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Johnston TH, Lacoste AMB, Ravenscroft P, Su J, Tamadon S, Seifi M, Lang AE, Fox SH, Brotchie JM, Visanji NP. Using artificial intelligence to identify drugs for repurposing to treat l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia. Neuropharmacology 2024; 248:109880. [PMID: 38412888 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.109880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Repurposing regulatory agency-approved molecules, with proven safety in humans, is an attractive option for developing new treatments for disease. We identified and assessed the efficacy of 3 drugs predicted by an in silico screen as having the potential to treat l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID) in Parkinson's disease. We analysed ∼1.3 million Medline abstracts using natural language processing and ranked 3539 existing drugs based on predicted ability to reduce LID. 3 drugs from the top 5% of the 3539 candidates; lorcaserin, acamprosate and ganaxolone, were prioritized for preclinical testing based on i) having a novel mechanism of action, ii) having not been previously validated for the treatment of LID, iii) being blood-brain-barrier penetrant and orally bioavailable and iv) being clinical trial ready. We assessed the efficacy of acamprosate, ganaxolone and lorcaserin in a rodent model of l-DOPA-induced hyperactivity, with lorcaserin affording a 58% reduction in rotational asymmetry (P < 0.05) compared to vehicle. Acamprosate and ganaxolone failed to demonstrate efficacy. Lorcaserin, a 5HT2C agonist, was then further tested in MPTP lesioned dyskinetic macaques where it afforded an 82% reduction in LID (P < 0.05), unfortunately accompanied by a significant increase in parkinsonian disability. In conclusion, although our data do not support the repurposing of lorcaserin, acamprosate or ganaxolone per se for LID, we demonstrate value of an in silico approach to identify candidate molecules which, in combination with an in vivo screen, can facilitate clinical development decisions. The present study adds to a growing literature in support of this paradigm shifting approach in the repurposing pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom H Johnston
- Atuka Inc, Suite 5600, 100 King St. W. Toronto, Ontario, M5X 1C9, Canada
| | | | - Paula Ravenscroft
- Atuka Inc, Suite 5600, 100 King St. W. Toronto, Ontario, M5X 1C9, Canada
| | - Jin Su
- Atuka Inc, Suite 5600, 100 King St. W. Toronto, Ontario, M5X 1C9, Canada
| | - Sahar Tamadon
- Atuka Inc, Suite 5600, 100 King St. W. Toronto, Ontario, M5X 1C9, Canada
| | - Mahtab Seifi
- Atuka Inc, Suite 5600, 100 King St. W. Toronto, Ontario, M5X 1C9, Canada
| | - Anthony E Lang
- Krembil Brain Institute, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada; Edmond J Safra Program in Parkinson Disease, Parkinson Foundation Centre of Excellence, Toronto Western Hospital, 399, Bathurst St, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Susan H Fox
- Krembil Brain Institute, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada; Edmond J Safra Program in Parkinson Disease, Parkinson Foundation Centre of Excellence, Toronto Western Hospital, 399, Bathurst St, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Jonathan M Brotchie
- Krembil Brain Institute, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada; Atuka Inc, Suite 5600, 100 King St. W. Toronto, Ontario, M5X 1C9, Canada
| | - Naomi P Visanji
- Krembil Brain Institute, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5T 0S8, Canada; Edmond J Safra Program in Parkinson Disease, Parkinson Foundation Centre of Excellence, Toronto Western Hospital, 399, Bathurst St, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Schaefer TL, Davenport MH, Grainger LM, Robinson CK, Earnheart AT, Stegman MS, Lang AL, Ashworth AA, Molinaro G, Huber KM, Erickson CA. Acamprosate in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome: modulation of spontaneous cortical activity, ERK1/2 activation, locomotor behavior, and anxiety. J Neurodev Disord 2017; 9:6. [PMID: 28616095 PMCID: PMC5467053 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-017-9184-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) occurs as a result of a silenced fragile X mental retardation 1 gene (FMR1) and subsequent loss of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) expression. Loss of FMRP alters excitatory/inhibitory signaling balance, leading to increased neuronal hyperexcitability and altered behavior. Acamprosate (the calcium salt of N-acetylhomotaurinate), a drug FDA-approved for relapse prevention in the treatment of alcohol dependence in adults, is a novel agent with multiple mechanisms that may be beneficial for people with FXS. There are questions regarding the neuroactive effects of acamprosate and the significance of the molecule's calcium moiety. Therefore, the electrophysiological, cellular, molecular, and behavioral effects of acamprosate were assessed in the Fmr1-/y (knock out; KO) mouse model of FXS controlling for the calcium salt in several experiments. METHODS Fmr1 KO mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates were utilized to assess acamprosate treatment on cortical UP state parameters, dendritic spine density, and seizure susceptibility. Brain extracellular-signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation was used to investigate this signaling molecule as a potential biomarker for treatment response. Additional adult mice were used to assess chronic acamprosate treatment and any potential effects of the calcium moiety using CaCl2 treatment on behavior and nuclear ERK1/2 activation. RESULTS Acamprosate attenuated prolonged cortical UP state duration, decreased elevated ERK1/2 activation in brain tissue, and reduced nuclear ERK1/2 activation in the dentate gyrus in KO mice. Acamprosate treatment modified behavior in anxiety and locomotor tests in Fmr1 KO mice in which control-treated KO mice were shown to deviate from control-treated WT mice. Mice treated with CaCl2 were not different from saline-treated mice in the adult behavior battery or nuclear ERK1/2 activation. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that acamprosate, and not calcium, improves function reminiscent of reduced anxiety-like behavior and hyperactivity in Fmr1 KO mice and that acamprosate attenuates select electrophysiological and molecular dysregulation that may play a role in the pathophysiology of FXS. Differences between control-treated KO and WT mice were not evident in a recognition memory test or in examination of acoustic startle response/prepulse inhibition which impeded conclusions from being made about the treatment effects of acamprosate in these instances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tori L Schaefer
- Division of Psychiatry, MLC 7004, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA
| | - Matthew H Davenport
- Division of Psychiatry, MLC 7004, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA
| | - Lindsay M Grainger
- Division of Psychiatry, MLC 7004, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA
| | - Chandler K Robinson
- Division of Psychiatry, MLC 7004, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA
| | - Anthony T Earnheart
- Division of Psychiatry, MLC 7004, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA
| | - Melinda S Stegman
- Division of Psychiatry, MLC 7004, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA.,Present address: Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229 USA
| | - Anna L Lang
- Division of Psychiatry, MLC 7004, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA.,Present address: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
| | - Amy A Ashworth
- Division of Psychiatry, MLC 7004, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA.,Present address: BlackbookHR, Cincinnati, OH 45202 USA
| | - Gemma Molinaro
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA
| | - Kimberly M Huber
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA
| | - Craig A Erickson
- Division of Psychiatry, MLC 7004, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA
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Shen Q, Deng Y, Ciccocioppo R, Cannella N. Cebranopadol, a Mixed Opioid Agonist, Reduces Cocaine Self-administration through Nociceptin Opioid and Mu Opioid Receptors. Front Psychiatry 2017; 8:234. [PMID: 29180970 PMCID: PMC5693905 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cocaine addiction is a widespread psychiatric condition still waiting for approved efficacious medications. Previous studies suggested that simultaneous activation of nociceptin opioid (NOP) and mu opioid (MOP) receptors could be a successful strategy to treat cocaine addiction, but the paucity of molecules co-activating both receptors with comparable potency has hampered this line of research. Cebranopadol is a non-selective opioid agonist that at nanomolar concentration activates both NOP and MOP receptors and that recently reached phase-III clinical trials for cancer pain treatment. Here, we tested the effect of cebranopadol on cocaine self-administration (SA) in the rat. We found that under a fixed-ratio-5 schedule of reinforcement, cebranopadol (25 and 50 µg/kg) decreased cocaine but not saccharin SA, indicating a specific inhibition of psychostimulant consumption. In addition, cebranopadol (50 µg/kg) decreased the motivation for cocaine as detected by reduction of the break point measured in a progressive-ratio paradigm. Next, we found that cebranopadol retains its effect on cocaine consumption throughout a 7-day chronic treatment, suggesting a lack of tolerance development toward its effect. Finally, we found that only simultaneous blockade of NOP and MOP receptors by concomitant administration of the NOP antagonist SB-612111 (30 mg/kg) and naltrexone (2.5 mg/kg) reversed cebranopadol-induced decrease of cocaine SA, demonstrating that cebranopadol activates both NOP and classical opioid receptors to exert its effect. Our data, together with the fairly advanced clinical development of cebranopadol and its good tolerability profile in humans, indicate that cebranopadol is an appealing candidate for cocaine addiction treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianwei Shen
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Yulin Deng
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Nazzareno Cannella
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
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Luo Z, Shen Y, Liang M, Miao J, Mei Y, Wang Y, Qin Y. Pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence evaluation of acamprosate calcium tablets in healthy Chinese volunteers. Eur J Pharm Sci 2015; 79:67-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Revised: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Hu W, Morris B, Carrasco A, Kroener S. Effects of acamprosate on attentional set-shifting and cellular function in the prefrontal cortex of chronic alcohol-exposed mice. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2015; 39:953-61. [PMID: 25903298 PMCID: PMC10782929 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) inhibits impulsive and compulsive behaviors that characterize drug abuse and dependence. Acamprosate is the leading medication approved for the maintenance of abstinence, shown to reduce craving and relapse in animal models and human alcoholics. Whether acamprosate can modulate executive functions that are impaired by chronic ethanol (EtOH) exposure is unknown. Here we explored the effects of acamprosate on an attentional set-shifting task and tested whether these behavioral effects are correlated with modulation of glutamatergic synaptic transmission and intrinsic excitability of mPFC neurons. METHODS We induced alcohol dependence in mice via chronic intermittent EtOH (CIE) exposure in vapor chambers and measured changes in alcohol consumption in a limited access 2-bottle choice paradigm. Impairments of executive function were assessed in an attentional set-shifting task. Acamprosate was applied subchronically for 2 days during withdrawal before the final behavioral test. Alcohol-induced changes in cellular function of layer 5/6 pyramidal neurons, and the potential modulation of these changes by acamprosate, were measured using patch clamp recordings in brain slices. RESULTS Chronic EtOH exposure impaired cognitive flexibility in the attentional set-shifting task. Acamprosate improved overall performance and reduced perseveration. Recordings of mPFC neurons showed that chronic EtOH exposure increased use-dependent presynaptic transmitter release and enhanced postsynaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor function. Moreover, CIE treatment lowered input resistance, and decreased the threshold and the after hyperpolarization of action potentials, suggesting chronic EtOH exposure also impacted membrane excitability of mPFC neurons. However, acamprosate treatment did not reverse these EtOH-induced changes cellular function. CONCLUSIONS Acamprosate improved attentional control of EtOH exposed animals, but did not alter the concurrent changes in synaptic transmission or membrane excitability of mPFC neurons, indicating that these changes are not the pharmacological targets of acamprosate in the recovery of mPFC functions affected by chronic EtOH exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Hu
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas
| | - Brett Morris
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas
| | - Angelique Carrasco
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas
| | - Sven Kroener
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas
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Deshmukh G, Sun K, Liederer BM, Ding X, Liu X. Use of Cassette Dosing to Enhance the Throughput of Rat Brain Microdialysis Studies. Drug Metab Dispos 2015; 43:1123-8. [DOI: 10.1124/dmd.115.064204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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Zaaijer ER, de Bruin K, la Fleur SE, Goudriaan AE, van den Brink W, Booij J. Subchronic administration of short-acting naltrexone has no effect on striatal dopamine transporter availability, food intake or body weight gain in rats. J Psychopharmacol 2015; 29:344-8. [PMID: 25586403 DOI: 10.1177/0269881114565380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone is successfully used in the treatment of opioid and alcohol dependence. However, questions have been raised about possible anhedonic side effects, because the opioid system is directly involved in hedonic responses to natural rewarding activities, possibly due to its indirect effects on the striatal dopamine transporter (DAT). In order to test this hypothesis, 30 rats were randomized to either a 10-day treatment with 3 mg/kg short-acting naltrexone or vehicle. No significant differences between the groups were found in striatal DAT availability, cumulative food intake (for 48 or 72 h), body weight gain and abdominal fatpad weight. Thus, the results of this study suggest that (sub)chronic treatment with short-acting naltrexone does not induce possible anhedonic effects. However, it cannot be ruled out the anhedonic effect of naltrexone is only short-lived and thus not detected in the current study. Therefore, future studies are needed to study possible acute anhedonic effects at several time points shortly after short-acting naltrexone administration and to directly compare the possible anhedonic effects of long-acting with those of short-acting opioid antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline R Zaaijer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Amsterdam Institute for Addiction Research, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kora de Bruin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Susanne E la Fleur
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anna E Goudriaan
- Amsterdam Institute for Addiction Research, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Arkin Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wim van den Brink
- Amsterdam Institute for Addiction Research, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Booij
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Abstract
RATIONALE An increasingly compelling literature points to a major role for the glutamate system in mediating the effects of alcohol on behavior and the pathophysiology of alcoholism. Preclinical studies indicate that glutamate signaling mediates certain aspects of ethanol's intoxicating and rewarding effects, and undergoes adaptations following chronic alcohol exposure that may contribute to the withdrawal, craving and compulsive drug-seeking that drive alcohol abuse and alcoholism. OBJECTIVES We discuss the potential for targeting the glutamate system as a novel pharmacotherapeutic approach to treating alcohol use disorders, focusing on five major components of the glutamate system: the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and specific NMDA subunits, the glycineB site on the NMDA receptors (NMDAR), L-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-isoxazole-4-propionic acid ionotropic (AMPA) and kainate (KAR) receptors, metabotropic receptors (mGluR), and glutamate transporters. RESULTS Chronic alcohol abuse produces a hyperglutamatergic state, characterized by elevated extracellular glutamate and altered glutamate receptors and transporters. Pharmacologically manipulating glutamatergic neurotransmission alters alcohol-related behaviors including intoxication, withdrawal, and alcohol-seeking, in rodents and human subjects. Blocking NMDA and AMPA receptors reduces alcohol consumption in rodents, but side-effects may limit this as a therapeutic approach. Selectively targeting NMDA and AMPA receptor subunits (e.g., GluN2B, GluA3), or the NMDAR glycineB site offers an alternative approach. Blocking mGluR5 potently affects various alcohol-related behaviors in rodents, and mGluR2/3 agonism also suppresses alcohol consumption. Finally, glutamate transporter upregulation may mitigate behavioral and neurotoxic sequelae of excess glutamate caused by alcohol. CONCLUSIONS Despite the many challenges that remain, targeting the glutamate system offers genuine promise for developing new treatments for alcoholism.
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Yoon SS, Seo JW, Ann SH, Kim HY, Kim HS, Cho HY, Yun J, Chung EY, Koo JS, Yang CH. Effects of saikosaponin A on cocaine self-administration in rats. Neurosci Lett 2013; 555:198-202. [PMID: 24076136 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2013.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Revised: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that saikosaponin A (SSA) attenuated morphine self-administration behavior. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of SSA on cocaine-maintained responding using self-administration procedure. Rats self-administered cocaine (0.25mg/kg per infusion) under a fixed ratio 1 schedule of reinforcement during daily 3-h session. Once stable basal responses were obtained, rats were pretreated with each doses of SSA (1.0, 2.5, 5.0mg/kg) or its vehicle (5% Tween-80) by an intraperitoneal injection 30min before the start of self-administration testing. Additionally, different groups of rats received either the selective GABAB antagonist SCH 50911 or the GABAA antagonist bicuculline before systemic administration of SSA at dose of 2.5mg/kg. Results showed that SSA significantly reduced cocaine self-administration without affecting food consumption. SSA inhibition of cocaine reinforced-responding was blocked by SCH 50911, but not bicuculline. Results suggest that SSA may attenuate cocaine-reinforced behavior through activation of GABAB receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Shoon Yoon
- Center for Safety Pharmacology, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon 305-343, Republic of Korea
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The influence of ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptor ligands on anxiety-like effect of amphetamine withdrawal in rats. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2013; 45:242-9. [PMID: 23623810 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2013.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2012] [Revised: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 04/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Chronic amphetamine use results in anxiety-like states after drug cessation. The aim of the study was to determine a role of ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptor ligands in amphetamine-evoked withdrawal anxiety in the elevated plus-maze test in rats. In our study memantine (8 and 12 mg/kg), a noncompetitive N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist did not reduce amphetamine withdrawal anxiety. Acamprosate (NMDA and metabotropic glutamate 5 receptor (mGluR5) antagonist) at the dose 200 and 400mg/kg showed anxiolytic-like effect, thus increasing the percent of time spent in open arms and a number of open arm entries. mGluR5 selective antagonist, MTEP (3-[(2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)ethynyl]pyridine hydrochloride) and mGluR2/3 agonist, LY354740 (1S,2S,5R,6S)-2-aminobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylic acid), caused effects similar to acamprosate at doses 1.25-5mg/kg and 2.5-5mg/kg, respectively. None of the glutamate ligands influenced locomotor activity of rats when given to the saline-treated group. Taking into account the positive correlation between amphetamine withdrawal-induced anxiety and relapse to amphetamine taking, our results suggest that modulation of mGluRs may prevent relapse to amphetamine and might pose a new direction in amphetamine abuse therapy.
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Cocaine reverses the naltrexone-induced reduction in operant ethanol self-administration: The effects on immediate-early gene expression in the rat prefrontal cortex. Neuropharmacology 2012; 63:927-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2012] [Revised: 05/19/2012] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Sternberg Z, Cesario A, Rittenhouse-Olson K, Sobel RA, Leung YK, Pankewycz O, Zhu B, Whitcomb T, Sternberg DS, Munschauer FE. Acamprosate modulates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Inflammopharmacology 2011; 20:39-48. [PMID: 22090150 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-011-0097-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2011] [Accepted: 09/24/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This pilot study aimed to determine the efficacy of acamprosate (N-acetyl homotaurine) in reducing the pathological features of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) which is an animal model for multiple sclerosis (MS). BACKGROUND The amino acid taurine has multiple biological activities including immunomodulation and neuromodulation. The synthetic acetylated taurine derivative, acamprosate, which crosses the blood-brain barrier more readily compared to taurine, is currently being used for the prevention of alcohol withdrawal symptoms associated with enhanced glutamatergic receptor function and GABA receptor hypofunction. METHODS EAE was induced in C57BL/6 female mice with myelin oligodendrocyte glyocoprotein, amino acid 35-55. Mice were treated with 20, 100 and 500 mg/kg acamprosate for 21 days. RESULTS Neurological scores at disease peak were reduced by 21, 64 and 9% in the 20, 100 and 500 mg/kg groups, respectively. Neurological improvement in the 100 mg/kg group correlated with a reduction in numbers of inflammatory lesions and the extent of CNS demyelination. Blood TNF-α levels were significantly reduced in the 500 mg/kg group. DISCUSSION Acamprosate and other taurine analogs have a potential for future MS therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Sternberg
- Department of Neurology, Baird MS Center, Jacobs Neurological Institute, 100 High Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.
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Acamprosate determinations in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid after multiple dosing measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy: a pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers. Ther Drug Monit 2010; 32:489-96. [PMID: 20592646 DOI: 10.1097/ftd.0b013e3181e18638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The central nervous system-active medication acamprosate has been shown to modulate alcohol-related behavior in both preclinical and clinical studies. Although commonly used in the treatment of alcohol dependence, there are still unanswered questions concerning the pharmacokinetic properties of acamprosate. The aims of the present study were to 1) to validate liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry as a method to study the presence of acamprosate in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in humans; and 2) validate previous results on clinically important pharmacokinetic data for acamprosate. In an open label, single-site design, 13 healthy males and females were recruited to 22 days of oral acamprosate treatment (1998 mg/day). Subjects provided in all 256 plasma samples for analysis at regular intervals at Day 1, 7, 14, and 22 of treatment. On Day 22, subjects also left a sample of CSF for measurement of acamprosate. The results showed that steady-state level of acamprosate was accomplished within 5 days after the start of treatment and remained fairly stable for 2 to 3 days after termination of treatment. Variations in plasma concentrations corresponded to earlier studies and did not exceed those for comparable pharmacotherapeutic agents. Acamprosate concentrations in the CSF were below the limit of quantification, ie, estimated concentrations between 9 and 33 ng/mL. Plasma concentrations were more than 25 times higher than in lumbar CSF. The low CSF levels seen after 3 weeks of treatment may provide an explanation to the delay in therapeutic effect noticed in treatment studies on acamprosate. A longer duration of treatment might be necessary to obtain clinically significant brain levels of acamprosate. In summary, the present study validated liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry as a method for assessment of compliance to acamprosate treatment. Furthermore, the results suggest that the mechanism of action of acamprosate needs to be further explored with regard to the peripheral actions of the drug.
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Miranda-Morales RS, Molina JC, Spear NE, Abate P. Participation of the endogenous opioid system in the acquisition of a prenatal ethanol-related memory: effects on neonatal and preweanling responsiveness to ethanol. Physiol Behav 2010; 101:153-60. [PMID: 20451537 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2010.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2009] [Revised: 04/22/2010] [Accepted: 04/28/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The present study tested the involvement of the opioid system in the acquisition and expression of prenatal ethanol-related memories. We evaluated how this prenatal experience modulates ethanol self-administration in newborn rats, and preweanling's ingestion of the drug. During Gestational Days (GDs) 17-20, four groups of dams were treated with ethanol (2 g/kg) or water, followed immediately by naloxone (10 mg/kg) or saline administration. A fifth group received a similar dose of naloxone 20min before ethanol administration. On PD 1, pups were tested on an operant learning procedure to obtain milk or 3% ethanol. One hour later, an extinction session was performed. At Postnatal Days (PDs) 14 and 15, preweanlings representing each prenatal treatment were evaluated in an intake test with infusions of 5% ethanol or water. Prior to the intake test on PD14, preweanlings were administered naloxone (1 mg/kg), saline or remained untreated. In both tests, animals representative of both genders were utilized. One-day-old pups rapidly learned the operant behavior to gain access to milk. In contrast, only pups prenatally treated with ethanol (administered immediately before naloxone or saline injection) increased operant responding to gain access to ethanol. On an intake test at PDs 14 and 15, those animals prenatally exposed to naloxone 20 min before ethanol administration consumed significantly lower ethanol levels than the remaining prenatal ethanol groups. Postnatal treatment with naloxone diminished intake of all solutions at PD14. These results suggest that prenatal ethanol exposure facilitates neonatal operant learning reinforced by intraoral administration of ethanol and increases ethanol consumption during PDs 14-15. The endogenous opioid system apparently is involved in the acquisition of prenatal ethanol memories, which can modulate the reinforcing attributes of the drug in neonatal and preweanling rats.
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Abstract
This paper is the 31st consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2008 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior (Section 2), and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia (Section 3); stress and social status (Section 4); tolerance and dependence (Section 5); learning and memory (Section 6); eating and drinking (Section 7); alcohol and drugs of abuse (Section 8); sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (Section 9); mental illness and mood (Section 10); seizures and neurologic disorders (Section 11); electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (Section 12); general activity and locomotion (Section 13); gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (Section 14); cardiovascular responses (Section 15); respiration and thermoregulation (Section 16); and immunological responses (Section 17).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, United States.
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Hammarberg A, Jayaram-Lindström N, Beck O, Franck J, Reid MS. The effects of acamprosate on alcohol-cue reactivity and alcohol priming in dependent patients: a randomized controlled trial. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2009; 205:53-62. [PMID: 19319508 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-009-1515-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2008] [Accepted: 03/08/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Acamprosate is a widely utilized, efficacious treatment for relapse prevention in alcohol-dependent patients; yet, little is known regarding its therapeutic mechanism of action. OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of acamprosate on cue reactivity and alcohol priming in alcohol-dependent patients. METHODS In a double-blind design, 56 treatment seeking patients were randomized to 21 days of either acamprosate or placebo treatment and then participated in a series of cue- and alcohol-priming sessions. Alcohol cues consisted of a mixture of alcohol related visual, tactile, olfactory, and auditory stimuli. Non-alcohol-related cues were contextually similar but had no connection to alcohol. In the alcohol-priming procedure, patients were provided with an alcohol drink of their own choice at a dose corresponding to 0.20 gr. EtOH/kg bodyweight. Subjective, physiological, and biological measurements were recorded before and after each test session. Following study completion, all patients were referred to formal treatment. RESULTS The results showed that acamprosate attenuated the subjective craving induced by alcohol priming in comparison to placebo-treated patients. Furthermore, acamprosate reduced alcohol-induced elevation in blood-cortisol levels. Lastly, there was a negative correlation between acamprosate plasma levels and alcohol craving following a priming drink. No effects of acamprosate on cue reactivity, or on the acute rewarding and sedating effects of the priming drink, were observed. CONCLUSION These results suggest a potential mechanism by which acamprosate mediates its therapeutic effect in the treatment of alcoholism, by attenuating the urge to drink following an alcohol slip.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Hammarberg
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychiatry, Karolinska University Hospital, M4: 02SE-17176, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Kotlinska J, Bochenski M. The influence of various glutamate receptors antagonists on anxiety-like effect of ethanol withdrawal in a plus-maze test in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2008; 598:57-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2008.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2008] [Revised: 09/05/2008] [Accepted: 09/18/2008] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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