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Oriol L, Chao M, Kollman GJ, Dowlat DS, Singhal SM, Steinkellner T, Hnasko TS. Ventral tegmental area interneurons revisited: GABA and glutamate projection neurons make local synapses. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.07.597996. [PMID: 38895464 PMCID: PMC11185768 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.07.597996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The ventral tegmental area (VTA) contains projection neurons that release the neurotransmitters dopamine, GABA, and/or glutamate from distal synapses. VTA also contains GABA neurons that synapse locally on to VTA dopamine neurons, synapses widely credited to a population of so-called VTA interneurons. Interneurons in cortex, striatum, and elsewhere have well-defined morphological features, physiological properties, and molecular markers, but such features have not been clearly described in VTA. Indeed, there is scant evidence that local and distal synapses originate from separate populations of VTA GABA neurons. In this study we tested whether several markers expressed in non-dopamine VTA neurons are selective markers of interneurons, defined as neurons that synapse locally but not distally. Challenging previous assumptions, we found that VTA neurons genetically defined by expression of parvalbumin, somatostatin, neurotensin, or mu-opioid receptor project to known VTA targets including nucleus accumbens, ventral pallidum, lateral habenula, and prefrontal cortex. Moreover, we provide evidence that VTA GABA and glutamate projection neurons make functional inhibitory or excitatory synapses locally within VTA. These findings suggest that local collaterals of VTA projection neurons could mediate functions prior attributed to VTA interneurons. This study underscores the need for a refined understanding of VTA connectivity to explain how heterogeneous VTA circuits mediate diverse functions related to reward, motivation, or addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Oriol
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, United States
| | - Melody Chao
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, United States
| | - Grace J Kollman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, United States
| | - Dina S Dowlat
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, United States
| | - Sarthak M Singhal
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, United States
| | - Thomas Steinkellner
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas S Hnasko
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, United States
- Research Service VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, United States
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2
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Williams BM, Steed ND, Woolley JT, Moedl AA, Nelson CA, Jones GC, Burris MD, Arias HR, Kim OH, Jang EY, Hone AJ, McIntosh JM, Yorgason JT, Steffensen SC. Catharanthine Modulates Mesolimbic Dopamine Transmission and Nicotine Psychomotor Effects via Inhibition of α6-Nicotinic Receptors and Dopamine Transporters. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:1738-1754. [PMID: 38613458 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Iboga alkaloids, also known as coronaridine congeners, have shown promise in the treatment of alcohol and opioid use disorders. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of catharanthine and 18-methoxycoronaridine (18-MC) on dopamine (DA) transmission and cholinergic interneurons in the mesolimbic DA system, nicotine-induced locomotor activity, and nicotine-taking behavior. Utilizing ex vivo fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) in the nucleus accumbens core of male mice, we found that catharanthine or 18-MC differentially inhibited evoked DA release. Catharanthine inhibition of evoked DA release was significantly reduced by both α4 and α6 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) antagonists. Additionally, catharanthine substantially increased DA release more than vehicle during high-frequency stimulation, although less potently than an α4 nAChR antagonist, which confirms previous work with nAChR antagonists. Interestingly, while catharanthine slowed DA reuptake measured via FSCV ex vivo, it also increased extracellular DA in striatal dialysate from anesthetized mice in vivo in a dose-dependent manner. Superfusion of catharanthine or 18-MC inhibited the firing rate of striatal cholinergic interneurons in a concentration dependent manner, which are known to potently modulate presynaptic DA release. Catharanthine or 18-MC suppressed acetylcholine currents in oocytes expressing recombinant rat α6/α3β2β3 or α6/α3β4 nAChRs. In behavioral experiments using male Sprague-Dawley rats, systemic administration of catharanthine or 18-MC blocked nicotine enhancement of locomotor activity. Importantly, catharanthine attenuated nicotine self-administration in a dose-dependent manner while having no effect on food reinforcement. Lastly, administration of catharanthine and nicotine together greatly increased head twitch responses, indicating a potential synergistic hallucinogenic effect. These findings demonstrate that catharanthine and 18-MC have similar, but not identical effects on striatal DA dynamics, striatal cholinergic interneuron activity and nicotine psychomotor effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin M Williams
- Department of Psychology/Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, United States
| | - Nathan D Steed
- Department of Psychology/Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, United States
| | - Joel T Woolley
- Department of Psychology/Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, United States
| | - Aubrey A Moedl
- Department of Psychology/Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, United States
| | - Christina A Nelson
- Department of Psychology/Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, United States
| | - Gavin C Jones
- Department of Psychology/Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, United States
| | - Matthew D Burris
- Department of Psychology/Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, United States
| | - Hugo R Arias
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Tahlequah, Oklahoma 74464, United States
| | - Oc-Hee Kim
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Korea
| | - Eun Young Jang
- Department of Advanced Toxicology Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Korea
| | - Arik J Hone
- George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Departments of Psychiatry and Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Departments of Psychiatry and Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Jordan T Yorgason
- Department of Psychology/Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, United States
| | - Scott C Steffensen
- Department of Psychology/Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, United States
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McArdle CJ, Arnone AA, Heaney CF, Raab-Graham KF. A paradoxical switch: the implications of excitatory GABAergic signaling in neurological disorders. Front Psychiatry 2024; 14:1296527. [PMID: 38268565 PMCID: PMC10805837 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1296527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. In the mature brain, inhibitory GABAergic signaling is critical in maintaining neuronal homeostasis and vital human behaviors such as cognition, emotion, and motivation. While classically known to inhibit neuronal function under physiological conditions, previous research indicates a paradoxical switch from inhibitory to excitatory GABAergic signaling that is implicated in several neurological disorders. Various mechanisms have been proposed to contribute to the excitatory switch such as chloride ion dyshomeostasis, alterations in inhibitory receptor expression, and modifications in GABAergic synaptic plasticity. Of note, the hypothesized mechanisms underlying excitatory GABAergic signaling are highlighted in a number of neurodevelopmental, substance use, stress, and neurodegenerative disorders. Herein, we present an updated review discussing the presence of excitatory GABAergic signaling in various neurological disorders, and their potential contributions towards disease pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J. McArdle
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Alana A. Arnone
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Department of General Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Chelcie F. Heaney
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Kimberly F. Raab-Graham
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
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Yuen J, Goyal A, Rusheen AE, Kouzani AZ, Berk M, Kim JH, Tye SJ, Abulseoud OA, Oesterle TS, Blaha CD, Bennet KE, Lee KH, Oh Y, Shin H. Oxycodone-induced dopaminergic and respiratory effects are modulated by deep brain stimulation. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1199655. [PMID: 37408764 PMCID: PMC10318172 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1199655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Opioids are the leading cause of overdose death in the United States, accounting for almost 70,000 deaths in 2020. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a promising new treatment for substance use disorders. Here, we hypothesized that VTA DBS would modulate both the dopaminergic and respiratory effect of oxycodone. Methods: Multiple-cyclic square wave voltammetry (M-CSWV) was used to investigate how deep brain stimulation (130 Hz, 0.2 ms, and 0.2 mA) of the rodent ventral segmental area (VTA), which contains abundant dopaminergic neurons, modulates the acute effects of oxycodone administration (2.5 mg/kg, i.v.) on nucleus accumbens core (NAcc) tonic extracellular dopamine levels and respiratory rate in urethane-anesthetized rats (1.5 g/kg, i.p.). Results: I.V. administration of oxycodone resulted in an increase in NAcc tonic dopamine levels (296.9 ± 37.0 nM) compared to baseline (150.7 ± 15.5 nM) and saline administration (152.0 ± 16.1 nM) (296.9 ± 37.0 vs. 150.7 ± 15.5 vs. 152.0 ± 16.1, respectively, p = 0.022, n = 5). This robust oxycodone-induced increase in NAcc dopamine concentration was associated with a sharp reduction in respiratory rate (111.7 ± 2.6 min-1 vs. 67.9 ± 8.3 min-1; pre- vs. post-oxycodone; p < 0.001). Continuous DBS targeted at the VTA (n = 5) reduced baseline dopamine levels, attenuated the oxycodone-induced increase in dopamine levels to (+39.0% vs. +95%), and respiratory depression (121.5 ± 6.7 min-1 vs. 105.2 ± 4.1 min-1; pre- vs. post-oxycodone; p = 0.072). Discussion: Here we demonstrated VTA DBS alleviates oxycodone-induced increases in NAcc dopamine levels and reverses respiratory suppression. These results support the possibility of using neuromodulation technology for treatment of drug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Yuen
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- IMPACT—The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Abhinav Goyal
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Aaron E. Rusheen
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Abbas Z. Kouzani
- School of Engineering, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael Berk
- IMPACT—The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Jee Hyun Kim
- IMPACT—The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Susannah J. Tye
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | | | | | - Charles D. Blaha
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Kevin E. Bennet
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Division of Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Kendall H. Lee
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Yoonbae Oh
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Hojin Shin
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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5
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Wadsworth HA, Anderson EQ, Williams BM, Ronström JW, Moen JK, Lee AM, McIntosh JM, Wu J, Yorgason JT, Steffensen SC. Role of α6-Nicotinic Receptors in Alcohol-Induced GABAergic Synaptic Transmission and Plasticity to Cholinergic Interneurons in the Nucleus Accumbens. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:3113-3129. [PMID: 36802012 PMCID: PMC10690621 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03263-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
The prevailing view is that enhancement of dopamine (DA) transmission in the mesolimbic system, consisting of DA neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) that project to the nucleus accumbens (NAc), underlies the reward properties of ethanol (EtOH) and nicotine (NIC). We have shown previously that EtOH and NIC modulation of DA release in the NAc is mediated by α6-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α6*-nAChRs), that α6*-nAChRs mediate low-dose EtOH effects on VTA GABA neurons and EtOH preference, and that α6*-nAChRs may be a molecular target for low-dose EtOH. However, the most sensitive target for reward-relevant EtOH modulation of mesolimbic DA transmission and the involvement of α6*-nAChRs in the mesolimbic DA reward system remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate EtOH effects on GABAergic modulation of VTA GABA neurons and VTA GABAergic input to cholinergic interneurons (CINs) in the NAc. Low-dose EtOH enhanced GABAergic input to VTA GABA neurons that was blocked by knockdown of α6*-nAChRs. Knockdown was achieved either by α6-miRNA injected into the VTA of VGAT-Cre/GAD67-GFP mice or by superfusion of the α-conotoxin MII[H9A;L15A] (MII). Superfusion of MII blocked EtOH inhibition of mIPSCs in NAc CINs. Concomitantly, EtOH enhanced CIN firing rate, which was blocked by knockdown of α6*-nAChRs with α6-miRNA injected into the VTA of VGAT-Cre/GAD67-GFP mice. The firing rate of CINs was not enhanced by EtOH in EtOH-dependent mice, and low-frequency stimulation (LFS; 1 Hz, 240 pulses) caused inhibitory long-term depression at this synapse (VTA-NAc CIN-iLTD) which was blocked by knockdown of α6*-nAChR and MII. Ethanol inhibition of CIN-mediated evoked DA release in the NAc was blocked by MII. Taken together, these findings suggest that α6*-nAChRs in the VTA-NAc pathway are sensitive to low-dose EtOH and play a role in plasticity associated with chronic EtOH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hillary A Wadsworth
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, 1050 KMBL, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | - Elizabeth Q Anderson
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, 1050 KMBL, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | - Benjamin M Williams
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, 1050 KMBL, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | - Joakim W Ronström
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, 1050 KMBL, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | - Janna K Moen
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Anna M Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- School of Biological Sciences and Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
- George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, 84148, USA
| | - Jie Wu
- Brain Function and Disease Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Jordan T Yorgason
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, 1050 KMBL, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | - Scott C Steffensen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, 1050 KMBL, Provo, UT, 84602, USA.
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6
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Chang VN, Peters J. Neural circuits controlling choice behavior in opioid addiction. Neuropharmacology 2023; 226:109407. [PMID: 36592884 PMCID: PMC9898219 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
As the opioid epidemic presents an ever-expanding public health threat, there is a growing need to identify effective new treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD). OUD is characterized by a behavioral misallocation in choice behavior between opioids and other rewards, as opioid use leads to negative consequences, such as job loss, family neglect, and potential overdose. Preclinical models of addiction that incorporate choice behavior, as opposed to self-administration of a single drug reward, are needed to understand the neural circuits governing opioid choice. These choice models recapitulate scenarios that humans suffering from OUD encounter in their daily lives. Indeed, patients with substance use disorders (SUDs) exhibit a propensity to choose drug under certain conditions. While most preclinical addiction models have focused on relapse as the outcome measure, our data suggest that choice is an independent metric of addiction severity, perhaps relating to loss of cognitive control over choice, as opposed to excessive motivational drive to seek drugs during relapse. In this review, we examine both preclinical and clinical literature on choice behavior for drugs, with a focus on opioids, and the neural circuits that mediate drug choice versus relapse. We argue that preclinical models of opioid choice are needed to identify promising new avenues for OUD therapy that are translationally relevant. Both forward and reverse translation will be necessary to identify novel treatment interventions. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Opioid-induced changes in addiction and pain circuits".
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria N Chang
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Jamie Peters
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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7
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Oliva I, Saberi SA, Rangel‐Barajas C, Iyer V, Bunner KD, Lai YY, Kulkarni PM, Garai S, Thakur GA, Crystal JD, Rebec GV, Hohmann AG. Inhibition of PSD95-nNOS protein-protein interactions decreases morphine reward and relapse vulnerability in rats. Addict Biol 2022; 27:e13220. [PMID: 36001441 PMCID: PMC9539577 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Glutamate signalling through the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) activates the enzyme neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) to produce the signalling molecule nitric oxide (NO). We hypothesized that disruption of the protein-protein interaction between nNOS and the scaffolding protein postsynaptic density 95 kDa (PSD95) would block NMDAR-dependent NO signalling and represent a viable therapeutic route to decrease opioid reward and relapse-like behaviour without the unwanted side effects of NMDAR antagonists. We used a conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm to evaluate the impact of two small-molecule PSD95-nNOS inhibitors, IC87201 and ZL006, on the rewarding effects of morphine. Both IC87201 and ZL006 blocked morphine-induced CPP at doses that lacked intrinsic rewarding or aversive properties. Furthermore, in vivo fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) was used to ascertain the impact of ZL006 on morphine-induced increases in dopamine (DA) efflux in the nucleus accumbens shell (NAc shell) evoked by electrical stimulation of the medial forebrain bundle (MFB). ZL006 attenuated morphine-induced increases in DA efflux at a dose that did not have intrinsic effects on DA transmission. We also employed multiple intravenous drug self-administration approaches to examine the impact of ZL006 on the reinforcing effects of morphine. Interestingly, ZL006 did not alter acquisition or maintenance of morphine self-administration, but reduced lever pressing in a morphine relapse test after forced abstinence. Our results provide behavioural and neurochemical support for the hypothesis that inhibition of PSD95-nNOS protein-protein interactions decreases morphine reward and relapse-like behaviour, highlighting a previously unreported application for these novel therapeutics in the treatment of opioid addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idaira Oliva
- Department of Psychological and Brain SciencesIndiana UniversityBloomingtonINUSA
| | - Shahin A. Saberi
- Department of Psychological and Brain SciencesIndiana UniversityBloomingtonINUSA
| | | | - Vishakh Iyer
- Department of Psychological and Brain SciencesIndiana UniversityBloomingtonINUSA,Program in NeuroscienceIndiana UniversityBloomingtonINUSA
| | - Kendra D. Bunner
- Department of Psychological and Brain SciencesIndiana UniversityBloomingtonINUSA,Program in NeuroscienceIndiana UniversityBloomingtonINUSA
| | - Yvonne Y. Lai
- Department of Psychological and Brain SciencesIndiana UniversityBloomingtonINUSA
| | | | - Sumanta Garai
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesNortheastern UniversityBostonMAUSA
| | - Ganesh A. Thakur
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesNortheastern UniversityBostonMAUSA
| | - Jonathon D. Crystal
- Department of Psychological and Brain SciencesIndiana UniversityBloomingtonINUSA,Program in NeuroscienceIndiana UniversityBloomingtonINUSA
| | - George V. Rebec
- Department of Psychological and Brain SciencesIndiana UniversityBloomingtonINUSA,Program in NeuroscienceIndiana UniversityBloomingtonINUSA
| | - Andrea G. Hohmann
- Department of Psychological and Brain SciencesIndiana UniversityBloomingtonINUSA,Program in NeuroscienceIndiana UniversityBloomingtonINUSA,Gill Center for Biomolecular ScienceIndiana UniversityBloomingtonINUSA
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8
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Withey SL, Cao L, de Moura FB, Cayetano KR, Rohan ML, Bergman J, Kohut SJ. Fentanyl-induced changes in brain activity in awake nonhuman primates at 9.4 Tesla. Brain Imaging Behav 2022; 16:1684-1694. [PMID: 35226333 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-022-00639-4] [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] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been used to study the influence of opioids on neural circuitry implicated in opioid use disorder, such as the cortico-striatal-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuit. Given the increase in fentanyl-related deaths, this study was conducted to characterize the effects of fentanyl on patterns of brain activation in awake nonhuman primates. Four squirrel monkeys were acclimated to awake scanning procedures conducted at 9.4 Tesla. Subsequently, test sessions were conducted in which a dose of fentanyl that reliably maintains intravenous (IV) self-administration behavior in monkeys, 1 μg/kg, was administered and the effects on patterns of brain activity were assessed using: (1) a pharmacological regressor to elucidate fentanyl-induced patterns of neural activity, and (2) seed-based approaches targeting bilateral anterior cingulate, thalamus, or nucleus accumbens (NAc) to determine alterations in CSTC functional connectivity. Results showed a functional inhibition of BOLD signal in brain regions that mediate behavioral effects of opioid agonists, such as cingulate cortex, striatum and midbrain. Functional connectivity between each of the seed regions and areas involved in motoric, sensory and cognition-related behavior generally decreased. In contrast, NAc functional connectivity with other striatal regions increased. These results indicate that fentanyl produces changes within CSTC circuitry that may reflect key features of opioid use disorder (e.g. persistent drug-taking/seeking) and thereby contribute to long-term disruptions in behavior and addiction. They also indicate that fMRI in alert nonhuman primates can detect drug-induced changes in neural circuits and, in turn, may be useful for investigating the effectiveness of medications to reverse drug-induced dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Withey
- Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital - Harvard Medical School, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA.
| | - Lei Cao
- Behavioral Neuroimaging Laboratory, McLean Hospital - Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA.,McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital - Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Fernando B de Moura
- Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital - Harvard Medical School, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA.,Behavioral Neuroimaging Laboratory, McLean Hospital - Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA.,McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital - Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Kenroy R Cayetano
- McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital - Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Michael L Rohan
- McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital - Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Jack Bergman
- Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital - Harvard Medical School, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
| | - Stephen J Kohut
- Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital - Harvard Medical School, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA.,Behavioral Neuroimaging Laboratory, McLean Hospital - Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA.,McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital - Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA
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9
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Parishar P, Sehgal N, Iyengar S. The expression of delta opioid receptor mRNA in adult male zebra finches (Taenopygia guttata). PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256599. [PMID: 34464410 PMCID: PMC8407588 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The endogenous opioid system is evolutionarily conserved across reptiles, birds and mammals and is known to modulate varied brain functions such as learning, memory, cognition and reward. To date, most of the behavioral and anatomical studies in songbirds have mainly focused on μ-opioid receptors (ORs). Expression patterns of δ-ORs in zebra finches, a well-studied species of songbird have not yet been reported, possibly due to the high sequence similarity amongst different opioid receptors. In the present study, a specific riboprobe against the δ-OR mRNA was used to perform fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on sections from the male zebra finch brain. We found that δ-OR mRNA was expressed in different parts of the pallium, basal ganglia, cerebellum and the hippocampus. Amongst the song control and auditory nuclei, HVC (abbreviation used as a formal name) and NIf (nucleus interfacialis nidopallii) strongly express δ-OR mRNA and stand out from the surrounding nidopallium. Whereas the expression of δ-OR mRNA is moderate in LMAN (lateral magnocellular nucleus of the anterior nidopallium), it is low in the MSt (medial striatum), Area X, DLM (dorsolateral nucleus of the medial thalamus), RA (robust nucleus of the arcopallium) of the song control circuit and Field L, Ov (nucleus ovoidalis) and MLd (nucleus mesencephalicus lateralis, pars dorsalis) of the auditory pathway. Our results suggest that δ-ORs may be involved in modulating singing, song learning as well as spatial learning in zebra finches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Parishar
- National Brain Research Centre, Gurugram, Haryana, India
| | - Neha Sehgal
- National Brain Research Centre, Gurugram, Haryana, India
| | - Soumya Iyengar
- National Brain Research Centre, Gurugram, Haryana, India
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10
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Merhar SL, Kline JE, Braimah A, Kline-Fath BM, Tkach JA, Altaye M, He L, Parikh NA. Prenatal opioid exposure is associated with smaller brain volumes in multiple regions. Pediatr Res 2021; 90:397-402. [PMID: 33177677 PMCID: PMC8110593 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-020-01265-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of prenatal opioid exposure on brain development remains poorly understood. METHODS We conducted a prospective study of term-born infants with and without prenatal opioid exposure. Structural brain MRI was performed between 40 and 48 weeks postmenstrual age. T2-weighted images were processed using the Developing Human Connectome Project structural pipeline. We compared 63 relative regional brain volumes between groups. RESULTS Twenty-nine infants with prenatal opioid exposure and 42 unexposed controls were included. The groups had similar demographics, except exposed infants had lower birth weights, more maternal smoking and maternal Hepatitis C, fewer mothers with a college degree, and were more likely non-Hispanic White. After controlling for sex, postmenstrual age at scan, birth weight, and maternal education, exposed infants had significantly smaller relative volumes of the deep gray matter, bilateral thalamic ventrolateral nuclei, bilateral insular white matter, bilateral subthalamic nuclei, brainstem, and cerebrospinal fluid. Exposed infants had larger relative volumes of the right cingulate gyrus white matter and left occipital lobe white matter. CONCLUSIONS Infants with prenatal opioid exposure had smaller brain volumes in multiple regions compared to controls, with two regions larger in the opioid-exposed group. Further research should focus on the relative contributions of maternal opioids and other exposures. IMPACT Prenatal opioid exposure is associated with developmental and behavioral consequences, but the direct effects of opioids on the developing human brain are poorly understood. Prior small studies using MRI have shown smaller regional brain volumes in opioid-exposed infants and children. After controlling for covariates, infants with prenatal opioid exposure scanned at 40-48 weeks postmenstrual age had smaller brain volumes in multiple regions compared to controls, with two regions larger in the opioid-exposed group. This adds to the literature showing potential impact of prenatal opioid exposure on the developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Merhar
- Perinatal Institute, Division of Neonatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Julia E Kline
- Perinatal Institute, Division of Neonatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Adebayo Braimah
- Imaging Research Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Beth M Kline-Fath
- Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jean A Tkach
- Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mekibib Altaye
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Lili He
- Perinatal Institute, Division of Neonatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nehal A Parikh
- Perinatal Institute, Division of Neonatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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11
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Lueptow LM, Shashkova EC, Miller MG, Evans CJ, Cahill CM. Insights into the Neurobiology of Craving in Opioid Use Disorder. CURRENT ANESTHESIOLOGY REPORTS 2021; 10:378-387. [PMID: 33424457 DOI: 10.1007/s40140-020-00420-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of review Opioids remain the most potent form of pain relief currently available, yet have a high abuse liability. Here we discuss underlying neurobiological changes in Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) that likely contribute to drug craving, which in turn drives continued drug use and relapse. Recent findings Craving has emerged as a strong indicator in drug-seeking and relapse. Studies have demonstrated a number of allostatic changes in circuitry that facilitate learning of drug-stimuli relationships, thereby augmenting cue-triggered drug use and relapse. Summary This review will focus on key neurobiological changes in underlying circuitry observed during the initial and continued exposure to opioids that result in an increase in neural-reactivity to drug-related intrinsic and extrinsic drug cues, and to enhanced learning of drug-context correlations. This sensitized learning state may be an indication of the underlying framework that drives craving and ultimately, motivates increased salience of drug cues and drives drug-seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay M Lueptow
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,Department of Psychology at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Shashkova
- Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Margaret G Miller
- Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Christopher J Evans
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Catherine M Cahill
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
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12
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Sustkova‐Fiserova M, Puskina N, Havlickova T, Lapka M, Syslova K, Pohorala V, Charalambous C. Ghrelin receptor antagonism of fentanyl-induced conditioned place preference, intravenous self-administration, and dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens in rats. Addict Biol 2020; 25:e12845. [PMID: 31696597 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The extended occurrence of fentanils abuse associated with the dramatic increase in opioid fatal overdoses and dependence strongly emphasizes insufficiencies in opioid addiction treatment. Recently, the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1A) antagonism was proposed as a promising mechanism for drug addiction therapy. However, the role of GHS-R1A and its endogenous ligand ghrelin in opioid abuse is still unclear. Therefore, the aim of our study was to clarify whether the GHS-R1A antagonist JMV2959 could reduce the fentanyl-induced conditioned place preference (CPP), the fentanyl intravenous self-administration (IVSA), and the tendency to relapse, but also whether JMV2959 could significantly influence the fentanyl-induced dopamine efflux in the nucleus accumbens (NAC) in rats, that importantly participates in opioids' reinforcing effects. Following an ongoing fentanyl self-administration, JMV2959 3 mg/kg was administered intraperitoneally 20 minutes before three consequent daily 360-minute IVSA sessions under a fixed ratio FR1, which significantly reduced the number of active lever-pressing, the number of infusions, and the fentanyl intake. Pretreatment with JMV2959 also reduced the fentanyl-seeking/relapse-like behaviour tested in rats on the 12th day of the forced abstinence period. Pretreatment with JMV2959 significantly and dose-dependently reduced the manifestation of fentanyl-CPP. The fentanyl-CPP development was reduced after the simultaneous administration of JMV2959 with fentanyl during conditioning. The JMV2959 significantly reduced the accumbens dopamine release induced by subcutaneous and intravenous fentanyl. Simultaneously, it affected the concentration of byproducts associated with dopamine metabolism in the NAC. Our findings suggest that GHS-R1A importantly participates in the rewarding/reinforcing effects of fentanyl.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nina Puskina
- Department of Addictology First Faculty of Medicine Charles University Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Havlickova
- Department of Pharmacology, Third Faculty of Medicine Charles University Czech Republic
| | - Marek Lapka
- Department of Pharmacology, Third Faculty of Medicine Charles University Czech Republic
| | - Kamila Syslova
- Laboratory of Medicinal Diagnostics Department of Organic Technology ICT Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Pohorala
- Department of Pharmacology, Third Faculty of Medicine Charles University Czech Republic
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13
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Lüscher C, Robbins TW, Everitt BJ. The transition to compulsion in addiction. Nat Rev Neurosci 2020; 21:247-263. [PMID: 32231315 PMCID: PMC7610550 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-020-0289-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Compulsion is a cardinal symptom of drug addiction (severe substance use disorder). However, compulsion is observed in only a small proportion of individuals who repeatedly seek and use addictive substances. Here, we integrate accounts of the neuropharmacological mechanisms that underlie the transition to compulsion with overarching learning theories, to outline how compulsion develops in addiction. Importantly, we emphasize the conceptual distinctions between compulsive drug-seeking behaviour and compulsive drug-taking behaviour (that is, use). In the latter, an individual cannot stop using a drug despite major negative consequences, possibly reflecting an imbalance in frontostriatal circuits that encode reward and aversion. By contrast, an individual may compulsively seek drugs (that is, persist in seeking drugs despite the negative consequences of doing so) when the neural systems that underlie habitual behaviour dominate goal-directed behavioural systems, and when executive control over this maladaptive behaviour is diminished. This distinction between different aspects of addiction may help to identify its neural substrates and new treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Lüscher
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Trevor W Robbins
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Barry J Everitt
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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14
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Winterdahl M, Noer O, Orlowski D, Schacht AC, Jakobsen S, Alstrup AKO, Gjedde A, Landau AM. Sucrose intake lowers μ-opioid and dopamine D2/3 receptor availability in porcine brain. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16918. [PMID: 31729425 PMCID: PMC6858372 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53430-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive sucrose consumption elicits addiction-like craving that may underpin the obesity epidemic. Opioids and dopamine mediate the rewarding effects of drugs of abuse, and of natural rewards from stimuli such as palatable food. We investigated the effects of sucrose using PET imaging with [11C]carfentanil (μ-opioid receptor agonist) and [11C]raclopride (dopamine D2/3 receptor antagonist) in seven female anesthetized Göttingen minipigs. We then gave minipigs access to sucrose solution for one hour on 12 consecutive days and performed imaging again 24 hours after the final sucrose access. In a smaller sample of five minipigs, we performed an additional [11C]carfentanil PET session after the first sucrose exposure. We calculated voxel-wise binding potentials (BPND) using the cerebellum as a region of non-displaceable binding, analyzed differences with statistical non-parametric mapping, and performed a regional analysis. After 12 days of sucrose access, BPND of both tracers had declined significantly in striatum, nucleus accumbens, thalamus, amygdala, cingulate cortex and prefrontal cortex, consistent with down-regulation of receptor densities. After a single exposure to sucrose, we found decreased binding of [11C]carfentanil in nucleus accumbens and cingulate cortex, consistent with opioid release. The lower availability of opioid and dopamine receptors may explain the addictive potential associated with intake of sucrose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Winterdahl
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ove Noer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Dariusz Orlowski
- Department of Neurosurgery and CENSE, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anna C Schacht
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Steen Jakobsen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Aage K O Alstrup
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Albert Gjedde
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Southern Denmark & Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Anne M Landau
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark. .,Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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15
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Buprenorphine and Methadone as Opioid Maintenance Treatments for Heroin-Addicted Patients Induce Oxidative Stress in Blood. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:9417048. [PMID: 31093318 PMCID: PMC6481042 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9417048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Buprenorphine and methadone are two substances widely used in the substitution treatment of patients who are addicted to opioids. Although it is known that they partly act efficiently towards this direction, there is no evidence regarding their effects on the redox status of patients, a mechanism that could potentially improve their action. Therefore, the aim of the present investigation was to examine the impact of buprenorphine and methadone, which are administered as substitutes to heroin-dependent patients on specific redox biomarkers in the blood. From the results obtained, both the buprenorphine (n = 21) and the methadone (n = 21) groups exhibited oxidative stress and compromised antioxidant defence. This was evident by the decreased glutathione (GSH) concentration and catalase activity in erythrocytes and the increased concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyls in the plasma, while there was no significant alteration of plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) compared to the healthy individuals (n = 29). Furthermore, methadone revealed more severe oxidant action compared to buprenorphine. Based on relevant studies, the tested substitutes mitigate the detrimental effects of heroin on patient redox status; still it appears that they need to be boosted. Therefore, concomitant antioxidant administration could potentially enhance their beneficial action, and most probably, buprenorphine that did not induce oxidative stress in such a severe mode as methadone, on the regulation of blood redox status.
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16
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Serotonin-1A receptor dependent modulation of pain and reward for improving therapy of chronic pain. Pharmacol Res 2018; 134:212-219. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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17
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Haleem DJ, Nawaz S, Salman T. Dopamine and serotonin metabolism associated with morphine reward and its inhibition with buspirone: A study in the rat striatum. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2018; 170:71-78. [PMID: 29782941 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2018.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Adaptations within the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and caudate nucleus (CN) dopamine neurotransmission are involved in behavioral sensitization and enhanced incentive motivation towards drug paired stimuli which lead to drug addiction. Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) can modulate dopamine neurotransmission to reduce rewarding effects of drugs of abuse. A recent study from our laboratory shows that rewarding effects of morphine are inhibited in rats co-treated with buspirone. To understand the neurochemical mechanism involved in morphine addiction and its inhibition with buspirone, present study determines the effects of buspirone, morphine and their co-administration on the metabolism of serotonin and dopamine in the NAc and CN. We find that rewarding effects of morphine are associated with an enhancement and attenuation of dopamine metabolism, respectively in the CN and NAc. Serotonin metabolism is enhanced in both regions. Co-administration of buspirone not only prevents rewarding effects of morphine, but its effects on the metabolism of dopamine and serotonin in the NAc and CN are also reversed. Results suggest that 5-HT1A receptor dependent modulation of dopamine neurotransmission in the CN and NAc is involved in the modulation of the rewarding effects of morphine in buspirone co-treated animals. The findings documenting an important role of 5-HT1A receptors in drug addiction suggest that synthetic opioid drugs with agonist activity of 5-HT1A receptors may prove non addictive analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darakhshan Jabeen Haleem
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Dr Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine & Drug Research (PCMD), International Center for Chemical and Biological Science (ICCBS), University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan.
| | - Shazia Nawaz
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Dr Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine & Drug Research (PCMD), International Center for Chemical and Biological Science (ICCBS), University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - Tabinda Salman
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Dr Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine & Drug Research (PCMD), International Center for Chemical and Biological Science (ICCBS), University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
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18
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Fujita M, Ide S, Ikeda K. Opioid and nondopamine reward circuitry and state-dependent mechanisms. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2018. [PMID: 29512887 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A common notion is that essentially all addictive drugs, including opioids, activate dopaminergic pathways in the brain reward system, and the inappropriate use of such drugs induces drug dependence. However, an opioid reward response is reportedly still observed in several models of dopamine depletion, including in animals that are treated with dopamine blockers, animals that are subjected to dopaminergic neuron lesions, and dopamine-deficient mice. The intracranial self-stimulation response is enhanced by stimulants but reduced by morphine. These findings suggest that dopaminergic neurotransmission may not always be required for opioid reward responses. Previous findings also indicate the possibility that dopamine-independent opioid reward may be observed in opioid-naive states but not in opioid-dependent states. Therefore, a history of opioid use should be considered when evaluating the dopamine dependency of opioid reward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayo Fujita
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Soichiro Ide
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Ikeda
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
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19
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Nelson AC, Williams SB, Pistorius SS, Park HJ, Woodward TJ, Payne AJ, Obray JD, Shin SI, Mabey JK, Steffensen SC. Ventral Tegmental Area GABA Neurons Are Resistant to GABA(A) Receptor-Mediated Inhibition During Ethanol Withdrawal. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:131. [PMID: 29556175 PMCID: PMC5844957 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The neural mechanisms underlying alcohol dependence are not well-understood. GABAergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are a relevant target for ethanol. They are inhibited by ethanol at physiologically-relevant levels in vivo and display marked hyperexcitability during withdrawal. In the present study, we examined the effects of the GABA(A) receptor agonist muscimol on VTA neurons ex vivo following withdrawal from acute and chronic ethanol exposure. We used standard cell-attached mode electrophysiology in the slice preparation to evaluate the effects of muscimol on VTA GABA neuron firing rate following exposure to acute and chronic ethanol in male CD-1 GAD-67 GFP mice. In the acute condition, the effect of muscimol on VTA neurons was evaluated 24 h and 7 days after a single in vivo dose of saline or ethanol. In the chronic condition, the effect of muscimol on VTA neurons was evaluated 24 h and 7 days after either 2 weeks of twice-daily IP ethanol or saline or following exposure to chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) vapor or air for 3 weeks. VTA GABA neuron firing rate was more sensitive to muscimol than DA neuron firing rate. VTA GABA neurons, but not DA neurons, were resistant to the inhibitory effects of muscimol recorded 24 h after a single ethanol injection or chronic ethanol exposure. Administration of the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 before ethanol injection restored the sensitivity of VTA GABA neurons to muscimol inhibition. Seven days after ethanol exposure, VTA GABA neuron firing rate was again susceptible to muscimol's inhibitory effects in the acute condition, but the resistance persisted in the chronic condition. These findings suggest that VTA GABA neurons exclusively undergo a shift in GABA(A) receptor function following acute and chronic exposure. There appears to be transient GABA(A) receptor-mediated plasticity after a single exposure to ethanol that is mediated by NMDA glutamate receptors. In addition, the resistance to muscimol inhibition in VTA GABA neurons persists in the dependent condition, which may contribute to the the hyperexcitability of VTA GABA neurons and inhibition of VTA DA neurons during withdrawal as well as the motivation to seek alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley C Nelson
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Stephanie B Williams
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Stephanie S Pistorius
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Hyun J Park
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Taylor J Woodward
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Andrew J Payne
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - J Daniel Obray
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Samuel I Shin
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Jennifer K Mabey
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Scott C Steffensen
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
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20
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Sustkova-Fiserova M, Charalambous C, Havlickova T, Lapka M, Jerabek P, Puskina N, Syslova K. Alterations in Rat Accumbens Endocannabinoid and GABA Content during Fentanyl Treatment: The Role of Ghrelin. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E2486. [PMID: 29165386 PMCID: PMC5713452 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The opioid-induced rise of extracellular dopamine, endocannabinoid anandamide and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentrations triggered by opioids in the nucleus accumbens shell (NACSh) most likely participate in opioid reward. We have previously demonstrated that systemic administration of ghrelin antagonist (JMV2959) significantly decreased morphine-induced dopamine and anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamine, AEA) increase in the NACSh. Fentanyl is considered as a µ-receptor-selective agonist. The aim of this study was to test whether JMV2959, a growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1A) antagonist, can influence the fentanyl-induced effects on anandamide, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and GABA in the NACSh and specify the involvement of GHS-R1A located in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAC). Using in vivo microdialysis in rats, we have found that pre-treatment with JMV2959 reversed dose dependently fentanyl-induced anandamide increases in the NACSh, resulting in a significant AEA decrease and intensified fentanyl-induced decreases in accumbens 2-AG levels, with both JMV2959 effects more expressed when administered into the NACSh in comparison to the VTA. JMV2959 pre-treatment significantly decreased the fentanyl-evoked accumbens GABA efflux and reduced concurrently monitored fentanyl-induced behavioural stimulation. Our current data encourage further investigation to assess if substances affecting GABA or endocannabinoid concentrations and action, such as GHS-R1A antagonists, can be used to prevent opioid-seeking behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Sustkova-Fiserova
- Department of Pharmacology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruska 87, 100 34 Prague 10, Czech Republic; (C.C.); (T.H.); (M.L.); (P.J.)
| | - Chrysostomos Charalambous
- Department of Pharmacology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruska 87, 100 34 Prague 10, Czech Republic; (C.C.); (T.H.); (M.L.); (P.J.)
| | - Tereza Havlickova
- Department of Pharmacology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruska 87, 100 34 Prague 10, Czech Republic; (C.C.); (T.H.); (M.L.); (P.J.)
| | - Marek Lapka
- Department of Pharmacology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruska 87, 100 34 Prague 10, Czech Republic; (C.C.); (T.H.); (M.L.); (P.J.)
| | - Pavel Jerabek
- Department of Pharmacology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruska 87, 100 34 Prague 10, Czech Republic; (C.C.); (T.H.); (M.L.); (P.J.)
| | - Nina Puskina
- Department of Addictology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Apolinarska 4, 128 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic;
| | - Kamila Syslova
- Laboratory of Medicinal Diagnostics, Department of Organic Technology ICT, Technicka 5, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic;
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21
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CB1-Dependent Long-Term Depression in Ventral Tegmental Area GABA Neurons: A Novel Target for Marijuana. J Neurosci 2017; 37:10943-10954. [PMID: 29038246 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0190-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The VTA is necessary for reward behavior with dopamine cells critically involved in reward signaling. Dopamine cells in turn are innervated and regulated by neighboring inhibitory GABA cells. Using whole-cell electrophysiology in juvenile-adolescent GAD67-GFP male mice, we examined excitatory plasticity in fluorescent VTA GABA cells. A novel CB1-dependent LTD was induced in GABA cells that was dependent on metabotropic glutamate receptor 5, and cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1). LTD was absent in CB1 knock-out mice but preserved in heterozygous littermates. Bath applied Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol depressed GABA cell activity, therefore downstream dopamine cells will be disinhibited; and thus, this could potentially result in increased reward. Chronic injections of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol occluded LTD compared with vehicle injections; however, a single exposure was insufficient to do so. As synaptic modifications by drugs of abuse are often tied to addiction, these data suggest a possible mechanism for the addictive effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in juvenile-adolescents, by potentially altering reward behavioral outcomes.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The present study identifies a novel form of glutamatergic synaptic plasticity in VTA GABA neurons, a currently understudied cell type that is critical for the brain's reward circuit, and how Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol occludes this plasticity. This study specifically addresses a potential unifying mechanism whereby marijuana could exert rewarding and addictive/withdrawal effects. Marijuana use and legalization are a pressing issue for many states in the United States. Although marijuana is the most commonly abused illicit drug, the implications of legalized, widespread, or continued usage are speculative. This study in juvenile-adolescent aged mice identifies a novel form of synaptic plasticity in VTA GABA cells, and the synaptic remodeling that can occur after Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol use.
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Opioid-induced rewards, locomotion, and dopamine activation: A proposed model for control by mesopontine and rostromedial tegmental neurons. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 83:72-82. [PMID: 28951251 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2017] [Revised: 08/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Opioids, such as morphine or heroin, increase forebrain dopamine (DA) release and locomotion, and support the acquisition of conditioned place preference (CPP) or self-administration. The most sensitive sites for these opioid effects in rodents are in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg). Opioid inhibition of GABA neurons in these sites is hypothesized to lead to arousing and rewarding effects through disinhibition of VTA DA neurons. We review findings that the laterodorsal tegmental (LDTg) and pedunculopontine tegmental (PPTg) nuclei, which each contain cholinergic, GABAergic, and glutamatergic cells, are important for these effects. LDTg and/or PPTg cholinergic inputs to VTA mediate opioid-induced locomotion and DA activation via VTA M5 muscarinic receptors. LDTg and/or PPTg cholinergic inputs to RMTg also modulate opioid-induced locomotion. Lesions or inhibition of LDTg or PPTg neurons reduce morphine-induced increases in forebrain DA release, acquisition of morphine CPP or self-administration. We propose a circuit model that links VTA and RMTg GABA with LDTg and PPTg neurons critical for DA-dependent opioid effects in drug-naïve rodents.
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Enrico P, Migliore M, Spiga S, Mulas G, Caboni F, Diana M. Morphofunctional alterations in ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons in acute and prolonged opiates withdrawal. A computational perspective. Neuroscience 2016; 322:195-207. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Lingford-Hughes A, Myers J, Watson B, Reid AG, Kalk N, Feeney A, Hammers A, Riaño-Barros DA, McGinnity CJ, Taylor LG, Rosso L, Brooks DJ, Turkheimer F, Nutt DJ. Using [(11)C]Ro15 4513 PET to characterise GABA-benzodiazepine receptors in opiate addiction: Similarities and differences with alcoholism. Neuroimage 2016; 132:1-7. [PMID: 26876472 PMCID: PMC4862962 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2016.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 01/31/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex and its subtypes are increasingly recognised in addiction. Using the α1/α5 benzodiazepine receptor PET radioligand [11C]Ro15 4513, we previously showed reduced binding in the nucleus accumbens and hippocampus in abstinent alcohol dependence. We proposed that reduced [11C]Ro15 4513 binding in the nucleus accumbens was a marker of addiction whilst the reduction in hippocampus and positive relationship with memory was a consequence of chronic alcohol abuse. To examine this further we assessed [11C]Ro15 4513 binding in another addiction, opiate dependence, and used spectral analysis to estimate contributions of α1 and α5 subtypes to [11C]Ro15 4513 binding in opiate and previously acquired alcohol-dependent groups. Opiate substitute maintained opiate-dependent men (n = 12) underwent an [11C]Ro15 4513 PET scan and compared with matched healthy controls (n = 13). We found a significant reduction in [11C]Ro15 4513 binding in the nucleus accumbens in the opiate-dependent compared with the healthy control group. There was no relationship between [11C]Ro15 4513 binding in the hippocampus with memory. We found that reduced [11C]Ro15 4513 binding was associated with reduced α5 but not α1 subtypes in the opiate-dependent group. This was also seen in an alcohol-dependent group where an association between memory performance and [11C]Ro15 4513 binding was primarily driven by α5 and not α1 subtype. We suggest that reduced α5 levels in the nucleus accumbens are associated with addiction since we have now shown this in dependence to two pharmacologically different substances, alcohol and opiates. Lower [11C]Ro15 4513 binding is evident in the nucleus accumbens of opiate addicts. This appears primarily due to lower levels of α5 subtype of the GABA-A receptor. Lower [11C]Ro15 4513 binding is similarly found in alcoholism. Lower levels of α5 GABA-A receptor in nucleus accumbens may underpin addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Lingford-Hughes
- Centre for Neuropsychopharmacology, Imperial College London, Du Cane Rd., London W12 0NN, United Kingdom; Psychopharmacology Unit, University of Bristol, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, United Kingdom; MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; Hammersmith Imanet Ltd., Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Rd., London W12 0NN, United Kingdom.
| | - James Myers
- Centre for Neuropsychopharmacology, Imperial College London, Du Cane Rd., London W12 0NN, United Kingdom; Psychopharmacology Unit, University of Bristol, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, United Kingdom; MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Watson
- Psychopharmacology Unit, University of Bristol, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, United Kingdom; MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; Hammersmith Imanet Ltd., Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Rd., London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Alastair G Reid
- Psychopharmacology Unit, University of Bristol, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, United Kingdom; MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; Hammersmith Imanet Ltd., Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Rd., London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Kalk
- Centre for Neuropsychopharmacology, Imperial College London, Du Cane Rd., London W12 0NN, United Kingdom; Psychopharmacology Unit, University of Bristol, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, United Kingdom; MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Feeney
- Psychopharmacology Unit, University of Bristol, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, United Kingdom; MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Hammers
- MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniela A Riaño-Barros
- MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Colm J McGinnity
- MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lindsay G Taylor
- Psychopharmacology Unit, University of Bristol, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, United Kingdom
| | - Lula Rosso
- MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - David J Brooks
- MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; Hammersmith Imanet Ltd., Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Rd., London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Federico Turkheimer
- MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - David J Nutt
- Centre for Neuropsychopharmacology, Imperial College London, Du Cane Rd., London W12 0NN, United Kingdom; Psychopharmacology Unit, University of Bristol, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, United Kingdom; MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
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25
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Involvement of opioid signaling in food preference and motivation. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2016; 229:159-187. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Pascoli V, Terrier J, Hiver A, Lüscher C. Sufficiency of Mesolimbic Dopamine Neuron Stimulation for the Progression to Addiction. Neuron 2015; 88:1054-1066. [PMID: 26586182 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2015.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Revised: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The factors causing the transition from recreational drug consumption to addiction remain largely unknown. It has not been tested whether dopamine (DA) is sufficient to trigger this process. Here we use optogenetic self-stimulation of DA neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to selectively mimic the defining commonality of addictive drugs. All mice readily acquired self-stimulation. After weeks of abstinence, cue-induced relapse was observed in parallel with a potentiation of excitatory afferents onto D1 receptor-expressing neurons of the nucleus accumbens (NAc). When the mice had to endure a mild electric foot shock to obtain a stimulation, some stopped while others persevered. The resistance to punishment was associated with enhanced neural activity in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) while chemogenetic inhibition of the OFC reduced compulsivity. Together, these results show that stimulating VTA DA neurons induces behavioral and cellular hallmarks of addiction, indicating sufficiency for the induction and progression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Pascoli
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jean Terrier
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Agnès Hiver
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Christian Lüscher
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; Clinic of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospital, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
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Karoly HC, YorkWilliams SL, Hutchison KE. Clinical Neuroscience of Addiction: Similarities and Differences Between Alcohol and Other Drugs. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2015; 39:2073-84. [DOI: 10.1111/acer.12884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hollis C. Karoly
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience University of Colorado, Boulder Boulder Colorado
| | - Sophie L. YorkWilliams
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience University of Colorado, Boulder Boulder Colorado
| | - Kent E. Hutchison
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience University of Colorado, Boulder Boulder Colorado
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Berretta S, Heckers S, Benes FM. Searching human brain for mechanisms of psychiatric disorders. Implications for studies on schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2015; 167:91-7. [PMID: 25458567 PMCID: PMC4427537 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2014.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Revised: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In the past 25years, research on the human brain has been providing a clear path toward understanding the pathophysiology of psychiatric illnesses. The successes that have been accrued are matched by significant difficulties identifying and controlling a large number of potential confounding variables. By systematically and effectively accounting for unwanted variance in data from imaging and postmortem human brain studies, meaningful and reliable information regarding the pathophysiology of human brain disorders can be obtained. This perspective paper focuses on postmortem investigations to discuss some of the most challenging sources of variance, including diagnosis, comorbidity, substance abuse and pharmacological treatment, which confound investigations of the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Berretta
- Translational Neuroscience Laboratory, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St., Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA 02115, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Stephan Heckers
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University. 161 21st Ave S. #T1217 Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Francine M. Benes
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Program in Structural and Molecular Neuroscience, 115 Mill St. Belmont MA, 02478, USA
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Allouche S, Le Marec T, Coquerel A, Noble F, Marie N. Striatal dopamine D1 and D2 receptors are differentially regulated following buprenorphine or methadone treatment. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:1527-33. [PMID: 25358852 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3785-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Chronic administration of morphine induces adaptations in neurotransmission system such as the dopamine pathway, and these modifications could be influenced by the drug administration pattern. Methadone and buprenorphine are the two main opioid substitution therapies, and despite their protracted use in humans, no study has investigated their ability to regulate dopamine system after chronic exposure/withdrawal. OBJECTIVES We evaluated the consequences of two administration patterns of methadone and buprenorphine on striatal dopamine D1 (D1R) and D2 (D2R) receptor levels. METHODS Mice were treated with escalating doses of methadone or buprenorphine for 5 days either once daily (binge) or three times a day (TTD). D1R and D2R density in striatum was measured by autoradiography using [(3)H]-SCH23390 and [(3)H]-raclopride, respectively, at 1 (WD1), 14 (WD14), and 35 (WD35) days after the last opioid injection. RESULTS A downregulation of D1R was observed upon TTD administration of buprenorphine and binge methadone treatment while an increase of those receptor levels was detected both with binge buprenorphine and TTD methadone treatments. Concerning the D2R, we rather measured an early or late downregulation with both agonists and administration patterns. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrated that methadone and buprenorphine were able to differentially regulate dopamine receptor density depending on the withdrawal period and the administration pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Allouche
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 8206, Paris, France
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Understanding opioid reward. Trends Neurosci 2015; 38:217-25. [PMID: 25637939 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2015.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Revised: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Opioids are the most potent analgesics in clinical use; however, their powerful rewarding properties can lead to addiction. The scientific challenge is to retain analgesic potency while limiting the development of tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Both rewarding and analgesic actions of opioids depend upon actions at the mu opioid (MOP) receptor. Systemic opioid reward requires MOP receptor function in the midbrain ventral tegmental area (VTA) which contains dopaminergic neurons. VTA dopaminergic neurons are implicated in various aspects of reward including reward prediction error, working memory, and incentive salience. It is now clear that subsets of VTA neurons have different pharmacological properties and participate in separate circuits. The degree to which MOP receptor agonists act on different VTA circuits depends upon the behavioral state of the animal, which can be altered by manipulations such as food deprivation or prior exposure to MOP receptor agonists.
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31
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Zamora-Martinez ER, Edwards S. Neuronal extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity as marker and mediator of alcohol and opioid dependence. Front Integr Neurosci 2014; 8:24. [PMID: 24653683 PMCID: PMC3949304 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2014.00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Early pioneering work in the field of biochemistry identified phosphorylation as a crucial post-translational modification of proteins with the ability to both indicate and arbitrate complex physiological processes. More recent investigations have functionally linked phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) to a variety of neurophysiological mechanisms ranging from acute neurotransmitter action to long-term gene expression. ERK phosphorylation serves as an intracellular bridging mechanism that facilitates neuronal communication and plasticity. Drugs of abuse, including alcohol and opioids, act as artificial yet powerful rewards that impinge upon natural reinforcement processes critical for survival. The graded progression from initial exposure to addiction (or substance dependence) is believed to result from drug- and drug context-induced adaptations in neuronal signaling processes across brain reward and stress circuits following excessive drug use. In this regard, commonly abused drugs as well as drug-associated experiences are capable of modifying the phosphorylation of ERK within central reinforcement systems. In addition, chronic drug and alcohol exposure may drive ERK-regulated epigenetic and structural alterations that underlie a long-term propensity for escalating drug use. Under the influence of such a neurobiological vulnerability, encountering drug-associated cues and contexts can produce subsequent alterations in ERK signaling that drive relapse to drug and alcohol seeking. Current studies are determining precisely which molecular and regional ERK phosphorylation-associated events contribute to the addiction process, as well as which neuroadaptations need to be targeted in order to return dependent individuals to a healthy state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva R Zamora-Martinez
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Scott Edwards
- Department of Physiology and Alcohol and Drug Abuse Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, LA, USA
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Joffe ME, Grueter CA, Grueter BA. Biological substrates of addiction. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. COGNITIVE SCIENCE 2014; 5:151-171. [PMID: 24999377 PMCID: PMC4078878 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.1273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Revised: 10/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This review is an introduction to addiction, the reward circuitry, and laboratory addiction models. Addiction is a chronic disease hallmarked by a state of compulsive drug seeking that persists despite negative consequences. Most of the advances in addiction research have centered on the canonical and contemporary drugs of abuse; however, addictions to other activities and stimuli also exist. Substances of abuse have the potential to induce long-lasting changes in the brain at the behavioral, circuit, and synaptic levels. Addiction-related behavioral changes involve initiation, escalation, and obsession to drug seeking and much of the current research is focused on mapping these manifestations to specific neural pathways. Drug abuse is well known to recruit components of the mesolimbic dopamine system, including the nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area. In addition, altered function of a wide variety of brain regions is tightly associated with specific manifestations of drug abuse. These regions peripheral to the mesolimbic pathway likely play a role in specific observed comorbidities and endophenotypes that can facilitate, or be caused by, substance abuse. Alterations in synaptic structure, function, and connectivity, as well as epigenetic and genetic mechanisms are thought to underlie the pathologies of addiction. In preclinical models, these persistent changes are studied at the levels of molecular pharmacology and biochemistry, ex vivo and in vivo electrophysiology, radiography, and behavior. Coordinating research efforts across these disciplines and examining cell type- and circuit-specific phenomena are crucial components for translating preclinical findings to viable medical interventions that effectively treat addiction and related disorders. WIREs Cogn Sci 2014, 5:151-171. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1273 Conflict of interest: The authors have declared no conflicts of interest for this article. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max E. Joffe
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
| | - Carrie A. Grueter
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
| | - Brad A. Grueter
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
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Abstract
As the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, glutamate plays an undisputable integral role in opiate addiction. This relates, in part, to the fact that addiction is a disorder of learning and memory, and glutamate is required for most types of memory formation. As opiate addiction develops, the addict becomes conditioned to engage in addictive behaviors, and these behaviors can be triggered by opiate-associated cues during abstinence, resulting in relapse. Some medications for opiate addiction exert their therapeutic effects at glutamate receptors, especially the NMDA receptor. Understanding the neural circuits controlling opiate addiction, and the locus of glutamate's actions within these circuits, will help guide the development of targeted pharmacotherapeutics for relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Peters
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, 1081BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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