1
|
Brockway DF, Crowley NA. Emerging pharmacological targets for alcohol use disorder. Alcohol 2024; 121:103-114. [PMID: 39069210 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2024.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) remains a challenging condition with limited effective treatment options; however new technology in drug delivery and advancements in pharmacology have paved the way for discovery of novel therapeutic targets. This review explores emerging pharmacological targets that offer new options for the management of AUD, focusing on the potential of somatostatin (SST), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), nociceptin (NOP), and neuropeptide S (NPS). These targets have been selected based on recent advancements in preclinical and clinical research, which suggest their significant roles in modulating alcohol consumption and related behaviors. SST dampens cortical circuits, and targeting both the SST neurons and the SST peptide itself presents promise for treating AUD and various related comorbidities. VIP neurons are modulated by alcohol and targeting the VIP system presents an unexplored avenue for addressing alcohol exposure at various stages of development. GLP-1 interacts with the dopaminergic reward system and reduces alcohol intake. Nociceptin modulates mesolimbic circuitry and agonism and antagonism of nociceptin receptor offers a complex but promising approach to reducing alcohol consumption. NPS stands out for its anxiolytic-like effects, particularly relevant for the anxiety associated with AUD. This review aims to synthesize the current understanding of these targets, highlighting their potential in developing more effective and personalized AUD therapies, and underscores the importance of continued research in identifying and validating novel targets for treatment of AUD and comorbid conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dakota F Brockway
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA; Penn State Neuroscience Institute, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Nicole A Crowley
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA; Penn State Neuroscience Institute, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Petrella M, Borruto AM, Curti L, Domi A, Domi E, Xu L, Barbier E, Ilari A, Heilig M, Weiss F, Mannaioni G, Masi A, Ciccocioppo R. Pharmacological blockage of NOP receptors decreases ventral tegmental area dopamine neuronal activity through GABA B receptor-mediated mechanism. Neuropharmacology 2024; 248:109866. [PMID: 38364970 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.109866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
The Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide and its receptor NOP are highly expressed within several regions of the mesolimbic system, including the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Evidence indicates that the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system is involved in reward processing and historically it has been proposed that activation of NOP receptors attenuates the motivation for substances of abuse. However, recent findings demonstrated that drug self-administration and relapse to drug-seeking are also attenuated after administration of NOP receptor antagonists. Here, to shed light on the mechanisms through which NOP receptor blockers modulate these processes, we utilized ex vivo patch-clamp recordings to investigate the effect of the selective NOP receptor antagonist LY2817412 on VTA dopaminergic (DA) function in male rats. Results showed that, similar to the endogenous NOP receptor agonist N/OFQ, LY2817412 reduced the spontaneous basal firing discharge of VTA DA neurons. Consistently, we found that NOP receptors are expressed both in VTA DA and GABA cells and that LY2817412 slice perfusion increased GABA release onto VTA DA cells. Finally, in the attempt to dissect the role of postsynaptic and presynaptic NOP receptors, we tested the effect of N/OFQ and LY2817412 in the presence of GABA receptors blockers. Results showed that the effect of LY2817412 was abolished following pretreatment with GABABR, but not GABAAR, blockers. Conversely, inhibition of DA neuronal activity by N/OFQ was unaffected by blockade of GABA receptors. Altogether, these results suggest that both NOP receptor agonists and antagonists can decrease VTA DA neuronal activity, but through distinct mechanisms of action. The effect of NOP receptor antagonists occurs through a GABABR-mediated mechanism while NOP receptor agonists seem to act via a direct effect on VTA DA neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Petrella
- School of Pharmacy, Center for Neuroscience, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Borruto
- School of Pharmacy, Center for Neuroscience, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Curti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ana Domi
- School of Pharmacy, Center for Neuroscience, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Esi Domi
- School of Pharmacy, Center for Neuroscience, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy; Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, Linkoping, 58183, Sweden
| | - Li Xu
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, Linkoping, 58183, Sweden
| | - Estelle Barbier
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, Linkoping, 58183, Sweden
| | - Alice Ilari
- School of Pharmacy, Center for Neuroscience, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Markus Heilig
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, Linkoping, 58183, Sweden
| | - Friedbert Weiss
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Guido Mannaioni
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Masi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- School of Pharmacy, Center for Neuroscience, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Silva-Cardoso GK, N’Gouemo P. Inhibition of the Sodium-Calcium Exchanger Reverse Mode Activity Reduces Alcohol Consumption in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4132. [PMID: 38612942 PMCID: PMC11012417 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074132] [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: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Excessive and uncontrolled consumption of alcohol can cause alcohol use disorder (AUD), but its pharmacological mechanisms are not fully understood. Inhibiting the reverse mode activity of the sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX) can reduce the risk of alcohol withdrawal seizures, suggesting that NCX could play a role in controlling alcohol consumption. Here, we investigated how two potent inhibitors of NCX reverse mode activity, SN-6 (NCX1) and KB-R7943 (NCX3), affect voluntary alcohol consumption in adult male and female rats using the intermittent alcohol access two-bottle choice paradigm. Initially, animals were trained to drink 7.5% ethanol and water for four weeks before administering SN-6 and KB-R7934. Afterward, their alcohol intake, preference, and water intake were recorded 2 and 24 h after exposure to water and 7.5% ethanol. SN-6 significantly reduced alcohol consumption by 48% in male and 36% in female rats without affecting their water intake. Additionally, SN-6 significantly reduced alcohol preference in females by 27%. However, KB-R7943 reduced alcohol consumption by 42% in female rats and did not affect alcohol preference or water intake. These findings suggest that alcohol exposure increased NCX reverse activity, and targeting NCX1 could be an effective strategy for reducing alcohol consumption in subjects susceptible to withdrawal seizures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Prosper N’Gouemo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li W, Ren Z, Tang Y, Fu Y, Sun S, Ding R, Hou J, Mai Y, Zhan B, Zhu Y, Zuo W, Ye JH, Fu R. Rostromedial tegmental nucleus nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) signaling regulates anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in alcohol withdrawn rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:908-919. [PMID: 36329156 PMCID: PMC10156713 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01482-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies indicate that stimulation of the rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg) can drive a negative affective state and that nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) may play a role in affective disorders and drug addiction. The N/OFQ precursor prepronociceptin encoding genes Pnoc are situated in RMTg neurons. To determine whether N/OFQ signaling contributes to the changes in both behavior phenotypes and RMTg activity of alcohol withdrawn (Post-EtOH) rats, we trained adult male Long-Evans rats, randomly assigned into the ethanol and Naïve groups to consume either 20% ethanol or water-only under an intermittent-access procedure. Using the fluorescence in situ hybridization technique combined with retrograde tracing, we show that the ventral tegmental area projecting RMTg neurons express Pnoc and nociceptin opioid peptide (NOP) receptors encoding gene Oprl1. Also, using the laser capture microdissection technique combined with RT-qPCR, we detected a substantial decrease in Pnoc but an increase in Oprl1 mRNA levels in the RMTg of Post-EtOH rats. Moreover, RMTg cFos expression is increased in Post-EtOH rats, which display anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. Intra-RMTg infusion of the endogenous NOP agonist nociceptin attenuates the aversive behaviors in Post-EtOH rats without causing any notable change in Naïve rats. Conversely, intra-RMTg infusion of the NOP selective antagonist [Nphe1]nociceptin(1-13)NH2 elicits anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in Naïve but not Post-EtOH rats. Furthermore, intra-RMTg infusion of nociceptin significantly reduces alcohol consumption. Thus, our results show that the deficiency of RMTg NOP signaling during alcohol withdrawal mediates anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. The intervention of NOP may help those individuals suffering from alcohol use disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenfu Li
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Zhiheng Ren
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Department of Biology, School of Life Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Yixin Fu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Shizhu Sun
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Ruxuan Ding
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Jiawei Hou
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Yunlin Mai
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Bo Zhan
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Yingxin Zhu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Wanhong Zuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Jiang-Hong Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Rao Fu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Caminski ES, Antunes FTT, Souza IA, Dallegrave E, Zamponi GW. Regulation of N-type calcium channels by nociceptin receptors and its possible role in neurological disorders. Mol Brain 2022; 15:95. [PMID: 36434658 PMCID: PMC9700961 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-022-00982-z] [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: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of nociceptin opioid peptide receptors (NOP, a.k.a. opioid-like receptor-1, ORL-1) by the ligand nociceptin/orphanin FQ, leads to G protein-dependent regulation of Cav2.2 (N-type) voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). This typically causes a reduction in calcium currents, triggering changes in presynaptic calcium levels and thus neurotransmission. Because of the widespread expression patterns of NOP and VGCCs across multiple brain regions, the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, and the dorsal root ganglia, this results in the alteration of numerous neurophysiological features. Here we review the regulation of N-type calcium channels by the NOP-nociceptin system in the context of neurological conditions such as anxiety, addiction, and pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emanuelle Sistherenn Caminski
- grid.412344.40000 0004 0444 6202Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Laboratory of Research in Toxicology (LAPETOX), Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS Brazil
| | - Flavia Tasmin Techera Antunes
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
| | - Ivana Assis Souza
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
| | - Eliane Dallegrave
- grid.412344.40000 0004 0444 6202Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Laboratory of Research in Toxicology (LAPETOX), Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS Brazil
| | - Gerald W. Zamponi
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Melkumyan M, Silberman Y. Subregional Differences in Alcohol Modulation of Central Amygdala Neurocircuitry. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:888345. [PMID: 35866156 PMCID: PMC9294740 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.888345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder is a highly significant medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use, compulsive alcohol seeking behavior, and withdrawal symptoms in the absence of alcohol. Understanding how alcohol modulates neurocircuitry critical for long term and binge-like alcohol use, such as the central amygdala (CeA), may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies to treat alcohol use disorder. In clinical studies, reduction in the volume of the amygdala has been linked with susceptibility to relapse to alcohol use. Preclinical studies have shown the involvement of the CeA in the effects of alcohol use, with lesions of the amygdala showing a reduction in alcohol drinking, and manipulations of cells in the CeA altering alcohol drinking. A great deal of work has shown that acute alcohol, as well as chronic alcohol exposure via intake or dependence models, alters glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission in the CeA. The CeA, however, contains heterogeneous cell populations and distinct subregional differences in neurocircuit architecture which may influence the mechanism by which alcohol modulates CeA function overall. The current review aimed to parse out the differences in alcohol effects on the medial and lateral subregions of the CeA, and what role neuroinflammatory cells and markers, the endocannabinoid system, and the most commonly studied neuropeptide systems play in mediating these effects. A better understanding of alcohol effects on CeA subregional cell type and neurocircuit function may lead to development of more selective pharmacological interventions for alcohol use disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Melkumyan
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Yuval Silberman
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Domi A, Lunerti V, Petrella M, Domi E, Borruto AM, Ubaldi M, Weiss F, Ciccocioppo R. Genetic deletion or pharmacological blockade of nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptors in the ventral tegmental area attenuates nicotine-motivated behaviour. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 179:2647-2658. [PMID: 34854073 PMCID: PMC9081114 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ)-nociceptin opioid-like peptide (NOP) receptor system is widely distributed in the brain and pharmacological activation of this system revealed therapeutic potential in animal models of substance use disorder. Studies also showed that genetic deletion or pharmacological blockade of NOP receptors confer resistance to the development of alcohol abuse. Here, we have used a genetic and pharmacological approach to evaluate the therapeutic potential of NOP antagonism in smoking cessation. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Constitutive NOP receptor knockout rats (NOP-/- ) and their wild-type counterparts (NOP+/+ ) were tested over a range of behaviours to characterize their motivation for nicotine. We next explored the effects of systemic administration of the NOP receptor antagonist LY2817412 (1.0 & 3.0 mg·kg-1 ) on nicotine self-administration. NOP receptor blockade was further evaluated at the brain circuitry level, by microinjecting LY2817412 (3.0 & 6.0 μg·μl-1 ) into the ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (NAc) and central amygdala (CeA). KEY RESULTS Genetic NOP receptor deletion resulted in decreased nicotine intake, decreased motivation to self-administer and attenuation of cue-induced nicotine reinstatement. LY2817412 reduced nicotine intake in NOP+/+ but not in NOP-/- rats, confirming that its effect is mediated by inhibition of NOP transmission. Finally, injection of LY2817412 into the VTA but not into the NAc or CeA decreased nicotine self-administration. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These findings indicate that inhibition of NOP transmission attenuates the motivation for nicotine through mechanisms involving the VTA and suggest that NOP receptor antagonism may represent a potential treatment for smoking cessation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Domi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Veronica Lunerti
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Michele Petrella
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Esi Domi
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, Linkoping 58183, Sweden
| | - Anna Maria Borruto
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Massimo Ubaldi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Friedbert Weiss
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
This paper is the forty-third consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2020 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonists and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (1), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (2) and humans (3), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (4), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (5), stress and social status (6), learning and memory (7), eating and drinking (8), drug abuse and alcohol (9), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (10), mental illness and mood (11), seizures and neurologic disorders (12), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (13), general activity and locomotion (14), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (15), cardiovascular responses (16), respiration and thermoregulation (17), and immunological responses (18).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY, 11367, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ubaldi M, Cannella N, Borruto AM, Petrella M, Micioni Di Bonaventura MV, Soverchia L, Stopponi S, Weiss F, Cifani C, Ciccocioppo R. Role of Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ-NOP Receptor System in the Regulation of Stress-Related Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12956. [PMID: 34884757 PMCID: PMC8657682 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) is a 17-residue neuropeptide that binds the nociceptin opioid-like receptor (NOP). N/OFQ exhibits nucleotidic and aminoacidics sequence homology with the precursors of other opioid neuropeptides but it does not activate either MOP, KOP or DOP receptors. Furthermore, opioid neuropeptides do not activate the NOP receptor. Generally, activation of N/OFQ system exerts anti-opioids effects, for instance toward opioid-induced reward and analgesia. The NOP receptor is widely expressed throughout the brain, whereas N/OFQ localization is confined to brain nuclei that are involved in stress response such as amygdala, BNST and hypothalamus. Decades of studies have delineated the biological role of this system demonstrating its involvement in significant physiological processes such as pain, learning and memory, anxiety, depression, feeding, drug and alcohol dependence. This review discusses the role of this peptidergic system in the modulation of stress and stress-associated psychiatric disorders in particular drug addiction, mood, anxiety and food-related associated-disorders. Emerging preclinical evidence suggests that both NOP agonists and antagonists may represent a effective therapeutic approaches for substances use disorder. Moreover, the current literature suggests that NOP antagonists can be useful to treat depression and feeding-related diseases, such as obesity and binge eating behavior, whereas the activation of NOP receptor by agonists could be a promising tool for anxiety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Ubaldi
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.U.); (N.C.); (A.M.B.); (M.P.); (M.V.M.D.B.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Nazzareno Cannella
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.U.); (N.C.); (A.M.B.); (M.P.); (M.V.M.D.B.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Anna Maria Borruto
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.U.); (N.C.); (A.M.B.); (M.P.); (M.V.M.D.B.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Michele Petrella
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.U.); (N.C.); (A.M.B.); (M.P.); (M.V.M.D.B.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Maria Vittoria Micioni Di Bonaventura
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.U.); (N.C.); (A.M.B.); (M.P.); (M.V.M.D.B.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Laura Soverchia
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.U.); (N.C.); (A.M.B.); (M.P.); (M.V.M.D.B.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Serena Stopponi
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.U.); (N.C.); (A.M.B.); (M.P.); (M.V.M.D.B.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Friedbert Weiss
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA;
| | - Carlo Cifani
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.U.); (N.C.); (A.M.B.); (M.P.); (M.V.M.D.B.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna Delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.U.); (N.C.); (A.M.B.); (M.P.); (M.V.M.D.B.); (L.S.); (S.S.); (C.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Borruto AM, Fotio Y, Stopponi S, Petrella M, De Carlo S, Domi A, Ubaldi M, Weiss F, Ciccocioppo R. NOP receptor antagonism attenuates reinstatement of alcohol-seeking through modulation of the mesolimbic circuitry in male and female alcohol-preferring rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:2121-2131. [PMID: 34285372 PMCID: PMC8505627 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01096-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In patients suffering from alcohol use disorder (AUD), stress and environmental stimuli associated with alcohol availability are important triggers of relapse. Activation of the nociceptin opioid peptide (NOP) receptor by its endogenous ligand Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) attenuates alcohol drinking and relapse in rodents, suggesting that NOP agonists may be efficacious in treating AUD. Intriguingly, recent data demonstrated that also blockade of NOP receptor reduced alcohol drinking in rodents. To explore further the potential of NOP antagonism, we investigated its effects on the reinstatement of alcohol-seeking elicited by administration of the α2 antagonist yohimbine (1.25 mg/kg, i.p.) or by environmental conditioning factors in male and female genetically selected alcohol-preferring Marchigian Sardinian (msP) rats. The selective NOP receptor antagonist LY2817412 (0.0, 3.0, 10.0, and 30.0 mg/kg) was first tested following oral (p.o.) administration. We then investigated the effects of LY2817412 (1.0, 3.0, 6.0 μg/μl/rat) microinjected into three candidate mesolimbic brain regions: the ventral tegmental area (VTA), the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), and the nucleus accumbens (NAc). We found that relapse to alcohol seeking was generally stronger in female than in male rats and oral administration of LY2817412 reduced yohimbine- and cue-induced reinstatement in both sexes. Following site-specific microinjections, LY2817412 reduced yohimbine-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking when administered into the VTA and the CeA, but not in the NAc. Cue-induced reinstatement was suppressed only when LY2817412 was microinjected into the VTA. Infusions of LY2817412 into the VTA and the CeA did not alter saccharin self-administration. These results demonstrate that NOP receptor blockade prevents the reinstatement of alcohol-seeking through modulation of mesolimbic system circuitry, providing further evidence of the therapeutic potential of NOP receptor antagonism in AUD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Borruto
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Yannick Fotio
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Serena Stopponi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Michele Petrella
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Sara De Carlo
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Ana Domi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Massimo Ubaldi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Friedbert Weiss
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Avegno EM, Kasten CR, Snyder WB, Kelley LK, Lobell TD, Templeton TJ, Constans M, Wills TA, Middleton JW, Gilpin NW. Alcohol dependence activates ventral tegmental area projections to central amygdala in male mice and rats. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e12990. [PMID: 33331103 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The neural adaptations that occur during the transition to alcohol dependence are not entirely understood but may include a gradual recruitment of brain stress circuitry by mesolimbic reward circuitry that is activated during early stages of alcohol use. Here, we focused on dopaminergic and nondopaminergic projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA), important for mediating acute alcohol reinforcement, to the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), important for alcohol dependence-related negative affect and escalated alcohol drinking. The VTA projects directly to the CeA, but the functional relevance of this circuit is not fully established. Therefore, we combined retrograde and anterograde tracing, anatomical, and electrophysiological experiments in mice and rats to demonstrate that the CeA receives input from both dopaminergic and nondopaminergic projection neurons primarily from the lateral VTA. We then used slice electrophysiology and fos immunohistochemistry to test the effects of alcohol dependence on activity and activation profiles of CeA-projecting neurons in the VTA. Our data indicate that alcohol dependence activates midbrain projections to the central amygdala, suggesting that VTA projections may trigger plasticity in the CeA during the transition to alcohol dependence and that this circuit may be involved in mediating behavioral dysregulation associated with alcohol dependence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M. Avegno
- Departments of Physiology Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Alcohol and Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Chelsea R. Kasten
- Alcohol and Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Cell Biology and Anatomy Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - William B. Snyder
- Departments of Physiology Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Leslie K. Kelley
- Departments of Physiology Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Thomas D. Lobell
- Departments of Physiology Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Taylor J. Templeton
- Departments of Physiology Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Michael Constans
- Departments of Physiology Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Tiffany A. Wills
- Alcohol and Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Cell Biology and Anatomy Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Jason W. Middleton
- Alcohol and Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Cell Biology and Anatomy Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Nicholas W. Gilpin
- Departments of Physiology Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Alcohol and Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Southeast Louisiana VA Healthcare System (SLVHCS) New Orleans Louisiana USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Natividad LA, Steinman MQ, McGinn MA, Sureshchandra S, Kerr TM, Ciccocioppo R, Messaoudi I, Edwards S, Roberto M. Impaired hypothalamic feedback dysregulates brain glucocorticoid signaling in genetically-selected Marchigian Sardinian alcohol-preferring rats. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e12978. [PMID: 33142367 PMCID: PMC8052265 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Genetically-selected Marchigian Sardinian alcohol-preferring (msP) rats display comorbid symptoms of increased alcohol preference and elevated anxiety-like behavior. Heightened stress sensitivity in msPs is influenced by genetic polymorphisms of the corticotropin-releasing factor receptor in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), as well as reduced influence of anti-stress mechanisms that normally constrain the stress response. Given this propensity for stress dysregulation, in this study, we expand on the possibility that msPs may display differences in neuroendocrine processes that normally terminate the stress response. We utilized behavioral, biochemical, and molecular assays to compare basal and restraint stress-induced changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis of male and female msPs relative to their nonselected Wistar counterparts. The results showed that msPs display deficits in marble-burying behavior influenced by environmental factors and procedures that modulate arousal states in a sex-dependent manner. Whereas male msPs display evidence of dysregulated neuroendocrine function (higher adrenocorticotropic hormone levels and subthreshold reductions in corticosterone), females display restraint-induced elevations in corticosterone levels that were persistently higher in msPs. A dexamethasone challenge reduced the circulation of these stress hormones, although the reduction in corticosterone was generally attenuated in msP versus Wistar rats. Finally, we found evidence of diminished stress-induced glucocorticoid receptor (GR) phosphorylation in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus of msPs, as well as innate increases in phosphorylated GR levels in the CeA of male msPs. Collectively, these findings suggest that negative feedback processes regulating HPA responsiveness are diminished in msP rats, possibly underlying differences in the expression of anxiety-like behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis A. Natividad
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, 78712, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, 92037, USA
| | - Michael Q. Steinman
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, 92037, USA
| | - M. Adrienne McGinn
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70112, USA
| | - Suhas Sureshchandra
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, 92697, USA
| | - Tony M. Kerr
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, 78712, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, 92037, USA
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Ilhem Messaoudi
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, 92697, USA
| | - Scott Edwards
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70112, USA
| | - Marisa Roberto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, 92037, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Effect of Glucocorticoid Receptor Antagonism on Alcohol Self-Administration in Genetically-Selected Marchigian Sardinian Alcohol-Preferring and Non-Preferring Wistar Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22084184. [PMID: 33920737 PMCID: PMC8073469 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcoholism is a chronically relapsing disorder characterized by high alcohol intake and a negative emotional state during abstinence, which contributes to excessive drinking and susceptibility to relapse. Stress, dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and alterations in glucocorticoid receptor (GR) function have been linked to transition from recreational consumption to alcohol use disorder (AUD). Here, we investigated the effect of pharmacological antagonisms of GR on alcohol self-administration (SA) using male and female Wistar and Marchigian Sardinian alcohol-preferring (msP) rats, a rodent line genetically selected for excessive alcohol drinking and highly sensitive to stress. Animals were trained to self-administer 10% (v/v) alcohol. Once a stable alcohol SA baseline was reached, we tested the effect of the GR antagonists mifepristone (0.0, 10, 30 and 60 mg/kg; i.p.) and CORT113176 (0.0, 10, 30 and 60 mg/kg) on alcohol SA. To evaluate whether the effects of the two compounds were specific for alcohol, the two drugs were tested on a similar saccharin SA regimen. Finally, basal blood corticosterone (CORT) levels before and after alcohol SA were determined. Systemic injection with mifepristone dose-dependently reduced alcohol SA in male and female Wistars but not in msPs. Administration of CORT113176 decreased alcohol SA in male and female Wistars as well as in female msPs but not in male msP rats. At the highest dose, mifepristone also reduced saccharin SA in male Wistars and female msPs, suggesting the occurrence of some nonspecific effects at 60 mg/kg of the drug. Similarly, the highest dose of CORT113176 (60 mg/kg) decreased saccharin intake in male Wistars. Analysis of CORT levels revealed that females of both rat lines had higher blood levels of CORT compared to males. Alcohol consumption reduced CORT in females but not in males. Overall, these findings indicate that selective blockade of GR selectively reduces alcohol SA, and genetically selected msP rats are less sensitive to this pharmacological manipulation compared to heterogeneous Wistars. Moreover, results suggest sex differences in response to GR antagonism and the ability of alcohol to regulate GR transmission.
Collapse
|
14
|
Domi E, Domi A, Adermark L, Heilig M, Augier E. Neurobiology of alcohol seeking behavior. J Neurochem 2021; 157:1585-1614. [PMID: 33704789 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol addiction is a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse consequences. A main challenge of addiction treatment is to prevent relapse, which occurs in more than >50% of newly abstinent patients with alcohol disorder within 3 months. In people suffering from alcohol addiction, stressful events, drug-associated cues and contexts, or re-exposure to a small amount of alcohol trigger a chain of behaviors that frequently culminates in relapse. In this review, we first present the preclinical models that were developed for the study of alcohol seeking behavior, namely the reinstatement model of alcohol relapse and compulsive alcohol seeking under a chained schedule of reinforcement. We then provide an overview of the neurobiological findings obtained using these animal models, focusing on the role of opioids systems, corticotropin-release hormone and neurokinins, followed by dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic neurotransmissions in alcohol seeking behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esi Domi
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, BKV, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ana Domi
- Addiction Biology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Louise Adermark
- Addiction Biology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Markus Heilig
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, BKV, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Eric Augier
- Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, BKV, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Caputi FF, Stopponi S, Rullo L, Palmisano M, Ubaldi M, Candeletti S, Ciccocioppo R, Romualdi P. Dysregulation of Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ and Dynorphin Systems in the Extended Amygdala of Alcohol Preferring Marchigian Sardinian (msP) Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052448. [PMID: 33671048 PMCID: PMC7957504 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that genetically selected Marchigian Sardinian alcohol-preferring (msP) rats consume excessive amounts of ethanol to self-medicate from negative moods and to relieve innate hypersensitivity to stress. This phenotype resembling a subset of alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients, appears to be linked to a dysregulation of the equilibrium between stress and antistress mechanisms in the extended amygdala. Here, comparing water and alcohol exposed msP and Wistar rats we evaluate the transcript expression of the anti-stress opioid-like peptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and its receptor NOP as well as of dynorphin (DYN) and its cognate κ-opioid receptor (KOP). In addition, we measured the transcript levels of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), CRF receptor 1 (CRF1R), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and of the tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor (Trk-B). Results showed an innately up-regulation of the CRFergic system, mediating negative mood and stress responses, as well as an inherent up-regulation of the anti-stress N/OFQ system, both in the amygdala (AMY) and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) of msP rats. The up-regulation of this latter system may reflect an attempt to buffer the negative condition elicited by the hyperactivity of pro-stress mechanisms since results showed that voluntary alcohol consumption dampened N/OFQ. Alcohol exposure also reduced the expression of dynorphin and CRF transmissions in the AMY of msP rats. In the BNST, alcohol intake led to a more complex reorganization of these systems increasing receptor transcripts in msP rats, along with an increase of CRF and a decrease of N/OFQ transcripts, respectively. Moreover, mimicking the effects of alcohol in the AMY we observed that the activation of NOP receptor by intracerebroventricular administration of N/OFQ in msP rats caused an increase of BDNF and a decrease of CRF transcripts. Our study indicates that both stress and anti-stress mechanisms are dysregulated in the extended AMY of msP rats. The voluntary alcohol drinking, as well as NOP agonism, have a significant impact on neuropeptidergic systems arrangement, bringing the systems back to normalization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.C.); (L.R.); (M.P.); (S.C.)
| | - Serena Stopponi
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (S.S.); (M.U.)
| | - Laura Rullo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.C.); (L.R.); (M.P.); (S.C.)
| | - Martina Palmisano
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.C.); (L.R.); (M.P.); (S.C.)
| | - Massimo Ubaldi
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (S.S.); (M.U.)
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.C.); (L.R.); (M.P.); (S.C.)
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (S.S.); (M.U.)
- Correspondence: (R.C.); (P.R.)
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.C.); (L.R.); (M.P.); (S.C.)
- Correspondence: (R.C.); (P.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Stopponi S, Fotio Y, Cifani C, Li H, Haass-Koffler CL, Cannella N, Demopulos G, Gaitanaris G, Ciccocioppo R. Andrographis paniculata and Its Main Bioactive Ingredient Andrographolide Decrease Alcohol Drinking and Seeking in Rats Through Activation of Nuclear PPARγ Pathway. Alcohol Alcohol 2021; 56:240-249. [PMID: 33401299 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agaa136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Andrographis paniculata is an annual herbaceous plant which belongs to the Acanthaceae family. Extracts from this plant have shown hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic properties, at least in part, through activation of the nuclear receptor Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-gamma (PPAR γ). Recent evidence has demonstrated that activation of PPARγ reduces alcohol drinking and seeking in Marchigian Sardinian (msP) alcohol-preferring rats. METHODS The present study evaluated whether A. paniculata reduces alcohol drinking and relapse in msP rats by activating PPARγ. RESULTS Oral administration of an A. paniculata dried extract (0, 15, 150 mg/kg) lowered voluntary alcohol consumption in a dose-dependent manner and achieved ~65% reduction at the dose of 450 mg/kg. Water and food consumption were not affected by the treatment. Administration of Andrographolide (5 and 10 mg/kg), the main active component of A. paniculata, also reduced alcohol drinking. This effect was suppressed by the selective PPARγ antagonist GW9662. Subsequently, we showed that oral administration of A. paniculata (0, 150, 450 mg/kg) prevented yohimbine- but not cues-induced reinstatement of alcohol seeking. CONCLUSIONS Results point to A. paniculata-mediated PPARγactivation as a possible therapeutic strategy to treat alcohol use disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serena Stopponi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Yannick Fotio
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy.,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, 807 Health Science Road, 92617 Irvine, USA
| | - Carlo Cifani
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Hongwu Li
- College of Chemical Engineering, Changchun University of Technology, 2055 Yan An Road, Chao Yang District, 130021 Changchun, China
| | - Carolina L Haass-Koffler
- Center Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department Psychiatry and Human Behavior Department Behavioral and Social Sciences Brow University 121 S. Main Street, Providence, RI 02931, USA
| | - Nazzareno Cannella
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Gregory Demopulos
- Center Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department Psychiatry and Human Behavior Department Behavioral and Social Sciences Brow University 121 S. Main Street, Providence, RI 02931, USA
| | - George Gaitanaris
- Center Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department Psychiatry and Human Behavior Department Behavioral and Social Sciences Brow University 121 S. Main Street, Providence, RI 02931, USA.,Omeros Corporation, 201 Elliot Avenue West, Seattle, WA 98119, USA
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Walker LC. A balancing act: the role of pro- and anti-stress peptides within the central amygdala in anxiety and alcohol use disorders. J Neurochem 2021; 157:1615-1643. [PMID: 33450069 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is widely implicated as a structure that integrates both appetitive and aversive stimuli. While intrinsic CeA microcircuits primarily consist of GABAergic neurons that regulate amygdala output, a notable feature of the CeA is the heterogeneity of neuropeptides and neuropeptide/neuromodulator receptors that it expresses. There is growing interest in the role of the CeA in mediating psychopathologies, including stress and anxiety states and their interactions with alcohol use disorders. Within the CeA, neuropeptides and neuromodulators often exert pro- or anti- stress actions, which can influence anxiety and alcohol associated behaviours. In turn, alcohol use can cause adaptions within the CeA, which may render an individual more vulnerable to stress which is a major trigger of relapse to alcohol seeking. This review examines the neurocircuitry, neurochemical phenotypes and how pro- and anti-stress peptide systems act within the CeA to regulate anxiety and alcohol seeking, focusing on preclinical observations from animal models. Furthermore, literature exploring the targeting of genetically defined populations or neuronal ensembles and the role of the CeA in mediating sex differences in stress x alcohol interactions are explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leigh C Walker
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Vic, Australia.,Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Borruto AM, Stopponi S, Li H, Weiss F, Roberto M, Ciccocioppo R. Genetically selected alcohol-preferring msP rats to study alcohol use disorder: Anything lost in translation? Neuropharmacology 2021; 186:108446. [PMID: 33476639 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
For several decades, genetically selected alcohol-preferring rats have been successfully used to mimic and study alcohol use disorders (AUD). These rat lines have been instrumental in advancing our understanding of the neurobiology of alcoholism and enabling pharmacological studies to evaluate drug efficacy on alcohol drinking and relapse. Moreover, the results of these studies have identified genetic variables that are linked to AUD vulnerability. This is an up-to-date review that focuses on genetically selected Marchigian Sardinian alcohol-preferring (msP) rats. To support the translational relevance of the findings that are obtained from msP rats and highlight important similarities to AUD patients, we also discuss the results of recent brain imaging studies. Finally, to demonstrate the importance of studying sex differences in animal models of AUD, we present original data that highlight behavioral differences in the response to alcohol in male and female rats. Female msP rats exhibited higher alcohol consumption compared with males. Furthermore, msP rats of both sexes exhibit higher anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors in the elevated plus maze and forced swim test, respectively, compared with unselected Wistar controls. Notably, voluntary alcohol drinking decreases foot-shock stress and depressive-like behavior in both sexes, whereas anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze is attenuated only in males. These findings suggest that male and female msP rats both drink high amounts of alcohol to self-medicate negative affective symptoms. For females, this behavior may be driven by an attempt to treat stress and depressive-like conditions. For males, generalized anxiety appears to be an important additional factor in the motivation to drink alcohol. This article is part of the special issue on 'Vulnerabilities to Substance Abuse.'
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Borruto
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Serena Stopponi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Hongwu Li
- College of Chemical Engineering, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun, China
| | - Friedbert Weiss
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Marisa Roberto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
N-acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA) inhibition decreases the motivation for alcohol in Marchigian Sardinian alcohol-preferring rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:249-258. [PMID: 33037452 PMCID: PMC7796956 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05678-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE N-acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA) is an intracellular cysteine hydrolase that terminates the biological actions of oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), two endogenous lipid-derived agonists of the nuclear receptor, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α. OEA and PEA are important regulators of energy balance, pain, and inflammation, but recent evidence suggests that they might also contribute to the control of reward-related behaviors. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS In the present study, we investigated the effects of systemic and intracerebral NAAA inhibition in the two-bottle choice model of voluntary alcohol drinking and on operant alcohol self-administration. RESULTS Intraperitoneal injections of the systemically active NAAA inhibitor ARN19702 (3 and 10 mg/kg) lowered voluntary alcohol intake in a dose-dependent manner, achieving ≈ 47% reduction at the 10 mg/kg dose (p < 0.001). Water, food, or saccharin consumption was not affected by the inhibitor. Similarly, ARN19702 dose-dependently attenuated alcohol self-administration under both fixed ratio 1 (FR-1) and progressive ratio schedules of reinforcement. Furthermore, microinjection of ARN19702 (1, 3 and 10 μg/μl) or of two chemically different NAAA inhibitors, ARN077 and ARN726 (both at 3 and 10 μg/μl), into the midbrain ventral tegmental area produced dose-dependent decreases in alcohol self-administration under FR-1 schedule. Microinjection of ARN19702 into the nucleus accumbens had no such effect. CONCLUSION Collectively, the results point to NAAA as a possible molecular target for the treatment of alcohol use disorder.
Collapse
|
20
|
Shamakina IY, Shagiakhmetov FS, Anokhin PK, Kohan VS, Davidova TV. [The role of nociceptin in opioid regulation of brain functions]. BIOMEDITSINSKAIA KHIMIIA 2021; 67:5-16. [PMID: 33645518 DOI: 10.18097/pbmc20216701005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This review discusses our current knowledge on the nociceptin/orphanin (N/OFQ) system regarding its role in regulation of brain functions. Nociceptin receptor (NOPr) was identified in 1994 [Bunzow et al., 1994; Mollereau et al., 1994]. In 1995 a 17 amino acid endogenous peptide was found to be the high-affinity ligand for the NOPr [Reinscheid et al., 1995]. N/OFQ has a broad spectrum of activity and can act as on opioid-like as well as an anti-opioid peptide. Considering high level of N/OFQ and NOPr mRNA expression in the limbic brain regions, the N/OFQ/NOP system is suggested to be involved in regulation of emotions, resward, pain sensitivity, stress responsibility, sexual behavior, aggression, drug abuse and addiction. However it is still not well understood whether an increased vulnerability to drugs of abuse may be associated with dysregulation of N/OFQ/NOP system. Current review further highlights a need for further research on N/OFQ/NOP system as it could have clinical utility for substance abuse, depression, and anxiety pharmacotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Yu Shamakina
- V.P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center on Psychiatry and Addiction, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - P K Anokhin
- V.P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center on Psychiatry and Addiction, Moscow, Russia
| | - V S Kohan
- V.P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center on Psychiatry and Addiction, Moscow, Russia
| | - T V Davidova
- The Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Alcohol. Alcohol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-816793-9.00001-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
|
22
|
Bellia F, Fernández MS, Fabio MC, Pucci M, Pautassi RM, D'Addario C. Selective alterations in endogenous opioid system genes expression in rats selected for high ethanol intake during adolescence. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 212:108025. [PMID: 32442753 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Historically, the roots of alcoholism have been linked to either environment or heredity. However, the interaction between these factors is still largely unexplored. The evidence supports a link between alcohol consumption and the endogenous opioid system. We here studied the opioid genes expression in male and female Wistar rats derived from a short-term breeding program which selected -- at adolescence -- for high (ADHI line) or low (ADLO line) ethanol drinking. Specifically, in this work we analyzed central opioid gene expression in the rats of the second filial generation (S2-ADLO and S2-ADHI). Selective downregulation of pronociceptin (Pnoc) and its receptor (Oprl1) mRNA levels were observed in the prefrontal cortex of male S2-ADHI rats when compared to S2-ADLO, and for Oprl1 also in the nucleus accumbens. An increase in gene expression was instead observed for pro-opiomelanocortin (Pomc) in the nucleus accumbens of S2-ADHI males when compared to S2-ADLO, as well as for mu opioid receptor (Oprm1) but in females. The differences in mRNA levels may be due to the different alcohol consumption between the two groups of rats or may represent pre-existing differences between them. Moreover, we show a sex-specific modulation of the expression of these genes, thus pointing out the importance of sex on ethanol responses. The results might lead to more specific and effective pharmacological treatments for alcoholism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Macarena Soledad Fernández
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - María Carolina Fabio
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina; Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | | | - Ricardo Marcos Pautassi
- Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina; Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.
| | - Claudio D'Addario
- Università degli Studi di Teramo, Teramo, Italy; Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Borruto AM, Fotio Y, Stopponi S, Brunori G, Petrella M, Caputi FF, Romualdi P, Candeletti S, Narendran R, Rorick-Kehn LM, Ubaldi M, Weiss F, Ciccocioppo R. NOP receptor antagonism reduces alcohol drinking in male and female rats through mechanisms involving the central amygdala and ventral tegmental area. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:1525-1537. [PMID: 31713848 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide and its cognate receptor (NOP) are widely expressed in mesolimbic brain regions where they play an important role in modulating reward and motivation. Early evidence suggested that NOP receptor activation attenuates the rewarding effects of drugs of abuse, including alcohol. However, emerging data indicate that NOP receptor blockade also effectively attenuates alcohol drinking and relapse. To advance our understanding of the role of the N/OFQ-NOP receptor system in alcohol abuse, we examined the effect of NOP receptor blockade on voluntary alcohol drinking at the neurocircuitry level. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Using male and female genetically selected alcohol-preferring Marchigian Sardinian (msP) rats, we initially evaluated the effects of the selective NOP receptor antagonist LY2817412 (3, 10, and 30 mg·kg-1 , p.o.) on alcohol consumption in a two-bottle free-choice paradigm. We then microinjected LY2817412 (3 and 6 μg·μl-1 per rat) in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), ventral tegmental area (VTA), and nucleus accumbens (NAc). KEY RESULTS Peripheral LY2817412 administration dose-dependently and selectively reduced voluntary alcohol intake in male and female msP rats. Central injections of LY2817412 markedly attenuated voluntary alcohol intake in both sexes following administration in the CeA and VTA but not in the NAc. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS The present results revealed that the CeA and VTA are neuroanatomical substrates that mediate the effects of NOP receptor antagonism on alcohol consumption. Overall, our findings support the potential of NOP receptor antagonism as a treatment strategy to attenuate alcohol use and addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yannick Fotio
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Italy
| | - Serena Stopponi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Italy
| | - Gloria Brunori
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Science, Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - Michele Petrella
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Italy
| | - Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rajesh Narendran
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Linda M Rorick-Kehn
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Massimo Ubaldi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Italy
| | - Friedbert Weiss
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|