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Sardari M, Mohammadpourmir F, Hosseinzadeh Sahafi O, Rezayof A. Neuronal biomarkers as potential therapeutic targets for drug addiction related to sex differences in the brain: Opportunities for personalized treatment approaches. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 134:111068. [PMID: 38944334 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Biological sex disparities manifest at various stages of drug addiction, including craving, substance abuse, abstinence, and relapse. These discrepancies are underpinned by notable distinctions in neurobiological substrates, encompassing brain structures, functions, and neurotransmitter systems implicated in drug addiction. Neuronal biomarkers, such as neurotransmitters, signaling proteins, and genes may be associated with the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment outcomes in both biological sexes afflicted by drug abuse. Sex differences in the neural reward system, mainly through dopaminergic transmission during drug abuse, can be attributed to modifications in neurotransmitter systems and signaling pathways. This results in distinct patterns of neural activation and responsiveness to addictive substances in males and females. Sex hormones, the estrus/menstrual cycle, and cerebral neurochemistry contribute to the progression of psychological and physiological dependence in both male and female individuals grappling with addiction. Moreover, the alteration of sex hormone balance and neurotransmitter release plays a pivotal role in substance use disorders, subsequently modulating cognitive functions pertinent to reward, including memory formation, decision-making, and locomotor activity. Comparative investigations reveal distinctions in brain region volume, gene expression, neuronal firing, and circuitry in substance use disorders affecting individuals of both biological sexes. This review examines prevalent substance use disorders to elucidate the impact of sex hormones as therapeutic biomarkers on the mesocorticolimbic neurotransmitter systems via diverse mechanisms within the addicted brain. We underscore the imperative necessity of considering these variations to gain a deeper comprehension of addiction mechanisms and potentially discern sex-specific neuronal biomarkers for tailored therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Sardari
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farina Mohammadpourmir
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Oveis Hosseinzadeh Sahafi
- Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Ameneh Rezayof
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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Recław R, Chmielowiec K, Suchanecka A, Boroń A, Chmielowiec J, Strońska-Pluta A, Kowalski MT, Masiak J, Trybek G, Grzywacz A. The Influence of Genetic Polymorphic Variability of the Catechol-O-methyltransferase Gene in a Group of Patients with a Diagnosis of Behavioural Addiction, including Personality Traits. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:299. [PMID: 38540358 PMCID: PMC10969953 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Gambling Disorder (GD) is characterised by a harmful, enduring, and recurrent involvement in betting-related behaviours. Therefore, GD shares similar biological mechanisms and symptoms to substance use disorders (SUD). Therefore, in this study, we chose the behavioural addictions group. During the examination and recruitment to the study, it turned out that all the people undergoing treatment for gambling addiction were also addicted to amphetamines, which is consistent with the biological mechanism related to cerebral neurotransmission. The aim of the study was to investigate the association of the COMT gene polymorphism with behavioral addiction. The study group consisted of 307 participants: 107 men with gambling disorder and amphetamine dependency (mean age = 27.51, SD = 5.25) and 200 non-addicted, nor dependent, free from neuro-psychiatric disorders control group men (mean age = 20.20, SD = 4.51). Both groups were subjected to psychometric evaluation using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the NEO Five-Factor Personality Inventory. Genomic DNA was extracted from venous blood following standard protocols. Determination of the rs4680 polymorphism in the COMT gene was performed using the real-time PCR technique. Statistically significant differences in the frequency of rs4680 genotypes were found in the tested sample of subjects compared with the control group (p = 0.03543). Subjects with gambling disorder and amphetamine use disorder compared to the control group obtained higher scores in the assessment of the STAI trait scale (p = 0.0019), state scale (p < 0.0000), and NEO-FFI Neuroticism scale (p < 0.0000). Significantly lower results were obtained for the NEO-FFI Agreeability scale (p < 0.0000). Additionally, a significant statistical impact of gambling disorder and amphetamine use disorder, and the COMT rs4680 genotype was demonstrated for the score of the STAI trait (p = 0.0351) and state (p = 0.0343) and the NEO-FFI Conscientiousness scale (p = 0.0018). We conclude that COMT and its polymorphic variant influence the development of addiction. Still, considering its multifactorial and polygenic nature, it should be combined with other factors such as personality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remigiusz Recław
- Foundation Strong in the Spirit, 60 Sienkiewicza St., 90-058 Łódź, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof Chmielowiec
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra, 28 Zyty St., 65-046 Zielona Góra, Poland; (K.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Aleksandra Suchanecka
- Independent Laboratory of Health Promotion, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (A.S.); (A.S.-P.)
| | - Agnieszka Boroń
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biochemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Aleja Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Jolanta Chmielowiec
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra, 28 Zyty St., 65-046 Zielona Góra, Poland; (K.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Aleksandra Strońska-Pluta
- Independent Laboratory of Health Promotion, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (A.S.); (A.S.-P.)
| | - Michał Tomasz Kowalski
- Clinical Department of Cardiology, Nowa Sól Multidisciplinary Hospital, 67-100 Nowa Sol, Poland;
| | - Jolanta Masiak
- II Department of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Głuska St., 20-059 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Grzegorz Trybek
- Department of Oral Surgery, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland;
- Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic, 4th Military Clinical Hospital in Wroclaw, ul. Rudolfa Weigla 5, 50-981 Wrolaw, Poland
| | - Anna Grzywacz
- Independent Laboratory of Health Promotion, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (A.S.); (A.S.-P.)
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Zhu M, Rogers NG, Jahad JV, Herman MA. Sex Differences in the Impact of Electronic Nicotine Vapor on Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Receptor 1 Neurons in the Mouse Ventral Tegmental Area. J Neurosci 2023; 43:3081-3093. [PMID: 37001989 PMCID: PMC10146490 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2087-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nicotine engages dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to encode reward and drive the development of nicotine addiction, however how nicotine alters a stress associated VTA population remains unclear. Here, we used male and female CRF1-GFP mice and nicotine vapor exposure to examine the effects of nicotine in VTA corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 (CRF1) neurons. We use immunohistochemistry and electrophysiology to examine neuronal activity, excitability, and inhibitory signaling. We found that VTA CRF1 neurons are mainly dopaminergic and project to the nucleus accumbens (NAc; VTA-NAcCRF1 neurons). VTA-NAcCRF1 neurons show greater phasic inhibition in naive females and greater focal nicotine-induced increases in firing in naive males. Following acute nicotine vapor exposure, phasic inhibition was not altered, but focal nicotine-induced tonic inhibition was enhanced in females and diminished in males. Acute nicotine vapor exposure did not affect firing in VTA-NAcCRF1 neurons, but females showed lower baseline firing and higher focal nicotine-induced firing. Activity (cFos) was increased in the CRF1 dopaminergic VTA population in both sexes, but with greater increases in females. Following chronic nicotine vapor exposure, both sexes displayed reduced basal phasic inhibition and the sex difference in tonic inhibition following acute vapor exposure was no longer observed. Additionally, activity of the CRF1 dopaminergic VTA population was no longer elevated in either sex. These findings reveal sex-dependent and exposure-dependent changes in mesolimbic VTA-NAc CRF1 neuronal activity, inhibitory signaling, and nicotine sensitivity following nicotine vapor exposure. These changes potentially contribute to nicotine-dependent behaviors and the intersection between stress, anxiety, and addiction.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Nicotine is known to engage reward systems in the brain historically centering the neurotransmitter dopamine however, how nicotine impacts other neurons in the reward pathway is less clear. The current study investigates the impact of acute and chronic electronic nicotine vapor exposure in a genetically-defined cell population containing the stress receptor corticotropin-releasing factor 1 (CRF1) that is located in the reward circuitry. This study employs functional measures of neuronal activity and identifies important sex differences in nicotine's effects across time and exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- ManHua Zhu
- Neuroscience Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Neil G Rogers
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Jasmine V Jahad
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Melissa A Herman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
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Lucente E, Söderpalm B, Ericson M, Adermark L. Acute and chronic effects by nicotine on striatal neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity in the female rat brain. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 15:1104648. [PMID: 36710931 PMCID: PMC9877298 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1104648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tobacco use is in part a gendered activity, yet neurobiological studies outlining the effect by nicotine on the female brain are scarce. The aim of this study was to outline acute and sub-chronic effects by nicotine on the female rat brain, with special emphasis on neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity in the dorsolateral striatum (DLS), a key brain region with respect to the formation of habits. Methods In vivo microdialysis and ex vivo electrophysiology were performed in nicotine naïve female Wistar rats, and following sub-chronic nicotine exposure (0.36 mg/kg free base, 15 injections). Locomotor behavior was assessed at the first and last drug-exposure. Results Acute exposure to nicotine ex vivo depresses excitatory neurotransmission by reducing the probability of transmitter release. Bath applied nicotine furthermore facilitated long-term synaptic depression induced by high frequency stimulation (HFS-LTD). The cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) agonist WIN55,212-2 produced a robust synaptic depression of evoked potentials, and HFS-LTD was blocked by the CB1R antagonist AM251, suggesting that HFS-LTD in the female rat DLS is endocannabinoid mediated. Sub-chronic exposure to nicotine in vivo produced behavioral sensitization and electrophysiological recordings performed after 2-8 days abstinence revealed a sustained depression of evoked population spike amplitudes in the DLS, with no concomitant change in paired pulse ratio. Rats receiving sub-chronic nicotine exposure further demonstrated an increased neurophysiological responsiveness to nicotine with respect to both dopaminergic- and glutamatergic signaling. However, a tolerance towards the plasticity facilitating property of bath applied nicotine was developed during sub-chronic nicotine exposure in vivo. In addition, the dopamine D2 receptor agonist quinpirole selectively facilitate HFS-LTD in slices from nicotine naïve rats, suggesting that the tolerance may be associated with changes in dopaminergic signaling. Conclusion Nicotine produces acute and sustained effects on striatal neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity in the female rat brain, which may contribute to the establishment of persistent nicotine taking habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Lucente
- Integrative Neuroscience Unit, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bo Söderpalm
- Addiction Biology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mia Ericson
- Addiction Biology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Louise Adermark
- Integrative Neuroscience Unit, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,*Correspondence: Louise Adermark, ✉
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DeVito EE, Sofuoglu M. Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Effects on Smoking: A Review and Proof of Concept of Sex-Sensitive Effects. Curr Behav Neurosci Rep 2022; 9:113-123. [PMID: 36644316 PMCID: PMC9838826 DOI: 10.1007/s40473-022-00251-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review This article reviews recent research on how catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) may impact cigarette smoking behavior, and how effects may be sex-sensitive. Preliminary data are presented on sex-sensitive effects of COMT on response to short-term abstinence in individuals who smoke. Recent Findings Although research is mixed, functional variants in the COMT gene have been linked with smoking behavior, cessation outcomes and nicotine abstinence-related symptoms. Our proof-of-concept preliminary data from a human laboratory study of individuals who smoke cigarettes found that those with the high COMT enzyme activity genotype (Val/Val) reported more severe smoking urges and withdrawal symptoms following overnight abstinence than Met carriers. These effects were present in women, but not in men and were abstinent-dependent, in that they dissipated following nicotine administration. Summary The preliminary data showing sex-sensitive pharmacogenetic effects may shed light on mechanisms contributing to sex differences in barriers to smoking cessation or potential sex-specific treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise E. DeVito
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mehmet Sofuoglu
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, New Haven, CT, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
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Quijano Cardé NA, Shaw J, Carter C, Kim S, Stitzel JA, Venkatesh SK, Ramchandani VA, De Biasi M. Mutation of the α5 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit increases ethanol and nicotine consumption in adolescence and impacts adult drug consumption. Neuropharmacology 2022; 216:109170. [PMID: 35752273 PMCID: PMC9308728 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol and nicotine are commonly used during adolescence, establishing long-lasting neuroplastic alterations that influence subsequent drug use and abuse. Drinking- and smoking-related traits have been extensively associated with variation in CHRNA5 - the gene that encodes the α5 subunit of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs16969968 in CHRNA5 encodes an amino acid substitution (D398N) that alters the function and pharmacokinetics of α5-containing nAChR. When expressed in rodents, this variant results in increased ethanol and nicotine operant self-administration. How disruption of α5-containing nAChRs influences adolescent ethanol and nicotine intake, and how it modulates interactions between these drugs has not been previously explored. In the present study, we examined volitional ethanol and nicotine consumption in adolescent mice (post-natal day 30-43) of both sexes with mutated (SNP) or lacking (KO) the α5 nAChR subunit. The effect of adolescent alcohol or nicotine exposure on home cage consumption of the opposite drug in adulthood and its modulation by Chrna5 mutation and sex were examined. During adolescence, we found that α5 nAChR disruption increases nicotine intake in mice of both sexes, but the effect on alcohol intake was only observed in females. The sex-specific increase in alcohol consumption in α5 SNP and KO was replicated in adulthood. The effect of adolescent alcohol or nicotine exposure on subsequent intake of the opposite drug in adulthood is modulated by sex and Chrna5 mutation. These observations suggest sex differences in the genetic architecture of alcohol dependence, and modulators of alcohol and nicotine interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia A Quijano Cardé
- Pharmacology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jessica Shaw
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christina Carter
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Seung Kim
- Neuroscience Program, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jerry A Stitzel
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Shyamala K Venkatesh
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Laboratory of Human Psychopharmacology, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Vijay A Ramchandani
- Laboratory of Human Psychopharmacology, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mariella De Biasi
- Pharmacology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Sex Differences in Dopamine Receptors and Relevance to Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11091199. [PMID: 34573220 PMCID: PMC8469878 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11091199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter that plays a key role in neuropsychiatric illness. Sex differences in dopaminergic signaling have been acknowledged for decades and have been linked to sex-specific heterogeneity in both dopamine-related behaviours as well as in various neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the overall number of studies that have evaluated sex differences in dopamine signaling, both in health and in these disorders, is low. This review will bring together what is known regarding sex differences in innate dopamine receptor expression and function, as well as highlight the known sex-specific roles of dopamine in addiction, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Due to differences in prognosis, diagnosis, and symptomatology between male and female subjects in disorders that involve dopamine signaling, or in responses that utilize pharmacological interventions that target dopamine receptors, understanding the fundamental sex differences in dopamine receptors is of vital importance for the personalization of therapeutic treatment strategies.
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Ciccocioppo R, de Guglielmo G, Li HW, Melis M, Caffino L, Shen Q, Domi A, Fumagalli F, Demopulos GA, Gaitanaris GA. Selective Inhibition of Phosphodiesterase 7 Enzymes Reduces Motivation for Nicotine Use through Modulation of Mesolimbic Dopaminergic Transmission. J Neurosci 2021; 41:6128-6143. [PMID: 34083258 PMCID: PMC8276738 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3180-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 5 million people die from diseases related to nicotine addiction and tobacco use each year. The nicotine-induced increase of corticomesolimbic dopaminergic (DAergic) transmission and hypodopaminergic conditions occurring during abstinence are important for maintaining drug-use habits. We examined the notion of reequilibrating DAergic transmission by inhibiting phosphodiesterase 7 (PDE7), an intracellular enzyme highly expressed in the corticomesolimbic circuitry and responsible for the degradation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), the main second messenger modulated by DA receptor activation. Using selective PDE7 inhibitors, we demonstrated in male rats that systemic PDE7 enzyme inhibition reduced nicotine self-administration and prevented reinstatement to nicotine seeking evoked by cues or by the pharmacological stressor yohimbine. The effect was also observed by direct application of the PDE7 inhibitors into the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell but not into the core. Inhibition of PDE7 resulted in increased DA- and cAMP-regulated neuronal phosphoprotein and cAMP response element-binding protein and their phosphorylated forms in the NAc. It also enhanced the DA D1 receptor agonism-mediated effects, indicating potentiation of protein kinase A-dependent transmission downstream of D1 receptor activation. In electrophysiological recordings from DA neurons in the lateral posterior ventral tegmental area, the PDE7 inhibitors attenuated the spontaneous activity of DA neurons. This effect was exerted through the potentiation of D1 receptor signaling and the subsequent facilitation of γ-aminobutyric acid transmission. The PDE7 inhibitors did not elicit conditioned place preference and did not induce intravenous self-administration, indicating lack of reinforcing properties. Thus, PDE7 inhibitors have the potential to treat nicotine abuse.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The World Health Organization estimates that there are 1.25 billion smokers worldwide, representing one-third of the global population over the age of 15. Nicotine-induced increase of corticomesolimbic DAergic transmission and hypodopaminergic conditions occurring during abstinence are critical for maintaining drug-use habits. Here, we demonstrate that nicotine consumption and relapse to nicotine seeking are attenuated by reequilibrating DAergic transmission through inhibition of PDE7, an intracellular enzyme responsible for the degradation of cAMP, the main second messenger modulated by DA receptor activation. PDE7 inhibition may represent a novel treatment approach to aid smoking cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Ciccocioppo
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Giordano de Guglielmo
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Hong Wu Li
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Miriam Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Lucia Caffino
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Quienwei Shen
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Ana Domi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Wills L, Kenny PJ. Addiction-related neuroadaptations following chronic nicotine exposure. J Neurochem 2021; 157:1652-1673. [PMID: 33742685 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The addiction-relevant molecular, cellular, and behavioral actions of nicotine are derived from its stimulatory effects on neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the central nervous system. nAChRs expressed by dopamine-containing neurons in the ventral midbrain, most notably in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), contribute to the reward-enhancing properties of nicotine that motivate the use of tobacco products. nAChRs are also expressed by neurons in brain circuits that regulate aversion. In particular, nAChRs expressed by neurons in the medial habenula (mHb) and the interpeduncular nucleus (IPn) to which the mHb almost exclusively projects regulate the "set-point" for nicotine aversion and control nicotine intake. Different nAChR subtypes are expressed in brain reward and aversion circuits and nicotine intake is titrated to maximally engage reward-enhancing nAChRs while minimizing the recruitment of aversion-promoting nAChRs. With repeated exposure to nicotine, reward- and aversion-related nAChRs and the brain circuits in which they are expressed undergo adaptations that influence whether tobacco use will transition from occasional to habitual. Genetic variation that influences the sensitivity of addiction-relevant brain circuits to the actions of nicotine also influence the propensity to develop habitual tobacco use. Here, we review some of the key advances in our understanding of the mechanisms by which nicotine acts on brain reward and aversion circuits and the adaptations that occur in these circuits that may drive addiction to nicotine-containing tobacco products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Wills
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paul J Kenny
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, USA
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Carcoba LM, Uribe KP, Ortegon S, Mendez IA, DeBiasi M, O'Dell LE. Amino acid systems in the interpeduncular nucleus are altered in a sex-dependent manner during nicotine withdrawal. J Neurosci Res 2021; 100:1573-1584. [PMID: 33751631 PMCID: PMC8455708 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Prior work in male rodents established that the medial habenula-interpeduncular nucleus (MHb-IPN) pathway modulates nicotine withdrawal. Specifically, withdrawal severity has been closely associated with inhibitory tone in the IPN via interneurons that release γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Inhibitory tone in the IPN is regulated by projections from the MHb that co-release glutamate and acetylcholine. Within the IPN, inhibitory tone is also regulated via corticotropin-releasing factor type 1 (CRF1) receptors that control GABA release from local interneurons. This study extends previous work by comparing sex differences in GABA, glutamate, as well serotonin levels in the IPN during precipitated nicotine withdrawal. Sex differences in withdrawal-induced neurochemical effects were also compared following systemic administration of a CRF1 receptor antagonist. The results revealed that there were no group differences in serotonin levels in the IPN. A major finding was that females displayed a larger withdrawal-induced increases in GABA levels in the IPN than males. Also, withdrawal increased IPN glutamate levels in a similar manner in females and males. Blockade of CRF1 receptors produced a larger suppression of the withdrawal-induced increases in GABA levels in the IPN of females versus males, an effect that was likely related to the robust increase in glutamate following administration of the CRF1 receptor antagonist in females. These data suggest that amino acid systems in the IPN modulate sex differences in the behavioral effects of nicotine withdrawal. Furthermore, our data imply that medications that target stress-induced activation of the IPN may reduce withdrawal severity, particularly in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis M Carcoba
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Kevin P Uribe
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Sebastian Ortegon
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Ian A Mendez
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Mariella DeBiasi
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Laura E O'Dell
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
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Cruz B, Carcoba LM, Flores RJ, Espinoza EJ, Nazarian A, O’Dell LE. Insulin restores the neurochemical effects of nicotine in the mesolimbic pathway of diabetic rats. J Neurochem 2021; 156:200-211. [PMID: 32562571 PMCID: PMC7749845 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This study examined whether insulin modulates the neurochemical effects of nicotine in the mesolimbic pathway of diabetic rats. The rats received vehicle or streptozotocin (STZ) to induce hypoinsulinemia. A subset of STZ-treated rats was implanted with insulin pellets that rapidly normalized glucose levels. Two-weeks later, dialysis probes were implanted into the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and ipsilateral ventral tegmental area (VTA). The next day, dialysate samples were collected during baseline and then following systemic administration of nicotine. Samples were also collected following intra-VTA administration of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor antagonist, bicuculline. Dopamine, GABA, glutamate, and acetylcholine (ACh) levels were assessed using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). The results revealed that vehicle-treated rats displayed a nicotine-induced increase in NAc dopamine levels. In contrast, STZ-treated rats did not display any changes in NAc dopamine following nicotine administration, an effect that was likely related to a concomitant increase in GABA and decrease in glutamate levels in both the NAc and VTA. Intra-VTA administration of bicuculline increased NAc dopamine in vehicle-treated rats, and this effect was absent in STZ-treated rats. Vehicle-treated rats displayed a nicotine-induced increase in ACh levels in the NAc (but not VTA), an effect that was lower in the NAc of STZ-treated rats. Insulin supplementation normalized the neurochemical effects of nicotine in the NAc and VTA of STZ-treated rats, suggesting that insulin modulates the neurochemical effects of nicotine in the mesolimbic pathway of diabetic rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Cruz
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Luis M. Carcoba
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Rodolfo J. Flores
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | | | - Arbi Nazarian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Laura E. O’Dell
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
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12
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Waeiss RA, Knight CP, Engleman EA, Hauser SR, Rodd ZA. Co-administration of ethanol and nicotine heightens sensitivity to ethanol reward within the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell and increasing NAc shell BDNF is sufficient to enhance ethanol reward in naïve Wistar rats. J Neurochem 2020; 152:556-569. [PMID: 31721205 PMCID: PMC10826843 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder most commonly presents as a polydrug disorder where greater than 85% are estimated to smoke. EtOH and nicotine (NIC) co-abuse or exposure results in unique neuroadaptations that are linked to behaviors that promote drug use. The current experiments aimed to identify neuroadaptations within the mesolimbic pathway produced by concurrent EtOH and NIC exposure. The experiments used four overall groups of male Wistar rats consisting of vehicle, EtOH or NIC alone, and EtOH+NIC. Drug exposure through direct infusion into the posterior ventral tegmental area (pVTA) stimulated release of glutamate and dopamine in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell, which was quantified through high-performance liquid chromatography. Additionally, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein levels were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A second experiment investigated the effects of drug pretreatment within the pVTA on the reinforcing properties of EtOH within the NAc shell through intracranial self-administration (ICSA). The concluding experiment evaluated the effect of NAc shell pretreatment with BDNF on EtOH reward utilizing ICSA within that region. The data indicated that only EtOH+NIC administration into the pVTA simultaneously increased glutamate, dopamine, and BDNF in the NAc shell. Moreover, only pVTA pretreatment with EtOH+NIC enhanced the reinforcing properties of EtOH in the NAc shell. BDNF pretreatment in the NAc shell was also sufficient to enhance the reinforcing properties of EtOH in the NAc shell. The collected data suggest that concurrent EtOH+NIC exposure results in a distinct neurochemical response and neuroadaptations within the mesolimbic pathway that alter EtOH reward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Waeiss
- Program in Medical Neuroscience, Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Christopher P Knight
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Eric A Engleman
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Sheketha R Hauser
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Zachary A Rodd
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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13
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Correa VL, Flores RJ, Carcoba LM, Arreguin MC, O'Dell LE. Sex differences in cholinergic systems in the interpeduncular nucleus following nicotine exposure and withdrawal. Neuropharmacology 2019; 158:107714. [PMID: 31325431 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The medial habenula-interpeduncular nucleus (MHb-IPN) pathway modulates negative affective states produced by nicotine withdrawal. Sex differences in the contribution of acetylcholine (ACh) systems in this pathway have not been explored. Thus, this study assessed ACh levels and gene expression of α- and β-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits in the IPN of female and male rats following nicotine treatment and withdrawal. Rats were prepared with a pump that delivered nicotine for 14 days, and naïve controls received a sham surgery. In Study 1, rats were prepared with a probe in the IPN, and ACh levels were measured following saline and then mecamylamine administration. In Study 2, separate groups of naïve control or nicotine-treated rats received saline or mecamylamine and physical signs and anxiety-like behavior were assessed using elevated plus maze (EPM) procedures. The IPN was then dissected and mRNA levels were assessed using RT-qPCR methods. Nicotine treatment increased ACh levels to a larger extent in females than males. Nicotine withdrawal produced a similar increase in physical signs; however, females displayed greater anxiety-like behavior than males. In females, gene expression of α5 increased following nicotine treatment and withdrawal. In males, α7 increased following nicotine treatment and α2 and α3 increased during nicotine withdrawal. Both females and males displayed an increase in β3 and β4 during nicotine withdrawal. In females, anxiety-like behavior was correlated with α4, α5, and β2 gene expression in the IPN. These results suggest that sex differences in withdrawal are modulated via cholinergic systems in the IPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor L Correa
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Rodolfo J Flores
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Luis M Carcoba
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Montserrat C Arreguin
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Laura E O'Dell
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX, USA.
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14
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McCarthy JM, Dumais KM, Zegel M, Pizzagalli DA, Olson DP, Moran LV, Janes AC. Sex differences in tobacco smokers: Executive control network and frontostriatal connectivity. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 195:59-65. [PMID: 30592997 PMCID: PMC6625360 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women experience greater difficulty quitting smoking than men, which may be explained by sex differences in brain circuitry underlying cognitive control. Prior work has linked reduced interhemispheric executive control network (ECN) coupling with poor executive function, shorter time to relapse, and greater substance use. Lower structural connectivity between a key ECN hub, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and the dorsal striatum (DS) also contributes to less efficient cognitive control recruitment, and reduced intrahemispheric connectivity between these regions has been associated with smoking relapse. Therefore, sex differences were probed by evaluating interhemispheric ECN and intrahemispheric DLPFC-DS connectivity. To assess the potential sex by nicotine interaction, a pilot sample of non-smokers was evaluated following acute nicotine and placebo administration. METHODS Thirty-five smokers (19 women) completed one resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging scan. Seventeen non-smokers (8 women) were scanned twice using a repeated measures design where they received 2 and 0 mg nicotine. RESULTS In smokers, women had less interhemispheric ECN and DLPFC-DS coupling than men. In non-smokers, there was a drug x sex interaction where women, relative to men, had weaker ECN coupling following nicotine but not placebo administration. CONCLUSIONS The current work indicates that nicotine-dependent women, versus men, have weaker connectivity in brain networks critically implicated in cognitive control. How these connectivity differences contribute to the behavioral aspects of smoking requires more testing. However, building on the literature, it is likely these deficits in functional connectivity contribute to the lower abstinence rates noted in women relative to men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M McCarthy
- McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St., Belmont, MA, 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Kelly M Dumais
- McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St., Belmont, MA, 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Maya Zegel
- McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St., Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
| | - Diego A Pizzagalli
- McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St., Belmont, MA, 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - David P Olson
- McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St., Belmont, MA, 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Lauren V Moran
- McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St., Belmont, MA, 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Amy C Janes
- McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St., Belmont, MA, 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
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Verplaetse TL, Morris ED, McKee SA, Cosgrove KP. Sex differences in the nicotinic acetylcholine and dopamine receptor systems underlying tobacco smoking addiction. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2018; 23:196-202. [PMID: 31341936 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Converging lines of evidence suggest that men generally smoke for nicotine-related reinforcement, whereas women smoke for non-nicotine factors. Women have more difficulty quitting smoking and are less responsive to nicotine replacement therapies than men, underscoring the importance of examining sex differences in the neurochemical mechanisms underlying nicotine-motivated behavior. We review the recent imaging literature on sex differences in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor system and in the dopaminergic system in response to nicotine administration and tobacco smoking. We offer an explanation to unify imaging findings related to the dopamine system. We then propose a course of action for future medication development for tobacco smoking addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evan D Morris
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA.,Yale PET Center, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Sherry A McKee
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Kelly P Cosgrove
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA.,Yale PET Center, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
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