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Wang SY, Zhang YZ, Liu XH, Guo XC, Wang XF, Wang JR, Liu BJ, Han FT, Zhang Y, Wang CL. BNT12, a novel hybrid peptide of opioid and neurotensin pharmacophores, produces potent central antinociception with limited side effects. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 978:176775. [PMID: 38925288 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176775] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The development of multitarget opioid drugs has emerged as an attractive approach for innovative pain management with reduced side effects. In the present study, a novel hybrid peptide BNT12 containing the opioid and neurotensin (NT)-like fragments was synthesized and pharmacologically characterized. In acute radiant heat paw withdrawal test, intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of BNT12 produced potent antinociception in mice. The central antinociceptive activity of BNT12 was mainly mediated by μ-, δ-opioid receptor, neurotensin receptor type 1 (NTSR1) and 2 (NTSR2), supporting a multifunctional agonism of BNT12 in the functional assays. BNT12 also exhibited significant antinociceptive effects in spared nerve injury (SNI)-neuropathic pain, complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammatory pain, acetic acid-induced visceral and formalin-induced pain after i.c.v. administration. Furthermore, BNT12 exhibited substantial reduction of acute antinociceptive tolerance, shifted the dose-response curve to the right by only 1.3-fold. It is noteworthy that BNT12 showed insignificant chronic antinociceptive tolerance at the supraspinal level. In addition, BNT12 exhibited reduced or no opioid-like side effects on conditioned place preference (CPP) response, naloxone-precipitated withdrawal response, acute hyperlocomotion, motor coordination, gastrointestinal transit, and cardiovascular responses. The present investigation demonstrated that the novel hybrid peptide BNT12 might serve as a promising analgesic candidate with limited opioid-like side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Yu Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Dazhi Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Yu-Zhe Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Dazhi Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Xiao-Han Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Dazhi Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Xue-Ci Guo
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Dazhi Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | | | - Jia-Ran Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Dazhi Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Bing-Jie Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Dazhi Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Feng-Tong Han
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Dazhi Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Dazhi Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Chang-Lin Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Dazhi Street, Harbin, 150001, China; State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China; State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China.
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2
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Ma XN, Yao CH, Yang YJ, Li X, Zhou MY, Yang J, Zhang S, Yu BY, Dai WL, Liu JH. Blockade of spinal dopamine D1/D2 receptor heteromers by levo-Corydalmine suppressed calcium signaling cascade in spinal neurons to alleviate bone cancer pain in rats. J Cancer 2024; 15:1041-1052. [PMID: 38230224 PMCID: PMC10788731 DOI: 10.7150/jca.91129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Dopamine receptors have been reported to be involved in pain, while the exact effects and mechanism in bone cancer pain have not been fully explored. Methods: Bone cancer pain model was created by implanting walker 256 mammary gland carcinoma into right tibia bone cavity. Primary cultured spinal neurons were used for in vitro evaluation. FLIPR, western-blot, immunofluorescence, and Co-IP were used to detect cell signaling pathway. Results: Our results indicated that spinal dopamine D1 receptor (D1DR) and spinal dopamine D2 receptor (D2DR) could form heteromers in TCI rats, and antagonizing spinal D1DR and D2DR reduced heteromers formation and alleviated TCI-induced bone cancer pain. Further results indicated that D1DR or D2DR antagonist induced antinociception in TCI rats could be reversed by D1DR, D2DR, and D1/D2DR heteromer agonists. And Gq, IP3, and PLC inhibitors also attenuated TCI-induced bone cancer pain. In vitro results indicated that D1DR or D2DR antagonist decreased the Ca2+ oscillations upregulated by D1DR, D2DR, and D1/D2DR heteromer agonists in activated primary cultured spinal neurons. Moreover, inhibition of D1/D2DR heteromers induced antinociception in TCI rats was partially mediated by the CaMKII and MAPKs pathway. In addition, a natural compound levo-Corydalmine (l-CDL), could inhibit D1/D2DR heteromers and attenuate bone cancer pain. Results: Inhibition of spinal D1/D2DR heteromers via l-CDL decreases excitability in spinal neurons, which might present new therapeutic strategy for bone cancer pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Nan Ma
- The Public Laboratory Platform, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Chang-Heng Yao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Yu-Jie Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Xue Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Meng-Yuan Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Jin Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Shen Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Bo-Yang Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Wen-Ling Dai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Ji-Hua Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
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Wang J, Li Z, Tu Y, Gao F. The Dopaminergic System in the Ventral Tegmental Area Contributes to Morphine Analgesia and Tolerance. Neuroscience 2023; 527:74-83. [PMID: 37286162 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.05.026] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Morphine has a strong analgesic effect and is suitable for various types of pain, so it is widely used. But long-term usage of morphine can lead to drug tolerance, which limits its clinical application. The complex mechanisms underlying the development of morphine analgesia into tolerance involve multiple nuclei in the brain. Recent studies reveal the signaling at the cellular and molecular levels as well as neural circuits contributing to morphine analgesia and tolerance in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which is traditionally considered a critical center of opioid reward and addiction. Existing studies show that dopamine receptors and μ-opioid receptors participate in morphine tolerance through the altered activities of dopaminergic and/or non-dopaminergic neurons in the VTA. Several neural circuits related to the VTA are also involved in the regulation of morphine analgesia and the development of drug tolerance. Reviewing specific cellular and molecular targets and related neural circuits may provide novel precautionary strategies for morphine tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihong Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ye Tu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Newman AH, Xi ZX, Heidbreder C. Current Perspectives on Selective Dopamine D 3 Receptor Antagonists/Partial Agonists as Pharmacotherapeutics for Opioid and Psychostimulant Use Disorders. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2023; 60:157-201. [PMID: 35543868 PMCID: PMC9652482 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Over three decades of evidence indicate that dopamine (DA) D3 receptors (D3R) are involved in the control of drug-seeking behavior and may play an important role in the pathophysiology of substance use disorders (SUD). The expectation that a selective D3R antagonist/partial agonist would be efficacious for the treatment of SUD is based on the following key observations. First, D3R are distributed in strategic areas belonging to the mesolimbic DA system such as the ventral striatum, midbrain, and ventral pallidum, which have been associated with behaviors controlled by the presentation of drug-associated cues. Second, repeated exposure to drugs of abuse produces neuroadaptations in the D3R system. Third, the synthesis and characterization of highly potent and selective D3R antagonists/partial agonists have further strengthened the role of the D3R in SUD. Based on extensive preclinical and preliminary clinical evidence, the D3R shows promise as a target for the development of pharmacotherapies for SUD as reflected by their potential to (1) regulate the motivation to self-administer drugs and (2) disrupt the responsiveness to drug-associated stimuli that play a key role in reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior triggered by re-exposure to the drug itself, drug-associated environmental cues, or stress. The availability of PET ligands to assess clinically relevant receptor occupancy by selective D3R antagonists/partial agonists, the definition of reliable dosing, and the prospect of using human laboratory models may further guide the design of clinical proof of concept studies. Pivotal clinical trials for more rapid progression of this target toward regulatory approval are urgently required. Finally, the discovery that highly selective D3R antagonists, such as R-VK4-116 and R-VK4-40, do not adversely affect peripheral biometrics or cardiovascular effects alone or in the presence of oxycodone or cocaine suggests that this class of drugs has great potential in safely treating psychostimulant and/or opioid use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Hauck Newman
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse-Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse-Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
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5
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Caniceiro AB, Bueschbell B, Schiedel AC, Moreira IS. Class A and C GPCR Dimers in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:2081-2141. [PMID: 35339177 PMCID: PMC9886835 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220327221830] [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: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases affect over 30 million people worldwide with an ascending trend. Most individuals suffering from these irreversible brain damages belong to the elderly population, with onset between 50 and 60 years. Although the pathophysiology of such diseases is partially known, it remains unclear upon which point a disease turns degenerative. Moreover, current therapeutics can treat some of the symptoms but often have severe side effects and become less effective in long-term treatment. For many neurodegenerative diseases, the involvement of G proteincoupled receptors (GPCRs), which are key players of neuronal transmission and plasticity, has become clearer and holds great promise in elucidating their biological mechanism. With this review, we introduce and summarize class A and class C GPCRs, known to form heterodimers or oligomers to increase their signalling repertoire. Additionally, the examples discussed here were shown to display relevant alterations in brain signalling and had already been associated with the pathophysiology of certain neurodegenerative diseases. Lastly, we classified the heterodimers into two categories of crosstalk, positive or negative, for which there is known evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana B. Caniceiro
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; ,These authors contributed equally to this work.
| | - Beatriz Bueschbell
- PhD Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, Casa Costa Alemão, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal; ,These authors contributed equally to this work.
| | - Anke C. Schiedel
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Bonn, D-53121 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Irina S. Moreira
- University of Coimbra, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; ,Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal,Address correspondence to this author at the Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; E-mail:
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van Reij RRI, Salmans MMA, Eijkenboom I, van den Hoogen NJ, Joosten EAJ, Vanoevelen JM. Dopamine-neurotransmission and nociception in zebrafish: An anti-nociceptive role of dopamine receptor drd2a. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 912:174517. [PMID: 34555394 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174517] [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: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) is an important modulator in nociception and analgesia. Spinal DA receptors are involved in descending modulation of the nociceptive transmission. Genetic variations within DA neurotransmission have been associated with altered pain sensitivity and development of chronic pain syndromes. The variant rs6277 in dopamine receptor 2 a (drd2a) has been associated with a decreased D2 receptor availability and increased nociception. The aim of this study is to further characterize the role of DA neurotransmission in nociception and the anti-nociceptive function of drd2a. The phenotype caused by rs6277 was modelled in zebrafish larvae using morpholino's and the effect on nociception was tested using a validated behavioural assay. The anti-nociceptive role of drd2a was tested using pharmacological intervention of D2 agonist Quinpirole. The experiments demonstrate that a decrease in drd2a expression results in a pro-nociceptive behavioural phenotype (P = 0.016) after a heat stimulus. Furthermore, agonism of drd2a with agonist Quinpirole (0.2 μM) results in dose-dependent anti-nociception (P = 0.035) after a heat stimulus. From these results it is concluded that the dopamine receptor drd2a is involved in anti-nociceptive behaviour in zebrafish. The model allows further screening and testing of genetic variation and treatment involved in nociception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roel R I van Reij
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Management, Maastricht University Medical Center(+), Maastricht, the Netherlands; School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Maud M A Salmans
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Management, Maastricht University Medical Center(+), Maastricht, the Netherlands; School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Ivo Eijkenboom
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Clinical Genomics Unit, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Nynke J van den Hoogen
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Management, Maastricht University Medical Center(+), Maastricht, the Netherlands; School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Elbert A J Joosten
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Management, Maastricht University Medical Center(+), Maastricht, the Netherlands; School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Jo M Vanoevelen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Center(+), Maastricht, the Netherlands; GROW-school for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
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Li T, Wang L, Zhang L, Li B, Wang D, Zhang L, Wang T, Fu F. Rotigotine-loaded microspheres exerts the antinociceptive effect via central dopaminergic system. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 910:174443. [PMID: 34464604 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Rotigotine-loaded microspheres (RoMS), a sustained-release formulation with a continuous release of rotigotine for more than 7 days in vivo, have been conducted a clinical trial for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). Previous work from our laboratory showed that RoMS exerted an antinociceptive effect in rat models of inflammatory pain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of action underlying the antinociceptive effect of RoMS. A rat model of inflammatory pain was prepared by an intraplantar injection of carrageenan. The hot plate test and the Randall-Selitto test were used to evaluate the effect of domperidone (selective D2 receptor antagonist), D2D3 shRNA, and naloxone (nonselective opioid receptor antagonist) on RoMS-mediated antinociceptive efficacy. The expressions of D2 and D3 receptors in the striatum and periaqueductal gray were measured by Western blotting. Intracerebroventricular injection of domperidone abated the antinociceptive effect of RoMS. However, intraperitoneal injection of domperidone had no significant effect on the antinociceptive action of RoMS. Intracerebroventricular injection with D2D3 shRNA significantly attenuated the expressions of D2 and D3 receptors in the striatum and the periaqueductal gray. D2 and D3 receptors silence significantly weakened RoMS-mediated antinociceptive effect. Intracerebroventricular injection of naloxone also alleviated the antinociceptive effect of RoMS. The results suggest that RoMS-mediated antinociceptive efficacy is associated with activating central dopamine D2 and D3 receptors. Opioid receptors play a role in the antinociceptive effect of RoMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Li
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, 264005, PR China
| | - Linlin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, 264005, PR China
| | - Linjie Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, 264005, PR China
| | - Baoxia Li
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, 264005, PR China
| | - Daohui Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, 264005, PR China
| | - Leiming Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, 264005, PR China
| | - Tian Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, 264005, PR China.
| | - Fenghua Fu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, 264005, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Long-acting and Targeting Drug Delivery Technologies, Luye Pharma Group Ltd., Yantai, Shandong, 264003, PR China.
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Sardari M, Seddighfar M, Sardari S. Dopamine receptors in the anterior cingulate cortex implicate in nicotine enhanced morphine analgesia. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:3311-3323. [PMID: 34383109 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05947-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE It is well known that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) plays an important role in acute pain perception. OBJECTIVES In the present study, we aimed to investigate the possible involvement of the ACC dopamine D1 and D2 receptors in nicotine plus morphine-induced analgesia. METHODS The ACC's of adult male Wistar rats were bilaterally cannulated by stereotaxic instrument and the tail-flick test was used to measure the thermal pain threshold. RESULTS The results indicated that subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of nicotine (0.3 mg/kg) potentiated the analgesic response of intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of morphine (3 mg/kg). Systemic administration of the same doses of nicotine or morphine alone had no effect on tail-flick latency. Intra-ACC administration of apomorphine (0.3-0.9 μg/rat), the non-selective D1/D2 receptors agonist, plus ineffective doses of nicotine (0.1 mg/kg, s.c.) plus morphine (3 mg/kg, i.p) induced analgesia in rats. In addition, the analgesia induced with co-administration of nicotine and morphine was inhibited via intra-ACC administration of SCH23390 (0.5-1 μg/rat) or sulpiride (0.5-2 μg/rat), the selective antagonists of D1 or D2 receptors, respectively. The intra-ACC microinjection of the same doses of drugs alone had no effect on tail-flick latency. Cubic interpolation analysis also confirmed that activation or inactivation of the ACC D1 and D2 receptors by different doses of drugs can modulate the nicotine-morphine analgesic response. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that the ACC has an important role in acute thermal pain perception and modulates the analgesia induced by nicotine plus morphine via dopaminergic receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Sardari
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology and Center of Excellence in Phylogeny of Living Organisms, College of Science, University of Tehran, P. O. Box 4155-6455, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Masoud Seddighfar
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology and Center of Excellence in Phylogeny of Living Organisms, College of Science, University of Tehran, P. O. Box 4155-6455, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Sardari
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
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Chen Z, Zhijie C, Yuting Z, Chan L, Shilin X, Qichun Z, Jinying O, Jing L, Chaohua L, Zhixian M. The Ameliorative Effects of Isorhynchophylline on Morphine Dependence Are Mediated Through the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:526923. [PMID: 34168553 PMCID: PMC8218633 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.526923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Morphine abuse is a global public health problem. Increasing evidence has shown that gut microbiota dysbiosis plays an important role in several central nervous system diseases. However, whether there is an association between gut microbiota and morphine dependence remains unclear. In this study, the effects of isorhynchophylline on morphine dependence were evaluated based on the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA). The results showed that isorhynchophylline could reverse the changes in alpha and beta diversity, composition, and richness of the intestinal flora occurring in morphine-dependent zebrafish, as well as the morphine-induced changes in the expression of MGBA-related genes in BV2 cells and the brain and intestine of zebrafish. Based on the results, we then used antibiotics to evaluate whether disrupting the gut microbiota would affect morphine addiction in zebrafish. The results showed that the antibiotic-induced intestinal floral imbalance changed the behavior of morphine-dependent zebrafish, the characteristics of the zebrafish intestinal flora, and the expression of MGBA-related genes in the zebrafish brain and intestine. Importantly, we also show that, following antibiotic administration, the ameliorative effects of isorhynchophylline on morphine addiction were lost. Together, our results indicate that the gut microbiota interacts with the brain, and dysbiosis of the intestinal flora may affect the efficacy of isorhynchophylline in the body. Our findings provide a novel framework for understanding the mechanisms of morphine addiction through the MGBA and may provide new therapeutic strategies for the use of Chinese medicines in the prevention of drug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chen Zhijie
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhou Yuting
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Chan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Shilin
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhou Qichun
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ou Jinying
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Jing
- Central Laboratory, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Luo Chaohua
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mo Zhixian
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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10
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Borroto-Escuela DO, Wydra K, Fores-Pons R, Vasudevan L, Romero-Fernandez W, Frankowska M, Ferraro L, Beggiato S, Crespo-Ramirez M, Rivera A, Rocha LL, Perez de la Mora M, Stove C, Filip M, Fuxe K. The Balance of MU-Opioid, Dopamine D2 and Adenosine A2A Heteroreceptor Complexes in the Ventral Striatal-Pallidal GABA Antireward Neurons May Have a Significant Role in Morphine and Cocaine Use Disorders. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:627032. [PMID: 33790790 PMCID: PMC8005530 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.627032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The widespread distribution of heteroreceptor complexes with allosteric receptor-receptor interactions in the CNS represents a novel integrative molecular mechanism in the plasma membrane of neurons and glial cells. It was proposed that they form the molecular basis for learning and short-and long-term memories. This is also true for drug memories formed during the development of substance use disorders like morphine and cocaine use disorders. In cocaine use disorder it was found that irreversible A2AR-D2R complexes with an allosteric brake on D2R recognition and signaling are formed in increased densities in the ventral enkephalin positive striatal-pallidal GABA antireward neurons. In this perspective article we discuss and propose how an increase in opioid heteroreceptor complexes, containing MOR-DOR, MOR-MOR and MOR-D2R, and their balance with each other and A2AR-D2R complexes in the striatal-pallidal enkephalin positive GABA antireward neurons, may represent markers for development of morphine use disorders. We suggest that increased formation of MOR-DOR complexes takes place in the striatal-pallidal enkephalin positive GABA antireward neurons after chronic morphine treatment in part through recruitment of MOR from the MOR-D2R complexes due to the possibility that MOR upon morphine treatment can develop a higher affinity for DOR. As a result, increased numbers of D2R monomers/homomers in these neurons become free to interact with the A2A receptors found in high densities within such neurons. Increased numbers of A2AR-D2R heteroreceptor complexes are formed and contribute to enhanced firing of these antireward neurons due to loss of inhibitory D2R protomer signaling which finally leads to the development of morphine use disorder. Development of cocaine use disorder may instead be reduced through enkephalin induced activation of the MOR-DOR complex inhibiting the activity of the enkephalin positive GABA antireward neurons. Altogether, we propose that these altered complexes could be pharmacological targets to modulate the reward and the development of substance use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karolina Wydra
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Ramon Fores-Pons
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lakshmi Vasudevan
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Małgorzata Frankowska
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Luca Ferraro
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sarah Beggiato
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Minerva Crespo-Ramirez
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alicia Rivera
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Malaga, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica (IBIMA), Malaga, Spain
| | - Luisa L Rocha
- Pharmacobiology Department, Center for Research and Advanced Studies, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Miguel Perez de la Mora
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Christophe Stove
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Małgorzata Filip
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Kjell Fuxe
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Stockholm, Sweden
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Frączek K, Ferraiolo M, Hermans E, Bujalska-Zadrozny M, Kasarello K, Erdei A, Kulik K, Kowalczyk A, Wojciechowski P, Sulejczak D, Sosnowski P, Granica S, Benyhe S, Kaczynska K, Nagraba L, Stolarczyk A, Cudnoch-Jedrzejewska A, Kleczkowska P. Novel opioid-neurotensin-based hybrid peptide with spinal long-lasting antinociceptive activity and a propensity to delay tolerance development. Acta Pharm Sin B 2020; 10:1440-1452. [PMID: 32963942 PMCID: PMC7488486 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The behavioral responses exerted by spinal administration of the opioid-neurotensin hybrid peptide, PK23, were studied in adult male rats. The antinociceptive effect upon exposure to a thermal stimulus, as well as tolerance development, was assessed in an acute pain model. The PK23 chimera at a dose of 10 nmol/rat produced a potent pain-relieving effect, especially after its intrathecal administration. Compared with intrathecal morphine, this novel compound was found to possess a favourable side effect profile characterized by a reduced scratch reflex, delayed development of analgesic tolerance or an absence of motor impairments when given in the same manner, though some animals died following barrel rotation as a result of its i.c.v. administration (in particular at doses higher than 10 nmol/rat). Nonetheless, these results suggest the potential use of hybrid compounds encompassing both opioid and neurotensin structural fragments in pain management. This highlights the enormous potential of synthetic neurotensin analogues as promising future analgesics.
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Ozcan S, Bulmus O, Ulker N, Canpolat S, Etem EO, Oruc S, Yardimci A, Bulmus FG, Ayar A, Kelestimur H, Ozcan M. Agomelatine potentiates anti-nociceptive effects of morphine in a mice model for diabetic neuropathy: involvement of NMDA receptor subtype NR1 within the raphe nucleus and periaqueductal grey. Neurol Res 2020; 42:554-563. [PMID: 32336224 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2020.1757895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Opioid analgesics have been used for a long time in the treatment of acute and chronic pain. However, they have many side effects including tolerance development to a significant extent. Agomelatine, an atypical antidepressant, has been demonstrated to be effective in experimental studies on pain. However, the effect of agomelatine on morphine tolerance development and its mechanism of action are unknown. The antinociceptive effects of agomelatine, morphine and their combination were assessed in a mice model for painful diabetic neuropathy. The roles of glutamate ionotropic receptor N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) type subunit-1 (GluN1) in raphe nucleus and periaqueductal gray (PAG) in the effect of agomelatine on neuropathic pain were also investigated in diabetic mice. METHODS Agomelatine (10 mg/kg), morphine (10 mg/kg) and agomelatine + morphine were administered intraperitoneally for 15 consecutive days (twice per day), and the analgesic responses were assessed at days 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 in healthy and diabetic mice. Real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to determine the changes in GluN1 expression. RESULTS The tolerance development for morphine was evident, started at 6th day and remained thereafter, but not for agomelatine. GluN1 in raphe nucleus and PAG was upregulated in morphine treated but not in agomelatine-treated groups. DISCUSSION The combination of agomelatine with morphine alone causes outlasting analgesic effects of repeated treatment, which can be interpreted as attenuated tolerance. Moreover, we also pointed out for the first time the modulatory effects of agomelatine on GluN1 expression in raphe nucleus and PAG after chronic morphine treatment. ABBREVIATIONS Ca2+: Calcium; D2DR: Dopamine D2 receptor; GAPDH: Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; GluN1: Glutamate ionotropic receptor N-methyl-D-aspartate type subunit-1; 5-HT: 5-hydroxytryptamine; i.p.: intraperitoneal injection; MPE: Maximal possible effect; MT: Melatonin; NMDA: N-methyl-D-aspartate; NMDAR1: NMDA receptors-1; PAG: Periaqueductal grey; PKCγ: Protein kinase C gamma; RT-PCR: Real time polymerase chain reaction; STZ: Streptozotocin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibel Ozcan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Faculty of Medicine, Firat University , Elazig, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Bulmus
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Firat University , Elazig, Turkey
| | - Nazife Ulker
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Firat University , Elazig, Turkey
| | - Sinan Canpolat
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Firat University , Elazig, Turkey
| | - Ebru Onalan Etem
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Firat University , Elazig, Turkey
| | - Sinem Oruc
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Firat University , Elazig, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Yardimci
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Firat University , Elazig, Turkey
| | | | - Ahmet Ayar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University , Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Haluk Kelestimur
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Firat University , Elazig, Turkey
| | - Mete Ozcan
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Firat University , Elazig, Turkey
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Dopamine D 1 or D 3 receptor modulators prevent morphine tolerance and reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 194:172935. [PMID: 32335101 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.172935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The long-term treatment of chronic pain by opioids is limited by tolerance and risk of addiction/dependence. Previously, we have shown that combination treatment of morphine with a dopamine D1 or D3 receptor modulator restored morphine analgesia in morphine-resistant neuropathic pain and decreased morphine's reward potential in an acute setting. Here, we investigated whether such adjunct therapy with a dopamine D1 receptor preferring antagonist (SCH 39166) or a dopamine D3 receptor preferring agonist (pramipexole) could prevent morphine tolerance and reduce withdrawal symptoms. Initially, tolerance to the combination of morphine + pramipexole was assessed in mice. Mice receiving intraperitoneal injections of morphine showed reduced thermal thresholds on Day 7 whereas those receiving morphine + pramipexole maintained analgesia at Day 7. Next, tolerance and withdrawal to both combinations were tested over 14 days in rats. Rats were assigned one of four drug conditions, (1) saline, 2) morphine, 3) morphine + SCH 39166, 4) morphine + pramipexole), for chronic administration via osmotic pumps. Chronic administration of morphine over 14 days resulted in a significant reduction of morphine analgesia. However, analgesia was maintained when morphine was administered with either the dopamine D1 receptor preferring antagonist or the D3 receptor preferring agonist. Withdrawal symptoms peaked at 48 h and were decreased in rats receiving either combination compared to morphine alone. The data suggests that adjunct therapy with dopamine D1 or D3 receptor preferring modulators prevents morphine tolerance and reduces the duration of morphine withdrawal symptoms, and thus this combination has potential for long-term pain management therapy.
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Dopaminergic Modulation of Orofacial Mechanical Hypersensitivity Induced by Infraorbital Nerve Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21061945. [PMID: 32178439 PMCID: PMC7139594 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21061945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
While the descending dopaminergic control system is not fully understood, it is reported that the hypothalamic A11 nucleus is its principle source. To better understand the impact of this system, particularly the A11 nucleus, on neuropathic pain, we created a chronic constriction injury model of the infraorbital nerve (ION-CCI) in rats. ION-CCI rats received intraperitoneal administrations of quinpirole (a dopamine D2 receptor agonist). ION-CCI rats received microinjections of quinpirole, muscimol [a gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor agonist], or neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the A11 nucleus. A von Frey filament was used as a mechanical stimulus on the maxillary whisker pad skin; behavioral and immunohistochemical responses to the stimulation were assessed. After intraperitoneal administration of quinpirole and microinjection of quinpirole or muscimol, ION-CCI rats showed an increase in head-withdrawal thresholds and a decrease in the number of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK) immunoreactive (pERK-IR) cells in the superficial layers of the trigeminal spinal subnucleus caudalis (Vc). Following 6-OHDA microinjection, ION-CCI rats showed a decrease in head-withdrawal thresholds and an increase in the number of pERK-IR cells in the Vc. Our findings suggest the descending dopaminergic control system is involved in the modulation of trigeminal neuropathic pain.
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15
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Identification and characterization of methyltransferases involved in benzylisoquinoline alkaloids biosynthesis from Stephania intermedia. Biotechnol Lett 2019; 42:461-469. [DOI: 10.1007/s10529-019-02785-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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16
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van Reij RR, Joosten EA, van den Hoogen NJ. Dopaminergic neurotransmission and genetic variation in chronification of post-surgical pain. Br J Anaesth 2019; 123:853-864. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2019.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
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17
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Xia QP, Cheng ZY, He L. The modulatory role of dopamine receptors in brain neuroinflammation. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 76:105908. [PMID: 31622861 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.105908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a general pathological feature of central nervous system (CNS) diseases, primarily caused by activation of astrocytes and microglia, as well as the infiltration of peripheral immune cells. Inhibition of neuroinflammation is an important strategy in the treatment of brain disorders. Dopamine (DA) receptor, a significant G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), is classified into two families: D1-like (D1 and D5) and D2-like (D2, D3 and D4) receptor families, according to their downstream signaling pathways. Traditionally, DA receptor forms a wide variety of psychological activities and motor functions, such as voluntary movement, working memory and learning. Recently, the role of DA receptor in neuroinflammation has been investigated widely, mainly focusing on nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, renin-angiotensin system, αB-crystallin, as well as invading peripheral immune cells, including T cells, dendritic cells, macrophages and monocytes. This review briefly outlined the functions and signaling pathways of DA receptor subtypes as well as its role in inflammation-related glial cells, and subsequently summarized the mechanisms of DA receptors affecting neuroinflammation. Meaningfully, this article provided a theoretical basis for drug development targeting DA receptors in inflammation-related brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Peng Xia
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhao-Yan Cheng
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ling He
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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18
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Heterodimerization of Mu Opioid Receptor Protomer with Dopamine D 2 Receptor Modulates Agonist-Induced Internalization of Mu Opioid Receptor. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9080368. [PMID: 31416253 PMCID: PMC6722706 DOI: 10.3390/biom9080368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The interplay between the dopamine (DA) and opioid systems in the brain is known to modulate the additive effects of substances of abuse. On one hand, opioids serve mankind by their analgesic properties, which are mediated via the mu opioid receptor (MOR), a Class A G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), but on the other hand, they pose a potential threat by causing undesired side effects such as tolerance and dependence, for which the exact molecular mechanism is still unknown. Using human embryonic kidney 293T (HEK 293T) and HeLa cells transfected with MOR and the dopamine D2 receptor (D2R), we demonstrate that these receptors heterodimerize, using an array of biochemical and biophysical techniques such as coimmunoprecipitation (co-IP), bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET1), Fӧrster resonance energy transfer (FRET), and functional complementation of a split luciferase. Furthermore, live cell imaging revealed that D2LR, when coexpressed with MOR, slowed down internalization of MOR, following activation with the MOR agonist [D-Ala2, N-MePhe4, Gly-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO).
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Mercado-Reyes J, Almanza A, Segura-Chama P, Pellicer F, Mercado F. D2-like receptor agonist synergizes the μ-opioid agonist spinal antinociception in nociceptive, inflammatory and neuropathic models of pain in the rat. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 853:56-64. [PMID: 30876975 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Opioids are potent analgesic drugs, but their use has been limited due to their side effects. Antinociceptive effects of D2-like receptor agonists such as quinpirole have been shown at the spinal cord level; however, their efficacy is not as high as that of opioids. Dopaminergic agonists are long-prescribed and well-tolerated drugs that have been useful to treat clinically and experimentally painful conditions. Because current pain treatments are not completely effective, the aim of this work was to determine if a D2-like receptor agonist improves the antinociceptive effects of a μ-opioid receptor agonist. Drugs were intrathecally administered in adult rats; mechanonociceptive and thermonociceptive tests were carried out. Intraplantar injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) and sciatic loose ligation (SLL) were used for inflammatory and neuropathic models of pain, respectively. In intact animals, D-Ala2, N-MePhe4, Gly-ol-enkephalin (DAMGO; a µ-opioid receptor agonist) increased the paw withdrawal latencies (PWL) in thermal and mechanical nociceptive tests in a dose-dependent manner. Quinpirole (D2-like receptor agonist) increased PWL only in mechanonociception. In the presence of quinpirole (1 nmol), the ED50 of the mechanical antinociceptive effect of DAMGO was significantly decreased (8-fold). Coadministration of 1 nmol quinpirole and 30 pmol DAMGO completely reversed hyperalgesia in the CFA model, whereas 100 pmol DAMGO plus 1 nmol quinpirole reversed the allodynia in the SLL model. This work offers evidence about a synergistic antinociceptive effect between opioidergic and dopaminergic drugs. This combination may relieve painful conditions resistant to conventional treatments, and it may reduce the adverse effects of chronic opioid administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Mercado-Reyes
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Celular, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias. Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Angélica Almanza
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Celular, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias. Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Pedro Segura-Chama
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Celular, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias. Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Ciudad de México, Mexico; Cátedras CONACyT - Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Francisco Pellicer
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología Integrativa, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias. Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Francisco Mercado
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Celular, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias. Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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Cunningham CW, Elballa WM, Vold SU. Bifunctional opioid receptor ligands as novel analgesics. Neuropharmacology 2019; 151:195-207. [PMID: 30858102 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged treatment of chronic severe pain with opioid analgesics is frought with problematic adverse effects including tolerance, dependence, and life-threatening respiratory depression. Though these effects are mediated predominately through preferential activation of μ opioid peptide (μOP) receptors, there is an emerging appreciation that actions at κOP and δOP receptors contribute to the observed pharmacologic and behavioral profile of μOP receptor agonists and may be targeted simultaneously to afford improved analgesic effects. Recent developments have also identified the related nociceptin opioid peptide (NOP) receptor as a key modulator of the effects of μOP receptor signaling. We review here the available literature describing OP neurotransmitter systems and highlight recent drug and probe design strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Waleed M Elballa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, WI, USA.
| | - Stephanie U Vold
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, WI, USA.
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Sokolov AY, Popova NS, Povarenkov AS, Amelin AV. The Role of Dopamine in Primary Headaches. NEUROCHEM J+ 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s1819712418030145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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22
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Dai WL, Liu XT, Bao YN, Yan B, Jiang N, Yu BY, Liu JH. Selective blockade of spinal D2DR by levo-corydalmine attenuates morphine tolerance via suppressing PI3K/Akt-MAPK signaling in a MOR-dependent manner. Exp Mol Med 2018; 50:1-12. [PMID: 30429454 PMCID: PMC6235923 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-018-0175-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Morphine tolerance remains a challenge in the management of chronic pain in the clinic. As shown in our previous study, the dopamine D2 receptor (D2DR) expressed in spinal cord neurons might be involved in morphine tolerance, but the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In the present study, selective spinal D2DR blockade attenuated morphine tolerance in mice by inhibiting phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/serine–threonine kinase (Akt)-mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in a μ opioid receptor (MOR)-dependent manner. Levo-corydalmine (l-CDL), which exhibited micromolar affinity for D2DR in D2/CHO-K1 cell lines in this report and effectively alleviated bone cancer pain in our previous study, attenuated morphine tolerance in rats with chronic bone cancer pain at nonanalgesic doses. Furthermore, the intrathecal administration of l-CDL obviously attenuated morphine tolerance, and the effect was reversed by a D2DR agonist in mice. Spinal D2DR inhibition and l-CDL also inhibited tolerance induced by the MOR agonist DAMGO. l-CDL and a D2DR small interfering RNA (siRNA) decreased the increase in levels of phosphorylated Akt and MAPK in the spinal cord; these changes were abolished by a PI3K inhibitor. In addition, the activated Akt and MAPK proteins in mice exhibiting morphine tolerance were inhibited by a MOR antagonist. Intrathecal administration of a PI3K inhibitor also attenuated DAMGO-induced tolerance. Based on these results, l-CDL antagonized spinal D2DR to attenuate morphine tolerance by inhibiting PI3K/Akt-dependent MAPK phosphorylation through MOR. These findings provide insights into a more versatile treatment for morphine tolerance. By blocking dopamine receptors located in the spinal cord, a compound found in a traditional Chinese herbal medicine may help mitigate tolerance to morphine, a common problem among cancer patients who regularly take the opioid painkiller. A team led by Ji-Hua Liu and Bo-Yang Yu from China Pharmaceutical University in Nanjing had previously showed that inhibiting dopamine D2 receptors in spinal neurons prevented mice from developing morphine tolerance, but it wasn’t clear why. They have now demonstrated that blocking D2 receptors prevents the relay of cellular signals from morphine-binding “μ-opioid” receptors to mediators of drug tolerance. Levo-corydalmine, a compound isolated from the Asian Corydalis plant, binds and inhibits D2 receptors. When administered directly into the spinal cords of mice and rats, it blocked downstream signaling, reducing morphine tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ling Dai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Xin-Tong Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Yi-Ni Bao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Bing Yan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Bo-Yang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China.
| | - Ji-Hua Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China.
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Shen C, Shan T, Zhao W, Ou C, Li L, Liu X, Liu J, Yu B. Regio- and enantioselective O-demethylation of tetrahydroprotoberberines by cytochrome P450 enzyme system from Streptomyces griseus ATCC 13273. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 103:761-776. [PMID: 30368581 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-9416-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Tetrahydroprotoberberines (THPBs), a class of naturally occurring isoquinoline alkaloids, contain substituent methoxyl or hydroxyl groups which play a significant role in the pharmacological properties of these molecules. In this study, we report a biocatalytic strategy for selective O-demethylation of THPBs. CYP105D1, a cytochrome P450 from Streptomyces griseus ATCC 13273, exhibited markedly regioselective demethylation of nonhydroxyl-THPBs and monohydroxyl-THPBs on the D-ring. A possible binding mode of THPBs with CYP105D1 was investigated by docking analysis, and the results revealed that the D-rings of THPBs were with the minimum distance to the heme iron. Tetrahydropalmatine was used as a model substrate and enantioselective demethylation was demonstrated. (S)-Tetrahydropalmatine was only demethylated at C-10, while (R)-tetrahydropalmatine was first demethylated at C-10 and then subsequently demethylated at C-9. The kcat/Km value for demethylation of (R)-tetrahydropalmatine by CYP105D1 was 3.7 times greater than that for demethylation of (S)-tetrahydropalmatine. Furthermore, selective demethylation of (S)-tetrahydropalmatine by the CYP105D1-based whole-cell system was demonstrated for the highly efficient production of (S)-corydalmine which has distinct pharmacological applications, such as providing relief from bone cancer pain and reducing morphine tolerance. Moreover, a homologous redox partner was identified to enhance the catalytic efficiency of the CYP105D1-based whole-cell system. This is the first enzymatic characterization of a cytochrome P450 that has regio- and enantioselective demethylation activity of THPBs for application purpose. The cytochrome P450 system could be a promising strategy for selective demethylation in the pharmaceutical industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Shen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tianyue Shan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wanli Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chenhui Ou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiufeng Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jihua Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Boyang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
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Zhang M, Qian C, Zheng ZG, Qian F, Wang Y, Thu PM, Zhang X, Zhou Y, Tu L, Liu Q, Li HJ, Yang H, Li P, Xu X. Jujuboside A promotes Aβ clearance and ameliorates cognitive deficiency in Alzheimer's disease through activating Axl/HSP90/PPARγ pathway. Theranostics 2018; 8:4262-4278. [PMID: 30128052 PMCID: PMC6096387 DOI: 10.7150/thno.26164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: It has been reported that peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) level decreases significantly in the brains of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and mice models, while the mechanism is unclear. This study aims to unravel the mechanism that amyloid β (Aβ) decreases PPARγ and attempted to discover lead compound that preserves PPARγ. Methods: In APP/PS1 transgenic mice and Aβ treated microglia, the interaction between HSP90 and PPARγ were analyzed by western blot. Using a PPRE (PPARγ responsive element) containing reporter cell line, compounds that activate PPARγ activity were identified. After genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of potential target pathways, the target of jujuboside A (JuA) was discovered through Axl/HSP90β. After oral administration or intrathecal injection, the anti-AD activity of JuA was evaluated by Morris water maze (MWM) test and object recognition test. Soluble Aβ42 levels and plaque numbers after JuA treatment were detected by thioflavin S staining, and the activation of microglia was assayed by immunofluorescence staining against Iba-1. Results: We found that Aβ stress decreased heat shock protein 90 β (HSP90β), subsequently reduced the abundance of PPARγ, and down-regulated Aβ clearance-related genes in BV2 cells and primary microglia. We identified that JuA stimulated the expression of HSP90β, strengthened the interaction between HSP90β and PPARγ, preserved PPARγ levels, and thus effectively promoted the clearance of Aβ42. We demonstrated that JuA increased HSP90β expression through Axl/ERK pathway. JuA significantly ameliorated cognitive deficiency in APP/PS1 transgenic mice, meanwhile, JuA significantly reduced the soluble Aβ42 levels and plaque numbers in the brain. Notably, the therapeutic effects of JuA were dampened by R428, an Axl inhibitor. Conclusions: This study suggests that the up-regulation of HSP90β by JuA through Axl is a potential therapeutic strategy to facilitate Aβ42 clearance and ameliorate cognitive deficiency in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Cheng Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zu-Guo Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pyone Myat Thu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yaping Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lifan Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qingling Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui-Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaojun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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25
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Afify EA, Andijani NM. Potentiation of Morphine-Induced Antinociception by Propranolol: The Involvement of Dopamine and GABA Systems. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:794. [PMID: 29209205 PMCID: PMC5701645 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Tolerance to the analgesic effect of morphine is a major clinical problem which can be managed by co-administration of another drug. This study investigated the ability of propranolol to potentiate the antinociceptive action of morphine and the possible mechanisms underlying this effect. Antinociception was assessed in three nociceptive tests (thermal, hot plate), (visceral, acetic acid), and (inflammatory, formalin test) in mice and quantified by measuring the percent maximum possible effect, the percent inhibition of acetic acid-evoked writhing response, and the area under the curve values of number of flinches for treated mice, respectively. The study revealed that propranolol (0.25-20 mg/Kg, IP) administration did not produce analgesia in mice. However, 10 mg/Kg propranolol, enhanced the antinociceptive effect of sub-analgesic doses of morphine (0.2, 1, and 2 mg/Kg, IP) in the three nociceptive tests. It also shifted the dose response curve of morphine to the left. The combined effect of propranolol and morphine was attenuated by haloperidol (D2 receptor antagonist, 1.5 mg/Kg, IP), and bicuculline (GABAA receptor antagonist, 2 mg/Kg, IP). Repeated daily administration of propranolol (10 mg/Kg, IP) did not alter the nociceptive responses in the three pain tests, but it significantly potentiated morphine-induced antinociception in the hot plate, acetic acid-evoked writhing, and in the second phase of formalin tests. Together, the data suggest that a cross-talk exists between the opioidergic and adrenergic systems and implicate dopamine and GABA systems in this synergistic effect of morphine-propranolol combination. Propranolol may serve as an adjuvant therapy to potentiate the effect of opioid analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham A Afify
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Najlaa M Andijani
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Tokarev K, Hyland Bruno J, Ljubičić I, Kothari PJ, Helekar SA, Tchernichovski O, Voss HU. Sexual dimorphism in striatal dopaminergic responses promotes monogamy in social songbirds. eLife 2017; 6:25819. [PMID: 28826502 PMCID: PMC5584986 DOI: 10.7554/elife.25819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In many songbird species, males sing to attract females and repel rivals. How can gregarious, non-territorial songbirds such as zebra finches, where females have access to numerous males, sustain monogamy? We found that the dopaminergic reward circuitry of zebra finches can simultaneously promote social cohesion and breeding boundaries. Surprisingly, in unmated males but not in females, striatal dopamine neurotransmission was elevated after hearing songs. Behaviorally too, unmated males but not females persistently exchanged mild punishments in return for songs. Song reinforcement diminished when dopamine receptors were blocked. In females, we observed song reinforcement exclusively to the mate’s song, although their striatal dopamine neurotransmission was only slightly elevated. These findings suggest that song-triggered dopaminergic activation serves a dual function in social songbirds: as low-threshold social reinforcement in males and as ultra-selective sexual reinforcement in females. Co-evolution of sexually dimorphic reinforcement systems can explain the coexistence of gregariousness and monogamy. While monogamy is rare within the animal kingdom, some species – including humans and many birds – can be highly social and yet sustain monogamous relationships. Zebra finches, for example, are among a number of species of songbirds in which numerous males and females live closely together but maintain monogamous partnerships. Male songbirds use their songs to attract females, who do not themselves sing. But if female birds are attracted to any male song, how do they manage to remain monogamous when surrounded by potential suitors? In songbirds, and in humans too, a region of the brain called the striatum regulates both social and sexual behaviors. It does this by modulating the release of a molecule called dopamine, which is the brain’s reward signal. Tokarev et al. show that hearing songs triggers dopamine release within the striatum of unattached male zebra finches, but has no such effect in single females. Unattached male songbirds will also put up with irritating puffs of air in exchange for being able to watch videos of singing birds, whereas unattached females will not. Female songbirds with partners will tolerate the air puffs, but only if the videos are accompanied with the songs of their own mate. These findings suggest that song serves as a generic social stimulus for zebra finch males, helping large numbers of birds to live together. By contrast, for a female zebra finch, the song of her partner is a highly selective sexual stimulus. These sex-specific responses to the same socially-relevant stimuli may explain how gregarious animals are able to maintain monogamous pair bonds. More generally, these results are a step towards understanding how brain reward systems regulate social interactions. Studying these mechanisms in songbird species with different social and mating systems could ultimately provide insights into social and sexual behavior in people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirill Tokarev
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, United States.,Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Julia Hyland Bruno
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, United States.,Department of Psychology, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, United States
| | - Iva Ljubičić
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, United States.,Department of Biology, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, United States
| | - Paresh J Kothari
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Santosh A Helekar
- Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, United States
| | - Ofer Tchernichovski
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, United States.,Department of Psychology, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, United States.,Department of Biology, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, United States
| | - Henning U Voss
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, United States
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