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Jha NA, Ayoub SM, Flesher MM, Morton K, Sikkink M, de Guglielmo G, Khokhar JY, Minassian A, Brody AL, Young JW. Acute nicotine vapor normalizes sensorimotor gating and reduces locomotor activity deficits in HIV-1 transgenic rats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.18.599641. [PMID: 38948796 PMCID: PMC11212989 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.18.599641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Rationale Despite improved life expectancy of people with HIV (PWH), HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment (NCI) persists, alongside deficits in sensorimotor gating and neuroinflammation. PWH exhibit high smoking rates, possibly due to neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and cognitive-enhancing effects of nicotine, suggesting potential self-medication. Objectives Here, we tested the effects of acute nicotine vapor exposure on translatable measures of sensorimotor gating and exploratory behavior in the HIV-1 transgenic (HIV-1Tg) rat model of HIV. Methods Male and female HIV-1Tg and F344 control rats (n=57) were exposed to acute nicotine or vehicle vapor. Sensorimotor gating was assessed using prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle response, and exploratory behavior was evaluated using the behavioral pattern monitor (BPM). Results Vehicle-treated HIV-1Tg rats exhibited PPI deficits at low prepulse intensities compared to F344 controls, as seen previously. No PPI deficits were observed in nicotine-treated HIV1-Tg rats, however. HIV-1Tg rats were hypoactive in the BPM relative to controls, whilst nicotine vapor increased activity and exploratory behavior across genotypes. Cotinine analyses confirmed comparable levels of the primary metabolite of nicotine across genotypes. Conclusions Previous findings of PPI deficits in HIV-1Tg rats were replicated and, importantly, attenuated by acute nicotine vapor. Evidence for similar cotinine levels suggest a nicotine-specific effect in HIV-1Tg rats. HIV-1Tg rats had reduced exploratory behavior compared to controls, attenuated by acute nicotine vapor. Therefore, acute nicotine may be beneficial for remediating sensorimotor and locomotor activity deficits in PWH. Future studies should determine the long-term effects of nicotine vapor on similar HIV/NCI-relevant behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal A. Jha
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Samantha M. Ayoub
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - M. Melissa Flesher
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kathleen Morton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Megan Sikkink
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Giordano de Guglielmo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jibran Y. Khokhar
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N61 3K7, Canada
| | - Arpi Minassian
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Arthur L. Brody
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Jared W. Young
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
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2
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Shinozuka K, Tabaac BJ, Arenas A, Beutler BD, Cherian K, Evans VD, Fasano C, Muir OS. Psychedelic Therapy: A Primer for Primary Care Clinicians-3,4-Methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA). Am J Ther 2024; 31:e141-e154. [PMID: 38518271 DOI: 10.1097/mjt.0000000000001722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND After becoming notorious for its use as a party drug in the 1980s, 3,4-methylenedioxy-methampetamine (MDMA), also known by its street names "molly" and "ecstasy," has emerged as a powerful treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). AREAS OF UNCERTAINTY There are extensive data about the risk profile of MDMA. However, the literature is significantly biased. Animal models demonstrating neurotoxic or adverse effects used doses well beyond the range that would be expected in humans (up to 40 mg/kg in rats compared with roughly 1-2 mg/kg in humans). Furthermore, human samples often comprise recreational users who took other substances in addition to MDMA, in uncontrolled settings. THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES Phase III clinical trials led by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) have shown that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy has an effect size of d = 0.7-0.91, up to 2-3 times higher than the effect sizes of existing antidepressant treatments. 67%-71% of patients who undergo MDMA-assisted psychotherapy no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD within 18 weeks. We also describe other promising applications of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treating alcohol use disorder, social anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions. LIMITATIONS Thus far, almost all clinical trials on MDMA have been sponsored by a single organization, MAPS. More work is needed to determine whether MDMA-assisted therapy is more effective than existing nonpharmacological treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy. CONCLUSIONS Phase III trials suggest that MDMA is superior to antidepressant medications for treating PTSD. Now that MAPS has officially requested the Food and Drug Administration to approve MDMA as a treatment for PTSD, legal MDMA-assisted therapy may become available as soon as 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Shinozuka
- Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Burton J Tabaac
- University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV
- Department of Neurology, Carson Tahoe Health, Carson City, NV
| | - Alejandro Arenas
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Bryce D Beutler
- University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Kirsten Cherian
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Viviana D Evans
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | | | - Owen S Muir
- Fermata Health, Brooklyn, NY; and
- Acacia Clinics, Sunnyvale, CA
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Zhou J, Deng W, Chen C, Kang J, Yang X, Dou Z, Wu J, Li Q, Jiang M, Liang M, Han Y. Methcathinone Increases Visually-evoked Neuronal Activity and Enhances Sensory Processing Efficiency in Mice. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:602-616. [PMID: 36449230 PMCID: PMC10073404 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00965-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Methcathinone (MCAT) belongs to the designer drugs called synthetic cathinones, which are abused worldwide for recreational purposes. It has strong stimulant effects, including enhanced euphoria, sensation, alertness, and empathy. However, little is known about how MCAT modulates neuronal activity in vivo. Here, we evaluated the effect of MCAT on neuronal activity with a series of functional approaches. C-Fos immunostaining showed that MCAT increased the number of activated neurons by 6-fold, especially in sensory and motor cortices, striatum, and midbrain motor nuclei. In vivo single-unit recording and two-photon Ca2+ imaging revealed that a large proportion of neurons increased spiking activity upon MCAT administration. Notably, MCAT induced a strong de-correlation of population activity and increased trial-to-trial reliability, specifically during a natural movie stimulus. It improved the information-processing efficiency by enhancing the single-neuron coding capacity, suggesting a cortical network mechanism of the enhanced perception produced by psychoactive stimulants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhou
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wen Deng
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Junya Kang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiaodan Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Zhaojuan Dou
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jiancheng Wu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Quancong Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Man Jiang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Man Liang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Key Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, 100192, China.
| | - Yunyun Han
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine and Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Institute for Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Key Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, 100192, China.
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Chen Y, Liu J, Yao Y, Yan H, Su R. Rearing behaviour in the mouse behavioural pattern monitor distinguishes the effects of psychedelics from those of lisuride and TBG. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1021729. [PMID: 36874002 PMCID: PMC9978355 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1021729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychedelics alter consciousness and may have potential for drug development. As psychedelics are likely therapeutically active, it is important to study their effects and mechanisms using preclinical models. Here, we examined the effects of phenylalkylamine and indoleamine psychedelics on locomotor activity and exploratory behaviour using the mouse Behavioural Pattern Monitor (BPM). DOM, mescaline, and psilocin reduced locomotor activity at high doses and influenced rearings, an exploratory behaviour, in a characteristic inverted U-shaped dose-response function. Pretreatment with the selective 5-HT2A antagonist M100907 reversed the drug-induced alterations in locomotor activity, rearings, and jumps after systemic administration of DOM at low doses. However, holepoking at the full range of doses tested was not blocked by M100907. Administration of the hallucinogenic 5-HT2A agonist 25CN-NBOH induced striking similarities in response to that to psychedelics; these alterations were significantly diminished by M100907, whereas the putatively non-hallucinogenic 5-HT2A agonist TBG did not affect locomotor activity, rearings, or jumps at the most effective doses. The nonhallucinogenic 5-HT2A agonist lisuride failed to increase rearing. The results of these experiments provide strong evidence that DOM-elicited increases in rearing are due to mediation by the 5-HT2A receptor. Finally, discriminant analysis was able to distinguish all four psychedelics from lisuride and TBG based on behavioural performance alone. Thus, increased rearing in mice could provide additional evidence of behavioural differences between hallucinogenic and nonhallucinogenic 5-HT2A agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Junhong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Yishan Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Haitao Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Ruibin Su
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
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5
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Ayoub S, Kenton JA, Milienne-Petiot M, Deben DS, Achim C, Geyer MA, Perry W, Grant IE, Young JW, Minassian A. iTat transgenic mice exhibit hyper-locomotion in the behavioral pattern monitor after chronic exposure to methamphetamine but are unaffected by Tat expression. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2023; 222:173499. [PMID: 36462584 PMCID: PMC10014034 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) has increased the quality of life and lifespan in people living with HIV (PWH), millions continue to suffer from the neurobehavioral effects of the virus. Additionally, the abuse of illicit drugs (methamphetamine in particular) is significantly higher in PWH compared to the general population, which may further impact their neurological functions. The HIV regulatory protein, Tat, has been implicated in the neurobehavioral impacts of HIV and is purported to inhibit dopamine transporter (DAT) function in a way similar to methamphetamine. Thus, we hypothesized that a combination of Tat expression and methamphetamine would exert synergistic deleterious effects on behavior and DAT expression. We examined the impact of chronic methamphetamine exposure on exploration in transgenic mice expressing human Tat (iTat) vs. their wildtype littermates using the behavioral pattern monitor (BPM). During baseline, mice exhibited sex-dependent differences in BPM behavior, which persisted through methamphetamine exposure, and Tat activation with doxycycline. We observed a main effect of methamphetamine, wherein exposure, irrespective of genotype, increased locomotor activity and decreased specific exploration. After doxycycline treatment, mice continued to exhibit drug-dependent alterations in locomotion, with no effect of Tat, or methamphetamine interactions. DAT levels were higher in wildtype, saline-exposed males compared to all other groups. These data support stimulant-induced changes of locomotor activity and exploration, and suggest that viral Tat and methamphetamine do not synergistically interact to alter these behaviors in mice. These findings are important for future studies attempting to disentangle the effect of substances that impact DAT on HAND-relevant behaviors using such transgenic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Ayoub
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Johnny A Kenton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Morgane Milienne-Petiot
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Debbie S Deben
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America; Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Cristian Achim
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Mark A Geyer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - William Perry
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Igor E Grant
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Jared W Young
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States of America.
| | - Arpi Minassian
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America; VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, Veterans Administration San Diego HealthCare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA, United States of America
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6
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The promise of psychedelic research. FUTURE DRUG DISCOVERY 2022. [DOI: 10.4155/fdd-2021-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of psychedelics as medicines and for overall better brain health is potentially one of the most transformative developments given their immediate and long-lasting therapeutic effects across a plethora of neuropsychiatric disorders and, more recently, some neurodegenerative diseases. The US psychedelic drugs market is forecasted to grow by 16.3% by 2027 due to the increasing prevalence of treatment-resistant depression and mental health disorders. Decades-long restrictions, which date back to when psychedelics were declared controlled substances in 1970, have been lifted to allow researchers to publish on the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics. This review will feature the incredible depth of research underway revealing how psychedelics impact brain structure and function to treat mental health and other neurological disorders.
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7
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Yue W, Caldwell S, Risbrough V, Powell S, Zhou X. Chronic presence of blood circulating anti-NMDAR1 autoantibodies impairs cognitive function in mice. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256972. [PMID: 34473764 PMCID: PMC8412244 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
High titers of anti-NMDAR1 autoantibodies in brain cause anti-NMDAR1 encephalitis that displays psychiatric symptoms of schizophrenia and/or other psychiatric disorders in addition to neurological symptoms. Low titers of anti-NMDAR1 autoantibodies are reported in the blood of a subset of the general human population and psychiatric patients. Since ~0.1–0.2% of blood circulating antibodies cross the blood-brain barriers and antibodies can persist for months and years in human blood, it is important to investigate whether chronic presence of these blood circulating anti-NMDAR1 autoantibodies may impair human cognitive functions and contribute to the development of psychiatric symptoms. Here, we generated mice carrying low titers of anti-NMDAR1 autoantibodies in blood against a single antigenic epitope of mouse NMDAR1. Mice carrying the anti-NMDAR1 autoantibodies are healthy and display no differences in locomotion, sensorimotor gating, and contextual memory compared to controls. Chronic presence of the blood circulating anti-NMDAR1 autoantibodies, however, is sufficient to impair T-maze spontaneous alternation in the integrity of blood-brain barriers across all 3 independent mouse cohorts, indicating a robust cognitive deficit in spatial working memory and/or novelty detection. Our studies implicate that chronic presence of low titers of blood circulating anti-NMDAR1 autoantibodies may impair cognitive functions in both the general healthy human population and psychiatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Yue
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Sorana Caldwell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- VA Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, United States of America
- VA Mental Illness Research and Clinical Core, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Victoria Risbrough
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- VA Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, United States of America
- VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Susan Powell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- VA Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, United States of America
- VA Mental Illness Research and Clinical Core, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Xianjin Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- VA Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, United States of America
- VA Mental Illness Research and Clinical Core, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Mori T, Iwase Y, Uzawa N, Takahashi Y, Mochizuki A, Fukase M, Shibasaki M, Suzuki T. Synergistic effects of MDMA and ethanol on behavior: Possible effects of ethanol on dopamine D 2 -receptor-related signaling. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e13000. [PMID: 33372347 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Polydrug abuse is common among drug abusers. In particular, psychostimulants are often taken with ethanol, and the combination of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and alcohol is one of the most common forms of polydrug abuse. However, the mechanism by which these drugs influence behavior remains unclear. The present study was designed to delineate the mechanisms that underlie the effects of the interaction between MDMA and ethanol on behavior in rodents. The combination of MDMA with ethanol enhanced their locomotor-increasing, rewarding, and discriminative stimulus effects without enhancing their effects on the release of dopamine from the nucleus accumbens in rodents. In addition, ethanol potently enhanced locomotor activity produced by the dopamine receptor agonist apomorphine in mice. In antagonism tests, the dopamine D1 -receptor antagonist SCH23390, but not the D2 -receptor antagonist haloperidol, completely suppressed hyperlocomotion induced by MDMA. However, hyperlocomotion induced by the co-administration of MDMA and ethanol was potently suppressed by haloperidol. These results suggest that the synergistic effects of MDMA and ethanol are mediated through dopamine transmission, especially through postsynaptical regulation of D2 -receptor-mediated functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohisa Mori
- Department of Pharmacology Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tokyo Japan
- Department of Toxicology Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tokyo Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Iwase
- Department of Pharmacology Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tokyo Japan
- Department of Toxicology Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tokyo Japan
| | - Naoki Uzawa
- Department of Pharmacology Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tokyo Japan
- Department of Toxicology Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tokyo Japan
| | - Yui Takahashi
- Department of Pharmacology Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tokyo Japan
- Department of Toxicology Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tokyo Japan
| | - Ayano Mochizuki
- Department of Toxicology Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tokyo Japan
| | - Mika Fukase
- Department of Toxicology Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tokyo Japan
| | - Masahiro Shibasaki
- Department of Pharmacology Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tokyo Japan
- Department of Toxicology Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tokyo Japan
| | - Tsutomu Suzuki
- Department of Toxicology Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tokyo Japan
- Institute of Drug Addiction Research Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Tokyo Japan
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Cope ZA, Kenton JA, Minassian A, Martin MV, Perry W, Bundgaard C, Arnt J, van Enkhuizen J, Geyer MA, Young JW. Chronic antipsychotic treatment exerts limited effects on the mania-like behavior of dopamine transporter knockdown mice. Behav Brain Res 2021; 405:113167. [PMID: 33577882 PMCID: PMC10729608 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113167] [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: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bipolar disorder is a life-threatening disorder linked to dopamine transporter (DAT) polymorphisms, with reduced DAT levels seen in positron emission tomography and postmortem brains. AIMS The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of approved antipsychotics on DAT dysfunction-mediated mania behavior in mice. METHODS DAT knockdown mice received either D2-family receptor antagonist risperidone or asenapine and mania-related behaviors were assessed in the clinically-relevant behavioral pattern monitor to assess spontaneous exploration. RESULTS Chronic risperidone did not reverse mania-like behavior in DAT knockdown mice. Chronic asenapine reduced mania behavior but this effect was more pronounced in wild-type littermates than in DAT knockdown mice. CONCLUSION Taken together, these findings suggest that while acute antipsychotic treatment may be beneficial in management of bipolar mania, more targeted therapeutics may be necessary for long-term treatment. Specific investigation into DAT-targeting drugs could improve future treatment of bipolar mania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zackary A Cope
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, United States
| | - Johnny A Kenton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, United States
| | - Arpi Minassian
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, United States; Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health and Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, United States
| | - Maureen V Martin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, United States
| | - William Perry
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, United States
| | - Christoffer Bundgaard
- H. Lundbeck A/S. Neuroscience Research, Ottiliavej 9, DK-2500, Copenhagen, Valby, Denmark
| | - Jørn Arnt
- Sunred Pharma Consulting, Solrød Strand, Denmark
| | - Jordy van Enkhuizen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, United States
| | - Mark A Geyer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, United States; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Jared W Young
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, United States; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States.
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10
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Inserra A, De Gregorio D, Gobbi G. Psychedelics in Psychiatry: Neuroplastic, Immunomodulatory, and Neurotransmitter Mechanisms. Pharmacol Rev 2020; 73:202-277. [PMID: 33328244 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.120.000056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence suggests safety and efficacy of psychedelic compounds as potential novel therapeutics in psychiatry. Ketamine has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in a new class of antidepressants, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is undergoing phase III clinical trials for post-traumatic stress disorder. Psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) are being investigated in several phase II and phase I clinical trials. Hence, the concept of psychedelics as therapeutics may be incorporated into modern society. Here, we discuss the main known neurobiological therapeutic mechanisms of psychedelics, which are thought to be mediated by the effects of these compounds on the serotonergic (via 5-HT2A and 5-HT1A receptors) and glutamatergic [via N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors] systems. We focus on 1) neuroplasticity mediated by the modulation of mammalian target of rapamycin-, brain-derived neurotrophic factor-, and early growth response-related pathways; 2) immunomodulation via effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, nuclear factor ĸB, and cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin 1, 6, and 10 production and release; and 3) modulation of serotonergic, dopaminergic, glutamatergic, GABAergic, and norepinephrinergic receptors, transporters, and turnover systems. We discuss arising concerns and ways to assess potential neurobiological changes, dependence, and immunosuppression. Although larger cohorts are required to corroborate preliminary findings, the results obtained so far are promising and represent a critical opportunity for improvement of pharmacotherapies in psychiatry, an area that has seen limited therapeutic advancement in the last 20 years. Studies are underway that are trying to decouple the psychedelic effects from the therapeutic effects of these compounds. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Psychedelic compounds are emerging as potential novel therapeutics in psychiatry. However, understanding of molecular mechanisms mediating improvement remains limited. This paper reviews the available evidence concerning the effects of psychedelic compounds on pathways that modulate neuroplasticity, immunity, and neurotransmitter systems. This work aims to be a reference for psychiatrists who may soon be faced with the possibility of prescribing psychedelic compounds as medications, helping them assess which compound(s) and regimen could be most useful for decreasing specific psychiatric symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Inserra
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Danilo De Gregorio
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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11
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Ryu IS, Yoon SS, Choi MJ, Lee YE, Kim JS, Kim WH, Cheong JH, Kim HJ, Jang C, Lee YS, Steffensen SC, Ka M, Woo DH, Jang EY, Seo J. The potent psychomotor, rewarding and reinforcing properties of 3-fluoromethamphetamine in rodents. Addict Biol 2020; 25:e12846. [PMID: 31797481 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
3-fluoromethamphetamine (3-FMA), a derivative of methamphetamine (METH), produces behavioral impairment and deficits in dopaminergic transmission in the striatum of mice. The abuse potential of 3-FMA has not been fully characterized. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 3-FMA on locomotor activity as well as its rewarding and reinforcing properties in the conditioned place preference (CPP) and self-administration procedures. Intravenous (i.v.) administration of 3-FMA (0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg) significantly increased locomotor activity in a dose-dependent manner in rats. In the CPP procedure, intraperitoneal administration of 3-FMA (10 and 30 mg/kg) produced a significant alteration in place preference in mice. In the self-administration paradigms, 3-FMA showed drug-taking behavior at the dose of 0.1 mg/kg/infusion (i.v.) during 2 hr sessions under fixed ratio schedules and high breakpoints at the dose of 0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg/infusion (i.v.) during 6 hr sessions under progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement in rats. A priming injection of 3-FMA (0.4 mg/kg, i.v.), METH (0.2 mg/kg, i.v.), or cocaine (2.0 mg/kg, i.v.) reinstated 3-FMA-seeking behavior after an extinction period in 3-FMA-trained rats during 2 hr session. Taken together, these findings demonstrate robust psychomotor, rewarding and reinforcing properties of 3-FMA, which may underlie its potential for compulsive use in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- In Soo Ryu
- Research Center for Convergence Toxicology Korea Institute of Toxicology Daejeon South Korea
| | - Seong Shoon Yoon
- Research Center for Convergence Toxicology Korea Institute of Toxicology Daejeon South Korea
| | - Mee Jung Choi
- Research Center for Convergence Toxicology Korea Institute of Toxicology Daejeon South Korea
| | - Young Eun Lee
- Research Center for Convergence Toxicology Korea Institute of Toxicology Daejeon South Korea
| | - Ji Sun Kim
- Research Center for Convergence Toxicology Korea Institute of Toxicology Daejeon South Korea
| | - Woo Hyun Kim
- Research Center for Convergence Toxicology Korea Institute of Toxicology Daejeon South Korea
| | - Jae Hoon Cheong
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, School of Pharmacy Sahmyook University Seoul South Korea
| | - Hee Jin Kim
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, School of Pharmacy Sahmyook University Seoul South Korea
| | - Choon‐Gon Jang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy Sungkyunkwan University Suwon South Korea
| | - Yong Sup Lee
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy Kyung Hee University Seoul South Korea
| | - Scott C. Steffensen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Brigham Young University Provo UT USA
| | - Minhan Ka
- Research Center for Convergence Toxicology Korea Institute of Toxicology Daejeon South Korea
| | - Dong Ho Woo
- Research Center for Convergence Toxicology Korea Institute of Toxicology Daejeon South Korea
| | - Eun Young Jang
- Research Center for Convergence Toxicology Korea Institute of Toxicology Daejeon South Korea
| | - Joung‐Wook Seo
- Research Center for Convergence Toxicology Korea Institute of Toxicology Daejeon South Korea
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12
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Deslauriers J, Toth M, Scadeng M, McKenna BS, Bussell R, Gresack J, Rissman R, Risbrough VB, Brown GG. DTI-identified microstructural changes in the gray matter of mice overexpressing CRF in the forebrain. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2020; 304:111137. [PMID: 32731113 PMCID: PMC7508966 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2020.111137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Increased corticotroping releasing factor (CRF) contributes to brain circuit abnormalities associated with stress-related disorders including posttraumatic stress disorder. However, the causal relationship between CRF hypersignaling and circuit abnormalities associated with stress disorders is unclear. We hypothesized that increased CRF exposure induces changes in limbic circuit morphology and functions. An inducible, forebrain-specific overexpression of CRF (CRFOE) transgenic mouse line was used to longitudinally investigate its chronic effects on behaviors and microstructural integrity of several brain regions. Behavioral and diffusion tensor imaging studies were performed before treatment, after 3-4 wks of treatment, and again 3 mo after treatment ended to assess recovery. CRFOE was associated with increased perseverative movements only after 3 wks of treatment, as well as reduced fractional anisotropy at 3 wks in the medial prefrontal cortex and increased fractional anisotropy in the ventral hippocampus at 3 mo compared to the control group. In the dorsal hippocampus, mean diffusivity was lower in CRFOE mice both during and after treatment ended. Our data suggest differential response and recovery patterns of cortical and hippocampal subregions in response to CRFOE. Overall these findings support a causal relationship between CRF hypersignaling and microstructural changes in brain regions relevant to stress disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Deslauriers
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA; Veterans Affairs Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, La Jolla, CA; Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Mate Toth
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA; Veterans Affairs Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, La Jolla, CA; Department of Translational Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Miriam Scadeng
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA; Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Benjamin S McKenna
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA; Veterans Affairs Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, La Jolla, CA
| | - Robert Bussell
- Department of Translational Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Robert Rissman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Victoria B Risbrough
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA; Veterans Affairs Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, La Jolla, CA
| | - Gregory G Brown
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
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13
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Kwiatkowski MA, Cope ZA, Lavadia ML, van de Cappelle CJA, Dulcis D, Young JW. Short-active photoperiod gestation induces psychiatry-relevant behavior in healthy mice but a resiliency to such effects are seen in mice with reduced dopamine transporter expression. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10217. [PMID: 32576854 PMCID: PMC7311429 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66873-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A higher incidence of multiple psychiatric disorders occurs in people born in late winter/early spring. Reduced light exposure/activity level impacts adult rodent behavior and neural mechanisms, yet few studies have investigated such light exposure on gestating fetuses. A dysfunctional dopamine system is implicated in most psychiatric disorders, and genetic polymorphisms reducing expression of the dopamine transporter (DAT) are associated with some conditions. Furthermore, adult mice with reduced DAT expression (DAT-HT) were hypersensitive to short active (SA; 19:5 L:D) photoperiod exposure versus their wildtype (WT) littermates. Effects of SA photoperiod exposure during gestation in these mice have not been examined. We confirmed adult females exhibit a heightened corticosterone response when in SA photoperiod. We then tested DAT-HT mice and WT littermates in psychiatry-relevant behavioral tests after SA or normal active (NA; 12:12 L:D) photoperiod exposure during gestation and early life. SA-born WT mice exhibited sensorimotor gating deficits (males), increased reward preference, less immobility, open arm avoidance (females), less motivation to obtain a reward, and reversal learning deficits, vs. NA-born WT mice. DAT-HT mice were largely resilient to these effects, however. Future studies will determine the mechanism(s) by which SA photoperiod exposure influences brain development to predispose toward emergence of psychiatry-relevant behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly A Kwiatkowski
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, USA
| | - Zackary A Cope
- Department of Medicine, Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Maria L Lavadia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, USA
| | - Chuck J A van de Cappelle
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, USA.,Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Davide Dulcis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, USA
| | - Jared W Young
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, USA. .,Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, USA.
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14
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Aguilar MA, García-Pardo MP, Parrott AC. Of mice and men on MDMA: A translational comparison of the neuropsychobiological effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine ('Ecstasy'). Brain Res 2020; 1727:146556. [PMID: 31734398 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
MDMA (3,4-methylendioxymethamphetamine), also known as Ecstasy, is a stimulant drug recreationally used by young adults usually in dance clubs and raves. Acute MDMA administration increases serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline by reversing the action of the monoamine transporters. In this work, we review the studies carried out over the last 30 years on the neuropsychobiological effects of MDMA in humans and mice and summarise the current knowledge. The two species differ with respect to the neurochemical consequences of chronic MDMA, since it preferentially induces serotonergic dysfunction in humans and dopaminergic neurotoxicity in mice. However, MDMA alters brain structure and function and induces hormonal, psychomotor, neurocognitive, psychosocial and psychiatric outcomes in both species, as well as physically damaging and teratogen effects. Pharmacological and genetic studies in mice have increased our knowledge of the neurochemical substrate of the multiple effects of MDMA. Future work in this area may contribute to developing pharmacological treatments for MDMA-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Aguilar
- Department of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, Valencia University, Valencia, Spain.
| | | | - Andrew C Parrott
- Department of Psychology, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom; Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia
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15
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Odland AU, Jessen L, Kristensen JL, Fitzpatrick CM, Andreasen JT. The 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor agonists DOI and 25CN-NBOH decrease marble burying and reverse 8-OH-DPAT-induced deficit in spontaneous alternation. Neuropharmacology 2019; 183:107838. [PMID: 31693871 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
5-Hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) agonist psychedelics are increasingly recognized as potentially useful treatments of psychiatric disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety, and drug dependence. There is limited understanding of the way they exert their therapeutic action, but inhibition of rigid behavior and cognition has been suggested as a key factor. To examine the role of 5-HT2ARs in modulating repetitive behavior, we tested two 5-HT2AR agonists, DOI, and the selective 25CN-NBOH, in two mouse tests of compulsive-like behavior. Using adult C57BL/6JOlaHsd male mice, we examined the effects of the two compounds on digging behavior in the marble burying test and on 8-OH-DPAT-disrupted spontaneous alternation behavior in the Y-maze. Both compounds dose-dependently decreased digging behavior in the marble burying test, indicating anti-compulsivity effects, which were not related to non-specific locomotor inhibition. Both 5-HT2AR agonists also reversed 8-OH-DPAT-reduced alternation ratio in the spontaneous alternation behavior test, although the effects were less pronounced than in the marble burying test. This suggests that the 5-HT2AR promotes exploratory behavior, but that the deficit produced by 8-OH-DPAT is too excessive to be fully reversed by 5-HT2AR agonists. This study shows that agonism of 5-HT2AR reduces repetitive behavioral patterns, supporting the theory that this is a potential new treatment approach to disorders of cognitive or behavioral inflexibility. This article is part of the special issue entitled 'Serotonin Research: Crossing Scales and Boundaries'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna U Odland
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
| | - Lea Jessen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
| | - Jesper L Kristensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
| | - Ciarán M Fitzpatrick
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
| | - Jesper T Andreasen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark.
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16
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Odland AU, Jessen L, Fitzpatrick CM, Andreasen JT. 8-OH-DPAT Induces Compulsive-like Deficit in Spontaneous Alternation Behavior: Reversal by MDMA but Not Citalopram. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:3094-3100. [PMID: 31244057 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rodents exhibit natural exploratory behaviors, which can be measured by the spontaneous alternation behavior (SAB) test. Perseverance in this test induced by the 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A receptor (5-HT1AR) agonist, 8-hydroxy-2-dipropylaminotetralin (8-OH-DPAT), resembles compulsive behaviors observed in humans and manifests as reduced alternation ratio. This study characterized 8-OH-DPAT-induced perseverance in the SAB test in C57BL/6JOlaHsd male mice by coadministration of WAY100635, citalopram and the 5-HT releasing agent, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), to deepen the understanding of 5-HT-dependent mechanisms. The 5-HT1AR mechanism of 8-OH-DPAT (1.0 mg/kg, p < 0.01) on perseverance was confirmed by coadministration of the 5-HT1AR antagonist, WAY100635 (2.0 mg/kg, p < 0.05), which attenuated the effects of 8-OH-DPAT. Such effects could also be reversed by MDMA (1.0 mg/kg, p < 0.05; 10.0 mg/kg, p < 0.001) but not citalopram. These findings confirm the importance of 5-HT in regulating perseverative behavior. Future investigations are required to determine the predictive validity of the 8-OH-DPAT-disrupted SAB test as an inducible mouse model of compulsivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna U. Odland
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Lea Jessen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Ciarán M. Fitzpatrick
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Jesper T. Andreasen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
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17
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Deslauriers J, Toth M, Zhou X, Risbrough VB. Heritable Differences in Catecholamine Signaling Modulate Susceptibility to Trauma and Response to Methylphenidate Treatment: Relevance for PTSD. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:111. [PMID: 31164811 PMCID: PMC6534065 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in cortical catecholamine signaling pathways can modulate acute and enduring responses to trauma. Heritable variation in catecholamine signaling is produced by a common functional polymorphism in the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), with Val carriers exhibiting greater degradation of catecholamines than Met carriers. Furthermore, it has recently been suggested that drugs enhancing cortical catecholamine signaling may be a new therapeutic approach for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients. We hypothesized that heritable differences in catecholamine signaling regulate the behavioral response to trauma, and that methylphenidate (MPD), a drug that preferentially blocks catecholamine reuptake in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), exerts COMT-dependent effects on trauma-induced behaviors. We first examined the contribution of the functional mutation COMTval158met to modulate enduring behavioral responses to predator stress in a unique "humanized" COMTval158met mouse line. Animals were exposed to a predator (cat) for 10 min and enduring avoidance behaviors were examined in the open field, light-dark box, and "trauma-reminder" tests 1-2 weeks later. Second, we examined the efficacy of chronic methylphenidate to reverse predator stress effects and if these effects were modulated by COMTval158met genotype. Mice were exposed to predator stress and began treatment with either saline or methylphenidate (3 mg/kg/day) 1 week after stress until the end of the testing [avoidance behaviors, working memory, and social preference (SP)]. In males, predator stress and COMTval158met had an additive effect on enduring anxiety-like behavior, with Val stressed mice showing the strongest avoidance behavior after stress compared to Met carriers. No effect of COMT genotype was observed in females. Therefore methylphenidate effects were investigated only in males. Chronic methylphenidate treatment reversed the stress-induced avoidance behavior and increased social investigation independently of genotype. Methylphenidate effects on working memory, however, were genotype-dependent, decreasing working memory in non-stressed Met carriers, and improving stress-induced working memory deficit in Val carriers. These results suggest that heritable variance in catecholamine signaling modulates the avoidance response to an acute trauma. This work supports recent human findings that methylphenidate might be a therapeutic alternative for PTSD patients and suggests that methylphenidate effects on anxiety (generalized avoidance, social withdrawal) vs. cognitive (working memory) symptoms may be modulated through COMT-independent and dependent mechanisms, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Deslauriers
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States.,Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, Veterans Affairs Hospital, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Mate Toth
- Department of Behavioural Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Xianjin Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Victoria B Risbrough
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, Veterans Affairs Hospital, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
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18
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Kwiatkowski MA, Hellemann G, Sugar CA, Cope ZA, Minassian A, Perry W, Geyer MA, Young JW. Dopamine transporter knockdown mice in the behavioral pattern monitor: A robust, reproducible model for mania-relevant behaviors. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2019; 178:42-50. [PMID: 29289701 PMCID: PMC10014035 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2017.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 11/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Efforts to replicate results from both basic and clinical models have highlighted problems with reproducibility in science. In psychiatry, reproducibility issues are compounded because the complex behavioral syndromes make many disorders challenging to model. We develop translatable tasks that quantitatively measure psychiatry-relevant behaviors across species. The behavioral pattern monitor (BPM) was designed to analyze exploratory behaviors, which are altered in patients with bipolar disorder (BD), especially during mania episodes. We have repeatedly assessed the behavioral effects of reduced dopamine transporter (DAT) expression in the BPM using a DAT knockdown (KD) mouse line (~10% normal expression). DAT KD mice exhibit a profile in the BPM consistent with acutely manic BD patients in the human version of the task-hyperactivity, increased exploratory behavior, and reduced spatial d (Perry et al., 2009). We collected data from multiple DAT KD BPM experiments in our laboratory to assess the reproducibility of behavioral outcomes across experiments. The four outcomes analyzed were: 1) transitions (amount of locomotor activity); 2) rearings (exploratory activity); 3) holepokes (exploratory activity); and 4) spatial d (geometrical pattern of locomotor activity). By comparing DAT KD mice to wildtype (WT) littermates in every experiment, we calculated effect sizes for each of the four outcomes and then calculated a mean effect size using a random effects model. DAT KD mice exhibited robust, reproducible changes in each of the four outcomes, including increased transitions, rearings, and holepokes, and reduced spatial d, vs. WT littermates. Our results demonstrate that the DAT KD mouse line in the BPM is a consistent, reproducible model of mania-relevant behaviors. More work must be done to assess reproducibility of behavioral outcomes across experiments in order to advance the field of psychiatry and develop more effective therapeutics for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gerhard Hellemann
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, USA
| | - Catherine A Sugar
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, USA.; Department of Biostatistics, University of California Los Angeles, USA
| | - Zackary A Cope
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, USA
| | - Arpi Minassian
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, USA
| | - William Perry
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, USA
| | - Mark A Geyer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, USA.; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, USA
| | - Jared W Young
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, USA.; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, USA..
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19
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Sáez-Briones P, Castro-Castillo V, Díaz-Véliz G, Valladares L, Barra R, Hernández A, Cassels BK. Aromatic Bromination Abolishes the Psychomotor Features and Pro-social Responses of MDMA ("Ecstasy") in Rats and Preserves Affinity for the Serotonin Transporter (SERT). Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:157. [PMID: 30873030 PMCID: PMC6403168 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The entactogen MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine, “Ecstasy”) exerts its psychotropic effects acting primarily as a substrate of the serotonin transporter (SERT) to induce a non-exocytotic release of serotonin. Nevertheless, the roles of specific positions of the aromatic ring of MDMA associated with the modulation of typical entactogenic effects, using analogs derived from the MDMA template, are still not fully understood. Among many possibilities, aromatic halogenation of the phenylalkylamine moiety may favor distribution to the brain due to increased lipophilicity, and sometimes renders psychotropic substances of high affinity for their molecular targets and high potency in humans. In the present work, a new MDMA analog brominated at C(2) of the aromatic ring (2-Br-4,5-MDMA) has been synthesized and pharmacologically characterized in vitro and in vivo. First, binding competition experiments against the SERT-blocker citalopram were carried out in human platelets and compared with MDMA. Besides, its effects on platelet aggregation were performed in platelet enriched human plasma using collagen as aggregation inductor. Second, as platelets are considered an appropriate peripheral model for estimating central serotonin availability, the functional effects of 2-Br-4,5-MDMA and MDMA on ATP release during human platelet aggregation were evaluated. The results obtained showed that 2-Br-4,5-MDMA exhibits higher affinity for SERT than MDMA and fully abolishes both platelet aggregation and ATP release, resembling the pharmacological profile of citalopram. Subsequent in vivo evaluation in rats at three dose levels showed that 2-Br-4,5-MDMA lacks all key MDMA-like behavioral responses in rats, including hyperlocomotion, enhanced active avoidance conditioning responses and increased social interaction. Taken together, the results obtained are consistent with the notion that 2-Br-4,5-MDMA should not be expected to be an MDMA-like substrate of SERT, indicating that aromatic bromination at C(2) modulates the pharmacodynamic properties of the substrate MDMA, yielding a citalopram-like compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricio Sáez-Briones
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Behavior, Faculty of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Vicente Castro-Castillo
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gabriela Díaz-Véliz
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis Valladares
- Laboratory of Hormones and Receptors, Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de los Alimentos (INTA), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rafael Barra
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Behavior, Faculty of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandro Hernández
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Bruce K Cassels
- Chemobiodynamics Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Vizeli P, Liechti ME. No Influence of Dopamine System Gene Variations on Acute Effects of MDMA. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:755. [PMID: 31708815 PMCID: PMC6821788 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) is a recreational substance also investigated as medication for posttraumatic stress disorder. Dopamine (DA) system stimulation likely contributes to the acute mood effects of amphetamines, including MDMA. Genetic variants, such as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and polymorphic regions of the DA system genes may in part explain interindividual differences in the acute responses to MDMA in humans. We characterized the effects of common genetic variants within genes coding for key players in the DA system including the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2/ANKK1 rs1800497, DRD2 rs6277, and rs107959), the dopamine transporter (DAT1 rs28363170, rs3836790, rs6347, rs11133767, rs11564774, rs460000, and rs463379), and dopamine D4 receptor [DRD4, variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR)] on the subjective and autonomic response to MDMA (125 mg) in pooled data from randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover studies in a total of 149 healthy subjects. Plasma concentrations of MDMA were used as covariate in the analysis to control for individual pharmacokinetic (metabolic and weight) differences. None of the tested genetic polymorphisms within the DA system altered effects of MDMA when adjusting for multiple comparisons. Genetic variations in genes coding for players of the DA system are unlikely to explain interindividual variations in the acute effects of MDMA in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Vizeli
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias E Liechti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Sungur AÖ, Redecker TM, Andres E, Dürichen W, Schwarting RKW, Del Rey A, Wöhr M. Reduced Efficacy of d-Amphetamine and 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine in Inducing Hyperactivity in Mice Lacking the Postsynaptic Scaffolding Protein SHANK1. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:419. [PMID: 30505269 PMCID: PMC6250831 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic defects in the three SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains (SHANK) genes (SHANK1, SHANK2, and SHANK3) are associated with multiple major neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), schizophrenia (SCZ), and bipolar disorder (BPD). Psychostimulant-induced hyperactivity is a commonly applied paradigm to assess behavioral phenotypes related to BPD and considered to be the gold standard for modeling mania-like elevated drive in mouse models. Therefore, the goal of our present study was to test whether Shank1 plays a role in the behavioral effects of psychostimulants and whether this is associated with genotype-dependent neurochemical alterations. To this aim, male and female null mutant Shank1-/- mice were treated with d-amphetamine (AMPH; 2.5 mg/kg) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy; 20 mg/kg), and psychostimulant-induced hyperactivity was compared to heterozygous Shank1+/- and wildtype Shank1+/+ littermate controls. Results show that Shank1-/- mice display reduced psychostimulant-induced hyperactivity, although psychostimulants robustly stimulated locomotor activity in littermate controls. Shank1 deletion effects emerged throughout development, were particularly prominent in adulthood, and seen in response to both psychostimulants, i.e., AMPH and MDMA. Specifically, while AMPH-induced hyperactivity was reduced but still detectable in Shank1-/- mice, MDMA-induced hyperactivity was robustly blocked and completely absent in Shank1-/- mice. Reduced efficacy of psychostimulants to stimulate hyperactivity in Shank1-/- mice might be associated with alterations in the neurochemical architecture in prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and hypothalamus. Our observation that psychostimulant-induced hyperactivity is reduced rather than enhanced in Shank1-/- mice clearly speaks against a behavioral phenotype with relevance to BPD. Lack of BPD-like phenotype is consistent with currently available human data linking mutations in SHANK2 and SHANK3 but not SHANK1 to BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Özge Sungur
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.,Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Tobias M Redecker
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Elena Andres
- Research Group Immunophysiology, Division of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Wiebke Dürichen
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Rainer K W Schwarting
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.,Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Adriana Del Rey
- Research Group Immunophysiology, Division of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.,Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Dunlap LE, Andrews AM, Olson DE. Dark Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:2408-2427. [PMID: 30001118 PMCID: PMC6197894 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Better known as "ecstasy", 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a small molecule that has played a prominent role in defining the ethos of today's teenagers and young adults, much like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) did in the 1960s. Though MDMA possesses structural similarities to compounds like amphetamine and mescaline, it produces subjective effects that are unlike any of the classical psychostimulants or hallucinogens and is one of the few compounds capable of reliably producing prosocial behavioral states. As a result, MDMA has captured the attention of recreational users, the media, artists, psychiatrists, and neuropharmacologists alike. Here, we detail the synthesis of MDMA as well as its pharmacology, metabolism, adverse effects, and potential use in medicine. Finally, we discuss its history and why it is perhaps the most important compound for the future of psychedelic science-having the potential to either facilitate new psychedelic research initiatives, or to usher in a second Dark Age for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee E Dunlap
- Department of Chemistry , University of California, Davis , One Shields Avenue , Davis , California 95616 , United States
| | - Anne M Andrews
- Departments of Psychiatry and Chemistry & Biochemistry, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, and Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology , University of California , Los Angeles , California 90095 , United States
| | - David E Olson
- Department of Chemistry , University of California, Davis , One Shields Avenue , Davis , California 95616 , United States
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine , University of California, Davis , 2700 Stockton Blvd, Suite 2102 , Sacramento , California 95817 , United States
- Center for Neuroscience , University of California, Davis , 1544 Newton Ct , Davis , California 95616 , United States
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Milienne-Petiot M, Groenink L, Minassian A, Young JW. Blockade of dopamine D 1-family receptors attenuates the mania-like hyperactive, risk-preferring, and high motivation behavioral profile of mice with low dopamine transporter levels. J Psychopharmacol 2017; 31:1334-1346. [PMID: 28950781 PMCID: PMC10773978 DOI: 10.1177/0269881117731162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with bipolar disorder mania exhibit poor cognition, impulsivity, risk-taking, and goal-directed activity that negatively impact their quality of life. To date, existing treatments for bipolar disorder do not adequately remediate cognitive dysfunction. Reducing dopamine transporter expression recreates many bipolar disorder mania-relevant behaviors (i.e. hyperactivity and risk-taking). The current study investigated whether dopamine D1-family receptor blockade would attenuate the risk-taking, hypermotivation, and hyperactivity of dopamine transporter knockdown mice. METHODS Dopamine transporter knockdown and wild-type littermate mice were tested in mouse versions of the Iowa Gambling Task (risk-taking), Progressive Ratio Breakpoint Test (effortful motivation), and Behavioral Pattern Monitor (activity). Prior to testing, the mice were treated with the dopamine D1-family receptor antagonist SCH 23390 hydrochloride (0.03, 0.1, or 0.3 mg/kg), or vehicle. RESULTS Dopamine transporter knockdown mice exhibited hyperactivity and hyperexploration, hypermotivation, and risk-taking preference compared with wild-type littermates. SCH 23390 hydrochloride treatment decreased premature responding in dopamine transporter knockdown mice and attenuated their hypermotivation. SCH 23390 hydrochloride flattened the safe/risk preference, while reducing activity and exploratory levels of both genotypes similarly. CONCLUSIONS Dopamine transporter knockdown mice exhibited mania-relevant behavior compared to wild-type mice. Systemic dopamine D1-family receptor antagonism attenuated these behaviors in dopamine transporter knockdown, but not all effects were specific to only the knockdown mice. The normalization of behavior via blockade of dopamine D1-family receptors supports the hypothesis that D1 and/or D5 receptors could contribute to the mania-relevant behaviors of dopamine transporter knockdown mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Milienne-Petiot
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, United States of America
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lucianne Groenink
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Arpi Minassian
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, United States of America
| | - Jared W. Young
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, United States of America
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States of America
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Cope ZA, Minassian A, Kreitner D, MacQueen DA, Milienne-Petiot M, Geyer MA, Perry W, Young JW. Modafinil improves attentional performance in healthy, non-sleep deprived humans at doses not inducing hyperarousal across species. Neuropharmacology 2017; 125:254-262. [PMID: 28774856 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The wake-promoting drug modafinil is frequently used off-label to improve cognition in psychiatric and academic populations alike. The domain-specific attentional benefits of modafinil have yet to be quantified objectively in healthy human volunteers using tasks validated for comparison across species. Further, given that modafinil is a low-affinity inhibitor for the dopamine and norepinephrine transporters (DAT/NET respectively) it is unclear if any effects are attributable to a non-specific increase in arousal, a feature of many catecholamine reuptake inhibitors (e.g., cocaine, amphetamine). These experiments were designed to test for domain-specific enhancement of attention and cognitive control by modafinil (200 and 400 mg) in healthy volunteers using the 5-choice continuous performance task (5C-CPT) and Wisconsin Card Sort Task (WCST). An additional cross-species assessment of arousal and hyperactivity was performed in this group and in mice (3.2, 10, or 32 mg/kg) using species-specific versions of the behavioral pattern monitor (BPM). Modafinil significantly enhanced attention (d prime) in humans performing the 5C-CPT at doses that did not affect WCST performance or induce hyperactivity in the BPM. In mice, only the highest dose elicited increased activity in the BPM. These results indicate that modafinil produces domain-specific enhancement of attention in humans not driven by hyperarousal, unlike other drugs in this class, and higher equivalent doses were required for hyperarousal in mice. Further, these data support the utility of using the 5C-CPT across species to more precisely determine the mechanism(s) underlying the pro-cognitive effects of modafinil and potentially other pharmacological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zackary A Cope
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, United States
| | - Arpi Minassian
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, United States; Center for Stress and Mental Health (CESAMH), VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Dustin Kreitner
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, United States
| | - David A MacQueen
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, United States; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Morgane Milienne-Petiot
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, United States; Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, David de Wied Building, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mark A Geyer
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, United States; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - William Perry
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, United States
| | - Jared W Young
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, United States; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States.
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Milienne-Petiot M, Geyer MA, Arnt J, Young JW. Brexpiprazole reduces hyperactivity, impulsivity, and risk-preference behavior in mice with dopamine transporter knockdown-a model of mania. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:1017-1028. [PMID: 28160035 PMCID: PMC5391249 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4543-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Bipolar disorder (BD) is a unique mood disorder defined by periods of depression and mania. The defining diagnosis of BD is the presence of mania/hypomania, with symptoms including hyperactivity and risk-taking. Since current treatments do not ameliorate cognitive deficits such as risky decision-making, and impulsivity that can negatively affect a patient's quality of life, better treatments are needed. OBJECTIVES Here, we tested whether acute treatment with brexpiprazole, a serotonin-dopamine activity modulator with partial agonist activity at D2/3 and 5-HT1A receptors, would attenuate the BD mania-relevant behaviors of the dopamine transporter (DAT) knockdown mouse model of mania. METHODS The effects of brexpiprazole on DAT knockdown and wild-type littermate mice were examined in the behavioral pattern monitor (BPM) and Iowa gambling task (IGT) to quantify activity/exploration and impulsivity/risk-taking behavior respectively. RESULTS DAT knockdown mice exhibited hyper-exploratory behavior in the BPM and made fewer safe choices in the IGT. Brexpiprazole attenuated the mania-like hyper-exploratory phenotype and increased safe choices in risk-preferring DAT knockdown mice. Brexpiprazole also reduced safe choices in safe-preferring mice irrespective of genotype. Finally, brexpiprazole reduced premature (impulsive-like) responses in both groups of mice. CONCLUSIONS Consistent with earlier reports, DAT knockdown mice exhibited hyper-exploratory, risk-preferring, and impulsive-like profiles consistent with patients with BD mania in these tasks. These behaviors were attenuated after brexpiprazole treatment. These data therefore indicate that brexpiprazole could be a novel treatment for BD mania and/or risk-taking/impulsivity disorders, since it remediates some relevant behavioral abnormalities in this mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Milienne-Petiot
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, USA
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584, CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mark A Geyer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, USA
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jørn Arnt
- Sunred Pharma Consulting, Solrod Strand, Denmark
- Synaptic Transmission, Neuroscience Drug Discovery, H. Lundbeck A/S, Ottiliavej 9, 2500, Valby, DK, Denmark
| | - Jared W Young
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, USA.
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA.
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Tyrkkö E, Andersson M, Kronstrand R. The Toxicology of New Psychoactive Substances: Synthetic Cathinones and Phenylethylamines. Ther Drug Monit 2016; 38:190-216. [PMID: 26587869 DOI: 10.1097/ftd.0000000000000263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND New psychoactive substances (NPSs) are substitutes for classical drugs of abuse and there are now compounds available from all groups of classical drugs of abuse. During 2014, the number of synthetic cathinones increased dramatically and, together with phenylethylamines, they dominate the NPS markets in the European Union. In total, 31 cathinones and 9 phenylethylamines were encountered in 2014. The aim of this article was to summarize the existing knowledge about the basic pharmacology, metabolism, and human toxicology of relevant synthetic cathinones and phenylethylamines. Compared with existing reviews, we have also compiled the existing case reports from both fatal and nonfatal intoxications. METHODS We performed a comprehensive literature search using bibliographic databases PubMed and Web of Science, complemented with Google Scholar. The focus of the literature search was on original articles, case reports, and previously published review articles published in 2014 or earlier. RESULTS The rapid increase of NPSs is a growing concern and sets new challenges not only for societies in drug prevention and legislation but also in clinical and forensic toxicology. In vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that the pharmacodynamic profile of cathinones is similar to that of other psychomotor stimulants. Metabolism studies show that cathinones and phenylethylamines are extensively metabolized; however, the parent compound is usually detectable in human urine. In vitro studies have shown that many cathinones and phenylethylamines are metabolized by CYP2D6 enzymes. This indicates that these drugs may have many possible drug-drug interactions and that genetic polymorphism may influence their toxicity. However, the clinical and toxicological relevance of CYP2D6 in adverse effects of cathinones and phenylethylamines is questionable, because these compounds are metabolized by other enzymes as well. The toxidromes commonly encountered after ingestion of cathinones and phenylethylamines are mainly of sympathomimetic and hallucinogenic character with a risk of excited delirium and life-threatening cardiovascular effects. CONCLUSIONS The acute and chronic toxicity of many NPSs is unknown or very sparsely investigated. There is a need for evidence-based-treatment recommendations for acute intoxications and a demand for new strategies to analyze these compounds in clinical and forensic cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elli Tyrkkö
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, National Board of Forensic Medicine, Linköping, Sweden
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Overexpression of Forebrain CRH During Early Life Increases Trauma Susceptibility in Adulthood. Neuropsychopharmacology 2016; 41:1681-90. [PMID: 26538448 PMCID: PMC4832031 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2015.338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Revised: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Although early-life stress is a significant risk factor for developing anxiety disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) is disrupted in individuals with PTSD and early-life stress and hence may mediate the effects of early-life stress on PTSD risk. We hypothesized that CRH hyper-signaling in the forebrain during early development is sufficient to increase response to trauma in adulthood. To test this hypothesis, we induced transient, forebrain-specific, CRH overexpression during early-life (pre-puberty, CRHOEdev) in double-mutant mice (Camk2a-rtta2 × tetO-Crh) and tested their behavioral and gene expression responses to the predator stress model of PTSD in adulthood. In one cohort of CRHOEdev exposed and unexposed mice, avoidance and arousal behaviors were examined 7-15 days after exposure to predator stress. In another cohort, gene expression changes in Crhr1, Crhr2, and Fkbp51 in forebrain of CRHOEdev exposed and unexposed mice were examined 7 days after predator stress. CRHOEdev induced robust increases in startle reactivity and reductions in startle inhibition independently of predator stress in both male and female mice. Avoidance behaviors after predator stress were highly dependent on sex and CRHOEdev exposure. Whereas stressed females exhibited robust avoidance responses that were not altered by CRHOEdev, males developed significant avoidance only when exposed to both CRHOEdev and stress. Quantitative real-time-PCR analysis indicated that CRHOEdev unexposed males exhibit significant changes in Crhr2 expression in the amygdala and bed nucleus stria terminalis in response to stress, whereas males exposed to CRHOEdev did not. Similar to CRHOEdev males, females exhibited no significant Crhr2 gene expression changes in response to stress. Cortical Fkbp51 expression was also significantly reduced by stress and CRHOEdev exposure in males, but not in females. These findings indicate that forebrain CRH hyper-signaling in early-life is sufficient to increase enduring effects of adult trauma and attenuate Crhr2 expression changes in response to stress in males. These data support growing evidence for significant sex differences in response to trauma, and support further study of CRHR2 as a candidate mechanism for PTSD risk.
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Joffe ME, Vitter SR, Grueter BA. GluN1 deletions in D1- and A2A-expressing cell types reveal distinct modes of behavioral regulation. Neuropharmacology 2016; 112:172-180. [PMID: 27012890 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are profound regulators of glutamate neurotransmission and behavior. To coordinate components of the limbic system, the dorsal and ventral striatum integrate cognitive and emotional information towards the execution of complex behaviors. Striatal outflow is conveyed by medium spiny neurons (MSNs), which can be dichotomized by expression of dopamine receptor subtype 1 (D1) or adenosine receptor subtype 2A (A2A). To examine how striatal NMDAR function modulates reward-related behaviors, we generated D1- and A2A-specific genetic deletions of the obligatory GluN1 subunit. Interestingly, we observed no differences in any GluN1-/- genotype in reward learning as assessed by acquisition or extinction of cocaine conditioned place preference (CPP). Control and A2A-GluN-/- mice exhibited robust cocaine-primed reinstatement, however this behavior was markedly absent in D1-GluN-/- mice. Interestingly, dual D1-/A2A-GluN-/- mice displayed an intermediate reinstatement phenotype. Next, we examined models of exploration, anxiety, and despair, states often associated with relapse to addiction-related behavior, to determine NMDAR contribution in D1 and A2A cell types to these behaviors. D1-GluN1-/- mice displayed aberrant exploratory locomotion in a novel environment, but the phenotype was absent in dual D1/A2A-GluN1-/- mice. In contrast A2A-GluN1-/- mice displayed a despair-resistant phenotype, and this phenotype persisted in dual D1/A2A-GluN-/- mice. These data support the hypothesis that cell type-specific NMDAR signaling regulates separable behavioral outcomes related to locomotion, despair, and relapse. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Ionotropic glutamate receptors'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max E Joffe
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | | | - Brad A Grueter
- Dept. of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA; Dept. of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA; Dept. of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
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Amphetamine increases activity but not exploration in humans and mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:225-33. [PMID: 26449721 PMCID: PMC4703551 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-4098-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Cross-species quantification of physiological behavior enables a better understanding of the biological systems underlying neuropsychiatric diseases such as bipolar disorder (BD). Cardinal symptoms of manic BD include increased motor activity and goal-directed behavior, thought to be related to increased catecholamine activity, potentially selective to dopamine homeostatic dysregulation. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to test whether acute administration of amphetamine, a norepinephrine/dopamine transporter inhibitor and dopamine releaser, would replicate the profile of activity and exploration observed in both humans with manic BD and mouse models of mania. METHODS Healthy volunteers with no psychiatric history were randomized to a one-time dose of placebo (n = 25), 10 mg d-amphetamine (n = 18), or 20 mg amphetamine (n = 23). Eighty mice were administered one of four doses of d-amphetamine or vehicle. Humans and mice were tested in the behavioral pattern monitor (BPM), which quantifies motor activity, exploratory behavior, and spatial patterns of behavior. RESULTS In humans, the 20-mg dose of amphetamine increased motor activity as measured by acceleration without marked effects on exploration or spatial patterns of activity. In mice, amphetamine increased activity, decreased specific exploration, and caused straighter, one-dimensional movements in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS Consistent with mice, amphetamine increased motoric activity in humans without increasing exploration. Given that BD patients exhibit heightened exploration, these data further emphasize the limitation of amphetamine-induced hyperactivity as a suitable model for BD. Further, these studies highlight the utility of cross-species physiological paradigms in validating biological mechanisms of psychiatric diseases.
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van Enkhuizen J, Milienne-Petiot M, Geyer MA, Young JW. Modeling bipolar disorder in mice by increasing acetylcholine or dopamine: chronic lithium treats most, but not all features. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:3455-67. [PMID: 26141192 PMCID: PMC4537820 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-4000-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Bipolar disorder (BD) is a disabling and life-threatening disease characterized by states of depression and mania. New and efficacious treatments have not been forthcoming partly due to a lack of well-validated models representing both facets of BD. OBJECTIVES We hypothesized that cholinergic- and dopaminergic-pharmacological manipulations would model depression and mania respectively, each attenuated by lithium treatment. METHODS C57BL/6 J mice received the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine or saline before testing for "behavioral despair" (immobility) in the tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST). Physostigmine effects on exploration and sensorimotor gating were assessed using the cross-species behavioral pattern monitor (BPM) and prepulse inhibition (PPI) paradigms. Other C57BL/6 J mice received chronic lithium drinking water (300, 600, or 1200 mg/l) before assessing their effects alone in the BPM or with physostigmine on FST performance. Another group was tested with acute GBR12909 (dopamine transporter inhibitor) and chronic lithium (1000 mg/l) in the BPM. RESULTS Physostigmine (0.03 mg/kg) increased immobility in the TST and FST without affecting activity, exploration, or PPI. Lithium (600 mg/l) resulted in low therapeutic serum concentrations and normalized the physostigmine-increased immobility in the FST. GBR12909 induced mania-like behavior in the BPM of which hyper-exploration was attenuated, though not reversed, after chronic lithium (1000 mg/ml). CONCLUSIONS Increased cholinergic levels induced depression-like behavior and hyperdopaminergia induced mania-like behavior in mice, while chronic lithium treated some, but not all, facets of these effects. These data support a cholinergic-monoaminergic mechanism for modeling BD aspects and provide a way to assess novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordy van Enkhuizen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Morgane Milienne-Petiot
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mark A. Geyer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA
| | - Jared W. Young
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA
- Correspondence: Jared W. Young, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, California, 92093-0804, Tel: +1 619 543 3582, Fax: +1 619 735 9205,
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van Enkhuizen J, Geyer MA, Minassian A, Perry W, Henry BL, Young JW. Investigating the underlying mechanisms of aberrant behaviors in bipolar disorder from patients to models: Rodent and human studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 58:4-18. [PMID: 26297513 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Revised: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Psychiatric patients with bipolar disorder suffer from states of depression and mania, during which a variety of symptoms are present. Current treatments are limited and neurocognitive deficits in particular often remain untreated. Targeted therapies based on the biological mechanisms of bipolar disorder could fill this gap and benefit patients and their families. Developing targeted therapies would benefit from appropriate animal models which are challenging to establish, but remain a vital tool. In this review, we summarize approaches to create a valid model relevant to bipolar disorder. We focus on studies that use translational tests of multivariate exploratory behavior, sensorimotor gating, decision-making under risk, and attentional functioning to discover profiles that are consistent between patients and rodent models. Using this battery of translational tests, similar behavior profiles in bipolar mania patients and mice with reduced dopamine transporter activity have been identified. Future investigations should combine other animal models that are biologically relevant to the neuropsychiatric disorder with translational behavioral assessment as outlined here. This methodology can be utilized to develop novel targeted therapies that relieve symptoms for more patients without common side effects caused by current treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordy van Enkhuizen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, United States; Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mark A Geyer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, United States; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States.
| | - Arpi Minassian
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, United States
| | - William Perry
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, United States
| | - Brook L Henry
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, United States
| | - Jared W Young
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, United States; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
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Schmid Y, Rickli A, Schaffner A, Duthaler U, Grouzmann E, Hysek CM, Liechti ME. Interactions between Bupropion and 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine in Healthy Subjects. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2015; 353:102-11. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.114.222356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
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Isolation rearing effects on probabilistic learning and cognitive flexibility in rats. COGNITIVE AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2014; 14:388-406. [PMID: 23943516 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-013-0204-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Isolation rearing is a neurodevelopmental manipulation that produces neurochemical, structural, and behavioral alterations in rodents that in many ways are consistent with schizophrenia. Symptoms induced by isolation rearing that mirror clinically relevant aspects of schizophrenia, such as cognitive deficits, open up the possibility of testing putative therapeutics in isolation-reared animals prior to clinical development. We investigated what effect isolation rearing would have on cognitive flexibility, a cognitive function characteristically disrupted in schizophrenia. For this purpose, we assessed cognitive flexibility using between- and within-session probabilistic reversal-learning tasks based on clinical tests. Isolation-reared rats required more sessions, though not more task trials, to acquire criterion performance in the reversal phase of the task, and were slower to adjust their task strategy after reward contingencies were switched. Isolation-reared rats also completed fewer trials and exhibited lower levels of overall activity in the probabilistic reversal-learning task than did the socially reared rats. This finding contrasted with the elevated levels of unconditioned investigatory activity and reduced levels of locomotor habituation that isolation-reared rats displayed in the behavioral pattern monitor. Finally, isolation-reared rats also exhibited sensorimotor gating deficits, reflected by decreased prepulse inhibition of the startle response, consistent with previous studies. We concluded that isolation rearing constitutes a valuable, noninvasive manipulation for modeling schizophrenia-like cognitive deficits and assessing putative therapeutics.
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Green AR, King MV, Shortall SE, Fone KCF. The preclinical pharmacology of mephedrone; not just MDMA by another name. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 171:2251-68. [PMID: 24654568 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2013] [Revised: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The substituted β-keto amphetamine mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone) was banned in the UK in April 2010 but continues to be used recreationally in the UK and elsewhere. Users have compared its psychoactive effects to those of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'ecstasy'). This review critically examines the preclinical data on mephedrone that have appeared over the last 2-3 years and, where relevant, compares the pharmacological effects of mephedrone in experimental animals with those obtained following MDMA administration. Both mephedrone and MDMA enhance locomotor activity and change rectal temperature in rodents. However, both of these responses are of short duration following mephedrone compared with MDMA probably because mephedrone has a short plasma half-life and rapid metabolism. Mephedrone appears to have no pharmacologically active metabolites, unlike MDMA. There is also little evidence that mephedrone induces a neurotoxic decrease in monoamine concentration in rat or mouse brain, again in contrast to MDMA. Mephedrone and MDMA both induce release of dopamine and 5-HT in the brain as shown by in vivo and in vitro studies. The effect on 5-HT release in vivo is more marked with mephedrone even though both drugs have similar affinity for the dopamine and 5-HT transporters in vitro. The profile of action of mephedrone on monoamine receptors and transporters suggests it could have a high abuse liability and several studies have found that mephedrone supports self-administration at a higher rate than MDMA. Overall, current data suggest that mephedrone not only differs from MDMA in its pharmacological profile, behavioural and neurotoxic effects, but also differs from other cathinones.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Green
- School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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YOUNG JW, RATTY A, DAWE GS, GEYER MA. Altered exploration and sensorimotor gating of the chakragati mouse model of schizophrenia. Behav Neurosci 2014; 128:460-7. [PMID: 24708299 PMCID: PMC4107138 DOI: 10.1037/a0036425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a prevalent neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorder with poor prognosis and limited understanding of its etiology. This limited etiological understanding renders developing animal models of schizophrenia difficult. Although attempts are made to recreate putative etiologies in models, these models may only enable the generation of treatments targeted at the mechanisms manipulated. Although the chakragati mouse was not created as a result of a specific gene target, reports to date suggest these mice exhibit behavioral abnormalities that are consistent with some observed in patients with schizophrenia. As an initial screen on the relevance of these mice to schizophrenia, we tested the exploration and sensorimotor gating of male and female chakragati mice in the cross-species tests behavioral pattern monitor (BPM) and prepulse inhibition (PPI), respectively. The chakragati mice exhibited hyperactive yet more meandering/circling movements of exploration compared with wildtype (WT) littermates. Moreover, chakragati mice exhibited impaired PPI compared with WT mice, primarily at high prepulse intensity levels. Thus, chakragati mice share some of the abnormal exploratory and PPI behaviors that are observed in patients with schizophrenia. These behaviors can be used to screen for novel antipsychotics which may be based on novel mechanisms of action. The multivariate abnormal exploration of these mice may also yield further information for treatment effects. Further characterization of these mice in tasks with putative links to negative or cognitive symptoms may further advance the utility of these mice as a screen for novel treatments for schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared W. YOUNG
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500
Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego,
CA
| | - Anil RATTY
- Chakra Biotech Pte Ltd, 20 Ayer Rajah Crescent, Singapore
139964
| | - Gavin S. DAWE
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine,
National University Health System, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical
Drive, Singapore 117597
- Neurobiology and Ageing Programme, Centre for Life Sciences, Life
Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore
117456
| | - Mark A. GEYER
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500
Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego,
CA
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Risbrough V, Ji B, Hauger R, Zhou X. Generation and characterization of humanized mice carrying COMT158 Met/Val alleles. Neuropsychopharmacology 2014; 39:1823-32. [PMID: 24509724 PMCID: PMC4059890 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2014.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2013] [Revised: 02/01/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The Val158Met polymorphism of human catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) is one of the most well-studied single-nucleotide polymorphisms in neuropsychiatry; however, findings are inconsistent due to human genetic heterogeneity. We created the first 'humanized' COMTVal158Met mouse lines, which carry either human COMT Val or Met alleles via gene targeting. The 'humanized' mouse model enables strict comparison of the physiological functions of the two alleles. Consistent with human observation, Met/Met mice exhibited a 30% reduction in enzymatic activity compared with Val/Val mice. On the basis of the reported differences in human Met and Val carriers across working memory, fear processes and sensorimotor gating, we examined these functions between sibling Met/Met and Val/Val mice. Val/Val mice exhibited robust reductions in spatial working memory compared with Met/Met mice in both sexes, with tolcapone treatment significantly reversing the Val/Val alternation deficits. Sex effects were observed in other behaviors, with male Val/Val mice exhibited lower prepulse inhibition compared with Met/Met mice, whereas female mice exhibited the opposite phenotype. Female but not male Met/Met mice exhibited reduced contextual fear, increased cued fear, and reduced extinction recall. Thus, these mice (1) support the argument that human COMT Val158Met polymorphism modulates behavioral functions and most importantly (2) exhibit the expected treatment effects supporting the 'inverted U shaped' dose response of catecholamine signaling on cognitive function. This model will be invaluable for understanding the effects of human COMT Val158Met polymorphism on cortical development and behavioral functions, and how this polymorphism modulates treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Risbrough
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA,Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive Mail Code 0804, La Jolla 92093-0804, CA, USA. Tel: +1 619 543 3582, Fax: +1 619 543 2493, E-mail: or
| | - Baohu Ji
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Richard Hauger
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA,Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Xianjin Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA,Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive Mail Code 0804, La Jolla 92093-0804, CA, USA. Tel: +1 619 543 3582, Fax: +1 619 543 2493, E-mail: or
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Ji B, Higa KK, Kim M, Zhou L, Young JW, Geyer MA, Zhou X. Inhibition of protein translation by the DISC1-Boymaw fusion gene from a Scottish family with major psychiatric disorders. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 23:5683-705. [PMID: 24908665 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The t(1; 11) translocation appears to be the causal genetic lesion with 70% penetrance for schizophrenia, major depression and other psychiatric disorders in a Scottish family. Molecular studies identified the disruption of the disrupted-in-schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) gene by chromosome translocation at chromosome 1q42. Our previous studies, however, revealed that the translocation also disrupted another gene, Boymaw (also termed DISC1FP1), on chromosome 11. After translocation, two fusion genes [the DISC1-Boymaw (DB7) and the Boymaw-DISC1 (BD13)] are generated between the DISC1 and Boymaw genes. In the present study, we report that expression of the DB7 fusion gene inhibits both intracellular NADH oxidoreductase activities and protein translation. We generated humanized DISC1-Boymaw mice with gene targeting to examine the in vivo functions of the fusion genes. Consistent with the in vitro studies on the DB7 fusion gene, protein translation activity is decreased in the hippocampus and in cultured primary neurons from the brains of the humanized mice. Expression of Gad67, Nmdar1 and Psd95 proteins are also reduced. The humanized mice display prolonged and increased responses to the NMDA receptor antagonist, ketamine, on various mouse genetic backgrounds. Abnormal information processing of acoustic startle and depressive-like behaviors are also observed. In addition, the humanized mice display abnormal erythropoiesis, which was reported to associate with depression in humans. Expression of the DB7 fusion gene may reduce protein translation to impair brain functions and thereby contribute to the pathogenesis of major psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohu Ji
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kerin K Higa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Minjung Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Lynn Zhou
- La Jolla High School, 750 Nautilus St., San Diego, CA 92037, USA and
| | - Jared W Young
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA, Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
| | - Mark A Geyer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA, Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
| | - Xianjin Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA, Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
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Toth M, Gresack JE, Bangasser DA, Plona Z, Valentino RJ, Flandreau EI, Mansuy IM, Merlo-Pich E, Geyer MA, Risbrough VB. Forebrain-specific CRF overproduction during development is sufficient to induce enduring anxiety and startle abnormalities in adult mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2014; 39:1409-19. [PMID: 24326400 PMCID: PMC3988544 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2013.336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Revised: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 11/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) regulates physiological and behavioral responses to stress. Trauma in early life or adulthood is associated with increased CRF in the cerebrospinal fluid and heightened anxiety. Genetic variance in CRF receptors is linked to altered risk for stress disorders. Thus, both heritable differences and environmentally induced changes in CRF neurotransmission across the lifespan may modulate anxiety traits. To test the hypothesis that CRF hypersignaling is sufficient to modify anxiety-related phenotypes (avoidance, startle, and conditioned fear), we induced transient forebrain-specific overexpression of CRF (CRFOE) in mice (1) during development to model early-life stress, (2) in adulthood to model adult-onset stress, or (3) across the entire postnatal lifespan to model heritable increases in CRF signaling. The consequences of these manipulations on CRF peptide levels and behavioral responses were examined in adulthood. We found that transient CRFOE during development decreased startle habituation and prepulse inhibition, and increased avoidance (particularly in females) recapitulating the behavioral effects of lifetime CRFOE despite lower CRF peptide levels at testing. In contrast, CRFOE limited to adulthood reduced contextual fear learning in females and increased startle reactivity in males but did not change avoidance or startle plasticity. These findings suggest that forebrain CRFOE limited to development is sufficient to induce enduring alterations in startle plasticity and anxiety, while forebrain CRFOE during adulthood results in a different phenotype profile. These findings suggest that startle circuits are particularly sensitive to forebrain CRFOE, and that the impact of CRFOE may be dependent on the time of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mate Toth
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA,Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, Veterans Affairs Hospital, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jodi E Gresack
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA,Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Debra A Bangasser
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zach Plona
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rita J Valentino
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Isabelle M Mansuy
- Brain Research Institute, University and ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Emilio Merlo-Pich
- Neuroscience Disease Therapeutic Area, Pharmaceutical Division, F. Hoffman—La Roche, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mark A Geyer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA,Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, Veterans Affairs Hospital, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Victoria B Risbrough
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA,Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, Veterans Affairs Hospital, La Jolla, CA, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC0804, La Jolla CA 92093-0804, USA, Tel: +1 16195433582, Fax: +1 16195432475, E-mail:
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Zaretsky DV, Zaretskaia MV, Durant PJ, Rusyniak DE. Inhibition of the dorsomedial hypothalamus, but not the medullary raphe pallidus, decreases hyperthermia and mortality from MDMA given in a warm environment. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2014; 2:e00031. [PMID: 24765530 PMCID: PMC3994179 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The central mechanisms through which MDMA mediates life-threatening hyperthermia when taken in a warm environment are not well described. It is assumed that MDMA alters normal thermoregulatory circuits resulting in increased heat production through interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) and decreased heat dissipation through cutaneous vasoconstriction. We studied the role of the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) and medullary raphe pallidus (mRPa) in mediating iBAT, tail blood flow, and locomotor effects produced by MDMA. Rats were instrumented with guide cannulas targeting either the DMH or the mRPa-brain regions involved in regulating iBAT and cutaneous vascular beds. In all animals, core temperature and locomotion were recorded with surgically implanted telemetric transmitters; and additionally either iBAT temperature (via telemetric transmitter) or tail artery blood flow (via tail artery Doppler cuff) were also recorded. Animals were placed in an environmental chamber at 32°C and microinjected with either control or the GABA agonist muscimol (80pmol) followed by an intravenous injection of saline or MDMA (7.5 mg kg-1). To prevent undue suffering, a core temperature of 41°C was chosen as the surrogate marker of mortality. Inhibition of the DMH, but not the mRPa, prevented mortality and attenuated hyperthermia and locomotion. Inhibition of either the DMH or the mRPa did not affect iBAT temperature increases or tail blood flow decreases. While MDMA increases iBAT thermogenesis and decreases heat dissipation through cutaneous vasoconstriction, thermoregulatory brain regions known to mediate these effects are not involved. Rather, the finding that inhibiting the DMH decreases both locomotion and body temperature suggests that locomotion may be a key central contributor to MDMA-evoked hyperthermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry V Zaretsky
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Maria V Zaretskaia
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Pamela J Durant
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Daniel E Rusyniak
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA ; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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van Enkhuizen J, Geyer MA, Halberstadt AL, Zhuang X, Young JW. Dopamine depletion attenuates some behavioral abnormalities in a hyperdopaminergic mouse model of bipolar disorder. J Affect Disord 2014; 155:247-54. [PMID: 24287168 PMCID: PMC3924859 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2013.08.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with BD suffer from multifaceted symptoms, including hyperactive and psychomotor agitated behaviors. Previously, we quantified hyperactivity, increased exploration, and straighter movements of patients with BD mania in the human Behavioral Pattern Monitor (BPM). A similar BPM profile is observed in mice that are hyperdopaminergic due to reduced dopamine transporter (DAT) functioning. We hypothesized that dopamine depletion through alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (AMPT) administration would attenuate this mania-like profile. METHODS Male and female DAT wild-type (WT; n=26) and knockdown (KD; n=28) mice on a C57BL/6 background were repeatedly tested in the BPM to assess profile robustness and stability. The optimal AMPT dose was identified by treating male C57BL/6 mice (n=39) with vehicle or AMPT (10, 30, or 100mg/kg) at 24, 20, and 4h prior to testing in the BPM. Then, male and female DAT WT (n=40) and KD (n=37) mice were tested in the BPM after vehicle or AMPT (30mg/kg) treatment. RESULTS Compared to WT littermates, KD mice exhibited increased activity, exploration, straighter movement, and disorganized behavior. AMPT-treatment reduced hyperactivity and increased path organization, but potentiated specific exploration in KD mice without affecting WT mice. LIMITATIONS AMPT is not specific to dopamine and also depletes norepinephrine. CONCLUSIONS KD mice exhibit abnormal exploration in the BPM similar to patients with BD mania. AMPT-induced dopamine depletion attenuated some, but potentiated other, aspects of this mania-like profile in mice. Future studies should extend these findings into other aspects of mania to determine the suitability of AMPT as a treatment for BD mania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordy van Enkhuizen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mark A. Geyer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA
| | - Adam L. Halberstadt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804
| | - Xiaoxi Zhuang
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Jared W. Young
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA,Correspondence: Jared W. Young, Ph.D. Department of Psychiatry University of California San Diego 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804 La Jolla, California 92093-0804 Tel: +1 619 543 3582 Fax: +1 619 735 9205
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Halberstadt AL, Geyer MA. Effects of the hallucinogen 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenethylamine (2C-I) and superpotent N-benzyl derivatives on the head twitch response. Neuropharmacology 2013; 77:200-7. [PMID: 24012658 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Revised: 08/17/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
N-benzyl substitution markedly enhances the affinity of phenethylamine hallucinogens at the 5-HT(2A) receptor. N-benzyl substituted derivatives of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenethylamine (2C-I), such as N-(2-methoxybenzyl)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenethylamine (25I-NBOMe) and N-(2,3-methylenedioxybenzyl)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenethylamine (25I-NBMD), have appeared recently as designer drugs, but have not been characterized behaviorally. The head twitch response (HTR) is induced by 5-HT(2A) receptor activation in rats and mice, and is widely used as a behavioral proxy for hallucinogen effects in humans. Nevertheless, it is not clear whether phenethylamine hallucinogens reliably provoke this behavior. Hence, we investigated whether 2C-I, 25I-NBOMe and 25I-NBMD induce head twitches in C57BL/6J mice. The HTR was assessed using a head-mounted magnet and a magnetometer coil. 2C-I (1-10 mg/kg SC), 25I-NBOMe (0.1-1 mg/kg SC), and 25I-NBMD (1-10 mg/kg SC) induced the HTR. 25I-NBOMe displayed 14-fold higher potency than 2C-I, and the selective 5-HT(2A) antagonist M100,907 completely blocked the HTR induced by all three compounds. These findings show that phenethylamine hallucinogens induce the HTR by activating 5-HT(2A) receptors. Our results demonstrate that 25I-NBOMe is a highly potent derivative of 2C-I, confirming previous in vitro findings that N-benzyl substitution increases 5-HT(2A) affinity. Given the high potency and ease of synthesis of N-benzylphenethylamines, it is likely that the recreational use of these hallucinogens will become more widespread in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam L Halberstadt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, USA.
| | - Mark A Geyer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, USA; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
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Hall FS, Drgonova J, Jain S, Uhl GR. Implications of genome wide association studies for addiction: are our a priori assumptions all wrong? Pharmacol Ther 2013; 140:267-79. [PMID: 23872493 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2013.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Substantial genetic contributions to addiction vulnerability are supported by data from twin studies, linkage studies, candidate gene association studies and, more recently, Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS). Parallel to this work, animal studies have attempted to identify the genes that may contribute to responses to addictive drugs and addiction liability, initially focusing upon genes for the targets of the major drugs of abuse. These studies identified genes/proteins that affect responses to drugs of abuse; however, this does not necessarily mean that variation in these genes contributes to the genetic component of addiction liability. One of the major problems with initial linkage and candidate gene studies was an a priori focus on the genes thought to be involved in addiction based upon the known contributions of those proteins to drug actions, making the identification of novel genes unlikely. The GWAS approach is systematic and agnostic to such a priori assumptions. From the numerous GWAS now completed several conclusions may be drawn: (1) addiction is highly polygenic; each allelic variant contributing in a small, additive fashion to addiction vulnerability; (2) unexpected, compared to our a priori assumptions, classes of genes are most important in explaining addiction vulnerability; (3) although substantial genetic heterogeneity exists, there is substantial convergence of GWAS signals on particular genes. This review traces the history of this research; from initial transgenic mouse models based upon candidate gene and linkage studies, through the progression of GWAS for addiction and nicotine cessation, to the current human and transgenic mouse studies post-GWAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Scott Hall
- Molecular Neurobiology Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States.
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Prolonged Ketamine Effects in Sp4 Hypomorphic Mice: Mimicking Phenotypes of Schizophrenia. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66327. [PMID: 23823008 PMCID: PMC3688895 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 05/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been well established that schizophrenia patients display impaired NMDA receptor (NMDAR) functions as well as exacerbation of symptoms in response to NMDAR antagonists. Abnormal NMDAR signaling presumably contributes to cognitive deficits which substantially contribute to functional disability in schizophrenia. Establishing a mouse genetic model will help investigate molecular mechanisms of hypoglutmatergic neurotransmission in schizophrenia. Here, we examined the responses of Sp4 hypomorphic mice to NMDAR antagonists in electroencephalography and various behavioral paradigms. Sp4 hypomorphic mice, previously reported to have reduced NMDAR1 expression and LTP deficit in hippocampal CA1, displayed increased sensitivity and prolonged responses to NMDAR antagonists. Molecular studies demonstrated reduced expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) in both cortex and hippocampus, consistent with abnormal gamma oscillations in Sp4 hypomorphic mice. On the other hand, human SP4 gene was reported to be deleted in schizophrenia. Several human genetic studies suggested the association of SP4 gene with schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. Therefore, elucidation of the Sp4 molecular pathway in Sp4 hypomorphic mice may provide novel insights to our understanding of abnormal NMDAR signaling in schizophrenia.
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Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) mania is a psychiatric disorder with multifaceted symptoms. Development of targeted treatments for BD mania may benefit from animal models that mimic multiple symptoms, as opposed to hyperactivity alone. Using the reverse-translated multivariate exploratory paradigm, the behavioural pattern monitor (BPM), we reported that patients with BD mania exhibit hyperactivity as well as increased specific exploration and more linear movements through space. This abnormal profile is also observed in mice with reduced function of the dopamine transporter (DAT) through either constitutive genetic [knockdown (KD)] or acute pharmacological (GBR12909) means. Here, we assessed the pharmacological predictive validity of these models by administering the BD-treatment valproic acid (VPA) for 28 d. After 1.5% VPA- or regular-chow treatment for 28 d, C57BL/6J mice received GBR12909 (9 mg/kg) or saline and were tested in the BPM. Similarly, DAT KD and wild type (WT) littermates were treated with VPA-chow and tested in the BPM. GBR12909-treated and DAT KD mice on regular chow were hyperactive, exhibited increased specific exploration and moved in straighter patterns compared to saline-treated and WT mice respectively. Chronic 1.5% VPA-chow treatment resulted in therapeutic concentrations of VPA and ameliorated hyperactivity in both models, while specific exploration and behavioural organization remained unaffected. Hence, the mania-like profile of mice with reduced functional DAT was partially attenuated by chronic VPA treatment, consistent with the incomplete symptomatic effect of VPA treatment in BD patients. Both DAT models may help to identify therapeutics that impact the full spectrum of BD mania.
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van Enkhuizen J, Minassian A, Young JW. Further evidence for ClockΔ19 mice as a model for bipolar disorder mania using cross-species tests of exploration and sensorimotor gating. Behav Brain Res 2013; 249:44-54. [PMID: 23623885 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2013.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Revised: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a pervasive neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by episodes of mania and depression. The switch between mania and depression may reflect seasonal changes and certainly can be affected by alterations in sleep and circadian control. The circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (CLOCK) protein is a key component of the cellular circadian clock. Mutation of the Clock gene encoding this protein in ClockΔ19 mutant mice leads to behavioral abnormalities reminiscent of BD mania. To date, however, these mice have not been assessed in behavioral paradigms that have cross-species translational validity. In the present studies of ClockΔ19 and wildtype (WT) littermate mice, we quantified exploratory behavior and sensorimotor gating, which are abnormal in BD manic patients. We also examined the saccharin preference of these mice and their circadian control in different photoperiods. ClockΔ19 mice exhibited behavioral alterations that are consistent with BD manic patients tested in comparable tasks, including hyperactivity, increased specific exploration, and reduced sensorimotor gating. Moreover, compared to WT mice, ClockΔ19 mice exhibited a greater preference for sweetened solutions and greater sensitivity to altered photoperiod. In contrast with BD manic patients however, ClockΔ19 mice exhibited more circumscribed movements during exploration. Future studies will extend the characterization of these mice in measures with cross-species translational relevance to human testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordy van Enkhuizen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, United States
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Halberstadt AL, Powell SB, Geyer MA. Role of the 5-HT₂A receptor in the locomotor hyperactivity produced by phenylalkylamine hallucinogens in mice. Neuropharmacology 2013; 70:218-27. [PMID: 23376711 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Revised: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 01/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The 5-HT₂A receptor mediates the effects of serotonergic hallucinogens and may play a role in the pathophysiology of certain psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. Given these findings, there is a need for animal models to assess the behavioral effects of 5-HT₂A receptor activation. Our previous studies demonstrated that the phenylalkylamine hallucinogen and 5-HT₂A/₂C agonist 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) produces dose-dependent effects on locomotor activity in C57BL/6J mice, increasing activity at low to moderate doses and reducing activity at high doses. DOI did not increase locomotor activity in 5-HT₂A knockout mice, indicating the effect is a consequence of 5-HT₂A receptor activation. Here, we tested a series of phenylalkylamine hallucinogens in C57BL/6J mice using the Behavioral Pattern Monitor (BPM) to determine whether these compounds increase locomotor activity by activating the 5-HT₂A receptor. Low doses of mescaline, 2,5-dimethoxy-4-ethylamphetamine (DOET), 2,5-dimethoxy-4-propylamphetamine (DOPR), 2,4,5-trimethoxyamphetamine (TMA-2), and the conformationally restricted phenethylamine (4-bromo-3,6-dimethoxybenzocyclobuten-1-yl)methylamine (TCB-2) increased locomotor activity. By contrast, the non-hallucinogenic phenylalkylamine 2,5-dimethoxy-4-tert-butylamphetamine (DOTB) did not alter locomotor activity at any dose tested (0.1-10 mg/kg i.p.). The selective 5-HT₂A antagonist M100907 blocked the locomotor hyperactivity induced by mescaline and TCB-2. Similarly, mescaline and TCB-2 did not increase locomotor activity in 5-HT₂A knockout mice. These results confirm that phenylalkylamine hallucinogens increase locomotor activity in mice and demonstrate that this effect is mediated by 5-HT₂A receptor activation. Thus, locomotor hyperactivity in mice can be used to assess phenylalkylamines for 5-HT₂A agonist activity and hallucinogen-like behavioral effects. These studies provide additional support for the link between 5-HT₂A activation and hallucinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam L Halberstadt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, USA.
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Repeated exposure to MDMA and amphetamine: sensitization, cross-sensitization, and response to dopamine D₁- and D₂-like agonists. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2012; 223:389-99. [PMID: 22562523 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-012-2726-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2011] [Accepted: 04/16/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Acute exposure to (±) 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) produces hyperlocomotion that is preferentially expressed in the periphery of closed chambers. Following repeated administration, however, a sensitized hyperlocomotor response is preferentially expressed in the center of an activity box, so that the response resembles the more generalized activity that is produced by D-amphetamine (AMPH). OBJECTIVES The present study was designed to determine whether common neuroadaptations underlie the acute and sensitized responses to MDMA and AMPH. METHODS Rats were pretreated with five daily injections of MDMA (10.0 mg/kg), AMPH (2.0 mg/kg), or saline. Following a 2-day drug-free period, dose-response curves for hyperactivity produced by MDMA (2.5-10.0 mg/kg), AMPH (0.5-2.0 mg/kg), SKF-81297 (1.0-2.0 mg/kg), or quinpirole (0.25-1.0 mg/kg) were obtained. RESULTS Effects of MDMA and AMPH were increased by pretreatment with both drugs. The sensitized response following MDMA exposure was preferentially expressed in the center compartment, but, following AMPH pretreatment, the sensitized response was observed in both compartments. Cross-sensitization was unidirectional; AMPH pretreatment failed to sensitize to the effects of MDMA, but MDMA pretreatment sensitized to the effects of AMPH. MDMA and AMPH pretreatment produced marginal increases in the effects of SKF-81297. The response to quinpirole was, however, greater following MDMA, but not AMPH, pretreatment. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that repeated MDMA exposure produces sensitization via a unique neurochemical effect.
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Henry BL, Geyer MA, Buell M, Perry W, Young JW, Minassian A. Behavioral effects of chronic methamphetamine treatment in HIV-1 gp120 transgenic mice. Behav Brain Res 2012; 236:210-220. [PMID: 22960458 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.08.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2012] [Revised: 08/20/2012] [Accepted: 08/23/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) dependence is frequently comorbid with HIV infection. Both factors are independently characterized by inhibitory deficits, which may manifest as increased motor activity, inappropriate perseverative behavior, and elevated exploratory responses to novel stimuli, but the effect of combined METH exposure and HIV is not well understood. In this study, we administered a chronic escalation/binge regimen of METH or vehicle treatment to wildtype (WT) or transgenic (tg) mice expressing the HIV-1 gp120 envelope protein and quantified disinhibition during the 7 days following drug withdrawal. We hypothesized that gp120tg mice administered chronic METH would exhibit more pronounced inhibitory deficits compared to vehicle-treated WT or gp120tg animals. Our results showed that METH treatment alone increased novel object interaction while female METH-treated gp120tg mice exhibited the highest level of exploration (holepoking) compared to other female mice. Transgenic mice exhibited fewer rears relative to WT, slightly less locomotion, and also demonstrated a trend toward more perseverative motor patterns. In summary, both METH treatment and gp120 expression may modify inhibition, but such effects are selective and dependent upon variations in age and sex that could impact dopamine and frontostriatal function. These findings illustrate the need to improve our knowledge about the combined effects of HIV and substance use and facilitate improved treatment methods for comorbid disease and drug dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brook L Henry
- University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Mark A Geyer
- University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, La Jolla, CA, United States; VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Mahalah Buell
- University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - William Perry
- University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Jared W Young
- University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Arpi Minassian
- University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, La Jolla, CA, United States; Center for Excellence in Substance Abuse and Mental Health (CESAMH), Veteran's Administration, San Diego, CA, United States.
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Tanaka S, Young JW, Halberstadt AL, Masten VL, Geyer MA. Four factors underlying mouse behavior in an open field. Behav Brain Res 2012; 233:55-61. [PMID: 22569582 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.04.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2012] [Revised: 04/23/2012] [Accepted: 04/25/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The observation of the locomotor and exploratory behaviors of rodents in an open field is one of the most fundamental methods used in the field of behavioral pharmacology. A variety of behaviors can be recorded automatically and can readily generate a multivariate pattern of pharmacological effects. Nevertheless, the optimal ways to characterize observed behaviors and concomitant drug effects are still under development. The aim of this study was to extract meaningful behavioral factors that could explain variations in the observed variables from mouse exploration. Behavioral data were recorded from male C57BL/6J mice (n=268) using the Behavioral Pattern Monitor (BPM). The BPM data were subjected to the exploratory factor analysis. The factor analysis extracted four factors: activity, sequential organization, diversive exploration, and inspective exploration. The activity factor and the two types of exploration factors correlated positively with one another, while the sequential organization factor negatively correlated with the remaining factors. The extracted factor structure constitutes a behavioral model of mouse exploration. This model will provide a platform on which one can assess the effects of psychoactive drugs and genetic manipulations on mouse exploratory behavior. Further studies are currently underway to examine the factor structure of similar multivariate data sets from humans tested in a human BPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoji Tanaka
- Department of Information and Communication Sciences, Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan.
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Zarringhalam K, Ka M, Kook YH, Terranova JI, Suh Y, King OD, Um M. An open system for automatic home-cage behavioral analysis and its application to male and female mouse models of Huntington's disease. Behav Brain Res 2012; 229:216-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2011] [Revised: 01/01/2012] [Accepted: 01/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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