1
|
Fort TD, Azuma MC, Laux DA, Cain ME. Environmental enrichment and sex, but not n-acetylcysteine, alter extended-access amphetamine self-administration and cue-seeking. Behav Brain Res 2024; 476:115261. [PMID: 39313073 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.115261] [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: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 09/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
There are no approved therapeutics for psychostimulant use and recurrence of psychostimulant use. However, in preclinical rodent models environmental enrichment can decrease psychostimulant self-administration of low unit doses and cue-induced amphetamine seeking. We have previously demonstrated that glutamate-dependent therapeutics are able to alter amphetamine seeking to amphetamine-associated cues only in enriched rats. In the current experiment, we will determine if enrichment can attenuate responding and cue-induced amphetamine seeking during extended access to a high dose of intravenous amphetamine. We will also determine if N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a glutamate dependent therapeutic, can attenuate amphetamine seeking in differentially reared rats. Female and male Sprague-Dawley rats were reared in enriched, isolated, or standard conditions from postnatal day 21-51. Rats were trained to self-administer intravenous amphetamine (0.1 mg/kg/infusion) during twelve 6-hour sessions. During the abstinence period, NAC (100 mg/kg) or saline was administered daily. Following a cue-induced amphetamine-seeking test, astrocyte densities within regions of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and nucleus accumbens (ACb) were quantified using immunohistochemistry. Environmental enrichment decreased responding for amphetamine and during the cue-induced amphetamine-seeking test. NAC did not attenuate cue-induced amphetamine seeking or alter astrocyte density. Across all groups, female rats self-administered less amphetamine but responded more during cue-induced amphetamine seeking than male rats. While amphetamine increased astrocyte densities within the ACb and mPFC, it did not alter mPFC astrocyte densities in female rats. The results suggest that enrichment can attenuate responding during extended access to a high dose of amphetamine and the associated cues. Sex alters amphetamine-induced changes to astrocyte densities in a regionally specific matter.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Troy D Fort
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kansas State University, 492 Bluemont Hall, 1114 Mid-Campus Drive North, Manhattan, KS 66506-5302, USA
| | - Miki C Azuma
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kansas State University, 492 Bluemont Hall, 1114 Mid-Campus Drive North, Manhattan, KS 66506-5302, USA
| | - Dylan A Laux
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kansas State University, 492 Bluemont Hall, 1114 Mid-Campus Drive North, Manhattan, KS 66506-5302, USA
| | - Mary E Cain
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kansas State University, 492 Bluemont Hall, 1114 Mid-Campus Drive North, Manhattan, KS 66506-5302, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang J, Jin K, Chen B, Cheng S, Jin J, Yang X, Lu J, Song Q. Sex-dimorphic functions of orexin in neuropsychiatric disorders. Heliyon 2024; 10:e36402. [PMID: 39253145 PMCID: PMC11382083 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The orexin system regulates a variety of physiological functions, including the sleep-wake cycle, addiction, foraging behavior, stress and cognitive functioning. Orexin levels in central and peripheral are related to the pathogenesis of many diseases, most notably the narcolepsy, eating disorders, stress-related psychiatric disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, it has been reported that the orexin system is distinctly sexually dimorphic, and is strongly associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. In this review, we analyzed advancements in the sex differences in the orexin system and their connection to psychoneurological conditions. Considering the scarcity of research in this domain, more research is imperative to reveal the underlying mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinghan Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Kangyu Jin
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder Management in Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Bing Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder Management in Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Shangping Cheng
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder Management in Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Jinfan Jin
- Department of Psychiatry, Lishui Second People's Hospital, Lishui, Zhejiang, 323000, China
| | - Xiaolan Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Lishui Second People's Hospital, Lishui, Zhejiang, 323000, China
| | - Jing Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder Management in Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Qinghai Song
- Department of Psychiatry, Lishui Second People's Hospital, Lishui, Zhejiang, 323000, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Daiwile AP, McCoy MT, Ladenheim B, Subramaniam J, Cadet JL. Incubation of methamphetamine craving in punishment-resistant individuals is associated with activation of specific gene networks in the rat dorsal striatum. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:1990-2000. [PMID: 38351172 PMCID: PMC11408252 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02455-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) is characterized by loss of control over compulsive drug use. Here, we used a self-administration (SA) model to investigate transcriptional changes associated with the development of early and late compulsivity during contingent footshocks. Punishment initially separated methamphetamine taking rats into always shock-resistant (ASR) rats that continued active lever pressing and shock-sensitive (SS) rats that reduced their lever pressing. At the end of the punishment phase, rats underwent 15 days of forced abstinence at the end of which they were re-introduced to the SA paradigm followed by SA plus contingent shocks. Interestingly, 36 percent of the initial SS rats developed delayed shock-resistance (DSR). Of translational relevance, ASR rats showed more incubation of methamphetamine craving than DSR and always sensitive (AS) rats. RNA sequencing revealed increased striatal Rab37 and Dipk2b mRNA levels that correlated with incubation of methamphetamine craving. Interestingly, Bdnf mRNA levels showed HDAC2-dependent decreased expression in the AS rats. The present SA paradigm should help to elucidate the molecular substrates of early and late addiction-like behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atul P Daiwile
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Michael T McCoy
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Bruce Ladenheim
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Jayanthi Subramaniam
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lin H, Olaniran A, Garmchi S, Firlie J, Rincon N, Li X. The estrous cycle has no effect on incubation of methamphetamine craving and associated Fos expression in dorsomedial striatum and anterior intralaminar nucleus of thalamus. ADDICTION NEUROSCIENCE 2024; 11:100158. [PMID: 38938268 PMCID: PMC11210321 DOI: 10.1016/j.addicn.2024.100158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Relapse is a major challenge in treating drug addiction, and drug seeking progressively increases after abstinence, a phenomenon termed "incubation of drug craving". Previous studies demonstrated both sex differences and an effect of estrous cycle in female rats in incubation of cocaine craving. In contrast, while incubation of methamphetamine craving is similar across sexes, whether estrous cycle plays a role in this incubation has yet to be fully addressed. Moreover, whether neural mechanisms underlying incubation of methamphetamine craving differ across estrous cycles is largely unknown. To address these gaps, we first compared methamphetamine self-administration, and methamphetamine seeking on both abstinence days 1 and 28 between male rats and female rats across the estrous cycle. Next, we examined neuronal activation associated with incubated methamphetamine seeking in dorsomedial striatum (DMS) and lateral portion of the anterior intralaminar nucleus of thalamus (AIT-L), two brain areas previously implicated in incubation of methamphetamine craving. We found no effect of sex or estrous cycle on methamphetamine self-administration and methamphetamine seeking on abstinence days 1 and 28. We also found no effect of sex or estrous cycle on the number of Fos-expressing cells in DMS or AIT-L following methamphetamine seeking test. Taken together, our results showed that methamphetamine self-administration and incubation of methamphetamine craving was not dependent on sex or estrous cycles under our experimental condition, and the role of DMS and AIT-L in incubation of methamphetamine craving may be similar across sexes and across estrous cycles in female rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Lin
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Adedayo Olaniran
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Sara Garmchi
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Julia Firlie
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Natalia Rincon
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Xuan Li
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Program in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Daiwile AP, Cadet JL. Modeling methamphetamine use disorder in mammals: Sex differences in behavioral, biochemical, and transcriptional consequences. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2024; 99:145-168. [PMID: 38467480 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) is the most commonly misused amphetamine-type stimulant throughout the globe. METH is very rewarding, and its misuse can lead to a diagnosis of METH use disorder (MUD). Although METH use is observed in both sexes, there are, however, reported differences in the clinical manifestations of METH use and its consequences. These observations indicate the need for more research on the long-term sex-dependent consequences of METH taking in both preclinical and clinical settings. In effect, sex is a biological variable that can impact conclusions drawn from various basic and clinical studies. Thus, the present chapter provides a succinct review of the current state of the research on METH and its sex-associated consequences. In addition to behavioral and cognitive aspects of METH use, we discuss METH-induced changes in neurotransmitter systems and structures in the brain. Thus, the book chapter serves to highlight the significance of sex as a critical element that needs to be considered during discussions of novel therapeutic approaches to MUD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atul P Daiwile
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Denning CJE, Madory LE, Herbert JN, Cabrera RA, Szumlinski KK. Neuropharmacological Evidence Implicating Drug-Induced Glutamate Receptor Dysfunction in Affective and Cognitive Sequelae of Subchronic Methamphetamine Self-Administration in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1928. [PMID: 38339206 PMCID: PMC10856401 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031928] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Methamphetamine (MA) is a highly addictive drug, and MA use disorder is often comorbid with anxiety and cognitive impairment. These comorbid conditions are theorized to reflect glutamate-related neurotoxicity within the frontal cortical regions. However, our prior studies of MA-sensitized mice indicate that subchronic, behaviorally non-contingent MA treatment is sufficient to dysregulate glutamate transmission in mouse brain. Here, we extend this prior work to a mouse model of high-dose oral MA self-administration (0.8, 1.6, or 3.2 g/L; 1 h sessions × 7 days) and show that while female C57BL/6J mice consumed more MA than males, MA-experienced mice of both sexes exhibited some signs of anxiety-like behavior in a behavioral test battery, although not all effects were concentration-dependent. No MA effects were detected for our measures of visually cued spatial navigation, spatial learning, or memory in the Morris water maze; however, females with a history of 3.2 g/L MA exhibited reversal-learning deficits in this task, and mice with a history of 1.6 g/L MA committed more working-memory incorrect errors and relied upon a non-spatial navigation strategy during the radial-arm maze testing. Relative to naïve controls, MA-experienced mice exhibited several changes in the expression of certain glutamate receptor-related proteins and their downstream effectors within the ventral and dorsal areas of the prefrontal cortex, the hippocampus, and the amygdala, many of which were sex-selective. Systemic pretreatment with the mGlu1-negative allosteric modulator JNJ 162596858 reversed the anxiety-like behavior expressed by MA-experienced mice in the marble-burying test, while systemic pretreatment with NMDA or the NMDA antagonist MK-801 bi-directionally affected the MA-induced reversal-learning deficit. Taken together, these data indicate that a relatively brief history of oral MA is sufficient to induce some signs of anxiety-like behavior and cognitive dysfunction during early withdrawal that reflect, at least in part, MA-induced changes in the corticolimbic expression of certain glutamate receptor subtypes of potential relevance to treating symptoms of MA use disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. E. Denning
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA; (C.J.E.D.); (L.E.M.); (J.N.H.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Lauren E. Madory
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA; (C.J.E.D.); (L.E.M.); (J.N.H.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Jessica N. Herbert
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA; (C.J.E.D.); (L.E.M.); (J.N.H.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Ryan A. Cabrera
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA; (C.J.E.D.); (L.E.M.); (J.N.H.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Karen K. Szumlinski
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA; (C.J.E.D.); (L.E.M.); (J.N.H.); (R.A.C.)
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Memos N, Avila JA, Rodriguez E, Serrano PA. Synaptic remodeling of GluA1 and GluA2 expression in the nucleus accumbens promotes susceptibility to cognitive deficits concomitant with downstream GSK3 β mediated neurotoxicity in female mice during abstinence from voluntary oral methamphetamine. ADDICTION NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 8:100112. [PMID: 37842014 PMCID: PMC10569060 DOI: 10.1016/j.addicn.2023.100112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Stimulant-use disorders can present with long-term cognitive and mental health deficits. Little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms perpetuating sex differences in cognitive and behavioral deficits in preclinical models of addiction to stimulants such as methamphetamine (MA). The current study investigated the neurochemical shifts underlying sex disparities in MA-induced working memory deficits and an addictive phenotype following abstinence from chronic MA abuse. We used our previously reported mouse model of voluntary oral methamphetamine administration (VOMA) consisting of an acquisition phase (days 1-14) characterized by escalating doses of MA and a binge phase (days 14-28) characterized by static doses. Female VOMA mice exhibited sustained MA consumption during the binge phase, demonstrating sex-specific vulnerabilities to the maintenance of MA addiction. The 8-arm radial maze was used to test spatial working memory performance following abstinence from VOMA. Results indicate working memory deficits correlated to higher MA consumption in females only. Hippocampal and accumbal tissue were collected and analyzed by immunoblotting. Female VOMA mice had decreased GluA1, but not GluA2, in the hippocampus, which may perpetuate synaptic destabilization and working memory deficits. Female-specific increases in GluA1 and p-GSK3β expression in accumbal tissue suggest vulnerability toward abstinence-induced drug craving and heightened downstream neurotoxicity. Our study reveals female-specific neurochemical shifts in hippocampal and accumbal AMPA receptor signaling following abstinence from chronic MA consumption that may perpetuate female susceptibility to MA-induced cognitive deficits. These data demonstrate a novel molecular pathway that would exacerbate memory deficits and perpetuate an addictive phenotype in female populations following MA abuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Memos
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- The Graduate Center of CUNY, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Jorge A. Avila
- Undergraduate Research Center – Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Edgar Rodriguez
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- The Graduate Center of CUNY, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Peter A. Serrano
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- The Graduate Center of CUNY, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Elhadi K, Daiwile AP, Cadet JL. Modeling methamphetamine use disorder and relapse in animals: short- and long-term epigenetic, transcriptional., and biochemical consequences in the rat brain. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 155:105440. [PMID: 38707245 PMCID: PMC11068368 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105440] [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] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by binge drug taking episodes, intervals of abstinence, and relapses to drug use even during treatment. MUD has been modeled in rodents and investigators are attempting to identify its molecular bases. Preclinical experiments have shown that different schedules of methamphetamine self-administration can cause diverse transcriptional changes in the dorsal striatum of Sprague-Dawley rats. In the present review, we present data on differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified in the rat striatum following methamphetamine intake. These include genes involved in transcription regulation, potassium channel function, and neuroinflammation. We then use the striatal data to discuss the potential significance of the molecular changes induced by methamphetamine by reviewing concordant or discordant data from the literature. This review identified potential molecular targets for pharmacological interventions. Nevertheless, there is a need for more research on methamphetamine-induced transcriptional consequences in various brain regions. These data should provide a more detailed neuroanatomical map of methamphetamine-induced changes and should better inform therapeutic interventions against MUD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Elhadi
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224
| | - Atul P. Daiwile
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224
| | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yates JR, Berling KL, Broderick MR, Bako RE, Dillon SL. Rats have low motivation to self-administer oral methamphetamine across increasing response requirements. Behav Brain Res 2023; 455:114673. [PMID: 37717660 PMCID: PMC10591766 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) is a psychostimulant drug that has become increasingly popular in recent years, with overdose deaths more than doubling during the second half of the 2010s. As methamphetamine use disorder rates continue to increase, finding effective treatment strategies to decrease METH dependence is important. Animal studies are well-suited for studying the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction-like behaviors. Although individuals can ingest METH orally, few studies have examined oral METH self-administration in animals. Mice show decreased responding for oral METH as the response requirement increases across sessions. The purpose of the current study was to determine if rats show a similar decrease in motivation to earn oral METH across increasing response requirements. Sixteen Sprague Dawley rats were trained to emit a response in an aperture to receive a 0.1-ml METH solution (40 mg/l) according to an FR 1 schedule. The FR requirement increased across sessions to a terminal FR 10. Responses for METH decreased significantly when an FR 10 schedule was used. These results suggest that rats, similarly to mice, have low motivation to self-administer oral METH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin R Yates
- Department of Psychological Science, Northern Kentucky University, 1 Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099, USA.
| | - Kevin L Berling
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, 1 Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099, USA
| | - Maria R Broderick
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, 1 Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099, USA
| | - Rayah E Bako
- Department of Psychological Science, Northern Kentucky University, 1 Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099, USA
| | - Sadie L Dillon
- Department of Psychological Science, Northern Kentucky University, 1 Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Olaniran A, Altshuler RD, Burke MAM, Lin H, Firlie J, Linshitz I, Li X. Role of oestrous cycle and orbitofrontal cortex in oxycodone seeking after 15-day abstinence in female rats. Addict Biol 2023; 28:e13325. [PMID: 37753563 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13325] [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: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Relapse to oxycodone seeking progressively increases after abstinence in rats, a phenomenon termed incubation of oxycodone craving. We have previously shown that the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) plays a critical role in incubation of oxycodone craving in male rats. Here, we examined the effect of oestrous cycle on incubated oxycodone seeking in female rats, and whether the critical role of OFC in incubated oxycodone seeking generalizes to female rats. We first assessed oxycodone self-administration and incubated oxycodone seeking on abstinence day 15 across the oestrous cycle. Next, we determined the effect of chemogenetic inactivation of OFC by JHU37160 (J60), a novel agonist for Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs), on incubated oxycodone seeking on abstinence day 15. Finally, we determined the effect of J60 alone on incubated oxycodone seeking on abstinence day 15. We found no difference in oxycodone intake across oestrus, pro-oestrus, and metoestrus stages during oxycodone self-administration training. Incubated oxycodone seeking was also similar between nonoestrus and oestrus female rats. Moreover, chemogenetic inactivation of OFC by J60 decreased incubated oxycodone seeking on abstinence day 15, while J60 alone had no effect on incubated oxycodone seeking in no-DREADD control rats. Taken together, results here show that the oestrous cycle has no effect on oxycodone intake and incubated oxycodone seeking in female rats under our experimental conditions. Furthermore, consistent with our previous findings in male rats, results here show that OFC also plays a critical role in incubated oxycodone seeking in female rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adedayo Olaniran
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Rachel D Altshuler
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Megan A M Burke
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Hongyu Lin
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Julia Firlie
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Ilan Linshitz
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Xuan Li
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lewandowski SI, Hodebourg R, Wood SK, Carter JS, Nelson KH, Kalivas PW, Reichel CM. Matrix metalloproteinase activity during methamphetamine cued relapse. Addict Biol 2023; 28:e13279. [PMID: 37186441 PMCID: PMC10506177 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Relapse to drug seeking involves transient synaptic remodelling that occurs in response to drug-associated cues. This remodelling includes activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) to initiate catalytic signalling in the extracellular matrix in the nucleus accumbens core (NAcore). We hypothesized that MMP activity would be increased in the NAcore during cue-induced methamphetamine (meth) seeking in a rat model of meth use and relapse. Male and female rats had indwelling jugular catheters and bilateral intracranial cannula targeting the NAcore surgically implanted. Following recovery, rats underwent meth or saline self-administration (6 h/day for 15 days) in which active lever responding was paired with a light + tone stimulus complex, followed by home cage abstinence. Testing occurred after 7 or 30 days of abstinence. On test day, rats were microinjected with a fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-quenched gelatin substrate that fluoresces following cleavage by MMP-2,9, allowing for the quantification of gelatinase activity during cued-relapse testing. MMP-2,9 activity was significantly increased in the NAcore by meth cues presentation after 7 and 30 days of abstinence, indicating that remodelling by MMPs occurs during presentation of meth associated cues. Surprisingly, although cue-induced seeking increased between Days 7 and 30, MMP-2,9 activity did not increase. These findings indicate that although MMP activation is elicited during meth cue-induced seeking, MMP activation did not parallel the meth seeking that occurs during extended drug abstinence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stacia I. Lewandowski
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Ritchy Hodebourg
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Samuel K. Wood
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Jordan S. Carter
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Katherine H. Nelson
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Peter W. Kalivas
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Carmela M. Reichel
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Funke JR, Hwang EK, Wunsch AM, Baker R, Engeln KA, Murray CH, Milovanovic M, Caccamise AJ, Wolf ME. Persistent Neuroadaptations in the Nucleus Accumbens Core Accompany Incubation of Methamphetamine Craving in Male and Female Rats. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0480-22.2023. [PMID: 36792361 PMCID: PMC10016192 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0480-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Relapse is a major problem in treating methamphetamine use disorder. "Incubation of craving" during abstinence is a rat model for persistence of vulnerability to craving and relapse. While methamphetamine incubation has previously been demonstrated in male and female rats, it has not been demonstrated after withdrawal periods greater than 51 d and most mechanistic work used males. Here, we address both gaps. First, although methamphetamine intake was higher in males during self-administration training (6 h/d × 10 d), incubation was similar in males and females, with "incubated" craving persisting through withdrawal day (WD)100. Second, using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in medium spiny neurons (MSNs) of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core, we assessed synaptic levels of calcium-permeable AMPA receptors (CP-AMPARs), as their elevation is required for expression of incubation in males. In both sexes, compared with saline-self-administering controls, CP-AMPAR levels were significantly higher in methamphetamine rats across withdrawal, although this was less pronounced in WD100-135 rats than WD15-35 or WD40-75 methamphetamine rats. We also examined membrane properties and NMDA receptor (NMDAR) transmission. In saline controls, MSNs from males exhibited lower excitability than females. This difference was eliminated after incubation because of increased excitability of MSNs from males. NMDAR transmission did not differ between sexes and was not altered after incubation. In conclusion, incubation persists for longer than previously described and equally persistent CP-AMPAR plasticity in NAc core occurs in both sexes. Thus, abstinence-related synaptic plasticity in NAc is similar in males and females although other methamphetamine-related behaviors and neuroadaptations show differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R Funke
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97212
| | - Eun-Kyung Hwang
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97212
| | - Amanda M Wunsch
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97212
- Department of Neuroscience, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064
| | - Raines Baker
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97212
| | - Kimberley A Engeln
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97212
| | - Conor H Murray
- Department of Neuroscience, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064
| | - Mike Milovanovic
- Department of Neuroscience, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064
| | - Aaron J Caccamise
- Department of Neuroscience, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064
| | - Marina E Wolf
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97212
- Department of Neuroscience, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bachtell RK, Larson TA, Winkler MC. Adenosine receptor stimulation inhibits methamphetamine-associated cue seeking. J Psychopharmacol 2023; 37:192-203. [PMID: 36629009 DOI: 10.1177/02698811221147157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methamphetamine (METH) is a psychostimulant drug that remains a popular and threatening drug of abuse with high abuse liability. There is no established pharmacotherapy to treat METH dependence, but evidence suggests that stimulation of adenosine receptors reduces the reinforcing properties of METH and could be a potential pharmacological target. This study examines the effects of adenosine receptor subtype stimulation on METH seeking using both a cue-induced reinstatement and cue-craving model of relapse. METHODS Male and female rats were trained to self-administer METH during daily 2-h sessions. Cue-induced reinstatement of METH seeking was evaluated after extinction training. A systemic pretreatment of an adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) or A2A receptor (A2AR) agonist was administered prior to an extinction or cue session to evaluate the effects of adenosine receptor subtype stimulation on METH seeking. The effects of a systemic pretreatment of A1R or A2AR agonists were also evaluated in a cue-craving model where the cued-seeking test was conducted after 21 days of forced home-cage abstinence without extinction training. RESULTS Cue-induced reinstatement was reduced in both male and female rats that received A1R or A2AR agonist pretreatments. Similarly, an A1R or A2AR agonist pretreatment also inhibited cue craving in both male and female rats. CONCLUSION Stimulation of either adenosine A1R or A2AR subtypes inhibits METH-seeking behavior elicited by METH-associated cues. These effects may be attributed to the ability of A1R and A2AR stimulation to disrupt cue-induced dopamine and glutamate signaling throughout the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan K Bachtell
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.,Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Tracey A Larson
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Madeline C Winkler
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Biochemical Neuroadaptations in the Rat Striatal Dopaminergic System after Prolonged Exposure to Methamphetamine Self-Administration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710092. [PMID: 36077488 PMCID: PMC9456063 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Perturbations in striatal dopamine (DA) homeostasis might underlie the behavioral and pathobiological consequences of METH use disorder in humans. To identify potential consequences of long-term METH exposure, we modeled the adverse consequence DSM criterion of substance use disorders by giving footshocks to rats that had escalated their intake of METH during a drug self-administration procedure. Next, DA D1 receptor antagonist, SCH23390 was injected. Thereafter, rats were euthanized to measure several indices of the striatal dopaminergic system. Footshocks split the METH rats into two phenotypes: (i) shock-sensitive that decreased their METH-intake and (ii) shock-resistant that continued their METH intake. SCH23390 caused substantial dose-dependent reduction of METH taking in both groups. Stopping SCH23390 caused re-emergence of compulsive METH taking in shock-resistant rats. Compulsive METH takers also exhibited greater incubation of METH seeking than non-compulsive rats during withdrawal from METH SA. Analyses of DA metabolism revealed non-significant decreases (about 35%) in DA levels in resistant and sensitive rats. However, striatal contents of the deaminated metabolites, DOPAL and DOPAC, were significantly increased in sensitive rats. VMAT2 and DAT protein levels were decreased in both phenotypes. Moreover, protein expression levels of the D1-like DA receptor, D5R, and D2-like DA receptors, D3R and D4R, were significantly decreased in the compulsive METH takers. Our results parallel findings in post-mortem striatal tissues of human METH users who develop Parkinsonism after long-term METH intake and support the use of this model to investigate potential therapeutic interventions for METH use disorder.
Collapse
|
15
|
Marrero-Cristobal G, Gelpi-Dominguez U, Morales-Silva R, Alvarado-Torres J, Perez-Torres J, Perez-Perez Y, Sepulveda-Orengo M. Aerobic exercise as a promising nonpharmacological therapy for the treatment of substance use disorders. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:1602-1642. [PMID: 34850988 PMCID: PMC9156662 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Despite the prevalence and public health impact of substance use disorders (SUDs), effective long-term treatments remain elusive. Aerobic exercise is a promising, nonpharmacological treatment currently under investigation as a strategy for preventing drug relapse. Aerobic exercise could be incorporated into the comprehensive treatment regimens for people with substance abuse disorders. Preclinical studies of SUD with animal models have shown that aerobic exercise diminishes drug-seeking behavior, which leads to relapse, in both male and female rats. Nevertheless, little is known regarding the effects of substance abuse-induced cellular and physiological adaptations believed to be responsible for drug-seeking behavior. Accordingly, the overall goal of this review is to provide a summary and an assessment of findings to date, highlighting evidence of the molecular and neurological effects of exercise on adaptations associated with SUD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ursula Gelpi-Dominguez
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA
| | - Roberto Morales-Silva
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA
| | - John Alvarado-Torres
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA
| | - Joshua Perez-Torres
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA
| | - Yobet Perez-Perez
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA
| | - Marian Sepulveda-Orengo
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Choi S, Du Y, Wokosin DL, Graves SM. Acute and protracted abstinence from methamphetamine bidirectionally changes intrinsic excitability of indirect pathway spiny projection neurons in the dorsomedial striatum. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12116. [PMID: 35840639 PMCID: PMC9287428 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16272-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Methamphetamine (meth) is an addictive psychostimulant and illicit use presents significant personal and socioeconomic harm. Behavioral studies support the involvement of the dorsal striatum in drug-seeking but stimulant induced dysfunction in this region is understudied. The dorsal striatum can be subdivided into the dorsomedial (DMS) and dorsolateral (DLS) striatum with the DMS implicated in goal-directed and DLS in habitual behaviors; both regions are primarily composed of GABAergic direct (dSPNs) and indirect pathway (iSPNs) spiny projection neurons. To examine the effect of repeated meth on SPNs, mice were administered meth (2 mg/kg) for ten consecutive days and intrinsic excitability, dendritic excitability, and spine density were examined. DMS iSPN intrinsic excitability was increased at 1 day but decreased at 21 days of abstinence. In contrast, DMS dSPN intrinsic excitability was unchanged at either timepoint. Dendritic excitability and spine densities were unaltered in DMS iSPNs and dSPNs at 1 and 21 days of abstinence. The effect of repeated meth on iSPN excitability was specific to the DMS; DLS iSPN intrinsic excitability, dendritic excitability, and spine density were unchanged at 1 and 21 days of abstinence. These findings point toward DMS iSPN dysfunction in meth use disorders with differential dysfunction dependent on abstinence duration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanghoon Choi
- grid.17635.360000000419368657Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
| | - Yijuan Du
- grid.17635.360000000419368657Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
| | - David L. Wokosin
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Steven M. Graves
- grid.17635.360000000419368657Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Miller AE, Daiwile AP, Cadet JL. Sex-Dependent Alterations in the mRNA Expression of Enzymes Involved in Dopamine Synthesis and Breakdown After Methamphetamine Self-Administration. Neurotox Res 2022; 40:1464-1478. [PMID: 35834057 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-022-00545-z] [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: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences have been reported in methamphetamine (METH) use disorder in humans and in animal models of METH exposure. Specifically, animals that self-administer METH show sex-related dissimilarities in dopamine (DA) metabolism. To better understand the molecular bases for the differences in DA metabolism, we measured the levels of mRNAs of enzymes that catalyze DA synthesis and breakdown in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc), dorsal striatum (dSTR), and hippocampus (HIP) of rats that had self-administered METH. There were significant sex differences in control rats, with males having higher basal levels of Th in the PFC and dSTR, Ddc in the NAc, and MaoB in the HIP. In contrast, female controls showed higher basal levels of Comt in the HIP. Male and female METH SA rats also showed some distinct responses to the drug. Specifically, female METH rats exhibited increased expression of Ddc and MaoB, whereas male METH animals showed higher levels of Comt mRNA in the PFC compared to their respective controls. In the NAc, male METH rats displayed decreased Th and Ddc mRNA levels. Together, our results identified sex-dependent and region-specific changes in the mRNA expression of several enzymes involved in DA synthesis and breakdown in response to METH SA, with the majority of differences being observed in the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic system. These findings are of significant translational importance providing further support for the inclusion of sex as an important variable when planning and evaluating therapeutic interventions against METH use disorder in human clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron E Miller
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Atul P Daiwile
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
The endogenous opioid peptide system, comprised of enkephalins, endorphins, dynorphins, and nociceptin, is a highly complex neurobiological system. Opioid peptides are derived from four precursor molecules and undergo several processing events yielding over 20 unique opioid peptides. This diversity together with low in vivo concentration and complex processing and release dynamics has challenged research into each peptide's unique function. Despite the subsequent challenges in detecting and quantifying opioid peptides in vivo, researchers have pioneered several techniques to directly or indirectly assay the roles of opioid peptides during behavioral manipulations. In this review, we describe the limitations of the traditional techniques used to study the role of endogenous opioid peptides in food and drug reward and bring focus to the wealth of new techniques to measure endogenous opioid peptides in reward processing.
Collapse
|
19
|
Daiwile AP, Jayanthi S, Cadet JL. Sex differences in methamphetamine use disorder perused from pre-clinical and clinical studies: Potential therapeutic impacts. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 137:104674. [PMID: 35452744 PMCID: PMC9119944 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) use, and misuse are associated with severe socioeconomic consequences. METH users develop tolerance, lose control over drug taking behaviors, and suffer frequent relapses even during treatment. The clinical course of METH use disorder is influenced by multifactorial METH-induced effects on the central and peripheral nervous systems. Although these METH-induced consequences are observed in humans of all ages, races, and sexes, sexual dimorphism in these outcomes have been observed in both pre-clinical and clinical settings. In this review, we have provided a detailed presentation of the sex differences reported in human and animal studies. We have therefore presented data that identified the influences of sex on METH pharmacokinetics, METH-induced changes in behaviors, cognitive processes, structural changes in the brain, and the effects of the drug on neurotransmitter systems and molecular mechanisms. Finally, we highlighted the potential significance of sex as a critical variable that should be considered when planning the development of new pharmacotherapeutic approaches against MEH use disorder in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atul P Daiwile
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | - Subramaniam Jayanthi
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Sex Differences in Psychostimulant Abuse: Implications for Estrogen Receptors and Histone Deacetylases. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13050892. [PMID: 35627277 PMCID: PMC9140379 DOI: 10.3390/genes13050892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Substance abuse is a chronic pathological disorder that negatively affects many health and neurological processes. A growing body of literature has revealed gender differences in substance use. Compared to men, women display distinct drug-use phenotypes accompanied by recovery and rehabilitation disparities. These observations have led to the notion that sex-dependent susceptibilities exist along the progression to addiction. Within this scope, neuroadaptations following psychostimulant exposure are thought to be distinct for each sex. This review summarizes clinical findings and animal research reporting sex differences in the subjective and behavioral responses to cocaine, methamphetamine, and nicotine. This discussion is followed by an examination of epigenetic and molecular alterations implicated in the addiction process. Special consideration is given to histone deacetylases and estrogen receptor-mediated gene expression.
Collapse
|
21
|
Daiwile AP, Sullivan P, Jayanthi S, Goldstein DS, Cadet JL. Sex-Specific Alterations in Dopamine Metabolism in the Brain after Methamphetamine Self-Administration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084353. [PMID: 35457170 PMCID: PMC9027322 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) use disorder affects both sexes, with sex differences occurring in behavioral, structural, and biochemical consequences. The molecular mechanisms underlying these differences are unclear. Herein, we used a rat model to identify potential sex differences in the effects of METH on brain dopaminergic systems. Rats were trained to self-administer METH for 20 days, and a cue-induced drug-seeking test was performed on withdrawal days 3 and 30. Dopamine and its metabolites were measured in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc), dorsal striatum (dSTR), and hippocampus (HIP). Irrespective of conditions, in comparison to females, male rats showed increased 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) in the PFC, dSTR, and HIP; increased cys-dopamine in NAc; and increased 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol (DOPET) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in dSTR. Males also showed METH-associated decreases in DA levels in the HIP but increases in the NAc. Female rats showed METH-associated decreases in DA, DOPAL, and DOPAC levels in the PFC but increases in DOPET and DOPAC levels in the HIP. Both sexes showed METH-associated decreases in NAc DA metabolites. Together, these data document sex differences in METH SA-induced changes in DA metabolism. These observations provide further support for using sex as an essential variable when discussing therapeutic approaches against METH use disorder in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atul P. Daiwile
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; (A.P.D.); (S.J.)
| | - Patricia Sullivan
- Autonomic Medicine Section, NINDS Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (P.S.); (D.S.G.)
| | - Subramaniam Jayanthi
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; (A.P.D.); (S.J.)
| | - David S. Goldstein
- Autonomic Medicine Section, NINDS Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (P.S.); (D.S.G.)
| | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; (A.P.D.); (S.J.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-443-740-2656
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Nicolas C, Zlebnik NE, Farokhnia M, Leggio L, Ikemoto S, Shaham Y. Sex Differences in Opioid and Psychostimulant Craving and Relapse: A Critical Review. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:119-140. [PMID: 34987089 PMCID: PMC11060335 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
A widely held dogma in the preclinical addiction field is that females are more vulnerable than males to drug craving and relapse. Here, we first review clinical studies on sex differences in psychostimulant and opioid craving and relapse. Next, we review preclinical studies on sex differences in psychostimulant and opioid reinstatement of drug seeking after extinction of drug self-administration, and incubation of drug craving (time-dependent increase in drug seeking during abstinence). We also discuss ovarian hormones' role in relapse and craving in humans and animal models and speculate on brain mechanisms underlying their role in cocaine craving and relapse in rodent models. Finally, we discuss imaging studies on brain responses to cocaine cues and stress in men and women.The results of the clinical studies reviewed do not appear to support the notion that women are more vulnerable to psychostimulant and opioid craving and relapse. However, this conclusion is tentative because most of the studies reviewed were correlational, not sufficiently powered, and not a priori designed to detect sex differences. Additionally, imaging studies suggest sex differences in brain responses to cocaine cues and stress. The results of the preclinical studies reviewed provide evidence for sex differences in stress-induced reinstatement and incubation of cocaine craving but not cue- or cocaine-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking. These sex differences are modulated in part by ovarian hormones. In contrast, the available data do not support the notion of sex differences in craving and relapse/reinstatement for methamphetamine or opioids in rodent models. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This systematic review summarizes clinical and preclinical studies on sex differences in psychostimulant and opioid craving and relapse. Results of the clinical studies reviewed do not appear to support the notion that women are more vulnerable to psychostimulant and opioid craving and relapse. Results of preclinical studies reviewed provide evidence for sex differences in reinstatement and incubation of cocaine seeking but not for reinstatement or incubation of methamphetamine or opioid seeking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Céline Nicolas
- Neurocentre Magendie, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France (C.N.); Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, Present address: Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside, School of Medicine, Riverside, CA (N.E.Z.); Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD (M.F., L.L., S.I., Y.S.); and Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (M.F., L.L.)
| | - Natalie E Zlebnik
- Neurocentre Magendie, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France (C.N.); Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, Present address: Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside, School of Medicine, Riverside, CA (N.E.Z.); Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD (M.F., L.L., S.I., Y.S.); and Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (M.F., L.L.)
| | - Mehdi Farokhnia
- Neurocentre Magendie, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France (C.N.); Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, Present address: Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside, School of Medicine, Riverside, CA (N.E.Z.); Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD (M.F., L.L., S.I., Y.S.); and Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (M.F., L.L.)
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Neurocentre Magendie, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France (C.N.); Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, Present address: Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside, School of Medicine, Riverside, CA (N.E.Z.); Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD (M.F., L.L., S.I., Y.S.); and Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (M.F., L.L.)
| | - Satoshi Ikemoto
- Neurocentre Magendie, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France (C.N.); Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, Present address: Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside, School of Medicine, Riverside, CA (N.E.Z.); Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD (M.F., L.L., S.I., Y.S.); and Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (M.F., L.L.)
| | - Yavin Shaham
- Neurocentre Magendie, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France (C.N.); Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, Present address: Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside, School of Medicine, Riverside, CA (N.E.Z.); Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD (M.F., L.L., S.I., Y.S.); and Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (M.F., L.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Avila JA, Memos N, Aslan A, Andrejewski T, Luine VN, Serrano PA. Voluntary oral methamphetamine increases memory deficits and contextual sensitization during abstinence associated with decreased PKMζ and increased κOR in the hippocampus of female mice. J Psychopharmacol 2021; 35:1240-1252. [PMID: 34587831 PMCID: PMC9083019 DOI: 10.1177/02698811211048285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female populations exhibit vulnerabilities to psychostimulant addiction, as well as cognitive dysfunction following bouts of abuse. AIMS The goal for this study was to advance our understanding of the mechanisms that produce sex disparities in drug addiction. METHODS We used an animal model for voluntary oral methamphetamine administration (VOMA) and focused on male and female mice that consumed 7.6-8.2 mg/kg of methamphetamine (MA) per day during the last 18 days of the paradigm. RESULTS The VOMA-exposed female mice displayed increased locomotor activity in the drug-administration context compared to male mice, demonstrating sex-specific changes in contextual sensitization. During 2 weeks of forced abstinence, mice underwent further behavioral testing. We show that abstinence increased open-arm entries on the elevated plus maze in both sexes. There were no differences in immobility on the tail suspension test. In a hippocampal-dependent radial arm maze task, VOMA-treated female mice, but not male mice, showed working memory deficits. Hippocampal tissue was collected and analyzed using Western blotting. VOMA-exposed female mice exhibited increased kappa opioid receptor (κOR) expression in the hippocampus compared to male mice, suggesting a vulnerability toward abstinence-induced dysphoria. Female VOMA mice also exhibited a decrease in the memory protein marker, protein kinase M zeta (PKMζ), in the hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals sex-specific effects following abstinence from chronic MA consumption on hippocampal κOR and PKMζ expression, suggesting that these neural changes in female mice may underlie spatial memory deficits and identify an increased susceptibility to dysregulated neural mechanisms. These data validate VOMA as a model sensitive to sex differences in behavior and hippocampal neurochemistry following chronic MA exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A. Avila
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA.,The Graduate Center of CUNY, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Nicoletta Memos
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA.,The Graduate Center of CUNY, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Abdurrahman Aslan
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Health Sciences Center, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, LA,Department of Pharmacology, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tytus Andrejewski
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Victoria N. Luine
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA.,The Graduate Center of CUNY, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Peter A. Serrano
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA.,The Graduate Center of CUNY, New York, NY 10016, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zhu M, Liu Z, Guo Y, Sultana MS, Wu K, Lang X, Lv Q, Huang X, Yi Z, Li Z. Sex difference in the interrelationship between TNF-α and oxidative stress status in first-episode drug-naïve schizophrenia. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:202. [PMID: 34526062 PMCID: PMC8444364 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02261-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Increasing evidence indicates that dysregulated TNF-α and oxidative stress (OxS) contribute to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Additionally, previous evidence has demonstrated sex differences in many aspects of schizophrenia including clinical characteristics, cytokines, and OxS markers. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no study investigating sex differences in the association between TNF-α, the OxS system, and their interaction with clinical symptoms in schizophrenia patients, especially in first-episode drug-naïve (FEDN) patients. Methods A total of 119 FEDN schizophrenia patients and 135 healthy controls were recruited for this study. Serum TNF-α, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was applied to evaluate psychotic symptoms. Two-way ANOVA, partial correlation analysis, and multivariate regression analysis were performed. Results A sex difference in MDA levels was demonstrated only in healthy controls (F = 7.06, pBonferroni = 0.045) and not seen in patients. Furthermore, only male patients had higher MDA levels than male controls (F = 8.19, pBonferroni = 0.03). Additionally, sex differences were observed in the association of TNF-α and MDA levels with psychotic symptoms (all pBonferroni < 0.05). The interaction of TNF-α and MDA was only associated with general psychopathology symptom in male patients (B = − 0.07, p = 0.02). Conclusion Our results demonstrate the sex difference in the relationship between TNF-α, MDA, and their interaction with psychopathological symptoms of patients with schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minghuan Zhu
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 South Wan Ping Road, Shanghai, 200030, China.,Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shanghai Pudong New Area Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenjing Liu
- Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanhong Guo
- Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Mst Sadia Sultana
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Kang Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoe Lang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qinyu Lv
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 South Wan Ping Road, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Xiao Huang
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Zhenghui Yi
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 South Wan Ping Road, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Zezhi Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 36 Mingxin Road, Guangzhou, 510370, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Effects of the GluN2B antagonist, Ro 25-6981, on extinction consolidation following adolescent- or adult-onset methamphetamine self-administration in male and female rats. Behav Pharmacol 2021; 31:748-758. [PMID: 32925228 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Previous work suggests adolescent rats have deficient extinction consolidation relative to adults. Although the mechanisms underlying this age difference are currently unknown, studies in adult rats have implicated GluN2B-containing N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor function in extinction consolidation of drug-associated memory. Importantly, GluN2B neurotransmission emerges during adolescent development, and drugs of abuse during adolescence may delay the development of extinction consolidation by disrupting the ontogeny of GluN2B function. Here, we trained Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes to self-administer methamphetamine [METH, 0.1 mg/kg/infusion intravenous (i.v.)] beginning during adolescence [postnatal (P) day 41] or adulthood (P91). Rats were given short access (2 h) to self-administer METH in seven daily sessions followed by 14 sessions with long access (6 h). Subsequently, rats underwent four daily 30-minute extinction sessions with immediate postsession injections of either a GluN2B antagonist [Ro25-6981; 6 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.)] or a vehicle solution. After four daily 2-h extinction sessions, a priming injection (1 mg/kg METH, i.p.) was given prior to a final 2-h reinstatement session. During LgA, adolescent-onset rats earn more METH than adult-onset rats and display greater drug-loading behavior. Rats reduced their drug-seeking behavior across the extinction sessions, with no significant group differences. Rats reinstated drug-seeking following the METH-priming injection, with females displaying greater reinstatement than males. These results do not support our a priori hypothesis that adolescent-onset METH use disrupts the ontogeny of GluN2B transmission and contributes to age-of-onset differences in extinction of METH-seeking. However, our findings suggest that age-of-onset contributes to excessive METH-taking, while sex confers vulnerability to relapse to METH-seeking.
Collapse
|
26
|
Zlebnik NE, Holtz NA, Lepak VC, Saykao AT, Zhang Y, Carroll ME. Age-specific treatment effects of orexin/hypocretin-receptor antagonism on methamphetamine-seeking behavior. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 224:108719. [PMID: 33940327 PMCID: PMC8180489 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Worldwide methamphetamine (METH) use has increased significantly over the last 10 years, and in the US, METH dependence has sky-rocketed among individuals with opioid use disorder. Of significant concern, METH use is gaining popularity among groups with susceptibility to developing severe substance use disorders, such as women and adolescents. Nevertheless, there is no established pharmacotherapy for METH addiction. Emerging evidence has identified the orexin/hypocretin system as an important modulator of reward-driven behavior and a potential target for the treatment of drug addiction and relapse. However, to date, there have been no investigations into the therapeutic efficacy of orexin/hypocretin receptor antagonists for METH-motivated behavior in adolescents or adults. In the present study, we examined the effects of selective antagonists of the orexin-1 (SB-334867, 20 mg/kg) and orexin-2 (TCS-OX2-29, 20 mg/kg) receptors on the reinstatement of METH seeking in both adolescent and adult male and female rats. METHODS Rats were trained to self-administer METH (0.05 mg/kg/inf, iv) during two 2-h sessions/day for 5 days. Following 20 sessions of extinction over 10 days, a within-subjects design was used to test for METH seeking precipitated by METH (1 mg/kg, ip) or METH cues after systemic pretreatment with SB-334867 or TCS-OX2-29. RESULTS SB-334867 reduced cue-induced reinstatement in males and females, regardless of age. Additionally, METH-induced METH seeking was attenuated by SB-334867 in adolescents and by TCS-OX2-29 in adults. CONCLUSION Selective orexin/hypocretin receptor antagonists have significant therapeutic potential for diminishing METH-seeking behavior, although their treatment efficacy may be influenced by age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie E Zlebnik
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
| | - Nathan A Holtz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Victoria C Lepak
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Amy T Saykao
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Marilyn E Carroll
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Genetic basis of variation in cocaine and methamphetamine consumption in outbred populations of Drosophila melanogaster. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2104131118. [PMID: 34074789 PMCID: PMC8201854 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2104131118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We used Drosophila melanogaster to map the genetic basis of naturally occurring variation in voluntary consumption of cocaine and methamphetamine. We derived an outbred advanced intercross population (AIP) from 37 sequenced inbred wild-derived lines of the Drosophila melanogaster Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP), which are maximally genetically divergent, have minimal residual heterozygosity, are not segregating for common inversions, and are not infected with Wolbachia pipientis We assessed consumption of sucrose, methamphetamine-supplemented sucrose, and cocaine-supplemented sucrose and found considerable phenotypic variation for consumption of both drugs, in both sexes. We performed whole-genome sequencing and extreme quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping on the top 10% of consumers for each replicate, sex, and condition and an equal number of randomly selected flies. We evaluated changes in allele frequencies among high consumers and control flies and identified 3,033 variants significantly (P < 1.9 × 10-8) associated with increased consumption, located in or near 1,962 genes. Many of these genes are associated with nervous system development and function, and 77 belong to a known gene-gene interaction subnetwork. We assessed the effects of RNA interference (RNAi) on drug consumption for 22 candidate genes; 17 had a significant effect in at least one sex. We constructed allele-specific AIPs that were homozygous for alternative candidate alleles for 10 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and measured average consumption for each population; 9 SNPs had significant effects in at least one sex. The genetic basis of voluntary drug consumption in Drosophila is polygenic and implicates genes with human orthologs and associated variants with sex- and drug-specific effects.
Collapse
|
28
|
Lonstein JS, Linning-Duffy K, Tang Y, Moody A, Yan L. Impact of daytime light intensity on the central orexin (hypocretin) system of a diurnal rodent (Arvicanthis niloticus). Eur J Neurosci 2021; 54:4167-4181. [PMID: 33899987 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide orexin/hypocretin is implicated in sleep and arousal, energy expenditure, reward, affective state and cognition. Our previous work using diurnal Nile grass rats (Arvicanthis niloticus) found that orexin mediates the effects of environmental light, particularly daytime light intensity, on affective and cognitive behaviours. The present study further investigated how daytime light intensity affects the central orexin system in male and female grass rats. Subjects were housed for 4 weeks in 12:12 hr dim light:dark (50 lux, dimLD) or in 12:12 hr bright light:dark cycle (1000 lux, brightLD). Day/night fluctuations in some orexin measures were also assessed. Despite similar hypothalamic prepro-orexin mRNA expression across all conditions, there were significantly more orexin-immunoreactive neurons, larger somata, greater optical density or higher orexin A content at night (ZT14) than during the day (ZT2), and/or in animals housed in brightLD compared to dimLD. Grass rats in brightLD also had higher cisternal CSF levels of orexin A. Furthermore, orexin receptor OX1R and OX2R proteins in the medial prefrontal cortex were higher in brightLD than dimLD males, but lower in brightLD than dimLD females. In the CA1 and dorsal raphe nucleus, females had higher OX1R than males without any significant effects of light condition, and OX2R levels were unaffected by sex or light. These results reveal that daytime light intensity alters the central orexin system of both male and female diurnal grass rats, sometimes sex-specifically, and provides insight into the mechanisms underlying how daytime light intensity impacts orexin-regulated functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph S Lonstein
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Katrina Linning-Duffy
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Yuping Tang
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Anna Moody
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Lily Yan
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Salisbury AJ, Blackwood CA, Cadet JL. Prolonged Withdrawal From Escalated Oxycodone Is Associated With Increased Expression of Glutamate Receptors in the Rat Hippocampus. Front Neurosci 2021; 14:617973. [PMID: 33536871 PMCID: PMC7848144 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.617973] [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: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
People suffering from opioid use disorder (OUD) exhibit cognitive dysfunctions. Here, we investigated potential changes in the expression of glutamate receptors in rat hippocampi at 2 h and 31 days after the last session of oxycodone self-administration (SA). RNA extracted from the hippocampus was used in quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses. Rats, given long-access (9 h per day) to oxycodone (LgA), took significantly more drug than rats exposed to short-access (3 h per day) (ShA). In addition, LgA rats could be further divided into higher oxycodone taking (LgA-H) or lower oxycodone taking (LgA-L) groups, based on a cut-off of 50 infusions per day. LgA rats, but not ShA, rats exhibited incubation of oxycodone craving. In addition, LgA rats showed increased mRNA expression of GluA1-3 and GluN2a-c subunits as well as Grm3, Grm5, Grm6, and Grm8 subtypes of glutamate receptors after 31 days but not after 2 h of stopping the SA experiment. Changes in GluA1-3, Grm6, and Grm8 mRNA levels also correlated with increased lever pressing (incubation) after long periods of withdrawal from oxycodone. More studies are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in altering the expression of these receptors during withdrawal from oxycodone and/or incubation of drug seeking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jean Lud Cadet
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, Molecular Neuropsychiatry Branch, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Davis IR, Coldren SA, Li X. Methamphetamine seeking after prolonged abstinence is associated with activated projections from anterior intralaminar nucleus of thalamus to dorsolateral striatum in female rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 200:173087. [PMID: 33309825 PMCID: PMC11185927 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.173087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (Meth) seeking progressively increases after cessation from drug self-administration (incubation of Meth craving). We have previously shown that both dorsomedial and dorsolateral striatum (DMS and DLS) play critical roles in this incubation in male rats. Moreover, our recent anatomical tracing study examined afferent projections into DMS and demonstrated a novel role of projections from anterior intralaminar nucleus of thalamus (AIT) to DMS in incubation of Meth craving in male rats. Here we investigated projection-specific activation of afferent glutamate projections into DLS associated with incubated Meth seeking in female rats. We trained female rats to self-administer Meth (6-h/d for 10 d). On abstinence day 12, we injected cholera toxin subunit B (CTb, a retrograde tracer) unilaterally into DLS. On abstinence day 26, we tested rats for relapse to Meth seeking and measured Fos (a neuronal activity marker), and double-labeling of CTb and Fos in anterior cingulate cortex, anterior insula cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, basolateral amygdala, AIT, and parafascicular nuclei of thalamus. We observed neuronal activation in both cortical and thalamic regions associated with incubated Meth seeking. At the circuit level, AIT➔DLS projections were strongly activated, followed by other corticostriatal projections. Overall our results suggest that AIT to DLS may play a role in Meth seeking after prolonged abstinence in female rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian R Davis
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD 20742, United States of America
| | - Sydney A Coldren
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD 20742, United States of America
| | - Xuan Li
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD 20742, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Daiwile AP, Jayanthi S, Cadet JL. Sex- and Brain Region-specific Changes in Gene Expression in Male and Female Rats as Consequences of Methamphetamine Self-administration and Abstinence. Neuroscience 2020; 452:265-279. [PMID: 33242543 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences in METH use exist among human METH users and in animal models of METH addiction. Herein, we tried to identify potential differences in gene expression between female and male rats after Methamphetamine self-administration (METH SA). Rats were trained to self-administer METH using two 3-hours daily sessions for 20 days. Cue-induced drug seeking was measured on withdrawal days 3 (WD3) and 30 (WD30). Rats were euthanized twenty-four hours after WD30. Prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HIP) were dissected to measure mRNA expression. Both female and male rats increased their METH intake and showed increased METH seeking during withdrawal. Female had higher basal level expression of hypocretin receptor 1 (Hcrtr1) and prodynorphin (Pdyn) mRNAs in the PFC and HIP. Basal corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 1 (Crhr1), Crh receptor 2 (Crhr2), hypocretin receptor 2 (Hcrtr2) and opioid receptor kappa 1 (Oprk1) mRNA levels were higher in the PFC of females. Male rats had higher basal levels of Crh and Crhr1 in HIP. METH SA was associated with increased Crh and Crhr1 in the HIP of both sexes and Crhr2 only in female HIP. Importantly, increased Crh and Crhr1 mRNA levels correlated positively with incubation of METH craving in both sexes, supporting their potential involvement, in part, in the regulation of this behavioral phenomenon. When taken together, our results identified sexual dimorphic baseline differences in rats. We also detected dimorphic responses in animals that had self-administered METH. These observations highlight the importance of understanding the molecular neurobiology of sex differences when therapeutic interventions are planned against METH addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atul P Daiwile
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Subramaniam Jayanthi
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Altshuler RD, Lin H, Li X. Neural mechanisms underlying incubation of methamphetamine craving: A mini-review. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 199:173058. [PMID: 33250444 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.173058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cue-induced drug craving and seeking progressively increases during abstinence. This "incubation of drug craving" phenomenon has been observed in both laboratory animals and humans. Preclinical studies identified several neural mechanisms underlying incubation of drug craving after forced abstinence, primarily focusing on cocaine. Recently, studies started focusing on another powerful psychostimulant, methamphetamine (Meth), and developed new incubation procedures (choice-induced and punishment-induced abstinence). Here, we review mechanistic studies at the circuit, synaptic and molecular levels on incubation of Meth craving. First, we provide an overview of neural adaptations associated with prolonged forced abstinence after extended-access Meth self-administration. Next, we review studies examining the causal roles of discrete brain regions and associated circuits, glutamate transmission, histone deacetylase 5 and oxytocin in incubation of Meth craving after forced abstinence. Lastly, we review causal and correlational studies examining the mechanisms underlying incubation of Meth craving after choice-induced voluntary abstinence and punishment-induced abstinence, respectively. We conclude by discussing the translational potential of these mechanistic studies in Meth relapse prevention in human drug users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel D Altshuler
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD 20742, United States of America
| | - Hongyu Lin
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD 20742, United States of America
| | - Xuan Li
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD 20742, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Westbrook SR, Carrica LK, Banks A, Gulley JM. AMPed-up adolescents: The role of age in the abuse of amphetamines and its consequences on cognition and prefrontal cortex development. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 198:173016. [PMID: 32828971 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.173016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent use of amphetamine and its closely related, methylated version methamphetamine, is alarmingly high in those who use drugs for nonmedical purposes. This raises serious concerns about the potential for this drug use to have a long-lasting, detrimental impact on the normal development of the brain and behavior that is ongoing during adolescence. In this review, we explore recent findings from both human and laboratory animal studies that investigate the consequences of amphetamine and methamphetamine exposure during this stage of life. We highlight studies that assess sex differences in adolescence, as well as those that are designed specifically to address the potential unique effects of adolescent exposure by including groups at other life stages (typically young adulthood). We consider epidemiological studies on age and sex as vulnerability factors for developing problems with the use of amphetamines, as well as human and animal laboratory studies that tap into age differences in use, its short-term effects on behavior, and the long-lasting consequences of this exposure on cognition. We also focus on studies of drug effects in the prefrontal cortex, which is known to be critically important for cognition and is among the later maturing brain regions. Finally, we discuss important issues that should be addressed in future studies so that the field can further our understanding of the mechanisms underlying adolescent use of amphetamines and its outcomes on the developing brain and behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara R Westbrook
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
| | - Lauren K Carrica
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
| | - Asia Banks
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
| | - Joshua M Gulley
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA; Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Job MO, Chojnacki MR, Daiwile AP, Cadet JL. Chemogenetic Inhibition of Dopamine D1-expressing Neurons in the Dorsal Striatum does not alter Methamphetamine Intake in either Male or Female Long Evans Rats. Neurosci Lett 2020; 729:134987. [PMID: 32371155 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.134987] [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: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The biochemical and molecular substrates of methamphetamine (METH) use disorder remain to be elucidated. In rodents, increased METH intake is associated with increased expression of dopamine D1 receptors (D1R) in the dorsal striatum. The present study assessed potential effects of inhibiting striatal D1R activity on METH self-administration (SA) by rats. We microinjected Cre-activated adeno-associated viruses to deliver the inhibitory DREADD construct, hM4D (Gi) - mCherry, into neurons that expressed Cre-recombinase (D1-expressing neurons) in the dorsal striatum of male and female transgenic Long Evans rats (Drd1a-iCre#3). Two weeks later, we trained rats to self-administer METH. Once this behavior was acquired, intraperitoneal injections of clozapine-N-Oxide (CNO) or its vehicle (sterile water) were given to rats before each METH SA session to determine the effect of DREADD-mediated inhibition on METH intake. After the end of the experiments, histology was performed to confirm DREADD delivery into the dorsal striatum. There were no significant effects of the inhibitory DREADD on METH SA by male or female rats. Post-mortem histological assessment revealed DREADD expression in the dorsal striatum. Our results suggest that inhibition of D1R in the dorsal striatum does not suppress METH SA. It remains to be determined if activating D1R-expressing neurons might have differential behavioral effects. Future studies will also assess if impacting D1R activity in other brain regions might influence METH SA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin O Job
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, 401 S Broadway, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA.
| | - Michael R Chojnacki
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Atul P Daiwile
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Jean L Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| |
Collapse
|