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Heilig M, Witkiewitz K, Ray LA, Leggio L. Novel medications for problematic alcohol use. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e172889. [PMID: 38828724 PMCID: PMC11142745 DOI: 10.1172/jci172889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol-related harm, a major cause of disease burden globally, affects people along a spectrum of use. When a harmful pattern of drinking is present in the absence of significant behavioral pathology, low-intensity brief interventions that provide information about health consequences of continued use provide large health benefits. At the other end of the spectrum, profound behavioral pathology, including continued use despite knowledge of potentially fatal consequences, warrants a medical diagnosis, and treatment is strongly indicated. Available behavioral and pharmacological treatments are supported by scientific evidence but are vastly underutilized. Discovery of additional medications, with a favorable balance of efficacy versus safety and tolerability can improve clinical uptake of treatment, allow personalized treatment, and improve outcomes. Here, we delineate the clinical conditions when pharmacotherapy should be considered in relation to the main diagnostic systems in use and discuss clinical endpoints that represent meaningful clinical benefits. We then review specific developments in three categories of targets that show promise for expanding the treatment toolkit. GPCRs remain the largest category of successful drug targets across contemporary medicine, and several GPCR targets are currently pursued for alcohol-related indications. Endocrine systems are another established category, and several promising targets have emerged for alcohol indications. Finally, immune modulators have revolutionized treatment of multiple medical conditions, and they may also hold potential to produce benefits in patients with alcohol problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Heilig
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Linköping University, and Department of Psychiatry, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Katie Witkiewitz
- Department of Psychology and Center on Alcohol, Substance Use and Addictions, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Lara A. Ray
- Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, Translational Addiction Medicine Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, NIH, Baltimore and Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Jeanblanc J, Sauton P, Houdant C, Fernandez Rodriguez S, de Sousa SV, Jeanblanc V, Bodeau S, Labat L, Soichot M, Vorspan F, Naassila M. Sex-related differences in the efficacy of Baclofen enantiomers on self-administered alcohol in a binge drinking pattern and dopamine release in the core of the nucleus accumbens. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1146848. [PMID: 37007041 PMCID: PMC10060511 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1146848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Clinical studies on the effectiveness of Baclofen in alcohol use disorder (AUD) yielded mixed results possibly because of differential effects of the enantiomers and sex-related differences. Here we examined the effect of the different Baclofen enantiomers on alcohol intake and on evoked dopamine release in the core of the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) in male and female Long Evans rats.Methods: Rats were trained to chronically self-administer 20% alcohol solution in daily binge drinking sessions and were treated with the different forms of Baclofen [RS(±), R(+) and S(−)]. The effects on the evoked dopamine release within the core of the nucleus accumbens were measured in brain slices from the same animals and the alcohol naïve animals using the fast scan cyclic voltammetry technique.Results: RS(±)-Baclofen reduced alcohol intake regardless of sex but more females were non-responders to the treatment. R(+)-Baclofen also reduced alcohol intake regardless of sex but females were less sensitive than males. S(−)-Baclofen did not have any effect on average but in some individuals, especially in the females, it did increase alcohol intake by at least 100%. There were no sex differences in Baclofen pharmacokinetic but a strong negative correlation was found in females with a paradoxical effect of increased alcohol intake with higher blood Baclofen concentration. Chronic alcohol intake reduced the sensitivity to the effect of Baclofen on evoked dopamine release and S(−)-Baclofen increased dopamine release specifically in females.Discussion: Our results demonstrate a sex-dependent effect of the different forms of Baclofen with no or negative effects (meaning an increase in alcohol self-administration) in subgroup of females that could be linked to a differential effect on dopamine release and should warrant future clinical studies on alcohol use disorder pharmacotherapy that will deeply analyze sex difference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Jeanblanc
- INSERM UMR-S 1247, Research Group on Alcohol and Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
- GDR3557 Psychiatrie-Addictions, Institut de Psychiatrie, University Hospital Federation (FHU A2M2P), Caen, France
| | - Pierre Sauton
- INSERM UMR-S 1247, Research Group on Alcohol and Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
- GDR3557 Psychiatrie-Addictions, Institut de Psychiatrie, University Hospital Federation (FHU A2M2P), Caen, France
| | - Charles Houdant
- INSERM UMR-S 1247, Research Group on Alcohol and Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
- GDR3557 Psychiatrie-Addictions, Institut de Psychiatrie, University Hospital Federation (FHU A2M2P), Caen, France
| | - Sandra Fernandez Rodriguez
- INSERM UMR-S 1247, Research Group on Alcohol and Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Sofia Vilelas de Sousa
- INSERM UMR-S 1247, Research Group on Alcohol and Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Virginie Jeanblanc
- Animal Facility of the Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Sandra Bodeau
- MP3CV Laboratory, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Amiens University Hospital, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Laurence Labat
- INSERM UMR-S 1144, Optimisation Thérapeutique en Neuropsychopharmacologie, Université de Paris, Paris, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Département de Psychiatrie et de Médecine Addictologique, Hôpital Fernand Widal, Assistance Publique—Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Marion Soichot
- Laboratoire de Toxicologie Biologique, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France
| | - Florence Vorspan
- INSERM UMRS1144, Département de Psychiatrie et de Médecine Addictologique, Assistance Publique—Hôpitaux de Paris, GH Lariboisière—Fernand Widal, GHU NORD, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Mickael Naassila
- INSERM UMR-S 1247, Research Group on Alcohol and Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
- GDR3557 Psychiatrie-Addictions, Institut de Psychiatrie, University Hospital Federation (FHU A2M2P), Caen, France
- *Correspondence: Mickael Naassila,
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Haile CN, Carper BA, Nolen TL, Kosten TA. The GABA B receptor positive allosteric modulator ASP8062 reduces operant alcohol self-administration in male and female Sprague Dawley rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:2587-2600. [PMID: 34228136 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05881-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Pre-clinical evidence implicates the GABAergic system in mediating the reinforcing effects of alcohol and offers a therapeutic target for alcohol use disorder (AUD). The orthosteric GABAB receptor agonist baclofen decreases alcohol self-administration in animals and alcohol use in humans; however side effects limit its utility. Pre-clinical evidence shows positive allosteric GABAB receptor modulators also decrease alcohol self-administration without untoward side effects. OBJECTIVES We assessed the impact of the novel GABAB-positive allosteric modulator ASP8062 and baclofen on operant alcohol self-administration and their potential non-specific effects. METHODS The effects of ASP8062 (1 - 10 mg/kg, PO) and baclofen (0.3 - 3 mg/kg, IP) were evaluated in male and female rats lever pressing for alcohol (10%, w/v) under a fixed ratio 2 schedule of reinforcement. On the fourth consecutive day of vehicle, ASP8062 or baclofen administration, active and inactive lever presses, reinforcers earned, head entries, and estimated alcohol consumed were analyzed. Locomotor activity was assessed in separate groups of rats following dosing. RESULTS Both ASP8062 and baclofen decreased alcohol self-administration and amount consumed (g/kg) in male and female rats. ASP8062 decreased operant alcohol self-administration to a greater extent in male rats, whereas baclofen was more efficacious in female rats. ASP8062 did not alter locomotor activity in either sex, whereas baclofen (3.0 mg/kg) decreased activity in male rats yet (1.0 mg/kg) increased activity in female rats. CONCLUSIONS ASP8062 decreases alcohol reinforcement like baclofen but without non-specific effects which are influenced by sex. Results support further development of ASP8062 as a potential treatment for AUD in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin N Haile
- Department of Psychology & TIMES, University of Houston, 4849 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX, 77204-6022, USA.
| | - Benjamin A Carper
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Division, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Tracy L Nolen
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Division, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Therese A Kosten
- Department of Psychology & TIMES, University of Houston, 4849 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX, 77204-6022, USA
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Czachowski CL, Legg BH, Stansfield KH. Ethanol and sucrose seeking and consumption following repeated administration of the GABA(B) agonist baclofen in rats. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2006; 30:812-8. [PMID: 16634849 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2006.00094.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Baclofen, a GABA(B) agonist, has been found to decrease alcohol craving in humans and to nonselectively decrease ethanol intake in some rodent models. This experiment assessed the effects of repeated administration of baclofen on reinforcer seeking and consumption using the sipper tube appetitive/consummatory model of ethanol access. METHODS Subjects were divided into 2 groups and trained to make 30 lever press responses that resulted in access to either 10% ethanol or 2% sucrose in a sipper tube-drinking spout for 20 minutes. Three doses of baclofen were tested (0.3, 1.0, and 3.0 mg/kg) and each drug treatment was assessed using the following schedule: Monday, saline; Tuesday to Thursday, baclofen; and Friday, saline. RESULTS The low dose of baclofen had no effect on the seeking or intake of either sucrose or ethanol, and the 1.0 mg/kg dose also had no effect on the appetitive, seeking response. However, the 1.0 mg/kg dose significantly decreased sucrose intake (from an average of 0.56 to 0.41 g/kg) and significantly increased ethanol intake (from an average of 0.77 to 1.00 g/kg). Similarly, the high dose (3.0 mg/kg) decreased sucrose intake and had a tendency to increase ethanol intake while decreasing both sucrose seeking and ethanol seeking. CONCLUSIONS Overall, baclofen treatment affected reinforcer intake at doses that had no effect on reinforcer seeking, and effective doses decreased both sucrose seeking and ethanol seeking. Moreover, the effects on reinforcer intake were disparate, in that baclofen increased ethanol drinking and decreased sucrose drinking. The nonspecific effects of baclofen suggest that the GABA(B) system may be involved in general consummatory or drinking behaviors and does not appear to specifically regulate ethanol-motivated responding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristine L Czachowski
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA.
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Colombo G, Serra S, Vacca G, Orrù A, Maccioni P, Morazzoni P, Bombardelli E, Riva A, Gessa GL, Carai MAM. Identification of Miltirone as Active Ingredient of Salvia miltiorrhiza Responsible for the Reducing Effect of Root Extracts on Alcohol Intake in Rats. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2006; 30:754-62. [PMID: 16634843 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2006.00088.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous work found that extracts from the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza, a Chinese medicinal herb, reduced alcohol intake in selectively bred Sardinian alcohol-preferring (sP) rats. The present study was designed to evaluate whether miltirone, one of the possible active constituents of S. miltiorrhiza, might be responsible for the reducing effect of the extracts on alcohol intake. METHODS An initial experiment assessed the effect of 100 mg/kg (intragastric, i.g.) of 4 extracts of S. miltiorrhiza, differing in miltirone content (0, 2, 3, and 7%, respectively), on alcohol intake in alcohol-experienced sP rats exposed to the 2-bottle "alcohol (10%, volume in volume) versus water" choice regimen. Subsequently, the effect of pure miltirone (2.5-10 mg/kg, i.g., i.e., a dose range comparable to its content in the effective doses of the active extracts) on acquisition and maintenance of alcohol-drinking behavior was evaluated in alcohol-naive and alcohol-experienced sP rats exposed to the 2-bottle choice regimen. The effect of miltirone (10 mg/kg, i.g.) on blood alcohol levels was assessed after the i.g. and intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of alcohol. Finally, the effect of miltirone (30-100 mg/kg, i.g.) on the severity of alcohol withdrawal syndrome was evaluated in Wistar rats made physically dependent on alcohol by the repeated administration of intoxicating doses of alcohol. RESULTS The reducing effect of 4 different extracts of S. miltiorrhiza on alcohol intake was positively and significantly correlated with their miltirone content. Pure miltirone reduced alcohol intake in alcohol-experienced rats and delayed acquisition of alcohol-drinking behavior in alcohol-naive rats. Similar to S. miltiorrhiza extracts, miltirone markedly reduced blood alcohol levels when alcohol was administered i.g. but not i.p., suggesting that miltirone hampered alcohol absorption from the gastrointestinal system. Finally, miltirone failed to affect the severity of alcohol withdrawal syndrome in alcohol-dependent rats. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study suggest that miltirone is the likely active constituent of S. miltiorrhiza responsible for the reducing effect of its extracts on alcohol intake in different experimental models of excessive alcohol consumption.
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Mason G, Bendszus M, Meyerhoff D, Hetherington H, Schweinsburg B, Ross B, Taylor M, Krystal J. Magnetic resonance spectroscopic studies of alcoholism: from heavy drinking to alcohol dependence and back again. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2005; 29:150-158. [PMID: 15895489 DOI: 10.1097/01.alc.0000150010.72739.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Addolorato G, Abenavoli L, Leggio L, Gasbarrini G. How many cravings? Pharmacological aspects of craving treatment in alcohol addiction: a review. Neuropsychobiology 2005; 51:59-66. [PMID: 15741745 DOI: 10.1159/000084161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In the last decade, craving has increasingly been considered an important target for the treatment of patients with alcohol problems, and several drugs able to interfere with the neurotransmitters involved in craving mechanisms have been experimented. However, different subtypes of patients could have different mechanisms at the basis of alcohol craving. In this review, the main drugs currently used in the treatment of patients with alcohol problems are described. A hypothesis of pharmacological treatment of the different types of craving is also discussed.
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Johnson BA, Swift RM, Addolorato G, Ciraulo DA, Myrick H. Safety and Efficacy of GABAergic Medications for Treating Alcoholism. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2005; 29:248-54. [PMID: 15714047 DOI: 10.1097/01.alc.0000153542.10188.b0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This article highlights the proceedings of a symposium presented at the 27th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, June 29, 2004. The organizers and co-chairs were Bankole A. Johnson, MD, PhD, and Robert M. Swift, MD, PhD. The presentations included (1) Introduction, by Bankole A. Johnson; (2) Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid and Baclofen in the Treatment of Alcohol Addiction, by Giovanni Addolorato; (3) Safety of Gabapentin in Treating Alcoholism, by Hugh Myrick; (4) New Data on the Safety and Effectiveness of Topiramate in the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence, by Bankole A. Johnson; (5) Evaluating the Risk of Benzodiazepine Prescription to Alcohol-Dependent Individuals, by Domenic A. Ciraulo; and (6) Safety and Efficacy of GABAergic Agents in Treating Alcoholics: Discussion, by Robert M. Swift.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bankole A Johnson
- Department of Psychiatric Medicine, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908-0623, USA.
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Flannery BA, Garbutt JC, Cody MW, Renn W, Grace K, Osborne M, Crosby K, Morreale M, Trivette A. Baclofen for Alcohol Dependence: A Preliminary Open-Label Study. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2004; 28:1517-23. [PMID: 15597084 DOI: 10.1097/01.alc.0000141640.48924.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent preclinical and clinical studies have shown that the gamma-aminobutyric acid-B agonist baclofen may be an effective treatment for reducing alcohol consumption. This preliminary open-label investigation examined the tolerability and effect of a 30-mg daily baclofen dose for reducing drinking, subclinical anxiety and depressive symptoms, and craving in alcohol-dependent subjects. METHODS Nine men and three women participated in a 12-week trial during which they took baclofen on a 10 mg thrice-daily regimen and received four sessions of motivational enhancement therapy. Each participant received a comprehensive physical and psychiatric screening before being enrolled. At each visit, side effects were monitored with a revised version of the Systematic Assessment of Treatment Emergent Events-General Inquiry, and drinking data were collected via the timeline follow-back interview. Participants also completed the Beck Depression Inventory, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale at each visit. RESULTS Baclofen was reasonably tolerated. Two participants discontinued because of side effects. No serious adverse events were noted. Six other individuals did not complete the trial. Overall, there were statistically significant reductions in the number of drinks per drinking day and the number of heavy-drinking days, and there was an increase in the number of abstinent days. Significant decreases in anxiety and craving were also shown. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that baclofen is reasonably tolerated in an alcohol-dependent population, although the high dropout rate in the study is of concern. Baclofen may be effective for the reduction of drinking, anxiety, and craving for some alcohol-dependent individuals. A larger-scale placebo-controlled study is needed to further explore these effects and to determine the characteristics of those who respond to this medication.
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Assadi SM, Radgoodarzi R, Ahmadi-Abhari SA. Baclofen for maintenance treatment of opioid dependence: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial [ISRCTN32121581]. BMC Psychiatry 2003; 3:16. [PMID: 14624703 PMCID: PMC293465 DOI: 10.1186/1471-244x-3-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2003] [Accepted: 11/18/2003] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Results of preclinical studies suggest that the GABA(B) receptor agonist baclofen may be useful in treatment of opioid dependence. This study was aimed at assessing the possible efficacy of baclofen for maintenance treatment of opioid dependence. METHODS A total of 40 opioid-dependent patients were detoxified and randomly assigned to receive baclofen (60 mg/day) or placebo in a 12-week, double blind, parallel-group trial. Primary outcome measure was retention in treatment. Secondary outcome measures included opioids and alcohol use according to urinalysis and self-report ratings, intensity of opioid craving assessed with a visual analogue scale, opioid withdrawal symptoms as measured by the Short Opiate Withdrawal Scale and depression scores on the Hamilton inventory. RESULTS Treatment retention was significantly higher in the baclofen group. Baclofen also showed a significant superiority over placebo in terms of opiate withdrawal syndrome and depressive symptoms. Non-significant, but generally favorable responses were seen in the baclofen group with other outcome measures including intensity of opioid craving and self-reported opioid and alcohol use. However, no significant difference was seen in the rates of opioid-positive urine tests. Additionally, the drug side effects of the two groups were not significantly different. CONCLUSION The results support further study of baclofen in the maintenance treatment of opioid dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mohammad Assadi
- Psychiatric Research Center and Department of Psychiatry, Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, South Kargar Avenue, Tehran 13337, Iran
| | - Reza Radgoodarzi
- Psychiatric Research Center and Department of Psychiatry, Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, South Kargar Avenue, Tehran 13337, Iran
| | - Seyed Ali Ahmadi-Abhari
- Psychiatric Research Center and Department of Psychiatry, Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, South Kargar Avenue, Tehran 13337, Iran
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Anstrom KK, Cromwell HC, Markowski T, Woodward DJ. Effect of Baclofen on Alcohol and Sucrose Self-Administration in Rats. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2003. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2003.tb04414.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Kiianmaa K, Hyytiä P, Samson HH, Engel JA, Svensson L, Söderpalm B, Larsson A, Colombo G, Vacca G, Finn DA, Bachtell RK, Ryabinin AE. New neuronal networks involved in ethanol reinforcement. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2003; 27:209-19. [PMID: 12605070 DOI: 10.1097/01.alc.0000051020.55829.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This article represents the proceedings of a symposium at the 2002 ISBRA/RSA meeting in San Francisco. The organizers were Kalervo Kiianmaa and Andrey E. Ryabinin. The chairs were Kalervo Kiianmaa and Jörgen A. Engel. The presentations were (1) The role of opioidergic and dopaminergic networks in ethanol-seeking behavior, by Kalervo Kiianmaa and Petri Hyytiä; (2) Interaction between the dopamine systems in the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens during ethanol self-administration, by Herman H. Samson; (3) Neurochemical and behavioral studies on ethanol and nicotine interactions, by Jörgen A. Engel, Lennart Svensson, Bo Söderpalm, and Anna Larsson; (4) Involvement of the GABA receptor in alcohol reinforcement in sP rats, by Giancarlo Colombo and Giovanni Vacca; (5) Neuroactive steroids and ethanol reinforcement, by Deborah A. Finn, and (6) Potential contribution of the urocortin system to regulation of alcohol self-administration, by Andrey E. Ryabinin and Ryan K. Bachtell.(B)
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalervo Kiianmaa
- Department of Mental Helath and Alcohol Research, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland
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Abstract
The pharmacological effects of ethanol are complex and widespread without a well-defined target. Since glutamatergic and GABAergic innervation are both dense and diffuse and account for more than 80% of the neuronal circuitry in the human brain, alterations in glutamatergic and GABAergic function could affect the function of all neurotransmitter systems. Here, we review recent progress in glutamatergic and GABAergic systems with a special focus on their roles in alcohol dependence and alcohol withdrawal-induced seizures. In particular, NMDA-receptors appear to play a central role in alcohol dependence and alcohol-induced neurological disorders. Hence, NMDA receptor antagonists may have multiple functions in treating alcoholism and other addictions and they may become important therapeutics for numerous disorders including epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's chorea, anxiety, neurotoxicity, ischemic stroke, and chronic pain. One of the new family of NMDA receptor antagonists, such as DETC-MESO, which regulate the redox site of NMDA receptors, may prove to be the drug of choice for treating alcoholism as well as many neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Davis
- Department of Medical Chemistry, 1043 Haworth Hall, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045-2106, USA
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