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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]
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Zhou Y, Liang Y, Low MJ, Kreek MJ. Nuclear transcriptional changes in hypothalamus of Pomc enhancer knockout mice after excessive alcohol drinking. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2019; 18:e12600. [PMID: 31339663 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Persistent alterations of proopiomelanocortin (Pomc) and mu-opioid receptor (Oprm1) activity and stress responses after alcohol are critically involved in vulnerability to alcohol dependency. Gene transcriptional regulation altered by alcohol may play important roles. Mice with genome-wide deletion of neuronal Pomc enhancer1 (nPE1-/- ), had hypothalamic-specific partial reductions of beta-endorphin and displayed lower alcohol consumption, compared to wildtype littermates (nPE1+/+ ). We used RNA-Seq to measure steady-state nuclear mRNA transcripts of opioid and stress genes in hypothalamus of nPE1+/+ and nPE1-/- mice after 1-day acute withdrawal from chronic excessive alcohol drinking or after water. nPE1-/- had lower basal Pomc and Pdyn (prodynorphin) levels compared to nPE1+/+ , coupled with increased basal Oprm1 and Oprk1 (kappa-opioid receptor) levels, and low alcohol drinking increased Pomc and Pdyn to the basal levels of nPE1+/+ in the water group, without significant effects on Oprm1 and Oprk1. In nPE1+/+ , excessive alcohol intake increased Pomc and Oprm1, with no effect on Pdyn or Oprk1. For stress genes, nPE1-/- had lowered basal Oxt (oxytocin) and Avp (arginine vasopressin) that were restored by low alcohol intake to basal levels of nPE1+/+ . In nPE1+/+ , excessive alcohol intake decreased Oxt and Avpi1 (AVP-induced protein1). Functionally examining the effect of pharmacological blockade of mu-opioid receptor, we found that naltrexone reduced excessive alcohol intake in nPE1+/+ , but not nPE1-/- . Our results provide evidence relevant to the transcriptional profiling of the critical genes in mouse hypothalamus: enhanced opioid and reduced stress gene transcripts after acute withdrawal from excessive alcohol may contribute to altered reward and stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Yupu Liang
- Research Bioinformatics, CCTS, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Malcolm J Low
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Mary J Kreek
- Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
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Harper KM, Knapp DJ, Criswell HE, Breese GR. Vasopressin and alcohol: a multifaceted relationship. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:3363-3379. [PMID: 30392132 PMCID: PMC6286152 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5099-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arginine vasopressin (VP) has been implicated in a number of neuropsychiatric disorders with an emphasis on situations where stress increased the severity of the disorder. Based on this hypothesized role for VP in neuropsychiatric disorders, much research is currently being undertaken in humans and animals to test VP as a target for treatment of a number of these disorders including alcohol abuse. OBJECTIVES To provide a summary of the literature regarding the role of VP in alcohol- and stress-related behaviors including the use of drugs that target VP in clinical trials. RESULTS Changes in various components of the VP system occur with alcohol and stress. Manipulating VP or its receptors can alter alcohol- and stress-related behaviors including tolerance to alcohol, alcohol drinking, and anxiety-like behavior. Finally, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis response to alcohol is also altered by manipulating the VP system. However, clinical trials of VP antagonists have had mixed results. CONCLUSIONS A review of VP's involvement in alcohol's actions demonstrates that there is much to be learned about brain regions involved in VP-mediated effects on behavior. Thus, future work should focus on elucidating relevant brain regions. By using previous knowledge of the actions of VP and determining the brain regions and/or systems involved in its different behavioral effects, it may be possible to identify a specific receptor subtype target, drug treatment combination, or specific clinical contexts that may point toward a more successful treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M Harper
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB #7178, Thurston Bowles Building, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7178, USA.
| | - Darin J Knapp
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB #7178, Thurston Bowles Building, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7178, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7178, USA
| | - Hugh E Criswell
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB #7178, Thurston Bowles Building, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7178, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7178, USA
| | - George R Breese
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB #7178, Thurston Bowles Building, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7178, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7178, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7178, USA
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Zhou Y, Kreek MJ. Involvement of Activated Brain Stress Responsive Systems in Excessive and "Relapse" Alcohol Drinking in Rodent Models: Implications for Therapeutics. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2018; 366:9-20. [PMID: 29669731 PMCID: PMC5988024 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.117.245621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Addictive diseases, including addiction to alcohol, pose massive public health costs. Addiction is a chronic relapsing disease caused by both the direct effects induced by drugs and persistent neuroadaptations at the molecular, cellular, and behavioral levels. These drug-type specific neuroadaptations are brought on largely by the reinforcing effects of drugs on the central nervous system and environmental stressors. Results from animal experiments have demonstrated important interactions between alcohol and stress-responsive systems. Addiction to specific drugs such as alcohol, psychostimulants, and opioids shares some common direct or downstream effects on the brain's stress-responsive systems, including arginine vasopressin and its V1b receptors, dynorphin and the κ-opioid receptors, pro-opiomelanocortin/β-endorphin and the μ-opioid receptors, and the endocannabinoids. Further study of these systems through laboratory-based and translational research could lead to the discovery of novel treatment targets and the early optimization of interventions (for example, combination) for the pharmacologic therapy of alcoholism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- Laboratory of Biology of Addictive Diseases, Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Mary Jeanne Kreek
- Laboratory of Biology of Addictive Diseases, Rockefeller University, New York, New York
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Trifunović S, Manojlović-Stojanoski M, Ristić N, Jurijević BŠ, Balind SR, Brajković G, Perčinić-Popovska F, Milošević V. Effects of prolonged alcohol exposure on somatotrophs and corticotrophs in adult rats: Stereological and hormonal study. Acta Histochem 2016; 118:353-60. [PMID: 27017477 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2016.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to alcohol alters many physiological processes, including endocrine status. The present study examined whether prolonged alcohol (A) exposure could modulate selected stereological and hormonal aspects of pituitary somatotrophs (growth hormone-GH cells) and corticotrophs (adrenocorticotropic hormone-ACTH cells) in adult rats. Changes in pituitary gland volume; the volume density, total number and volume of GH and ACTH cells following alcohol exposure were evaluated using a stereological system (newCAST), while peripheral GH and ACTH levels were determined biochemically. Our results demonstrated the reduction (p<0.05) of the volume density (37%) and volume of GH cells (29%) in the group A. Also, there was a tendency for the total number of GH cells to be smaller in the group A. Serum GH level was significantly decreased (p<0.05; 70%) in the group A when compared to control values. Moreover, prolonged alcohol exposure induced declines (p<0.05) in volume density (24%) and volume of ACTH cells (29%). The total number of ACTH cells and ACTH level were higher (p<0.05; 42%) in the group A than in control rats. Collectively, these results indicate that prolonged alcohol exposure leads not only to changes in GH and ACTH hormone levels, but also to alterations of the morphological aspects of GH and ACTH cells within the pituitary.
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Zhou Y, Kreek MJ. Alcohol: a stimulant activating brain stress responsive systems with persistent neuroadaptation. Neuropharmacology 2014; 87:51-8. [PMID: 24929109 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Revised: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Addictive diseases, including addiction to alcohol, opiates or cocaine, pose massive public health costs. Addictions are chronic relapsing brain diseases, caused by drug-induced direct effects and persistent neuroadaptations at the molecular, cellular and behavioral levels. These drug-type specific neuroadapations are mainly contributed by three factors: environment, including stress, the direct reinforcing effects of the drug on the CNS, and genetics. Results from animal models and basic clinical research (including human genetic study) have shown important interactions between the stress responsive systems and alcohol abuse. In this review we will discuss the involvement of the dysregulation of the stress responsive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in alcohol addiction (Section I). Addictions to specific drugs such as alcohol, psychostimulants and opiates (e.g., heroin) have some common direct or downstream effects on several brain stress-responsive systems, including vasopressin and its receptor system (Section II), POMC and mu opioid receptor system (Section III) and dynorphin and kappa opioid receptor systems (Section IV). Further understanding of these systems, through laboratory-based and translational studies, have the potential to optimize early interventions and to discover new treatment targets for the therapy of alcoholism. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'CNS Stimulants'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Mary Jeanne Kreek
- Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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Azarov AV, Woodward DJ. Early ethanol and water intake: choice mechanism and total fluid regulation operate in parallel in male alcohol preferring (P) and both Wistar and Sprague Dawley rats. Physiol Behav 2013; 123:11-9. [PMID: 24095933 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2013.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Revised: 07/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to clarify similar and distinctly different parameters of fluid intake during early phases of ethanol and water choice drinking in alcohol preferring P-rat vs. non-selected Wistar and Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Precision information on the drinking amounts and timing is needed to analyze micro-behavioral components of the acquisition of ethanol intake and to enable a search for its causal activity patterns within individual CNS circuits. The experiment followed the standard ethanol-drinking test used in P-rat selective breeding, with access to water, then 10% ethanol (10E) as sole fluids, and next to ethanol/water choice. The novelty of the present approach was to eliminate confounding prandial elevations of fluid intake, by time-separating daily food from fluid access. P-rat higher initial intakes of water and 10E as sole fluids suggest adaptations to ethanol-induced dehydration in P vs. Wistar and SD rats. P-rat starting and overall ethanol intake during the choice period were the highest. The absolute extent of ethanol intake elevation during choice period was greatest in Wistar and their final intake levels approached those of P-rat, contrary to the hypothesis that selection would produce the strongest elevation of ethanol intake. The total daily fluid during ethanol/water choice period was strikingly similar between P, Wistar and SD rats. This supports the hypothesis for a universal system that gauges the overall intake volume by titrating and integrating ethanol and water drinking fluctuations, and indicates a stable daily level of total fluid as a main regulated parameter of fluid intake across the three lines in choice conditions. The present findings indicate that a stable daily level of total fluid comprises an independent physiological limit for daily ethanol intake. Ethanol drinking, in turn, stays under the ceiling of this limit, driven by a parallel mechanism of ethanol/water choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey V Azarov
- Neuroscience Research Institute of North Carolina, 101 N. Chestnut St., Suite 200, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States.
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Logrip ML, Rivier C, Lau C, Im S, Vaughan J, Lee S. Adolescent alcohol exposure alters the rat adult hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis responsiveness in a sex-specific manner. Neuroscience 2013; 235:174-86. [PMID: 23337533 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.12.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Revised: 12/07/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to alcohol during adolescence exerts long-term effects on the adult brain stress circuits, causing many changes that persist into adulthood. Here we examined the consequences of adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE, administered from postnatal day (PND) 28-42) on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis-related brain circuitry of rats challenged with intragastric (ig) administration of alcohol in adulthood (PND 70-71). Both male and female adolescent rats were exposed to alcohol vapors, while controls did not receive the drug, to assess whether AIE alters adult alcohol response in a sex-specific manner. We demonstrated that AIE increased paraventricular nucleus (PVN) Avp mRNA levels during late (PND 42) but not middle (PND 36) adolescence in males. While an alcohol challenge administered to 70-71-day-old rats increased Crf mRNA levels in males and Avp mRNA levels in females, AIE blunted both effects. These results suggest that AIE produced long-lasting changes in the responsiveness of the HPA axis to a subsequent alcohol challenge in a sex-specific manner. Furthermore, AIE altered adrenergic brain stem nuclei involved in stress responses in adulthood, resulting in increased numbers of phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) neurons in male C2 and female C1 regions. This tended to enhance activation of the male C2 nucleus upon alcohol challenge. Collectively, these results suggest that AIE exerts long-term effects on the ability of the PVN to respond to an alcohol challenge in adulthood, possibly mediated by catecholaminergic input from the brain stem to the PVN.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Logrip
- The Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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Bell RL, Sable HJ, Colombo G, Hyytia P, Rodd ZA, Lumeng L. Animal models for medications development targeting alcohol abuse using selectively bred rat lines: neurobiological and pharmacological validity. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2012; 103:119-55. [PMID: 22841890 PMCID: PMC3595005 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2012.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [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: 11/02/2011] [Revised: 07/07/2012] [Accepted: 07/18/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this review paper is to present evidence that rat animal models of alcoholism provide an ideal platform for developing and screening medications that target alcohol abuse and dependence. The focus is on the 5 oldest international rat lines that have been selectively bred for a high alcohol-consumption phenotype. The behavioral and neurochemical phenotypes of these rat lines are reviewed and placed in the context of the clinical literature. The paper presents behavioral models for assessing the efficacy of pharmaceuticals for the treatment of alcohol abuse and dependence in rodents, with particular emphasis on rats. Drugs that have been tested for their effectiveness in reducing alcohol/ethanol consumption and/or self-administration by these rat lines and their putative site of action are summarized. The paper also presents some current and future directions for developing pharmacological treatments targeting alcohol abuse and dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L. Bell
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Helen J.K. Sable
- Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Giancarlo Colombo
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy, Section of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Petri Hyytia
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Zachary A. Rodd
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Lawrence Lumeng
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Zhou Y, Colombo G, Carai MAM, Ho A, Gessa GL, Kreek MJ. Involvement of arginine vasopressin and V1b receptor in alcohol drinking in Sardinian alcohol-preferring rats. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2011; 35:1876-83. [PMID: 21575018 PMCID: PMC3182300 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2011.01532.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent animal studies have shown that the level of stress-responsive arginine vasopressin (AVP) gene expression in the amygdala is increased during early withdrawal from long-term heroin or cocaine administration. The selective AVP V1b receptor antagonist SSR149415 (capable of exerting antidepressant-like and anxiolytic effects in animal models) also blocked stress-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of alcohol and to determine whether (i) there are genetically determined differences in basal AVP mRNA levels in the medial/central amygdala (Me/CeA) and medial hypothalamus (MH) between selectively bred Sardinian alcohol-preferring (sP) and alcohol-nonpreferring (sNP) rats; (ii) the AVP mRNA levels are altered by long-term alcohol drinking in sP rats; and (iii) the V1b receptor antagonist SSR149415 alters alcohol drinking in sP rats. METHODS In Experiment 1, AVP mRNA levels were measured in the Me/CeA and MH of alcohol-naïve sP and sNP rats, and sP rats exposed to the standard, homecage 2-bottle "alcohol versus water" choice regimen 24 h/d for 17 days. In Experiment 2, SSR149415 (0, 3, 10, or 30 mg/kg; intraperitoneal) was acutely administered 30 minutes before lights off to alcohol-experienced sP rats. Alcohol, water, and food intake were monitored 6 and 24 hours later. RESULTS We found higher basal AVP mRNA levels in both Me/CeA and MH of alcohol-naïve sP than sNP rats; alcohol consumption decreased AVP mRNA levels in both brain regions of sP rats, suggesting genetically determined differences between the 2 rat lines and in the effects of alcohol drinking in sP rats. Acute treatment with SSR149415 significantly reduced alcohol intake of sP rats. CONCLUSION The stress-responsive AVP/V1b receptor system is 1 component of the neural circuitry underlying high alcohol drinking in sP rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065, USA.
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Leggio L. Understanding and Treating Alcohol Craving and Dependence: Recent Pharmacological and Neuroendocrinological Findings. Alcohol Alcohol 2009; 44:341-52. [DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agp026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Renin and aldosterone but not the natriuretic peptide correlate with obsessive craving in medium-term abstinent alcohol-dependent patients: a longitudinal study. Alcohol 2008; 42:375-81. [PMID: 18486430 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2008.03.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2008] [Revised: 02/26/2008] [Accepted: 03/06/2008] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Both animal and human studies suggest that volume-regulating hormones could play a role in alcohol dependence as well as in alcohol craving. The role of the volume-regulating hormones, renin, aldosterone, and the N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in alcohol craving was therefore evaluated in the present study. Twenty-five actively drinking alcohol-dependent patients satisfied the inclusion criteria and were enrolled into the study. The volume-regulating hormones, renin, aldosterone, and the NT-proBNP, and craving measurements--Obsessive-Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS) and Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS)--were performed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Sixteen patients remained totally abstinent for the entire 12 weeks and were available for the second assessments. At baseline, no correlations between hormones and craving scores were found with either the 25 patients initially enrolled or the 16 abstinent patients. At 12 weeks, a significant increase of renin and a significant decrease of aldosterone were observed. Aldosterone showed a significant direct correlation with the obsessive OCDS subscore (r=0.59, P=.016) and a trend toward a significant direct correlation with the PACS score (r=0.48, P=.057). Renin demonstrated a significant direct correlation with the obsessive OCDS subscore (r=0.51, P=.041) and with the PACS score (r=0.56, P=.025). The NT-proBNP never correlated with craving measurements. In conclusion, the renin-aldosterone axis could play a role in craving in medium-term abstinent patients and thereby leading to the hypothesis that alcohol craving could be influenced by the fluid volume intake.
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Hwang BH, Stewart R, Zhang JK, Lumeng L, Li TK. Corticotropin-releasing factor gene expression is down-regulated in the central nucleus of the amygdala of alcohol-preferring rats which exhibit high anxiety: a comparison between rat lines selectively bred for high and low alcohol preference. Brain Res 2005; 1026:143-50. [PMID: 15476706 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2004.08.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/19/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The role of amygdaloid corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in alcoholism is not clear. Alcohol-preferring (P) rats and high alcohol-drinking (HAD) rats are selectively bred for high alcohol preference, and have been considered suitable animal models for studying alcoholism. The CRF neurons in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) of P rats and HAD rats were studied in comparison with those of their respective counterparts, namely, alcohol-nonpreferring (NP) rats and low alcohol-drinking (LAD) rats. Specifically, CRF-immunoreactivity (ir) in the CeA and paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN) was assessed using radioimmunohistochemical (RIH) assay in alcohol-naive P/NP rats, and HAD/LAD rats. Furthermore, CRF mRNA was examined using in situ hybridization in the CeA of P/NP rats. Anxiety levels were also evaluated using an elevated plus maze. Results of the present study showed that CRF-ir was significantly lower in the CeA of P rats than NP rats. Moreover, CRF mRNA in the CeA was also much lower in P rats than NP rats. Such differences were not seen in the PVN. Interestingly, those P rats exhibited higher anxiety than NP rats. In contrary, there were no innate differences of CRF-ir in both the CeA and PVN between HAD and LAD rats whose anxiety levels were similar. This study is consistent with the literature showing CRF knockout (KO) induces alcohol drinking, and central administrations of CRF reduce alcohol intake. Collectively, the present study suggests that reduced CRF gene expression in the CeA of P rats is associated with their alcohol preference and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bang H Hwang
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology (MS-5035), Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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Jahn H, Döring WKH, Krampe H, Sieg S, Werner C, Poser W, Brunner E, Ehrenreich H. Preserved Vasopressin Response to Osmostimulation Despite Decreased Basal Vasopressin Levels in Long-Term Abstinent Alcoholics. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2004; 28:1925-30. [PMID: 15608610 DOI: 10.1097/01.alc.0000148110.34917.c3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Basal arginine vasopressin (AVP) plasma levels in alcoholic patients are persistently decreased over months of controlled alcohol abstinence. As a potential explanation of this phenomenon, a reduction of AVP immunoreactive neurons was described in the hypothalamus of alcohol-dependent humans and rodents. This study was therefore designed to examine whether long-term abstinent alcoholics have a compromised response of AVP to osmostimulation. METHODS Fifteen male alcoholics, aged 42 +/- 2 years, were examined (1) over 12 months of strictly controlled abstinence (longitudinal study) and (2) during an osmostimulation test (5% NaCl infusion at 0.06 ml/kg/min over 2 hr) and were compared with 15 healthy male subjects, aged 41 +/- 2 years. AVP and routine laboratory parameters, including electrolytes and osmolality, were measured. RESULTS Starting from lower basal concentrations, alcoholics showed increases similar to those of controls in AVP and plasma osmolality after osmostimulation. The first sensation of thirst was announced significantly later by alcoholics than by controls. Twenty-hour-posttest urine volume and sodium excretion were reduced in alcoholics compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS Despite their persistently decreased basal AVP plasma levels, long-term abstinent alcoholics have a well preserved AVP response to osmostimulation. This finding indicates a peripheral suppression of AVP levels that is most likely due to a regulatory set-point shift toward hypotonic hyperhydration, rather than to a reduced central capacity of AVP secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henriette Jahn
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Georg-August University, and Max-Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Hermann-Rein Str. 3, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany
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Abstract
AIMS To describe recent research focusing on the analysis of gene and protein expression relevant to understanding ethanol consumption, dependence and effects, in order to identify common themes. METHODS A selective literature search was used to collate the relevant data. RESULTS Over 160 genes have been individually assessed before or after ethanol administration, as well as in genetically selected lines. Techniques for studying gene expression include northern blots, differential display, real time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization. More recently, high throughput functional genomic technology, such as DNA microarrays, has been used to examine gene expression. Recent gene expression analyses have dramatically increased the number of candidate genes (nine array papers have illuminated 600 novel gene transcripts that may contribute to alcohol abuse and alcoholism). CONCLUSIONS Although functional genomic experiments (transcriptome analysis) have failed to identify a single alcoholism gene, they have illuminated important pathways and gene products that may contribute to the risk of alcohol abuse and alcoholism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis J Worst
- Center for the Neurobehavioral Study of Alcohol, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
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Gooderham PA, Gagnon RF, Gill K. Attenuation of the alcohol preference of C57BL/6 mice during chronic renal failure. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 143:292-300. [PMID: 15122173 DOI: 10.1016/j.lab.2004.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The C57BL/6 inbred mouse strain is known for its strong, genetically determined preference for alcohol over water. In this study we examined the voluntary alcohol consumption (VAC) of C57BL/6 mice during chronic renal failure (CRF). Two weeks after the surgical induction of renal failure, CRF mice, together with normal and sham-operated control mice, were submitted to a standard 24-day VAC protocol. The mice were offered water for the first 6 days (period of acclimatization), alcohol (10% ethanol solution) for the next 4 days (period of forced alcohol exposure), and a choice between water and alcohol for the last 14 days (VAC period). The results (mean +/- SEM) obtained from the last 8 days of the VAC period were significantly different (P <.05) between CRF mice and the 2 control groups. As expected, CRF mice had a higher total fluid intake than did normal and sham-operated controls (9.5 +/- 0.2 vs 5.4 +/- 0.2 and 5.4 +/- 0.2 g/d). Surprisingly, despite their increased total fluid consumption, CRF mice nearly abolished their absolute alcohol intake compared with that of both control groups (3.2 +/- 0.5 vs 13.1 +/- 0.8 and 14.2 +/- 1.1 g alcohol/kg body wt/d). The resulting alcohol preference ratio (g alcohol/g total fluid) was markedly decreased in the CRF mice compared with that in both control groups (0.09 +/- 0.01 vs 0.62 +/- 0.03 and 0.64 +/- 0.05). We conclude that the innate alcohol preference of C57BL/6 mice is nearly abolished during CRF. Additional studies to clarify the mechanism of this striking change in drinking pattern are required, with special emphasis on the possible role of angiotensin II, which is involved in thirst regulation and known to reduce the alcohol consumption of normal alcohol-preferring rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Gooderham
- Department of Medicine, Montreal General Hospital Research Institute, Quebec, Canada
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Slawecki CJ, Roth J. Neurokinin Type-3 Receptor Stimulation Impairs Ethanol-Associated Appetitive Behavior in Wistar Rats. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2003; 27:1962-70. [PMID: 14691384 DOI: 10.1097/01.alc.0000102412.53561.c6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Stimulating central neurokinin type-3 (NK-3) receptors decreases ethanol intake in rats. Although paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) has a high density of NK-3 receptors, their influence on ethanol reinforcement has not been examined. This study's purpose was to assess the effects of intra-PVN infusion of senktide, a NK-3 receptor agonist, on ethanol self-administration. In a follow-up study, senktide's effects on ethanol self-administration after intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion were examined. METHODS Male Wistar rats were trained to self-administer 10% ethanol (10E) in the "Sipper Tube" model described by Samson and colleagues, Guide cannula were then aimed bilaterally at the PVN or unilaterally at the lateral cerebral ventricle. Intra-PVN (5-100 ng/side) or ICV (30-500 ng/rat) effects of senktide on 10E self-administration were also examined as a preliminary test of senktide's selectivity. RESULTS Intra-PVN and ICV infusion of senktide reduced the average number of consecutive lever presses and increased the time taken to complete the lever press requirement when 10E served as the reinforcer. Increased duration of the lever-pressing component was observed when senktide was administered prior to 2S self-administration sessions. Neither PVN nor ICV senktide administration significantly altered 10E or 2S consumption. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that stimulation of central neurokinin typ-3 receptors in the Wistar rat reduces appetitive behavior while having little or no impact on consummatory behavior. Ethanol "seeking" appeared more sensitive to disruption by senktide than sucrose "seeking." However, further studies assessing the senktide's effects on sucrose-maintained behavior are needed to verify this hypothesis. Lastly, it is hypothesized that lack of effect of senktide on intake is in part related to the use of outbred Wistar rats in these studies instead of selectively bred rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig J Slawecki
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Neuropharmacology, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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Döring WKH, Herzenstiel MN, Krampe H, Jahn H, Pralle L, Sieg S, Wegerle E, Poser W, Ehrenreich H. Persistent alterations of vasopressin and N-terminal proatrial natriuretic peptide plasma levels in long-term abstinent alcoholics. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2003; 27:849-61. [PMID: 12766631 DOI: 10.1097/01.alc.0000065433.17403.de] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During alcohol withdrawal and early abstinence, severe alterations of electrolyte and water homeostasis and their regulating hormones are well recognized. Almost nothing is known about regeneration of these functions with long-term abstinence. This cohort study was designed to monitor determinants of electrolyte and water balance over 280 days of abstinence in alcohol-dependent men compared with healthy controls. METHODS Vasopressin (AVP), N-terminal proatrial natriuretic peptide, aldosterone, angiotensin II, and electrolytes, together with major parameters of kidney and liver function, were monitored in 35 male alcoholics aged 44 +/- 8 years. Of these, 21 could be followed up to 280 days of strictly controlled abstinence due to their participation in the Outpatient Long-Term Intensive Therapy for Alcoholics. The control group comprised 20 healthy male volunteers aged 39 +/- 7 years. RESULTS Basal AVP levels were found to be suppressed over the whole study period. In contrast, N-terminal proatrial natriuretic peptide remained increased over all 280 days. No persistent alterations were found for aldosterone or angiotensin II. Sodium and potassium in plasma and urine returned to normal within a few weeks. Creatinine clearance, urea nitrogen in plasma and urine, urinary osmolality, hematocrit, and hemoglobin remained low as compared with controls over the entire study. CONCLUSIONS Chronic alcohol abuse causes severe and persistent alterations in the hormonal regulatory systems of electrolyte and water balance. The suppressed basal secretion of AVP may reflect a dysregulation in the brain that influences the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function, mood, memory, addiction behavior, and craving during alcohol abstinence. These findings may provide a ground for future therapeutic approaches to stable abstinence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolf K H Döring
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
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Hwang BH, Wang GM, Wong DT, Lumeng L, Li TK. Norepinephrine Uptake Sites in the Locus Coeruleus of Rat Lines Selectively Bred for High and Low Alcohol Preference: A Quantitative Autoradiographic Binding Study Using [3H]-Tomoxetine. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2000. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2000.tb02029.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Hwang BH, Zhang JK, Enters CL, Lumeng L, Li TK. Innate Differences of Neuropeptide Y (NPY) in Hypothalamic Nuclei and Central Nucleus of the Amygdala Between Selectively Bred Rats with High and Low Alcohol Preference. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 1999. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.1999.tb04220.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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