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Pirino BE, Kelley AM, Karkhanis AN, Barson JR. A critical review of effects on ethanol intake of the dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor system in the extended amygdala: From inhibition to stimulation. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 47:1027-1038. [PMID: 37042026 PMCID: PMC10289127 DOI: 10.1111/acer.15078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
The dynorphin (DYN)/kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system has increasingly been investigated as a possible pharmacotherapeutic target for alcohol use disorder, but findings on the direction of its effects have been mixed. Activation of KORs by DYN has been shown to elicit dysphoric effects, and the DYN/KOR system has canonically been considered particularly important in driving alcohol intake through negative reinforcement in dependent states. However, this review also highlights its activity in opposing the positive reinforcement that drives alcohol intake at earlier stages. Both DYN and KORs are concentrated in the extended amygdala, a set of interconnected regions that includes the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, central nucleus of the amygdala, and nucleus accumbens shell. This review focuses on the role of the DYN/KOR system in the extended amygdala in ethanol use. It begins by examining the effects of ethanol on the expression of DYN/KOR in the extended amygdala, expression of DYN/KOR in alcohol-preferring and alcohol-avoiding animals, and the effects of knocking out DYN/KOR genes on ethanol intake. Then, it examines the effects on ethanol use in both dependent and nondependent states from systemic pharmacological manipulations of DYN/KOR and from specific manipulation of this system in regions of the extended amygdala. We propose that greater expression and binding of DYN/KOR, by reducing the positive reinforcement that drives early stages of intake, initially acts to prevent the escalation of ethanol drinking. However, prolonged, binge-like, or intermittent ethanol intake enhances levels of DYN/KOR in the extended amygdala such that the system ultimately facilitates the negative reinforcement that drives later stages of ethanol drinking. This review highlights the potential of the DYN/KOR system as a target that can affect different outcomes across different stages of ethanol drinking and the development of alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanne E. Pirino
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, P.A. 19129
| | - Abigail M. Kelley
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University – SUNY, Binghamton, N.Y. 13902
| | | | - Jessica R. Barson
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, P.A. 19129
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2
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Margolis EB, Moulton MG, Lambeth PS, O'Meara MJ. The life and times of endogenous opioid peptides: Updated understanding of synthesis, spatiotemporal dynamics, and the clinical impact in alcohol use disorder. Neuropharmacology 2023; 225:109376. [PMID: 36516892 PMCID: PMC10548835 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The opioid G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) strongly modulate many of the central nervous system structures that contribute to neurological and psychiatric disorders including pain, major depressive disorder, and substance use disorders. To better treat these and related diseases, it is essential to understand the signaling of their endogenous ligands. In this review, we focus on what is known and unknown about the regulation of the over two dozen endogenous peptides with high affinity for one or more of the opioid receptors. We briefly describe which peptides are produced, with a particular focus on the recently proposed possible synthesis pathways for the endomorphins. Next, we describe examples of endogenous opioid peptide expression organization in several neural circuits and how they appear to be released from specific neural compartments that vary across brain regions. We discuss current knowledge regarding the strength of neural activity required to drive endogenous opioid peptide release, clues about how far peptides diffuse from release sites, and their extracellular lifetime after release. Finally, as a translational example, we discuss the mechanisms of action of naltrexone (NTX), which is used clinically to treat alcohol use disorder. NTX is a synthetic morphine analog that non-specifically antagonizes the action of most endogenous opioid peptides developed in the 1960s and FDA approved in the 1980s. We review recent studies clarifying the precise endogenous activity that NTX prevents. Together, the works described here highlight the challenges and opportunities the complex opioid system presents as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elyssa B Margolis
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Madelyn G Moulton
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Philip S Lambeth
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Matthew J O'Meara
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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3
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Ji MJ, Gao ZQ, Yang J, Cai JH, Li KX, Wang J, Zhang H, Zhou CH, Cao JL, Liu C. Dynorphin promotes stress-induced depressive behaviors by inhibiting ventral pallidal neurons in rats. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2022; 236:e13882. [PMID: 36039689 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
AIM Endogenous dynorphin signaling via kappa opioid receptors (KORs) plays a key role in producing the depressive and aversive consequences of stress. We investigated the behavioral effects of the dynorphin/KOR system in the ventral pallidum (VP) and studied the underlying mechanisms. METHODS To investigate the effects of dynorphin on the VP, we conducted behavioral experiments after microinjection of drugs or shRNA and brain-slice electrophysiological recordings. Histological tracing and molecular biological experiments were used to identify the distribution of KORs and the possible sources of dynorphin projections to the VP. RESULTS An elevated dynorphin concentration and increased KOR activity were observed in the VP after acute stress. Infusion of dynorphin-A into the VP produced depressive-like phenotypes including anhedonia and despair and anxiety behaviors, but did not alter locomotor behavior. Mechanistically, dynorphin had an inhibitory effect on VP neurons-reducing their firing rate and inhibiting excitatory transmission-through direct activation of KORs and modulation of downstream G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels and high-voltage gated calcium channels (VGCCs). Tracing revealed direct innervation of VP neurons by dynorphin-positive projections; potential sources of these dynorphinergic projections include the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and hypothalamus. Blockade of dynorphin/KOR signaling in the VP by drugs or viral knock-down of KORs significantly reduced despair behavior in rats. CONCLUSIONS Endogenous dynorphinergic modulation of the VP plays a critical role in mediating depressive reactions to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Jin Ji
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jiao Yang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ji-Heng Cai
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ke-Xue Li
- Department of Physiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Hongxing Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Cheng-Hua Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jun-Li Cao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, School of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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4
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Gallego-Villarejo L, Wallin C, Król S, Enrich-Bengoa J, Suades A, Aguilella-Arzo M, Gomara MJ, Haro I, Wärmlander S, Muñoz FJ, Gräslund A, Perálvarez-Marín A. Big dynorphin is a neuroprotector scaffold against amyloid β-peptide aggregation and cell toxicity. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:5672-5679. [PMID: 36284704 PMCID: PMC9582793 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.10.014] [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: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) misfolding into β-sheet structures triggers neurotoxicity inducing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Molecules able to reduce or to impair Aβ aggregation are highly relevant as possible AD treatments since they should protect against Aβ neurotoxicity. We have studied the effects of the interaction of dynorphins, a family of opioid neuropeptides, with Aβ40 the most abundant species of Aβ. Biophysical measurements indicate that Aβ40 interacts with Big Dynorphin (BigDyn), lowering the amount of hydrophobic aggregates, and slowing down the aggregation kinetics. As expected, we found that BigDyn protects against Aβ40 aggregates when studied in human neuroblastoma cells by cell survival assays. The cross-interaction between BigDyn and Aβ40 provides insight into the mechanism of amyloid pathophysiology and may open up new therapy possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Gallego-Villarejo
- Unit of Biophysics Dept of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Facultat de Medicina, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallés, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Cecilia Wallin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sylwia Król
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jennifer Enrich-Bengoa
- Unit of Biophysics Dept of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Facultat de Medicina, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallés, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Albert Suades
- Unit of Biophysics Dept of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Facultat de Medicina, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallés, Catalonia, Spain,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcel Aguilella-Arzo
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Department of Physics, University Jaume I, 12071 Castellón, Spain
| | - María José Gomara
- Unitat de Síntesis i Aplicacions Biomèdiques de Pèptids, Institut de Química Avançada de Catalunya, IQAC-CSIC, Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Isabel Haro
- Unitat de Síntesis i Aplicacions Biomèdiques de Pèptids, Institut de Química Avançada de Catalunya, IQAC-CSIC, Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Sebastian Wärmlander
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Francisco J. Muñoz
- Laboratory of Molecular Physiology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Astrid Gräslund
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alex Perálvarez-Marín
- Unit of Biophysics Dept of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Facultat de Medicina, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallés, Catalonia, Spain,Corresponding author.
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5
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Casello SM, Flores RJ, Yarur HE, Wang H, Awanyai M, Arenivar MA, Jaime-Lara RB, Bravo-Rivera H, Tejeda HA. Neuropeptide System Regulation of Prefrontal Cortex Circuitry: Implications for Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:796443. [PMID: 35800635 PMCID: PMC9255232 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.796443] [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: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides, a diverse class of signaling molecules in the nervous system, modulate various biological effects including membrane excitability, synaptic transmission and synaptogenesis, gene expression, and glial cell architecture and function. To date, most of what is known about neuropeptide action is limited to subcortical brain structures and tissue outside of the central nervous system. Thus, there is a knowledge gap in our understanding of neuropeptide function within cortical circuits. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of various families of neuropeptides and their cognate receptors that are expressed in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Specifically, we highlight dynorphin, enkephalin, corticotropin-releasing factor, cholecystokinin, somatostatin, neuropeptide Y, and vasoactive intestinal peptide. Further, we review the implication of neuropeptide signaling in prefrontal cortical circuit function and use as potential therapeutic targets. Together, this review summarizes established knowledge and highlights unknowns of neuropeptide modulation of neural function underlying various biological effects while offering insights for future research. An increased emphasis in this area of study is necessary to elucidate basic principles of the diverse signaling molecules used in cortical circuits beyond fast excitatory and inhibitory transmitters as well as consider components of neuropeptide action in the PFC as a potential therapeutic target for neurological disorders. Therefore, this review not only sheds light on the importance of cortical neuropeptide studies, but also provides a comprehensive overview of neuropeptide action in the PFC to serve as a roadmap for future studies in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne M. Casello
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Rodolfo J. Flores
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Hector E. Yarur
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Huikun Wang
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Monique Awanyai
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Miguel A. Arenivar
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Rosario B. Jaime-Lara
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Hector Bravo-Rivera
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Hugo A. Tejeda
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Hugo A. Tejeda,
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6
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Cervantes González A, Belbin O. Fluid markers of synapse degeneration in synucleinopathies. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2022; 129:187-206. [PMID: 35147800 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-022-02467-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The abnormal accumulation of α-synuclein in the brain is a common feature of Parkinson's disease (PD), PD dementia (PDD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and multiple system atrophy (MSA), and synucleinopathies that present with overlapping but distinct clinical symptoms that include motor and cognitive deficits. Synapse degeneration is the crucial neuropathological event in these synucleinopathies and the neuropathological correlate of connectome dysfunction. The cognitive and motor deficits resulting from the connectome dysfunction are currently measured by scalar systems that are limited in their sensitivity and largely subjective. Ideally, a marker of synapse degeneration would correlate with measures of cognitive or motor impairment, and could therefore be used as a more objective, surrogate biomarker of the core clinical features of these diseases. Furthermore, an objective surrogate biomarker that can detect and monitor the progression of synapse degeneration would improve patient management and clinical trial design, and could provide a measure of therapeutic response. Here, we review the published findings relating to candidate biomarkers of synapse degeneration in PD, PDD, DLB, and MSA patient-derived biofluids and discuss the findings in the context of the mechanisms associated with α-synuclein-mediated synapse degeneration. Understanding these mechanisms is essential not only for discovery of biomarkers, but also to improve our understanding of the earliest changes in disease pathogenesis of synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Cervantes González
- Neurology Department, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau) and Sant Pau Memory Unit, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28031, Madrid, Spain
| | - Olivia Belbin
- Neurology Department, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau) and Sant Pau Memory Unit, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025, Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28031, Madrid, Spain.
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7
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Perini DA, Aguilella-Arzo M, Alcaraz A, Perálvarez-Marín A, Queralt-Martín M. Dynorphin A induces membrane permeabilization by formation of proteolipidic pores. Insights from electrophysiology and computational simulations. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:230-240. [PMID: 35024095 PMCID: PMC8718563 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Dynorphins are endogenous neuropeptides that function as ligands for the κ-opioid receptor. In addition to opioid activity, dynorphins can induce several pathological effects such as neurological dysfunctions and cell death. Previous studies have suggested that Dynorphin A (DynA) mediates some pathogenic actions through formation of transient pores in lipid domains of the plasma membrane. Here, we use planar bilayer electrophysiology to show that DynA induces pore formation in negatively charged membranes. We find a large variability in pore conformations showing equilibrium conductance fluctuations, what disregards electroporation as the dominant mechanism of pore formation. Ion selectivity measurements showing cationic selectivity indicate that positive protein charges of DynA are stabilized by phosphatidyl serine negative charges in the formation of combined structures. We complement our study with computational simulations that assess the stability of diverse peptide arrangements in the hydrophobic core of the bilayer. We show that DynA is capable of assembling in charged membranes to form water-filled pores that conduct ions.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Aurora Perini
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics. Department of Physics. Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castellón, Spain
| | - Marcel Aguilella-Arzo
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics. Department of Physics. Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castellón, Spain
| | - Antonio Alcaraz
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics. Department of Physics. Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castellón, Spain
| | - Alex Perálvarez-Marín
- Biophysics Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.,Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - María Queralt-Martín
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics. Department of Physics. Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castellón, Spain
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8
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Considerations on Using Antibodies for Studying the Dynorphins/Kappa Opioid Receptor System. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2022; 271:23-38. [PMID: 34085120 PMCID: PMC9125580 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Antibodies are important tools for protein and peptide research, including for the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) and dynorphins (Dyns). Well-characterized antibodies are essential for rigorous and reproducible research. However, lack of validation of antibody specificity has been thought to contribute significantly to the reproducibility crisis in biomedical research. Since 2003, many scientific journals have required documentation of validation of antibody specificity and use of knockout mouse tissues as a negative control is strongly recommended. Lack of specificity of antibodies against many G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) after extensive testing has been well-documented, but antibodies generated against partial sequences of the KOR have not been similarly investigated. For the dynorphins, differential processing has been described in distinct brain areas, resulting in controversial findings in immunohistochemistry (IHC) when different antibodies were used. In this chapter, we summarized accepted approaches for validation of antibody specificity. We discussed two KOR antibodies most commonly used in IHC and described generation and characterization of KOR antibodies and phospho-KOR specific antibodies in western blotting or immunoblotting (IB). In addition, applying antibodies targeting prodynorphin or mature dynorphin A illustrates the diversity of results obtained regarding the distribution of dynorphins in distinct brain areas.
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9
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Experience-dependent myelination following stress is mediated by the neuropeptide dynorphin. Neuron 2021; 109:3619-3632.e5. [PMID: 34536353 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence implicates experience-dependent myelination in learning and memory. However, the specific signals underlying this process remain unresolved. We demonstrate that the neuropeptide dynorphin, which is released from neurons upon high levels of activity, promotes experience-dependent myelination. Following forced swim stress, an experience that induces striatal dynorphin release, we observe increased striatal oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) differentiation and myelination, which is abolished by deleting dynorphin or blocking its endogenous receptor, kappa opioid receptor (KOR). We find that dynorphin also promotes developmental OPC differentiation and myelination and demonstrate that this effect requires KOR expression specifically in OPCs. We characterize dynorphin-expressing neurons and use genetic sparse labeling to trace their axonal projections. Surprisingly, we find that they are unmyelinated normally and following forced swim stress. We propose a new model whereby experience-dependent and developmental myelination is mediated by unmyelinated, neuropeptide-expressing neurons that promote OPC differentiation for the myelination of neighboring axons.
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10
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Lukoyanov N, Watanabe H, Carvalho LS, Kononenko O, Sarkisyan D, Zhang M, Andersen MS, Lukoyanova EA, Galatenko V, Tonevitsky A, Bazov I, Iakovleva T, Schouenborg J, Bakalkin G. Left-right side-specific endocrine signaling complements neural pathways to mediate acute asymmetric effects of brain injury. eLife 2021; 10:e65247. [PMID: 34372969 PMCID: PMC8354641 DOI: 10.7554/elife.65247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain injuries can interrupt descending neural pathways that convey motor commands from the cortex to spinal motoneurons. Here, we demonstrate that a unilateral injury of the hindlimb sensorimotor cortex of rats with completely transected thoracic spinal cord produces hindlimb postural asymmetry with contralateral flexion and asymmetric hindlimb withdrawal reflexes within 3 hr, as well as asymmetry in gene expression patterns in the lumbar spinal cord. The injury-induced postural effects were abolished by hypophysectomy and were mimicked by transfusion of serum from animals with brain injury. Administration of the pituitary neurohormones β-endorphin or Arg-vasopressin-induced side-specific hindlimb responses in naive animals, while antagonists of the opioid and vasopressin receptors blocked hindlimb postural asymmetry in rats with brain injury. Thus, in addition to the well-established involvement of motor pathways descending from the brain to spinal circuits, the side-specific humoral signaling may also add to postural and reflex asymmetries seen after brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay Lukoyanov
- Departamento de Biomedicina da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e CelularPortoPortugal
| | - Hiroyuki Watanabe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Liliana S Carvalho
- Departamento de Biomedicina da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e CelularPortoPortugal
| | - Olga Kononenko
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Daniil Sarkisyan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Mengliang Zhang
- Neuronano Research Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund UniversityLundSweden
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| | | | - Elena A Lukoyanova
- Departamento de Biomedicina da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e CelularPortoPortugal
| | - Vladimir Galatenko
- Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics, Lomonosov Moscow State UniversityMoscowRussian Federation
| | - Alex Tonevitsky
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, National Research University Higher School of EconomicsMoscowRussian Federation
- Shemyakin–Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RASMoscowRussian Federation
| | - Igor Bazov
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Tatiana Iakovleva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Jens Schouenborg
- Neuronano Research Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund UniversityLundSweden
| | - Georgy Bakalkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
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11
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Tejeda HA, Wang H, Flores RJ, Yarur HE. Dynorphin/Kappa-Opioid Receptor System Modulation of Cortical Circuitry. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2021; 271:223-253. [PMID: 33580392 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cortical circuits control a plethora of behaviors, from sensation to cognition. The cortex is enriched with neuropeptides and receptors that play a role in information processing, including opioid peptides and their cognate receptors. The dynorphin (DYN)/kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) system has been implicated in the processing of sensory and motivationally-charged emotional information and is highly expressed in cortical circuits. This is important as dysregulation of DYN/KOR signaling in limbic and cortical circuits has been implicated in promoting negative affect and cognitive deficits in various neuropsychiatric disorders. However, research investigating the role of this system in controlling cortical circuits and computations therein is limited. Here, we review the (1) basic anatomy of cortical circuits, (2) anatomical architecture of the cortical DYN/KOR system, (3) functional regulation of cortical synaptic transmission and microcircuit function by the DYN/KOR system, (4) regulation of behavior by the cortical DYN/KOR system, (5) implications for the DYN/KOR system for human health and disease, and (6) future directions and unanswered questions for the field. Further work elucidating the role of the DYN/KOR system in controlling cortical information processing and associated behaviors will be of importance to increasing our understanding of principles underlying neuropeptide modulation of cortical circuits, mechanisms underlying sensation and perception, motivated and emotional behavior, and cognition. Increased emphasis in this area of study will also aid in the identification of novel ways to target the DYN/KOR system to treat neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo A Tejeda
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Huikun Wang
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rodolfo J Flores
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hector E Yarur
- Unit on Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Varlinskaya EI, Johnson JM, Przybysz KR, Deak T, Diaz MR. Adolescent forced swim stress increases social anxiety-like behaviors and alters kappa opioid receptor function in the basolateral amygdala of male rats. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2020; 98:109812. [PMID: 31707090 PMCID: PMC6920550 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.109812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [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: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is a developmental period marked by robust neural alterations and heightened vulnerability to stress, a factor that is highly associated with increased risk for emotional processing deficits, such as anxiety. Stress-induced upregulation of the dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor (DYN/KOP) system is thought to, in part, underlie the negative affect associated with stress. The basolateral amygdala (BLA) is a key structure involved in anxiety, and neuromodulatory systems, such as the DYN/KOP system, can 1) regulate BLA neural activity in an age-dependent manner in stress-naïve animals and 2) underlie stress-induced anxiety in adults. However, the role of the DYN/KOP system in modulating stress-induced anxiety in adolescents is unknown. To test this, we examined the impact of an acute, 2-day forced swim stress (FSS - 10 min each day) on adolescent (~postnatal day (P) 35) and adult Sprague-Dawley rats (~P70), followed by behavioral, molecular and electrophysiological assessment 24 h following FSS. Adolescent males, but not adult males or females of either age, demonstrated social anxiety-like behavioral alterations indexed via significantly reduced social investigation and preference when tested 24 h following FSS. Conversely, adult males exhibited increased social preference. While there were no FSS-induced changes in expression of genes related to the DYN/KOP system in the BLA, these behavioral alterations were associated with alterations in BLA KOP function. Specifically, while GABA transmission in BLA pyramidal neurons from non-stressed adolescent males responded variably (potentiated, suppressed, or was unchanged) to the KOP agonist, U69593, U69593 significantly inhibited BLA GABA transmission in the majority of neurons from stressed adolescent males, consistent with the observed anxiogenic phenotype in stressed adolescent males. This is the first study to demonstrate stress-induced alterations in BLA KOP function that may contribute to stress-induced social anxiety in adolescent males. Importantly, these findings provide evidence for potential KOP-dependent mechanisms that may contribute to pathophysiological interactions with subsequent stress challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- E I Varlinskaya
- Department of Psychology, Center for Development and Behavioral Neuroscience, Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902, United States
| | - J M Johnson
- Department of Psychology, Center for Development and Behavioral Neuroscience, Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902, United States
| | - K R Przybysz
- Department of Psychology, Center for Development and Behavioral Neuroscience, Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902, United States
| | - T Deak
- Department of Psychology, Center for Development and Behavioral Neuroscience, Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902, United States
| | - M R Diaz
- Department of Psychology, Center for Development and Behavioral Neuroscience, Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902, United States.
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13
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Karkhanis AN, Al-Hasani R. Dynorphin and its role in alcohol use disorder. Brain Res 2020; 1735:146742. [PMID: 32114059 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.146742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The dynorphin / kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system has been implicated in many aspects that influence neuropsychiatric disorders. Namely, this system modulates neural circuits that primarily regulate reward seeking, motivation processing, stress responsivity, and pain sensitivity, thus affecting the development of substance and alcohol use disorder (AUD). The effects of this system are often bidirectional and depend on projection targets. To date, a majority of the studies focusing on this system have examined the KOR function using agonists and antagonists. Indeed, there are studies that have examined prodynorphin and dynorphin levels by measuring mRNA and tissue content levels; however, static levels of the neuropeptide and its precursor do not explain complete and online function of the peptide as would be explained by measuring dynorphin transmission in real time. New and exciting methods using optogenetics, chemogenetics, genetic sensors, fast scan cyclic voltammetry are now being developed to detect various neuropeptides with a focus on opioid peptides, including dynorphin. In this review we discuss studies that examine dynorphin projections in areas involved in AUD, its functional involvement in AUD and vulnerability to develop AUD at various ages. Moreover, we discuss dynorphin's role in promoting AUD by dysregulation motivation circuits and how advancements in opioid peptide detection will further our understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anushree N Karkhanis
- Department of Psychology, Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Center for Developmental and Behavioral Neuroscience, Binghamton University - SUNY, 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA.
| | - Ream Al-Hasani
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, Department of Anesthesiology Washington University in St. Louis, Center for Clinical Pharmacology, Washington University School of Medicine & St. Louis College of Pharmacy 660 S.Euclid, Box 8054, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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14
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Bazov I, Sarkisyan D, Kononenko O, Watanabe H, Karpyak VM, Yakovleva T, Bakalkin G. Downregulation of the neuronal opioid gene expression concomitantly with neuronal decline in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of human alcoholics. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:122. [PMID: 29925858 PMCID: PMC6010434 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-017-0075-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular changes in cortical areas of addicted brain may underlie cognitive impairment and loss of control over intake of addictive substances and alcohol. Prodynorphin (PDYN) gives rise to dynorphin (DYNs) opioid peptides which target kappa-opioid receptor (KOR). DYNs mediate alcohol-induced impairment of learning and memory, while KOR antagonists block excessive, compulsive-like drug and alcohol self-administration in animal models. In human brain, the DYN/KOR system may undergo adaptive changes, which along with neuronal loss, may contribute to alcohol-associated cognitive deficit. We addressed this hypothesis by comparing the expression levels and co-expression (transcriptionally coordinated) patterns of PDYN and KOR (OPRK1) genes in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) between human alcoholics and controls. Postmortem brain specimens of 53 alcoholics and 55 controls were analyzed. PDYN was found to be downregulated in dlPFC of alcoholics, while OPRK1 transcription was not altered. PDYN downregulation was confined to subgroup of subjects carrying C, a high-risk allele of PDYN promoter SNP rs1997794 associated with alcoholism. Changes in PDYN expression did not depend on the decline in neuronal proportion in alcoholics, and thereby may be attributed to transcriptional adaptations in alcoholic brain. Absolute expression levels of PDYN were lower compared to those of OPRK1, suggesting that PDYN expression is a limiting factor in the DYN/KOR signaling, and that the PDYN downregulation diminishes efficacy of DYN/KOR signaling in dlPFC of human alcoholics. The overall outcome of the DYN/KOR downregulation may be disinhibition of neurotransmission, which when overactivated could contribute to formation of alcohol-related behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Bazov
- Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, SE-751 24, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Daniil Sarkisyan
- 0000 0004 1936 9457grid.8993.bDivision of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Olga Kononenko
- 0000 0004 1936 9457grid.8993.bDivision of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hiroyuki Watanabe
- 0000 0004 1936 9457grid.8993.bDivision of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Victor M. Karpyak
- 0000 0004 0459 167Xgrid.66875.3aDepartment of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
| | - Tatiana Yakovleva
- 0000 0004 1936 9457grid.8993.bDivision of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Georgy Bakalkin
- Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, SE-751 24, Uppsala, Sweden.
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15
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Queenan BN, Dunn RL, Santos VR, Feng Y, Huizenga MN, Hammack RJ, Vicini S, Forcelli PA, Pak DTS. Kappa opioid receptors regulate hippocampal synaptic homeostasis and epileptogenesis. Epilepsia 2017; 59:106-122. [PMID: 29114861 DOI: 10.1111/epi.13941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Homeostatic synaptic plasticity (HSP) serves as a gain control mechanism at central nervous system (CNS) synapses, including those between the dentate gyrus (DG) and CA3. Improper circuit control of DG-CA3 synapses is hypothesized to underlie epileptogenesis. Here, we sought to (1) identify compounds that preferentially modulate DG-CA3 synapses in primary neuronal culture and (2) determine if these compounds would delay or prevent epileptogenesis in vivo. METHODS We previously developed and validated an in vitro assay to visualize the behavior of DG-CA3 synapses and predict functional changes. We used this "synapse-on-chip" assay (quantification of synapse size, number, and type using immunocytochemical markers) to dissect the mechanisms of HSP at DG-CA3 synapses. Using chemogenetic constructs and pharmacological agents we determined the signaling cascades necessary for gain control at DG-CA3 synapses. Finally, we tested the implicated cascades (using kappa opioid receptor (OR) agonists and antagonists) in two models of epileptogenesis: electrical amygdala kindling in the mouse and chemical (pentylenetetrazole) kindling in the rat. RESULTS In vitro, synapses between DG mossy fibers (MFs) and CA3 neurons are the primary homeostatic responders during sustained periods of activity change. Kappa OR signaling is both necessary and sufficient for the homeostatic elaboration of DG-CA3 synapses, induced by presynaptic DG activity levels. Blocking kappa OR signaling in vivo attenuates the development of seizures in both mouse and rat models of epilepsy. SIGNIFICANCE This study elucidates mechanisms by which synapses between DG granule cells and CA3 pyramidal neurons undergo activity-dependent homeostatic compensation, via OR signaling in vitro. Modulation of kappa OR signaling in vivo alters seizure progression, suggesting that breakdown of homeostatic closed-loop control at DG-CA3 synapses contributes to seizures, and that targeting endogenous homeostatic mechanisms at DG-CA3 synapses may prove useful in combating epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget N Queenan
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.,Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Raymond L Dunn
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.,Georgetown Hughes Scholars Program, Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Victor R Santos
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Yang Feng
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Megan N Huizenga
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Robert J Hammack
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Stefano Vicini
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.,Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Patrick A Forcelli
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.,Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Daniel T S Pak
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.,Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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16
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Burtscher J, Schwarzer C. The Opioid System in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: Functional Role and Therapeutic Potential. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:245. [PMID: 28824375 PMCID: PMC5545604 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy is considered to be one of the most common and severe forms of focal epilepsies. Patients often develop cognitive deficits and emotional blunting along the progression of the disease. The high incidence of resistance to antiepileptic drugs and a frequent lack of admissibility to surgery poses an unmet medical challenge. In the urgent quest of novel treatment strategies, neuropeptides are interesting candidates, however, their therapeutic potential has not yet been exploited. This review focuses on the functional role of the endogenous opioid system with respect to temporal lobe epilepsy, specifically in the hippocampus. The role of dynorphins and kappa opioid receptors (KOPr) as modulators of neuronal excitability is well understood: both the reduced release of glutamate as well of postsynaptic hyperpolarization were shown in glutamatergic neurons. In line with this, low levels of dynorphin in humans and mice increase the risk of epilepsy development. The role of enkephalins is not understood so well. On one hand, some agonists of the delta opioid receptors (DOPr) display pro-convulsant properties probably through inhibition of GABAergic interneurons. On the other hand, enkephalins play a neuro-protective role under hypoxic or anoxic conditions, most probably through positive effects on mitochondrial function. Despite the supposed absence of endorphins in the hippocampus, exogenous activation of the mu opioid receptors (MOPr) induces pro-convulsant effects. Recently-expanded knowledge of the complex ways opioid receptors ligands elicit their effects (including biased agonism, mixed binding, and opioid receptor heteromers), opens up exciting new therapeutic potentials with regards to seizures and epilepsy. Potential adverse side effects of KOPr agonists may be minimized through functional selectivity. Preclinical data suggest a high potential of such compounds to control seizures, with a strong predictive validity toward human patients. The discovery of DOPr-agonists without proconvulsant potential stimulates the research on the therapeutic use of neuroprotective potential of the enkephalin/DOPr system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christoph Schwarzer
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of InnsbruckInnsbruck, Austria
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17
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Sui P, Watanabe H, Artemenko K, Sun W, Bakalkin G, Andersson M, Bergquist J. Neuropeptide imaging in rat spinal cord with MALDI-TOF MS: Method development for the application in pain-related disease studies. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY (CHICHESTER, ENGLAND) 2017; 23:105-115. [PMID: 28657437 DOI: 10.1177/1469066717703272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord as a connection between brain and peripheral nervous system is an essential material for studying neural transmission, especially in pain-related research. This study was the first to investigate pain-related neuropeptide distribution in rat spinal cord using a matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF MS) approach. The imaging workflow was evaluated and showed that MALDI TOF MS provides efficient resolution and robustness for neuropeptide imaging in rat spinal cord tissue. The imaging result showed that in naive rat spinal cord the molecular distribution of haeme, phosphatidylcholine, substance P and thymosin beta 4 were well in line with histological features. Three groups of pain-related neuropeptides, which are cleaved from prodynorphin, proenkephalin and protachykinin-1 proteins were detected. All these neuropeptides were found predominantly localized in the dorsal spinal cord and each group had unique distribution pattern. This study set the stage for future MALDI TOF MS application to elucidate signalling mechanism of pain-related diseases in small animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Sui
- 1 Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hiroyuki Watanabe
- 2 Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Konstantin Artemenko
- 1 Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Wei Sun
- 2 Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Georgy Bakalkin
- 2 Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Malin Andersson
- 3 Drug Safety and Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jonas Bergquist
- 1 Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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18
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Kononenko O, Bazov I, Watanabe H, Gerashchenko G, Dyachok O, Verbeek DS, Alkass K, Druid H, Andersson M, Mulder J, Svenningsen ÅF, Rajkowska G, Stockmeier CA, Krishtal O, Yakovleva T, Bakalkin G. Opioid precursor protein isoform is targeted to the cell nuclei in the human brain. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2016; 1861:246-255. [PMID: 27838394 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropeptide precursors are traditionally viewed as proteins giving rise to small neuropeptide molecules. Prodynorphin (PDYN) is the precursor protein to dynorphins, endogenous ligands for the κ-opioid receptor. Alternative mRNA splicing of neuropeptide genes may regulate cell- and tissue-specific neuropeptide expression and produce novel protein isoforms. We here searched for novel PDYN mRNA and their protein product in the human brain. METHODS Novel PDYN transcripts were identified using nested PCR amplification of oligo(dT) selected full-length capped mRNA. Gene expression was analyzed by qRT-PCR, PDYN protein by western blotting and confocal imaging, dynorphin peptides by radioimmunoassay. Neuronal nuclei were isolated using fluorescence-activated nuclei sorting (FANS) from postmortem human striatal tissue. Immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy was performed for human caudate nucleus. RESULTS Two novel human PDYN mRNA splicing variants were identified. Expression of one of them was confined to the striatum where its levels constituted up to 30% of total PDYN mRNA. This transcript may be translated into ∆SP-PDYN protein lacking 13 N-terminal amino acids, a fragment of signal peptide (SP). ∆SP-PDYN was not processed to mature dynorphins and surprisingly, was targeted to the cell nuclei in a model cellular system. The endogenous PDYN protein was identified in the cell nuclei in human striatum by western blotting of isolated neuronal nuclei, and by confocal imaging. CONCLUSIONS AND GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE High levels of alternatively spliced ∆SP-PDYN mRNA and nuclear localization of PDYN protein suggests a nuclear function for this isoform of the opioid peptide precursor in human striatum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Kononenko
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala 751 24, Sweden; State Key Lab for Molecular Biology, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Kiev 01024, Ukraine
| | - Igor Bazov
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala 751 24, Sweden.
| | - Hiroyuki Watanabe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala 751 24, Sweden
| | - Ganna Gerashchenko
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala 751 24, Sweden; Department of Functional Genomics, Institute Molecular Biology, Kiev 03680, Ukraine
| | - Oleg Dyachok
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, 751 23, Sweden
| | - Dineke S Verbeek
- Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen 30001, Netherlands
| | - Kanar Alkass
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Henrik Druid
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Malin Andersson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala 751 24, Sweden
| | - Jan Mulder
- Department of Neuroscience, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Åsa Fex Svenningsen
- Institute of Molecular Medicine-Neurobiology Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5000, Denmark
| | - Grazyna Rajkowska
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 2500, USA
| | - Craig A Stockmeier
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 2500, USA
| | - Oleg Krishtal
- State Key Lab for Molecular Biology, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Kiev 01024, Ukraine
| | - Tatiana Yakovleva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala 751 24, Sweden
| | - Georgy Bakalkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala 751 24, Sweden
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19
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Della Longa S, Arcovito A. A Dynamic Picture of the Early Events in Nociceptin Binding to the NOP Receptor by Metadynamics. Biophys J 2016; 111:1203-1213. [PMID: 27653479 PMCID: PMC5034302 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2016.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Nociceptin (NCC, also known as FQ (N/OFQ)) is the 17-amino acid neuropeptide, endogenous ligand for the G-protein-coupled receptor (NOP, also known as ORL-1). In this study, starting from the recently reported x-ray structure at pH 7 of NOP in complex with an antagonist, new insights, to our knowledge, on the binding geometry of NCC to NOP have been provided in silico. After a rigid docking of NCC in an α-helix conformation, molecular dynamics (MD) and metadynamics (METAD), a method for the analysis of free-energy surfaces (FES), were performed on the protein-peptide complex. Free-energy profiles were obtained as a function of the α-helix content of different segments of the 17-mer ligand, and a structural ensemble of conformations of NCC, corresponding to the minimum of the FES, was extracted, thus representing the NCC bound to the inactive form of NOP. The structural features were compared with many known experimental data. The pose of the "message" domain (residues 1-4) of NCC differs from that of the known NOP antagonists, as being slightly slipped deeper inside the protein core. A residual α-helix content in the central part of the peptide (residues 4-9) is maintained, whereas the C-terminal segment (residues 13-17) is unstructured and highly flexible. An important stabilization due to interactions with residues D130 and D110 of the receptor has been found, in agreement with the large decrease in agonist potency reported for the D130A and D110A mutants. The importance of the extracellular domain 2 (ECL2) in the selectivity toward the endogenous ligand has been confirmed. A pivotal role for the conserved residue N133 is suggested and further supported by a study of the N133A in silico mutant. Accordingly, N133 can work as a molecular microswitch driving the change between the inactive and active NOP conformations, in the framework of an extended H-bond and water network rearrangement in the deep binding site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Della Longa
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Arcovito
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
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20
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Schweizer N, Viereckel T, Smith-Anttila CJ, Nordenankar K, Arvidsson E, Mahmoudi S, Zampera A, Wärner Jonsson H, Bergquist J, Lévesque D, Konradsson-Geuken Å, Andersson M, Dumas S, Wallén-Mackenzie Å. Reduced Vglut2/Slc17a6 Gene Expression Levels throughout the Mouse Subthalamic Nucleus Cause Cell Loss and Structural Disorganization Followed by Increased Motor Activity and Decreased Sugar Consumption. eNeuro 2016; 3:ENEURO.0264-16.2016. [PMID: 27699212 PMCID: PMC5041164 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0264-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The subthalamic nucleus (STN) plays a central role in motor, cognitive, and affective behavior. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the STN is the most common surgical intervention for advanced Parkinson's disease (PD), and STN has lately gained attention as target for DBS in neuropsychiatric disorders, including obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and addiction. Animal studies using STN-DBS, lesioning, or inactivation of STN neurons have been used extensively alongside clinical studies to unravel the structural organization, circuitry, and function of the STN. Recent studies in rodent STN models have exposed different roles for STN neurons in reward-related functions. We have previously shown that the majority of STN neurons express the vesicular glutamate transporter 2 gene (Vglut2/Slc17a6) and that reduction of Vglut2 mRNA levels within the STN of mice [conditional knockout (cKO)] causes reduced postsynaptic activity and behavioral hyperlocomotion. The cKO mice showed less interest in fatty rewards, which motivated analysis of reward-response. The current results demonstrate decreased sugar consumption and strong rearing behavior, whereas biochemical analyses show altered dopaminergic and peptidergic activity in the striatum. The behavioral alterations were in fact correlated with opposite effects in the dorsal versus the ventral striatum. Significant cell loss and disorganization of the STN structure was identified, which likely accounts for the observed alterations. Rare genetic variants of the human VGLUT2 gene exist, and this study shows that reduced Vglut2/Slc17a6 gene expression levels exclusively within the STN of mice is sufficient to cause strong modifications in both the STN and the mesostriatal dopamine system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Schweizer
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Thomas Viereckel
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Karin Nordenankar
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Emma Arvidsson
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Souha Mahmoudi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | | | - Hanna Wärner Jonsson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jonas Bergquist
- Department of Chemistry, BMC - Analytical Chemistry and Neurochemistry, Uppsala University, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Daniel Lévesque
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | | | - Malin Andersson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
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21
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Mukhin VN, Abdurasulova IN, Pavlov KI, Kozlov AP, Klimenko VM. Effects of Activation of κ-Opioid Receptors on Behavior during Postnatal Formation of the Stress Reactivity Systems. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s11055-016-0288-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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22
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Maduka UP, Hamity MV, Walder RY, White SR, Li Y, Hammond DL. Changes in the disposition of substance P in the rostral ventromedial medulla after inflammatory injury in the rat. Neuroscience 2016; 317:1-11. [PMID: 26762802 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.12.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
This study examined whether peripheral inflammatory injury increases the levels or changes the disposition of substance P (SubP) in the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM), which serves as a central relay in bulbospinal pathways of pain modulation. Enzyme immunoassay and reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to measure SubP protein and transcript, respectively, in tissue homogenates prepared from the RVM and the periaqueductal gray (PAG) and cuneiform nuclei of rats that had received an intraplantar injection of saline or complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight analysis confirmed that the RVM does not contain hemokinin-1 (HK-1), which can confound measurements of SubP because it is recognized equally well by commercial antibodies for SubP. Levels of SubP protein in the RVM were unchanged four hours, four days and two weeks after injection of CFA. Tac1 transcripts were similarly unchanged in the RVM four days or two weeks after CFA. In contrast, the density of SubP immunoreactive processes in the RVM increased 2-fold within four hours and 2.7-fold four days after CFA injection; it was unchanged at two weeks. SubP-immunoreactive processes in the RVM include axon terminals of neurons located in the PAG and cuneiform nucleus. SubP content in homogenates of the PAG and cuneiform nucleus was significantly increased four days after CFA, but not at four hours or two weeks. Tac1 transcripts in homogenates of these nuclei were unchanged four days and two weeks after CFA. These findings suggest that there is an increased mobilization of SubP within processes in the RVM shortly after injury accompanied by an increased synthesis of SubP in neurons that project to the RVM. These findings are consonant with the hypothesis that an increase in SubP release in the RVM contributes to the hyperalgesia that develops after peripheral inflammatory injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- U P Maduka
- Departments of Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - M V Hamity
- Department of Anesthesia, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - R Y Walder
- Department of Anesthesia, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - S R White
- Department of Anesthesia, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Y Li
- Proteomics Core Facility, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - D L Hammond
- Departments of Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States; Department of Anesthesia, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States.
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23
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Saidi M, Kamali S, Ruiz AO, Beaudry F. Tachykinins Processing is Significantly Impaired in PC1 and PC2 Mutant Mouse Spinal Cord S9 Fractions. Neurochem Res 2015; 40:2304-16. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-015-1720-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Revised: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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24
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Saidi M, Beaudry F. Liquid chromatography-electrospray linear ion trap mass spectrometry analysis of targeted neuropeptides in Tac1(-/-) mouse spinal cords reveals significant lower concentration of opioid peptides. Neuropeptides 2015; 52:79-87. [PMID: 26072188 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2015.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Revised: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Tachykinin and opioid peptides play a central role in pain transmission, modulation and inhibition. The treatment of pain is very important in medicine and many studies using NK1 receptor antagonists failed to show significant analgesic effects in humans. Recent investigations suggest that both pronociceptive tachykinins and the analgesic opioid systems are important for normal pain sensation. The analysis of opioid peptides in Tac1(-/-) spinal cord tissues offers a great opportunity to verify the influence of the tachykinin system on specific opioid peptides. The objectives of this study were to develop an HPLC-MS/MRM assay to quantify targeted peptides in spinal cord tissues. Secondly, we wanted to verify if the Tac1(-/-) mouse endogenous opioid system is hampered and therefore affects significantly the pain modulatory pathways. Targeted neuropeptides were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography linear ion trap mass spectrometry. Our results reveal that EM-2, Leu-Enk and Dyn A were down-regulated in Tac1(-/-) spinal cord tissues. Interestingly, Dyn A was almost 3 fold down-regulated (p<0.0001). No significant concentration differences were observed in mouse Tac1(-/-) spinal cords for Met-Enk and CGRP. The analysis of Tac1(-/-) mouse spinal cords revealed noteworthy decreases of EM-2, Leu-Enk and Dyn A concentrations which strongly suggest a significant impact on the endogenous pain-relieving mechanisms. These observations may have insightful impact on future analgesic drug developments and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mouna Saidi
- Groupe de Recherche en Pharmacologie Animal du Québec (GREPAQ), Département de biomédecine vétérinaire, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Francis Beaudry
- Groupe de Recherche en Pharmacologie Animal du Québec (GREPAQ), Département de biomédecine vétérinaire, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
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25
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Smeets CJLM, Jezierska J, Watanabe H, Duarri A, Fokkens MR, Meijer M, Zhou Q, Yakovleva T, Boddeke E, den Dunnen W, van Deursen J, Bakalkin G, Kampinga HH, van de Sluis B, Verbeek DS. Elevated mutant dynorphin A causes Purkinje cell loss and motor dysfunction in spinocerebellar ataxia type 23. Brain 2015; 138:2537-52. [PMID: 26169942 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awv195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 23 is caused by mutations in PDYN, which encodes the opioid neuropeptide precursor protein, prodynorphin. Prodynorphin is processed into the opioid peptides, α-neoendorphin, and dynorphins A and B, that normally exhibit opioid-receptor mediated actions in pain signalling and addiction. Dynorphin A is likely a mutational hotspot for spinocerebellar ataxia type 23 mutations, and in vitro data suggested that dynorphin A mutations lead to persistently elevated mutant peptide levels that are cytotoxic and may thus play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of spinocerebellar ataxia type 23. To further test this and study spinocerebellar ataxia type 23 in more detail, we generated a mouse carrying the spinocerebellar ataxia type 23 mutation R212W in PDYN. Analysis of peptide levels using a radioimmunoassay shows that these PDYN(R212W) mice display markedly elevated levels of mutant dynorphin A, which are associated with climber fibre retraction and Purkinje cell loss, visualized with immunohistochemical stainings. The PDYN(R212W) mice reproduced many of the clinical features of spinocerebellar ataxia type 23, with gait deficits starting at 3 months of age revealed by footprint pattern analysis, and progressive loss of motor coordination and balance at the age of 12 months demonstrated by declining performances on the accelerating Rotarod. The pathologically elevated mutant dynorphin A levels in the cerebellum coincided with transcriptionally dysregulated ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors and glutamate transporters, and altered neuronal excitability. In conclusion, the PDYN(R212W) mouse is the first animal model of spinocerebellar ataxia type 23 and our work indicates that the elevated mutant dynorphin A peptide levels are likely responsible for the initiation and progression of the disease, affecting glutamatergic signalling, neuronal excitability, and motor performance. Our novel mouse model defines a critical role for opioid neuropeptides in spinocerebellar ataxia, and suggests that restoring the elevated mutant neuropeptide levels can be explored as a therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cleo J L M Smeets
- 1 Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Justyna Jezierska
- 1 Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hiroyuki Watanabe
- 2 Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Duarri
- 1 Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Michiel R Fokkens
- 1 Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Michel Meijer
- 3 Department of Medical Physiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Qin Zhou
- 2 Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tania Yakovleva
- 2 Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erik Boddeke
- 3 Department of Medical Physiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wilfred den Dunnen
- 4 Department of Pathology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan van Deursen
- 5 Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Georgy Bakalkin
- 3 Department of Medical Physiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Harm H Kampinga
- 6 Department of Cell Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bart van de Sluis
- 7 Department of Paediatrics, Molecular Genetics Section, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Dineke S Verbeek
- 1 Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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26
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Sarkisyan D, Hussain MZ, Watanabe H, Kononenko O, Bazov I, Zhou X, Yamskova O, Krishtal O, Karpyak VM, Yakovleva T, Bakalkin G. Downregulation of the endogenous opioid peptides in the dorsal striatum of human alcoholics. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:187. [PMID: 26029055 PMCID: PMC4428131 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The endogenous opioid peptides dynorphins and enkephalins may be involved in brain-area specific synaptic adaptations relevant for different stages of an addiction cycle. We compared the levels of prodynorphin (PDYN) and proenkephalin (PENK) mRNAs (by qRT-PCR), and dynorphins and enkephalins (by radioimmunoassay) in the caudate nucleus and putamen between alcoholics and control subjects. We also evaluated whether PDYN promoter variant rs1997794 associated with alcoholism affects PDYN expression. Postmortem specimens obtained from 24 alcoholics and 26 controls were included in final statistical analysis. PDYN mRNA and Met-enkephalin-Arg-Phe, a marker of PENK were downregulated in the caudate of alcoholics, while PDYN mRNA and Leu-enkephalin-Arg, a marker of PDYN were decreased in the putamen of alcoholics carrying high risk rs1997794 C allele. Downregulation of opioid peptides in the dorsal striatum may contribute to development of alcoholism including changes in goal directed behavior and formation of a compulsive habit in alcoholics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniil Sarkisyan
- Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Hiroyuki Watanabe
- Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Olga Kononenko
- Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden ; Department for Cellular Membranology, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Igor Bazov
- Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Xingwu Zhou
- Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Olga Yamskova
- Department of Functional Pharmacology, Institute for Neuroscience, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Oleg Krishtal
- Department for Cellular Membranology, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Victor M Karpyak
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Tatiana Yakovleva
- Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Georgy Bakalkin
- Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
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27
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Thompson GL, Canals M, Poole DP. Biological redundancy of endogenous GPCR ligands in the gut and the potential for endogenous functional selectivity. Front Pharmacol 2014; 5:262. [PMID: 25506328 PMCID: PMC4246669 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2014.00262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on the existence and function of multiple endogenous agonists of the somatostatin and opioid receptors with an emphasis on their expression in the gastrointestinal tract. These agonists generally arise from the proteolytic cleavage of prepropeptides during peptide maturation or from degradation of peptides by extracellular or intracellular endopeptidases. In other examples, endogenous peptide agonists for the same G protein-coupled receptors can be products of distinct genes but contain high sequence homology. This apparent biological redundancy has recently been challenged by the realization that different ligands may engender distinct receptor conformations linked to different intracellular signaling profiles and, as such the existence of distinct ligands may underlie mechanisms to finely tune physiological responses. We propose that further characterization of signaling pathways activated by these endogenous ligands will provide invaluable insight into the mechanisms governing biased agonism. Moreover, these ligands may prove useful in the design of novel therapeutic tools to target distinct signaling pathways, thereby favoring desirable effects and limiting detrimental on-target effects. Finally we will discuss the limitations of this area of research and we will highlight the difficulties that need to be addressed when examining endogenous bias in tissues and in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina L Thompson
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Meritxell Canals
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Daniel P Poole
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Parkville, VIC, Australia ; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne Parkville, VIC, Australia
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28
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Bilkei-Gorzo A, Mauer D, Michel K, Zimmer A. Dynorphins regulate the strength of social memory. Neuropharmacology 2014; 77:406-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Revised: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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29
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Meng L, Xing G, Cui C, Han J. WITHDRAWN: Enkephalin- and dynorphin-release produced by electrical stimulation of different frequencies in rat brain slices. Brain Res 2014:S0006-8993(14)00071-7. [PMID: 24462938 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Revised: 12/30/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Meng
- Neuroscience Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Peking University, 38 Xue-Yuan Road, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Guogang Xing
- Neuroscience Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Peking University, 38 Xue-Yuan Road, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Cailian Cui
- Neuroscience Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Peking University, 38 Xue-Yuan Road, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jisheng Han
- Neuroscience Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Peking University, 38 Xue-Yuan Road, Beijing 100191, China
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30
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Jezierska J, Stevanin G, Watanabe H, Fokkens MR, Zagnoli F, Kok J, Goas JY, Bertrand P, Robin C, Brice A, Bakalkin G, Durr A, Verbeek DS. Identification and characterization of novel PDYN mutations in dominant cerebellar ataxia cases. J Neurol 2013; 260:1807-12. [PMID: 23471613 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-013-6882-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Revised: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We have recently identified missense mutations in prodynorphin (PDYN), the precursor to dynorphin opioid peptides, as the cause for spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA23) in Dutch ataxia cases. We report a screen of PDYN for mutations in 371 cerebellar ataxia cases, which had a positive family history; most are of French origin. Sequencing revealed three novel putative missense mutations and one heterozygous two-base pair deletion in four independent SCA patients. These variants were absent in 400 matched controls and are located in the highly conserved dynorphin domain. To resolve the pathogenicity of the heterozygous variants, we assessed the peptide production of the mutant PDYN proteins. Two missense mutations raised dynorphin peptide levels, the two-base pair deletion terminated dynorphin synthesis, and one missense mutation did not affect PDYN processing. Given the outcome of our functional analysis, we may have identified at least two novel PDYN mutations in a French and a Moroccan SCA patient. Our data corroborates recent work that also showed that PDYN mutations only account for a small percentage (~0.1 %) of European SCA cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Jezierska
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Oostersingel Entrance 47, P.O. Box 30 001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
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31
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Bazov I, Kononenko O, Watanabe H, Kuntić V, Sarkisyan D, Taqi MM, Hussain MZ, Nyberg F, Yakovleva T, Bakalkin G. The endogenous opioid system in human alcoholics: molecular adaptations in brain areas involved in cognitive control of addiction. Addict Biol 2013; 18:161-9. [PMID: 21955155 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2011.00366.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The endogenous opioid system (EOS) plays a critical role in addictive processes. Molecular dysregulations in this system may be specific for different stages of addiction cycle and neurocircuitries involved and therefore may differentially contribute to the initiation and maintenance of addiction. Here we evaluated whether the EOS is altered in brain areas involved in cognitive control of addiction including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dl-PFC), orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and hippocampus in human alcohol-dependent subjects. Levels of EOS mRNAs were measured by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and levels of dynorphins by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in post-mortem specimens obtained from 14 alcoholics and 14 controls. Prodynorphin mRNA and dynorphins in dl-PFC, κ-opioid receptor mRNA in OFC and dynorphins in hippocampus were up-regulated in alcoholics. No significant changes in expression of proenkephalin, and µ- and δ-opioid receptors were evident; pro-opiomelanocortin mRNA levels were below the detection limit. Activation of the κ-opioid receptor by up-regulated dynorphins in alcoholics may underlie in part neurocognitive dysfunctions relevant for addiction and disrupted inhibitory control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Bazov
- Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Sweden.
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32
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Scalettar BA, Jacobs C, Fulwiler A, Prahl L, Simon A, Hilken L, Lochner JE. Hindered submicron mobility and long-term storage of presynaptic dense-core granules revealed by single-particle tracking. Dev Neurobiol 2012; 72:1181-95. [PMID: 21976424 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.20984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2011] [Revised: 09/26/2011] [Accepted: 09/27/2011] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Dense-core granules (DCGs) are organelles found in neuroendocrine cells and neurons that house, transport, and release a number of important peptides and proteins. In neurons, DCG cargo can include the secreted neuromodulatory proteins tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and/or brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which play a key role in modulating synaptic efficacy in the hippocampus. This function has spurred interest in DCGs that localize to synaptic contacts between hippocampal neurons, and several studies recently have established that DCGs localize to, and undergo regulated exocytosis from, postsynaptic sites. To complement this work, we have studied presynaptically localized DCGs in hippocampal neurons, which are much more poorly understood than their postsynaptic analogs. Moreover, to enhance relevance, we visualized DCGs via fluorescence labeling of exogenous and endogenous tPA and BDNF. Using single-particle tracking, we determined trajectories of more than 150 presynaptically localized DCGs. These trajectories reveal that mobility of DCGs in presynaptic boutons is highly hindered and that storage is long-lived. We also computed mean-squared displacement curves, which can be used to elucidate mechanisms of transport. Over shorter time windows, most curves are linear, demonstrating that DCG transport in boutons is driven predominantly by diffusion. The remaining curves plateau with time, consistent with motion constrained by a submicron-sized corral. These results have relevance to recent models of presynaptic organization and to recent hypotheses about DCG cargo function. The results also provide estimates for transit times to the presynaptic plasma membrane that are consistent with measured times for onset of neurotrophin release from synaptically localized DCGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- B A Scalettar
- Department of Physics, Lewis and Clark College, Portland, Oregon 97219, USA
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33
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Tejeda HA, Shippenberg TS, Henriksson R. The dynorphin/κ-opioid receptor system and its role in psychiatric disorders. Cell Mol Life Sci 2012; 69:857-96. [PMID: 22002579 PMCID: PMC11114766 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-011-0844-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2011] [Revised: 09/16/2011] [Accepted: 09/19/2011] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
The dynorphin/κ-opioid receptor system has been implicated in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of several psychiatric disorders. In the present review, we present evidence indicating a key role for this system in modulating neurotransmission in brain circuits that subserve mood, motivation, and cognitive function. We overview the pharmacology, signaling, post-translational, post-transcriptional, transcriptional, epigenetic and cis regulation of the dynorphin/κ-opioid receptor system, and critically review functional neuroanatomical, neurochemical, and pharmacological evidence, suggesting that alterations in this system may contribute to affective disorders, drug addiction, and schizophrenia. We also overview the dynorphin/κ-opioid receptor system in the genetics of psychiatric disorders and discuss implications of the reviewed material for therapeutics development.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. A. Tejeda
- Integrative Neuroscience Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, NIDA-IRP, NIH, 333 Cassell Dr., Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, 20 Penn St., Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
| | - T. S. Shippenberg
- Integrative Neuroscience Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, NIDA-IRP, NIH, 333 Cassell Dr., Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
| | - R. Henriksson
- Integrative Neuroscience Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, NIDA-IRP, NIH, 333 Cassell Dr., Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, CMM, L8:04, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
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34
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Effects of surgery and/or remifentanil administration on the expression of pERK1/2, c-Fos and dynorphin in the dorsal root ganglia in mice. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2011; 385:397-409. [DOI: 10.1007/s00210-011-0721-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2011] [Accepted: 12/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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35
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Bartolomucci A, Possenti R, Mahata SK, Fischer-Colbrie R, Loh YP, Salton SRJ. The extended granin family: structure, function, and biomedical implications. Endocr Rev 2011; 32:755-97. [PMID: 21862681 PMCID: PMC3591675 DOI: 10.1210/er.2010-0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The chromogranins (chromogranin A and chromogranin B), secretogranins (secretogranin II and secretogranin III), and additional related proteins (7B2, NESP55, proSAAS, and VGF) that together comprise the granin family subserve essential roles in the regulated secretory pathway that is responsible for controlled delivery of peptides, hormones, neurotransmitters, and growth factors. Here we review the structure and function of granins and granin-derived peptides and expansive new genetic evidence, including recent single-nucleotide polymorphism mapping, genomic sequence comparisons, and analysis of transgenic and knockout mice, which together support an important and evolutionarily conserved role for these proteins in large dense-core vesicle biogenesis and regulated secretion. Recent data further indicate that their processed peptides function prominently in metabolic and glucose homeostasis, emotional behavior, pain pathways, and blood pressure modulation, suggesting future utility of granins and granin-derived peptides as novel disease biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Bartolomucci
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
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Lam MP, Gianoulakis C. Effects of corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor antagonists on the ethanol-induced increase of dynorphin A1-8 release in the rat central amygdala. Alcohol 2011; 45:621-30. [PMID: 21840158 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2011.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2010] [Revised: 05/24/2011] [Accepted: 05/24/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Neurons in the central amygdala (CeA) co-express dynorphin and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). Moreover, the activity of both the CRH and dynorphin systems in CeA is altered by alcohol treatments, effects suggesting interactions between the CRH and dynorphin systems. Thus, the objectives of the present study were to investigate the effects of (1) activating CRH receptors (CRHRs) by microinjection of CRH in CeA and (2) blocking CRHRs by local microinjections of CRHR antagonists in the CeA on the alcohol-induced changes in the extracellular concentrations of dynorphin A1-8 with in vivo microdialysis experiments. Microdialysis probes with a microinjection port were implanted in the CeA of alcohol-naïve Sprague-Dawley rats. Microinjections of CRH or antalarmin, a CRH receptor type 1 (CRHR1) antagonist, or anti-sauvagine-30, a CRH receptor type 2 (CRHR2) antagonist, at the level of CeA were followed by an intraperitoneal injection of either saline or 2.8 g ethanol/kg body weight. The content of dynorphin A1-8 was determined in dialyzate samples obtained prior to and following the various treatments using a specific radioimmunoassay. Activation of CRHRs in CeA induced an increase in the extracellular concentrations of dynorphin A1-8. Moreover, acute alcohol administration increased the extracellular concentrations of dynorphin A1-8 in CeA, an effect that was attenuated by blocking CRHR2 with anti-sauvagine-30 microinjection but not blocking CRHR1 with antalarmin microinjection. Therefore, the findings suggest an interaction between the CRH and dynorphin A1-8 systems at the level of CeA in response to acute alcohol exposure.
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Hanrieder J, Ljungdahl A, Fälth M, Mammo SE, Bergquist J, Andersson M. L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia is associated with regional increase of striatal dynorphin peptides as elucidated by imaging mass spectrometry. Mol Cell Proteomics 2011; 10:M111.009308. [PMID: 21737418 PMCID: PMC3205869 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m111.009308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioid peptides are involved in various pathophysiological processes, including algesia, epilepsy, and drug dependence. A strong association between L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID) and elevated prodynorphin mRNA levels has been established in both patients and in animal models of Parkinson's disease, but to date the endogenous prodynorphin peptide products have not been determined. Here, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) was used for characterization, localization, and relative quantification of striatal neuropeptides in a rat model of LID in Parkinson's disease. MALDI IMS has the unique advantage of high sensitivity and high molecular specificity, allowing comprehensive detection of multiple molecular species in a single tissue section. Indeed, several dynorphins and enkephalins could be detected in the present study, including dynorphin A(1-8), dynorphin B, α-neoendorphin, MetEnkRF, MetEnkRGL, PEnk (198-209, 219-229). IMS analysis revealed elevated levels of dynorphin B, α-neoendorphin, substance P, and PEnk (220-229) in the dorsolateral striatum of high-dyskinetic animals compared with low-dyskinetic and lesion-only control rats. Furthermore, the peak-intensities of the prodynorphin derived peptides, dynorphin B and α-neoendorphin, were strongly and positively correlated with LID severity. Interestingly, these LID associated dynorphin peptides are not those with high affinity to κ opioid receptors, but are known to bind and activate also μ- and Δ-opioid receptors. In addition, the peak intensities of a novel endogenous metabolite of α-neoendorphin lacking the N-terminal tyrosine correlated positively with dyskinesia severity. MALDI IMS of striatal sections from Pdyn knockout mice verified the identity of fully processed dynorphin peptides and the presence of endogenous des-tyrosine α-neoendorphin. Des-tyrosine dynorphins display reduced opioid receptor binding and this points to possible novel nonopioid receptor mediated changes in the striatum of dyskinetic rats. Because des-tyrosine dynorphins can only be detected by mass spectrometry, as no antibodies are available, these findings highlight the importance of MALDI IMS analysis for the study of molecular dynamics in neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Hanrieder
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Drug Safety and Toxicology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Jaferi A, Zhou P, Pickel VM. Enhanced dendritic availability of μ-opioid receptors in inhibitory neurons of the extended amygdala in mice deficient in the corticotropin-releasing factor-1 receptor. Synapse 2011; 65:8-20. [PMID: 20506149 DOI: 10.1002/syn.20810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the corticotropin-releasing factor-1 (CRF-1) receptor in the anterolateral BNST (BSTal), a key subdivision of the extended amygdala, elicits opiate-seeking behavior exacerbated by stress. However, it is unknown whether the presence of CRF-1 affects expression of the μ-opioid receptor (μ-OR) in the many GABAergic BSTal neurons implicated in the stress response. We hypothesized that deletion of the CRF-1 receptor gene would alter the density and/or subcellular distribution of μ-ORs in GABAergic neurons of the BSTal. We used electron microscopy to quantitatively examine μ-OR immunogold and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) immunoperoxidase labeling in the BSTal of CRFr-1 knockout (KO) compared to wild-type (WT) mice. To assess regional specificity, we examined μ-OR distribution in dorsal striatum. The μ-ORs in each region were predominantly localized in dendrites, many of which were GABA-immunoreactive. Significantly, more cytoplasmic μ-OR gold particles per dendritic area were observed selectively in GABA-containing dendrites of the BSTal, but not of the dorsal striatum, in KO compared to WT mice. In both regions, however, significantly fewer GABA-immunoreactive axon terminals were present in KO compared to WT mice. Our results suggest that the absence of CRF-1 results in enhanced expression and/or dendritic trafficking of μ-ORs in inhibitory BSTal neurons. They also suggest that the expression of CRF-1 is a critical determinant of the availability of GABA in functionally diverse brain regions. These findings underscore the complex interplay between CRF, opioid, and GABA systems in limbic and striatal regions and have implications for the role of CRF-1 in influencing the pharmacological effects of opiates active at μ-ORs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azra Jaferi
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York 10065, USA
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Bakalkin G, Watanabe H, Jezierska J, Depoorter C, Verschuuren-Bemelmans C, Bazov I, Artemenko KA, Yakovleva T, Dooijes D, Van de Warrenburg BPC, Zubarev RA, Kremer B, Knapp PE, Hauser KF, Wijmenga C, Nyberg F, Sinke RJ, Verbeek DS. Prodynorphin mutations cause the neurodegenerative disorder spinocerebellar ataxia type 23. Am J Hum Genet 2010; 87:593-603. [PMID: 21035104 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2010.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2010] [Revised: 09/30/2010] [Accepted: 10/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorders characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia and dysarthria. We have identified missense mutations in prodynorphin (PDYN) that cause SCA23 in four Dutch families displaying progressive gait and limb ataxia. PDYN is the precursor protein for the opioid neuropeptides, α-neoendorphin, and dynorphins A and B (Dyn A and B). Dynorphins regulate pain processing and modulate the rewarding effects of addictive substances. Three mutations were located in Dyn A, a peptide with both opioid activities and nonopioid neurodegenerative actions. Two of these mutations resulted in excessive generation of Dyn A in a cellular model system. In addition, two of the mutant Dyn A peptides induced toxicity above that of wild-type Dyn A in cultured striatal neurons. The fourth mutation was located in the nonopioid PDYN domain and was associated with altered expression of components of the opioid and glutamate system, as evident from analysis of SCA23 autopsy tissue. Thus, alterations in Dyn A activities and/or impairment of secretory pathways by mutant PDYN may lead to glutamate neurotoxicity, which underlies Purkinje cell degeneration and ataxia. PDYN mutations are identified in a small subset of ataxia families, indicating that SCA23 is an infrequent SCA type (∼0.5%) in the Netherlands and suggesting further genetic SCA heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgy Bakalkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Sweden
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The role of kappa-opioid receptor activation in mediating antinociception and addiction. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2010; 31:1065-70. [PMID: 20729876 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2010.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The kappa-opioid receptor (KOR), a member of the opioid receptor family, is widely expressed in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. Substantial evidence has shown that activation of KOR by agonists and endogenous opioid peptides in vivo may produce a strong analgesic effect that is free from the abuse potential and the adverse side effects of mu-opioid receptor (MOR) agonists, such as morphine. In addition, activation of the KOR has also been shown to exert an inverse effect on morphine-induced adverse actions, such as tolerance, reward, and impairment of learning and memory. Therefore, the KOR has received much attention in the effort to develop alternative analgesics to MOR agonists and agents for the treatment of drug addiction. However, KOR agonists also produce several severe undesirable side effects such as dysphoria, water diuresis, salivation, emesis, and sedation in nonhuman primates, which may limit the clinical utility of KOR agonists for pain and drug abuse treatment. This article will review the role of KOR activation in mediating antinociception and addiction. The possible therapeutic application of kappa-agonists in the treatment of pain and drug addiction is also discussed.
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Minokadeh A, Funkelstein L, Toneff T, Hwang SR, Beinfeld M, Reinheckel T, Peters C, Zadina J, Hook V. Cathepsin L participates in dynorphin production in brain cortex, illustrated by protease gene knockout and expression. Mol Cell Neurosci 2009; 43:98-107. [PMID: 19837164 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2009.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2009] [Revised: 09/15/2009] [Accepted: 10/05/2009] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Dynorphin opioid neuropeptides mediate neurotransmission for analgesia and behavioral functions. Dynorphin A, dynorphin B, and alpha-neoendorphin are generated from prodynorphin by proteolytic processing. This study demonstrates the significant role of the cysteine protease cathepsin L for producing dynorphins. Cathepsin L knockout mouse brains showed extensive decreases in dynorphin A, dynorphin B, and alpha-neoendorphin that were reduced by 75%, 83%, and 90%, respectively, compared to controls. Moreover, cathepsin L in brain cortical neurons was colocalized with dynorphins in secretory vesicles, the primary site of neuropeptide production. Cellular coexpression of cathepsin L with prodynorphin in PC12 cells resulted in increased production of dynorphins A and B. Comparative studies of PC1/3 and PC2 convertases showed that PC1/3 knockout mouse brains had a modest decrease in dynorphin A, and PC2 knockout mice showed a minor decrease in alpha-neoendorphin. Overall, these results demonstrate a prominent role for cathepsin L, jointly with PC1/3 and PC2, for production of dynorphins in brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ardalan Minokadeh
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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42
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Dynorphin, stress, and depression. Brain Res 2009; 1314:56-73. [PMID: 19782055 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2009.09.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 340] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2009] [Revised: 09/14/2009] [Accepted: 09/17/2009] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Stress is most often associated with aversive states. It rapidly induces the release of hormones and neuropeptides including dynorphin, which activates kappa opioid receptors (KORs) in the central and peripheral nervous systems. In animal models, many aversive effects of stress are mimicked or exacerbated by stimulation of KORs in limbic brain regions. Although KOR signaling during acute stress may increase physical ability (by producing analgesia) and motivation to escape a threat (by producing aversion), prolonged KOR signaling in response to chronic or uncontrollable stress can lead to persistent expression of behavioral signs that are characteristic of human depressive disorders (i.e., "prodepressive-like" signs). Accumulating evidence suggests that KORs contribute to the progressive amplification (sensitization) of stress-induced behaviors that occurs with repeated exposure to stress. Many of the aversive effects of stress are blocked by KOR antagonists, suggesting that these agents may have potential as therapeutics for stress-related conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders. This review summarizes current data on how KOR systems contribute to the acute (rapid), delayed, and cumulative molecular and behavioral effects of stress. We focus on behavioral paradigms that provide insight on interactions between stress and KOR function within each of these temporal categories. Using a simplified model, we consider the time course and mechanism of KOR-mediated effects in stress and suggest future directions that may be useful in determining whether KOR antagonists exert their therapeutic effects by preventing the development of stress-induced behaviors, the expression of stress-induced behaviors, or both.
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Schwarzer C. 30 years of dynorphins--new insights on their functions in neuropsychiatric diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2009; 123:353-70. [PMID: 19481570 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2009.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2009] [Accepted: 05/13/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Since the first description of their opioid properties three decades ago, dynorphins have increasingly been thought to play a regulatory role in numerous functional pathways of the brain. Dynorphins are members of the opioid peptide family and preferentially bind to kappa opioid receptors. In line with their localization in the hippocampus, amygdala, hypothalamus, striatum and spinal cord, their functions are related to learning and memory, emotional control, stress response and pain. Pathophysiological mechanisms that may involve dynorphins/kappa opioid receptors include epilepsy, addiction, depression and schizophrenia. Most of these functions were proposed in the 1980s and 1990s following histochemical, pharmacological and electrophysiological experiments using kappa receptor-specific or general opioid receptor agonists and antagonists in animal models. However, at that time, we had little information on the functional relevance of endogenous dynorphins. This was mainly due to the complexity of the opioid system. Besides actions of peptides from all three classical opioid precursors (proenkephalin, prodynorphin, proopiomelanocortin) on the three classical opioid receptors (delta, mu and kappa), dynorphins were also shown to exert non-opioid effects mainly through direct effects on NMDA receptors. Moreover, discrepancies between the distribution of opioid receptor binding sites and dynorphin immunoreactivity contributed to the difficulties in interpretation. In recent years, the generation of prodynorphin- and opioid receptor-deficient mice has provided the tools to investigate open questions on network effects of endogenous dynorphins. This article examines the physiological, pathophysiological and pharmacological implications of dynorphins in the light of new insights in part obtained from genetically modified animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Schwarzer
- Department of Pharmacology, Innsbruck Medical University, Peter-Mayr-Str. 1a, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
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Torres-Reveron A, Khalid S, Williams TJ, Waters EM, Jacome L, Luine VN, Drake CT, McEwen BS, Milner TA. Hippocampal dynorphin immunoreactivity increases in response to gonadal steroids and is positioned for direct modulation by ovarian steroid receptors. Neuroscience 2008; 159:204-16. [PMID: 19150393 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2008.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2008] [Revised: 12/09/2008] [Accepted: 12/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The hippocampal formation (HF) is involved in modulating learning related to drug abuse. While HF-dependent learning is regulated by both endogenous opioids and estrogen, the interaction between these two systems is not well understood. The mossy fiber (MF) pathway formed by dentate gyrus (DG) granule cell axons is involved in some aspects of learning and contains abundant amounts of the endogenous opioid peptide dynorphin (DYN). To examine the influence of ovarian steroids on DYN expression, we used quantitative light microscopic immunocytochemistry to measure DYN levels in normal cycling rats as well as in two established models of hormone-treated ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Rats in estrus had increased levels of DYN-immunoreactivity (ir) in the DG and certain CA3 lamina compared with rats in proestrus or diestrus. OVX rats exposed to estradiol for 24 h showed increased DYN-ir in the DG and CA3, while those with 72 h estradiol exposure showed increases only in the DG. Six hours of estradiol exposure produced no change in DYN-ir. OVX rats chronically implanted with medroxyprogesterone also showed increased DYN-ir in the DG and CA3. Next, dual-labeling electron microscopy (EM) was used to evaluate the subcellular relationships of estrogen receptor (ER) alpha-, ERbeta and progestin receptor (PR) with DYN-labeled MFs. ERbeta-ir was in some DYN-labeled MF terminals and smaller terminals, and had a subcellular association with the plasmalemma and small synaptic vesicles. In contrast, ERalpha-ir was not in DYN-labeled terminals, although some DYN-labeled small terminals synapsed on ERalpha-labeled dendritic spines. PR labeling was mostly in CA3 axons, some of which were continuous with DYN-labeled terminals. These studies indicate that ovarian hormones can modulate DYN in the MF pathway in a time-dependent manner, and suggest that hormonal effects on the DYN-containing MF pathway may be directly mediated by ERbeta and/or PR activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Torres-Reveron
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Weill Cornell Medical College, 411 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA
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45
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Characterizing intercellular signaling peptides in drug addiction. Neuropharmacology 2008; 56 Suppl 1:196-204. [PMID: 18722391 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2008.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2008] [Revised: 07/23/2008] [Accepted: 07/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Intercellular signaling peptides (SPs) coordinate the activity of cells and influence organism behavior. SPs, a chemically and structurally diverse group of compounds responsible for transferring information between neurons, are broadly involved in neural plasticity, learning and memory, as well as in drug addiction phenomena. Historically, SP discovery and characterization has tracked advances in measurement capabilities. Today, a suite of analytical technologies is available to investigate individual SPs, as well as entire intercellular signaling complements, in samples ranging from individual cells to entire organisms. Immunochemistry and in situ hybridization are commonly used for following preselected SPs. Discovery-type investigations targeting the transcriptome and proteome are accomplished using high-throughput characterization technologies such as microarrays and mass spectrometry. By integrating directed approaches with discovery approaches, multiplatform studies fill critical gaps in our knowledge of drug-induced alterations in intercellular signaling. Throughout the past 35 years, the National Institute on Drug Abuse has made significant resources available to scientists that study the mechanisms of drug addiction. The roles of SPs in the addiction process are highlighted, as are the analytical approaches used to detect and characterize them.
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Ovarian steroids modulate leu-enkephalin levels and target leu-enkephalinergic profiles in the female hippocampal mossy fiber pathway. Brain Res 2008; 1232:70-84. [PMID: 18691558 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2008.07.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2008] [Revised: 07/11/2008] [Accepted: 07/15/2008] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In the hippocampal formation (HF), the enkephalin opioids and estrogen are each known to modulate learning and cognitive performance relevant to drug abuse. Within the HF, leu-enkephalin (LENK) is most prominent in the mossy fiber (MF) pathway formed by the axons of dentate gyrus (DG) granule cells. To examine the influence of ovarian steroids on MF pathway LENK levels, we used quantitative light microscopic immunocytochemistry to evaluate LENK levels in normal cycling rats and in estrogen-treated ovariectomized rats. Rats in estrus had increased levels of LENK-immunoreactivity (ir) in the DG hilus compared to rats in diestrus or proestrus. Rats in estrus and proestrus had higher levels of LENK-ir in CA3a-c compared to rats in diestrus. Ovariectomized (OVX) rats 24 h (but not 6 or 72 h) after estradiol benzoate (EB; 10 microg) administration had increased LENK-ir in the DG hilus and CA3c. Electron microscopy showed a larger proportion of LENK-labeled small terminals and axons in the DG hilus compared to CA3 which may have contributed to region-specific changes in LENK-ir densities. Next we evaluated the subcellular relationships of estrogen receptor (ER) alpha, ERbeta and progestin receptor (PR) with LENK-labeled MF pathway profiles using dual-labeling electron microscopy. ERbeta-ir colocalized in some LENK-labeled MF terminals and smaller terminals while PR-ir was mostly in CA3 axons, some of which also showed colocalization with LENK. ERalpha-ir was in dendritic spines, but no colocalization with LENK-labeled profiles was observed. The present studies indicate that estrogen can modulate LENK in subregions of the MF pathway in a dose-and time-dependent manner. These effects might be triggered by direct activation of ERbeta or PR in LENK-containing terminals.
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Abstract
This paper is the 29th consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, now spanning 30 years of research. It summarizes papers published during 2006 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior (Section 2), and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia (Section 3); stress and social status (Section 4); tolerance and dependence (Section 5); learning and memory (Section 6); eating and drinking (Section 7); alcohol and drugs of abuse (Section 8); sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (Section 9); mental illness and mood (Section 10); seizures and neurological disorders (Section 11); electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (Section 12); general activity and locomotion (Section 13); gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (Section 14); cardiovascular responses (Section 15); respiration and thermoregulation (Section 16); and immunological responses (Section 17).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, CUNY, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, United States.
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48
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Ossipov MH, Bazov I, Gardell LR, Kowal J, Yakovleva T, Usynin I, Ekström TJ, Porreca F, Bakalkin G. Control of chronic pain by the ubiquitin proteasome system in the spinal cord. J Neurosci 2007; 27:8226-37. [PMID: 17670969 PMCID: PMC6673055 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5126-06.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is maintained in part by long-lasting neuroplastic changes in synapses and several proteins critical for synaptic plasticity are degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). Here, we show that proteasome inhibitors administered intrathecally or subcutaneously prevented the development and reversed nerve injury-induced pain behavior. They also blocked pathological pain induced by sustained administration of morphine or spinal injection of dynorphin A, an endogenous mediator of chronic pain. Proteasome inhibitors blocked mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in all three pain models although they did not modify responses to mechanical stimuli, but partially inhibited responses to thermal stimuli in control rats. In the spinal cord, these compounds abolished the enhanced capsaicin-evoked calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) release and dynorphin A upregulation, both elicited by nerve injury. Model experiments demonstrated that the inhibitors may act directly on dynorphin-producing cells, blocking dynorphin secretion. Thus, the effects of proteasome inhibitors on chronic pain were apparently mediated through several cellular mechanisms indispensable for chronic pain, including those of dynorphin A release and postsynaptic actions, and of CGRP secretion. Levels of several UPS proteins were reduced in animals with neuropathic pain, suggesting that UPS downregulation, like effects of proteasome inhibitors, counteracts the development of chronic pain. The inhibitors did not produce marked or disabling motor disturbances at doses that were used to modify chronic pain. These results suggest that the UPS is a critical intracellular regulator of pathological pain, and that UPS-mediated protein degradation is required for maintenance of chronic pain and nociceptive, but not non-nociceptive responses in normal animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael H. Ossipov
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson, Arizona 85724, and
| | - Igor Bazov
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm S-17176, Sweden
| | - Luis R. Gardell
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson, Arizona 85724, and
| | - Justin Kowal
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson, Arizona 85724, and
| | - Tatiana Yakovleva
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm S-17176, Sweden
| | - Ivan Usynin
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm S-17176, Sweden
| | - Tomas J. Ekström
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm S-17176, Sweden
| | - Frank Porreca
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson, Arizona 85724, and
| | - Georgy Bakalkin
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm S-17176, Sweden
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