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Weidacker K, Zhao Y, Zhang Y, Whiteford S, Ren Q, Zhang C, Voon V. Methadone maintenance treatment and impulsivity: premature responding. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2023; 45:606-617. [PMID: 37916529 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2023.2276483] [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: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous research showed that methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is linked to impulsivity, with higher impulsivity levels being associated with for example, increased drug use. One aspect of impulsivity, most commonly studied in rodent research, is premature responding, the failure to wait for a starting signal. Premature responding is of high translational significance since it predicts the development of addiction-like behaviors in rodents. METHODS We assessed 45 MMT patients and 46 demographically matched (age, sex, education, and handedness) healthy volunteers (HVs) on premature responding alongside action and inhibition of instructed and intentional trials using the Intentional Hand Task (IHT). RESULTS The results showed markedly enhanced premature responses in the MMT vs. the HV group, which correlated positively with methadone dosage in the MMT patients. Throughout the task, MMT patients were faster across all trial parts and less accurate in response to instructed trials compared to HVs. CONCLUSIONS The increase in premature motor reactions during variable waiting periods alongside increased motion speed and lower accuracy might reflect a specific motor inhibition deficit in MMT, a subcomponent of impulsivity not previously assessed in MMT. Incorporating an experimentally defined measure of impulsivity, such as premature responding, into existing test batteries used by clinicians might enable more tailored treatments addressing the increased impulsivity levels and associated dysfunctional behaviors in MMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Weidacker
- School of Psychology, Swansea University, Wales, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Yijie Zhao
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shanghai Pudong New Area Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Seb Whiteford
- School of Psychology, Swansea University, Wales, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Qihuan Ren
- Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Hongkou Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Chencheng Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Functional Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Neuroscience Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Valerie Voon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Functional Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
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Yin F, Zhang J, Lu Y, Zhang Y, Liu J, Deji C, Qiao X, Gao K, Xu M, Lai J, Wang Y. Modafinil rescues repeated morphine-induced synaptic and behavioural impairments via activation of D1R-ERK-CREB pathway in medial prefrontal cortex. Addict Biol 2022; 27:e13103. [PMID: 34647651 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Long-term opioid abuse causes a variety of long-lasting cognitive impairments such as attention, impulsivity and working memory. These cognitive impairments undermine behavioural treatment for drug abuse and lead to poor treatment retention and outcomes. Modafinil is a wake-promoting drug that shows potential in improving attention and memory in humans and animals. However, modafinil's effect on opioid-induced cognitive impairments remains unclear, and the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. This study showed that repeated morphine administration significantly impairs attention, increases impulsivity and reduces motivation to natural rewards in mice. Systemic modafinil treatment at low dose efficiently ameliorates morphine-induced attention dysfunction and improves motivation and working memory in mice. High dose of modafinil has adverse effects on impulsive action and attention. Local infusion of D1R antagonist SCH-23390 reverses the morphine-induced synaptic abnormalities and activation of the D1R-ERK-CREB pathway in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). This study demonstrated a protective effect of modafinil in mPFC neurons and offered a therapeutic potential for cognitive deficits in opioid abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyuan Yin
- College of Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jinyu Zhang
- College of Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ye Lu
- College of Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yulei Zhang
- College of Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jincen Liu
- College of Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Cuola Deji
- College of Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaomeng Qiao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Keqiang Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Min Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianghua Lai
- College of Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yunpeng Wang
- College of Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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Azadi M, Moazen P, Wiskerke J, Semnanian S, Azizi H. Preconception paternal morphine exposure leads to an impulsive phenotype in male rat progeny. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:3435-3446. [PMID: 34427719 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05962-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Identifying the long-term neurocognitive implications of opioid addiction may further our understanding of the compulsive nature of this brain disorder. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of paternal adolescent opiate exposure on cognitive performance (visual attention, impulsivity, and compulsivity) in the next generation. METHODS Male Wistar rats received escalating doses of morphine (2.5-25 mg/kg, s.c.) or saline for 10 days during adolescence (P30-39). In adulthood (P70-80), these rats were allowed to mate with drug-naive females. Male offspring from morphine- and saline-exposed sires, once in adulthood, were trained and tested in the 5-choice serial reaction time test (5-CSRTT) to evaluate their cognitive abilities under baseline, drug-free conditions as well as following acute (1, 3, 5 mg/kg morphine) and subchronic morphine (5 mg/kg morphine for 5 days) treatment. Behavioral effects of the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone were also assessed. RESULTS Morphine-sired offspring exhibited delayed learning when the shortest stimulus duration (1 s) was introduced, i.e., when cognitive load was highest. These subjects also exhibited a reduced ability to exert inhibitory control, as reflected by increased premature and perseverative responding under drug-free baseline conditions in comparison to saline-sired rats. These impairments could not be reversed by administration of naloxone. Moreover, impulsive behavior was further enhanced in morphine-sired rats following acute and subchronic morphine treatment. CONCLUSION Paternal opiate exposure during adolescence was found to primarily impair inhibitory control in male progeny. These results further our understanding of the long-term costs and risk of opioid abuse, extending across generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Azadi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parisa Moazen
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Joost Wiskerke
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Saeed Semnanian
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Azizi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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Kangas BD. Examining the effects of psychoactive drugs on complex behavioral processes in laboratory animals. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2021; 93:243-274. [PMID: 35341568 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Behavioral pharmacology has been aided significantly by the development of innovative cognitive tasks designed to examine complex behavioral processes in laboratory animals. Performance outcomes under these conditions have provided key metrics of drug action which serve to supplement traditional in vivo assays of physiologic and behavioral effects of psychoactive drugs. This chapter provides a primer of cognitive tasks designed to assay different aspects of complex behavior, including learning, cognitive flexibility, memory, attention, motivation, and impulsivity. Both capstone studies and recent publications are highlighted throughout to illustrate task value for two distinct but often interconnected translational strategies. First, task performance in laboratory animals can be utilized to elucidate how drugs of abuse affect complex behavioral processes. Here, the expectation is that adverse effects on such processes will have predictive relevance to consequences that will be experienced by humans. Second, these same task outcomes can be used to evaluate candidate therapeutics. In this case, the extent to which drug doses with medicinal value perturb task performance can contribute critical information for a more complete safety profile appraisal and advance the process of medications development. Methodological and theoretical considerations are discussed and include an emphasis on determining selectivity in drug action on complex behavioral processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D Kangas
- Behavioral Biology Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
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Abstract
Neuropharmacological interventions in preclinical translational models of impulsivity have tremendously contributed to a better understanding of the neurochemistry and neural basis of impulsive behaviour. In this regard, much progress has been made over the last years, also due to the introduction of novel techniques in behavioural neuroscience such as optogenetics and chemogenetics. In this chapter, we will provide an update of how the behavioural pharmacology field has progressed and built upon existing data since an earlier review we wrote in 2008. To this aim, we will first give a brief background on preclinical translational models of impulsivity. Next, recent interesting evidence of monoaminergic modulation of impulsivity will be highlighted with a focus on the neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenaline. Finally, we will close the chapter by discussing some novel directions and drug leads in the neuropharmacological modulation of impulsivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommy Pattij
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Louk J M J Vanderschuren
- Division of Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Puryear CB, Brooks J, Tan L, Smith K, Li Y, Cunningham J, Todtenkopf MS, Dean RL, Sanchez C. Opioid receptor modulation of neural circuits in depression: What can be learned from preclinical data? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 108:658-678. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Effects of amphetamine, methylphenidate, atomoxetine, and morphine in rats responding under an adjusting stop signal reaction time task. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:1959-1972. [PMID: 30798404 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-5183-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Stop signal reaction time procedures are used to investigate behavioral and neurobiological processes that contribute to behavioral inhibition and to evaluate potential therapeutics for disorders characterized by disinhibition and impulsivity. The current study examined effects of amphetamine, methylphenidate, atomoxetine, and morphine in rats responding under an adjusting stop signal reaction time task that measures behavioral inhibition, as well as motor impulsivity. METHODS Rats (n = 8) completed a two-response sequence to earn food. During most trials, responses following presentation of a visual stimulus (go signal) delivered food. Occasionally, a tone (stop signal) was presented signifying that food would be presented only if the second response was withheld. Responding after the stop signal measured inhibition and responding prior to the start of the trial (premature) measured motor impulsivity. Delay to presentation of the stop signal was adjusted for individual subjects based on performance. RESULTS Amphetamine and methylphenidate increased responding after presentation of the stop signal and markedly increased premature responding. Atomoxetine modestly improved accuracy on stop trials and decreased premature responding. Morphine did not alter stop trial accuracy or premature responding up to doses that decreased the number of trials initiated. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate the sensitivity of an adjusting stop signal reaction time task to a range of drug effects and shows that some drugs that enhance dopaminergic transmission, such as amphetamine, can differentially alter various types of impulsive behavior.
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Effects of daily morphine treatment on impulsivity in rats responding under an adjusting stop-signal reaction time task. Behav Pharmacol 2018; 29:676-687. [DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Moazen P, Azizi H, Salmanzadeh H, Semnanian S. Adolescent morphine exposure induces immediate and long-term increases in impulsive behavior. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:3423-3434. [PMID: 30350222 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5051-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Adolescence in humans represents a unique and critical developmental time point associated with increased risk-taking behavior. Converging clinical and epidemiological studies report a peak of drug use during adolescence, leading to the hypothesis that the developing adolescents brain is at risk to lose control over drug intake. Both adolescence and drug abuse are associated with significant cognitive and psychological changes such as lack of impulse control. A simple definition for impulsive behavior is the tendency to act prematurely without foresight. Increase in impulsivity is evident in acute morphine consumption, but to date, little is known with respect to subchronic morphine administration in impulsive behavior, particularly comparing time-dependent effects in adults, young adults, and adolescents. METHODS To evaluate this, adult, young adult, and adolescent rats were treated with a subchronic regimen of morphine or saline during 5 days (s.c.). Thereafter, we examined impulsive behavioral effects of morphine administration, 24 h and 25 days after administration in rats, while responding under a five-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT). RESULTS Subchronic morphine administration increased premature responding 24 h after the last injection of morphine in adult, young adult, and adolescent rats without increasing motor activity but a significant change in motivation in adult and young adult rats only. After 25 days of abstinence, premature responses were significantly increased in comparison with baseline in adolescent rats but not in adults and young adults. CONCLUSION The main conclusion of this study is that morphine exposure in adolescents has a long-term profound effect on motor impulsive behavior later in adulthood. An implication of our findings might be that we should be especially careful about consuming and prescribing opioid drugs in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Moazen
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Azizi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Salmanzadeh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Semnanian
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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Abstract
The failure of traditional antidepressant medications to adequately target cognitive impairment is associated with poor treatment response, increased risk of relapse, and greater lifetime disability. Opioid receptor antagonists are currently under development as novel therapeutics for major depressive disorder (MDD) and other stress-related illnesses. Although it is known that dysregulation of the endogenous opioid system is observed in patients diagnosed with MDD, the impact of opioidergic neurotransmission on cognitive impairment has not been systematically evaluated. Here we review the literature indicating that opioid manipulations can alter cognitive functions in humans. Furthermore, we detail the preclinical studies that demonstrate the ability of mu-opioid receptor and kappa-opioid receptor ligands to modulate several cognitive processes. Specifically, this review focuses on domains within higher order cognitive processing, including attention and executive functioning, which can differentiate cognitive processes influenced by motivational state.
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Maguire DR, Henson C, France CP. Daily morphine administration increases impulsivity in rats responding under a 5-choice serial reaction time task. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 173:1350-62. [PMID: 26776751 PMCID: PMC4940812 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Revised: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Repeated administration of a μ opioid receptor agonist can enhance some forms of impulsivity, such as delay discounting. However, it is unclear whether repeated administration alters motor impulsivity. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We examined the effects of acute administration of morphine and amphetamine prior to and during daily morphine administration in rats responding under a five-choice serial reaction time task. Rats (n = 5) were trained to detect a brief flash of light presented randomly in one of five response holes; responding in the target hole delivered food, whereas responding in the wrong hole or responding prior to illumination of the target stimulus (premature response) initiated a timeout. Premature responding served as an index of motor impulsivity. KEY RESULTS Administered acutely, morphine (0.1-10 mg·kg(-1) , i.p.) increased omissions and modestly, although not significantly, premature responding without affecting response accuracy; amphetamine (0.1-1.78 mg·kg(-1) , i.p.) increased premature responding without changing omissions or response accuracy. After 3 weeks of 10 mg·kg(-1) ·day(-1) morphine, tolerance developed to its effects on omissions whereas premature responding increased approximately fourfold, compared with baseline. Effects of amphetamine were not significantly affected by daily morphine administration. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These data suggest that repeated administration of morphine increased effects of morphine on motor impulsivity, although tolerance developed to other effects, such as omissions. To the extent that impulsivity is a risk factor for drug abuse, repeated administration of μ opioid receptor agonists, for recreational or therapeutic purposes, might increase impulsivity and thus the risk for drug abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Maguire
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - C Henson
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - C P France
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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