity and alcohol-seeking behavior and suggest that modulation of this plasticity may inspire a therapeutic strategy for addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengfei Ma
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Yifeng Cheng
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Emily Roltsch Hellard
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Xuehua Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Jiayi Lu
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Xinsheng Gao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Cathy C Y Huang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Xiao-Yan Wei
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Jun-Yuan Ji
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA.
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