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Wong S, Le GH, Vasudeva S, Teopiz KM, Phan L, Meshkat S, Kwan ATH, Rhee TG, Ho R, Choi H, Cao B, Rosenblat JD, McIntyre RS. Preclinical and clinical efficacy of kappa opioid receptor antagonists for depression: A systematic review. J Affect Disord 2024; 362:816-827. [PMID: 39019223 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 30 % of persons with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) inadequately respond to conventional antidepressants. Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) antagonists, aticaprant and navacaprant, are in development as treatments for MDD. Herein, we aim to comprehensively evaluate the safety, efficacy and pharmacology of aticaprant and navacaprant for MDD. METHODS We performed a systematic review of primary research investigating aticaprant and navacaprant on PubMed, OVID, and Scopus databases from inception to April 2024. Studies that reported on the pharmacological profile and/or safety and efficacy of aticaprant and navacaprant were included. RESULTS Navacaprant monotherapy and aticaprant adjunctive therapy are in development for MDD. Navacaprant exhibits 300-fold selectivity for the KOR compared to the mu-opioid receptor, while aticaprant exhibits 30-fold selectivity. At clinically-relevant doses, navacaprant and aticaprant occupy 87-95 % and 73-94 % of KORs, respectively. Clinical trials of the foregoing agents (navacaprant as monotherapy and actiprant as adjunctive therapy) reported significant improvement in depressive symptoms and may clinically benefit measures of anhedonia. Both agents appear well-tolerated, with most adverse events mild and no known safety concerns. LIMITATIONS Aticaprant and navacaprant treatment for MDD are in early stages of clinical trials and results from Phase 3 pivotal trials are not yet available. CONCLUSIONS Kappa opioid receptor antagonists may serve as mechanistically-novel treatments for MDD and persons who inadequately respond to index conventional antidepressants. Anhedonia is debilitating and insufficiently treated with conventional antidepressants. Future research vistas should establish the efficacy and safety of KORAs in phase 3 studies in both acute and maintenance paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Wong
- Mood Disorder and Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Gia Han Le
- Mood Disorder and Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Shreya Vasudeva
- Mood Disorder and Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Kayla M Teopiz
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Lee Phan
- Mood Disorder and Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, Canada.
| | | | - Angela T H Kwan
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
| | - Taeho Greg Rhee
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA.
| | - Roger Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore; Division of Life Science (LIFS), Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong.
| | - Hayun Choi
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Veteran Health Service Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Bing Cao
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Faculty of Psychology, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China.
| | - Joshua D Rosenblat
- Mood Disorder and Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Roger S McIntyre
- Mood Disorder and Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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Mayer FP, Stewart A, Varman DR, Moritz AE, Foster JD, Owens AW, Areal LB, Gowrishankar R, Velez M, Wickham K, Phelps H, Katamish R, Rabil M, Jayanthi LD, Vaughan RA, Daws LC, Blakely RD, Ramamoorthy S. Kappa Opioid Receptor Antagonism Restores Phosphorylation, Trafficking and Behavior induced by a Disease Associated Dopamine Transporter Variant. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.05.03.539310. [PMID: 37205452 PMCID: PMC10187322 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.03.539310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant dopamine (DA) signaling is implicated in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (BPD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), substance use disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Treatment of these disorders remains inadequate, as exemplified by the therapeutic use of d-amphetamine and methylphenidate for the treatment of ADHD, agents with high abuse liability. In search for an improved and non-addictive therapeutic approach for the treatment of DA-linked disorders, we utilized a preclinical mouse model expressing the human DA transporter (DAT) coding variant DAT Val559, previously identified in individuals with ADHD, ASD, or BPD. DAT Val559, like several other disease-associated variants of DAT, exhibits anomalous DA efflux (ADE) that can be blocked by d-amphetamine and methylphenidate. Kappa opioid receptors (KORs) are expressed by DA neurons and modulate DA release and clearance, suggesting that targeting KORs might also provide an alternative approach to normalizing DA-signaling disrupted by perturbed DAT function. Here we demonstrate that KOR stimulation leads to enhanced surface trafficking and phosphorylation of Thr53 in wildtype DAT, effects achieved constitutively by the Val559 mutant. Moreover, these effects can be rescued by KOR antagonism of DAT Val559 in ex vivo preparations. Importantly, KOR antagonism also corrected in vivo DA release as well as sex-dependent behavioral abnormalities observed in DAT Val559 mice. Given their low abuse liability, our studies with a construct valid model of human DA associated disorders reinforce considerations of KOR antagonism as a pharmacological strategy to treat DA associated brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix P. Mayer
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, USA
- Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Adele Stewart
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, USA
- Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Durairaj Ragu Varman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Amy E. Moritz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - James D. Foster
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Anthony W. Owens
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Lorena B. Areal
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Raajaram Gowrishankar
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Michelle Velez
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Kyria Wickham
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Hannah Phelps
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Rania Katamish
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Maximilian Rabil
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Lankupalle D. Jayanthi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Roxanne A. Vaughan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Lynette C. Daws
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Randy D. Blakely
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, USA
- Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Sammanda Ramamoorthy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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Basmadjian OM, Occhieppo VB, Montemerlo AE, Rivas GA, Rubianes MD, Baiardi G, Bregonzio C. Angiotensin II involvement in the development and persistence of amphetamine-induced sensitization: Striatal dopamine reuptake implications. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:2450-2464. [PMID: 38480476 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16312] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Amphetamine (AMPH) exposure induces behavioural and neurochemical sensitization observed in rodents as hyperlocomotion and increased dopamine release in response to a subsequent dose. Brain Angiotensin II modulates dopaminergic neurotransmission through its AT1 receptors (AT1-R), positively regulating striatal dopamine synthesis and release. This work aims to evaluate the AT1-R role in the development and maintenance of AMPH-induced sensitization. Also, the AT1-R involvement in striatal dopamine reuptake was analysed. The sensitization protocol consisted of daily AMPH administration for 5 days and tested 21 days after withdrawal. An AT1-R antagonist, candesartan, was administered before or after AMPH exposure to evaluate the participation of AT1-R in the development and maintenance of sensitization, respectively. Sensitization was evaluated by locomotor activity and c-Fos immunostaining. Changes in dopamine reuptake kinetics were evaluated 1 day after AT1-R blockade withdrawal treatment, with or without the addition of AMPH in vitro. The social interaction test was performed as another behavioural output. Repeated AMPH exposure induced behavioural and neurochemical sensitization, which was prevented and reversed by candesartan. The AT1-R blockade increased the dopamine reuptake kinetics. Neither the AMPH administration nor the AT1-R blockade altered the performance of social interaction. Our results highlight the AT1-R's crucial role in AMPH sensitization. The enhancement of dopamine reuptake kinetics induced by the AT1-R blockade might attenuate the neuroadaptive changes that lead to AMPH sensitization and its self-perpetuation. Therefore, AT1-R is a prominent candidate as a target for pharmacological treatment of pathologies related to dopamine imbalance, including drug addiction and schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osvaldo M Basmadjian
- Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba (IFEC-CONICET), Departamento de Farmacología Otto Orsingher, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Victoria B Occhieppo
- Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba (IFEC-CONICET), Departamento de Farmacología Otto Orsingher, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Antonella E Montemerlo
- INFIQC-CONICET, Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Gustavo A Rivas
- INFIQC-CONICET, Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - María D Rubianes
- INFIQC-CONICET, Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Baiardi
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, (IIBYT-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Claudia Bregonzio
- Instituto de Farmacología Experimental de Córdoba (IFEC-CONICET), Departamento de Farmacología Otto Orsingher, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
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Cai WT, Kim WY, Kwak MJ, Rim H, Lee SE, Riecken LB, Morrison H, Kim J. Disruption of amphetamine sensitization by alteration of dendritic thin spines in the nucleus accumbens core. J Neurochem 2022; 161:266-280. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wen Ting Cai
- Department of Physiology Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Wha Young Kim
- Department of Physiology Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Myung Ji Kwak
- Department of Medical Sciences Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Haeun Rim
- Department of Medical Sciences Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Eun Lee
- Virus Facility, Research Animal Source Center Korea Institute of Science and Technology Seoul Republic of Korea
| | | | - Helen Morrison
- Leibniz Institute on Aging Fritz Lipmann Institute Jena Germany
| | - Jeong‐Hoon Kim
- Department of Physiology Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Sciences Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Republic of Korea
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Estave PM, Spodnick MB, Karkhanis AN. KOR Control over Addiction Processing: An Exploration of the Mesolimbic Dopamine Pathway. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2022; 271:351-377. [PMID: 33301050 PMCID: PMC8192597 DOI: 10.1007/164_2020_421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Drug addiction is a complex, persistent, and chronically relapsing neurological disorder exacerbated by acute and chronic stress. It is well known that the dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system regulates stress perception and responsivity, while the mesolimbic dopamine system plays a role in reward and reinforcement associated with alcohol and substance use disorders. Interestingly, the dopamine and dynorphin/KOR systems are highly integrated in mesolimbic areas, with KOR activation leading to inhibition of dopamine release, further altering the perception of reinforcing and aversive stimuli. Chronic or repeated exposure to stress or drugs potentiates KOR function ultimately contributing to a hypodopaminergic state. This hypodopaminergic state is one of the hallmarks of hyperkatifeia, defined as the hypersensitivity to emotional distress that is exacerbated during drug withdrawal and abstinence. The relationship between stress and drug addiction is bidirectional; repeated/chronic stress promotes pro-addictive behaviors, and repeated cycles of drug exposure and withdrawal, across various drug classes, produces stress. Neuroadaptations driven by this bidirectional relationship ultimately influence the perception of the reinforcing value of rewarding stimuli. In this chapter, we address the involvement of the dopamine and dynorphin/KOR systems and their interactions in shaping reinforcement value processing after drug and stress exposure, as well as a combinatorial impact of both drugs and stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige M Estave
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Mary B Spodnick
- Department of Psychology, Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Center for Developmental and Behavioral Neuroscience, Binghamton University - SUNY, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Anushree N Karkhanis
- Department of Psychology, Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Center for Developmental and Behavioral Neuroscience, Binghamton University - SUNY, Binghamton, NY, USA.
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Trofimova I. Contingent Tunes of Neurochemical Ensembles in the Norm and Pathology: Can We See the Patterns? Neuropsychobiology 2021; 80:101-133. [PMID: 33721867 DOI: 10.1159/000513688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Progress in the development of DSM/ICD taxonomies has revealed limitations of both label-based and dimensionality approaches. These approaches fail to address the contingent, nonlinear, context-dependent, and transient nature of those biomarkers linked to specific symptoms of psychopathology or to specific biobehavioural traits of healthy people (temperament). The present review aims to highlight the benefits of a functional constructivism approach in the analysis of neurochemical biomarkers underlying temperament and psychopathology. METHOD A review was performed. RESULTS Eight systems are identified, and 7 neurochemical ensembles are described in detail. None of these systems is represented by a single neurotransmitter; all of them work in ensembles with each other. The functionality and relationships of these systems are presented here in association with their roles in action construction, with brief examples of psychopathology. The review introduces formal symbols for these systems to facilitate their more compact analysis in the future. CONCLUSION This analysis demonstrates the possibility of constructivism-based unifying taxonomies of temperament (in the framework of the neurochemical model functional ensemble of temperament) and classifications of psychiatric disorders. Such taxonomies would present the biobehavioural individual differences as consistent behavioural patterns generated within a formally structured space of parameters related to the generation of behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Trofimova
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada,
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Moreno M, Azocar V, Vergés A, Fuentealba JA. High impulsive choice is accompanied by an increase in dopamine release in rat dorsolateral striatum. Behav Brain Res 2021; 405:113199. [PMID: 33636234 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Dopamine neurotransmission has been consistently associated with individual differences in impulsive choice. Clinical and preclinical evidence suggests that low striatal dopamine D2 signaling predisposes to engage in impulsive behaviors. Although dopamine D2 signaling controls dopamine (DA) extracellular levels, the relationship between striatal dopamine extracellular levels and impulsive choice remains poorly understood. Using quantitative microdialysis, we investigated whether extracellular DA levels in rat dorsolateral striatum (DLS) correlates with preference for an immediate small reward or for a delayed larger reward. Rats were tested in a delay-discounting task and classified as high impulsive (HI) or low impulsive (LI) according to the area under the discounting curve (AUC). No-net flux microdialysis experiments, assessing basal DA release, DA-uptake, and DA extracellular concentration (DA Cext), were carried out in dorsolateral striatum (DLS) of urethane-anesthetized rats. Rats classified as HI showed a higher DA release compared with LI rats. Differences in DLS DA-uptake and DA Cext were non-significant. Importantly, a significant negative correlation was observed between AUC and DA release, indicating that the lower the AUC, the higher the DLS DA release. This finding shows that DA release is augmented in the DLS of rats classified as HI, suggesting that a hyper-activated nigro-striatal pathway contributes to impulsive choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macarena Moreno
- Department of Pharmacy and Interdisciplinary Center of Neuroscience, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Victor Azocar
- Department of Pharmacy and Interdisciplinary Center of Neuroscience, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alvaro Vergés
- Escuela de Psicología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - José Antonio Fuentealba
- Department of Pharmacy and Interdisciplinary Center of Neuroscience, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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Evaluation of Antinociceptive Effects of Chitosan-Coated Liposomes Entrapping the Selective Kappa Opioid Receptor Agonist U50,488 in Mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 57:medicina57020138. [PMID: 33557245 PMCID: PMC7913921 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57020138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The selective kappa opioid receptor agonist U50,488 was reported to have analgesic, cough suppressant, diuretic and other beneficial properties. The aim of our study was to analyze the effects of some original chitosan-coated liposomes entrapping U50,488 in somatic and visceral nociceptive sensitivity in mice. Materials and Methods: The influence on the somatic pain was assessed using a tail flick test by counting the tail reactivity to thermal noxious stimulation. The nociceptive visceral estimation was performed using the writhing test in order to evaluate the behavioral manifestations occurring as a reaction to the chemical noxious peritoneal irritation with 0.6% acetic acid (10 mL/kbw). The animals were treated orally, at the same time, with a single dose of: distilled water 0.1 mL/10 gbw; 50 mg/kbw U50,488; 50 mg/kbw U50,488 entrapped in chitosan-coated liposomes, according to the group they were randomly assigned. Results: The use of chitosan-coated liposomesas carriers for U50,488 induced antinociceptive effects that began to manifest after 2 h, andwere prolonged but with a lower intensity than those caused by the free selective kappa opioid in both tests. Conclusion: In this experimental model, the oral administration of nanovesicles containing the selective kappa opioid agonist U50,488 determined a prolonged analgesic outcome in the tail flick test, as well as in the writhing test.
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Pérez-Valenzuela EJ, Andrés Coke ME, Grace AA, Fuentealba Evans JA. Adolescent Exposure to WIN 55212-2 Render the Nigrostriatal Dopaminergic Pathway Activated During Adulthood. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 23:626-637. [PMID: 32710782 PMCID: PMC7710918 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyaa053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During adolescence, neuronal circuits exhibit plasticity in response to physiological changes and to adapt to environmental events. Nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathways are in constant flux during development. Evidence suggests a relationship between early use of cannabinoids and psychiatric disorders characterized by altered dopaminergic systems, such as schizophrenia and addiction. However, the impact of adolescent exposure to cannabinoids on nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathways in adulthood remains unclear. The aim of this research was to determine the effects of repeated activation of cannabinoid receptors during adolescence on dopaminergic activity of nigrostriatal pathways and the mechanisms underlying this impact during adulthood. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 1.2 mg/kg WIN 55212-2 daily from postnatal day 40 to 65. Then no-net flux microdialysis of dopamine in the dorsolateral striatum, electrophysiological recording of dopaminergic neuronal activity, and microdialysis measures of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate in substantia nigra par compacta were carried out during adulthood (postnatal days 72-78). RESULTS Repeated activation of cannabinoid receptors during adolescence increased the release of dopamine in dorsolateral striatum accompanied by increased population activity of dopamine neurons and decreased extracellular GABA levels in substantia nigra par compacta in adulthood. Furthermore, perfusion of bicuculline, a GABAa antagonist, into the ventral pallidum reversed the increased dopamine neuron population activity in substantia nigra par compacta induced by adolescent cannabinoid exposure. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that adolescent exposure to cannabinoid agonists produces disinhibition of nigrostriatal dopamine transmission during adulthood mediated by decreased GABAergic input from the ventral pallidum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enzo Javier Pérez-Valenzuela
- Department of Pharmacy and Interdisciplinary Center of Neuroscience, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile,Departments of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, and Psychology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - María Estela Andrés Coke
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Anthony A Grace
- Departments of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, and Psychology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - José Antonio Fuentealba Evans
- Department of Pharmacy and Interdisciplinary Center of Neuroscience, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile,Correspondence: José Antonio Fuentealba, PhD, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile ()
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10
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Reed C, Stafford AM, Mootz JRK, Baba H, Erk J, Phillips TJ. A breeding strategy to identify modifiers of high genetic risk for methamphetamine intake. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2020; 20:e12667. [PMID: 32424970 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Trace amine-associated receptor 1 (Taar1) impacts methamphetamine (MA) intake. A mutant allele (Taar1m1J ) derived from the DBA/2J mouse strain codes for a non-functional receptor, and Taar1m1J/m1J mice consume more MA than mice possessing the reference Taar1+ allele. To study the impact of this mutation in a genetically diverse population, heterogeneous stock-collaborative cross (HS-CC) mice, the product of an eight-way cross of standard and wild-derived strains, were tested for MA intake. HS-CC had low MA intake, so an HS-CC by DBA/2J strain F2 intercross was created to transfer the mutant allele onto the diverse background, and used for selective breeding. To study residual variation in MA intake existing in Taar1m1J/m1J mice, selective breeding for higher (MAH) vs lower (MAL) MA intake was initiated from Taar1m1J/m1J F2 individuals; a control line of Taar1+/+ individuals (MAC) was retained. The lines were also examined for MA-induced locomotor and thermal responses, and fluid and tastant consumption. Taar1m1J/m1J F2 mice consumed significantly more MA than Taar1+/+ F2 mice. Response to selection was significant by generation 2 and there were corresponding differences in fluid consumed. Fluid consumption was not different in non-MA drinking studies. Taar1m1J/m1J genotype (MAL or MAH vs MAC mice) was associated with heighted MA locomotor and reduced hypothermic responses. MAL mice exhibited greater sensitization than MAH mice, but the selected lines did not consistently differ for thermal or tastant phenotypes. Residual variation among high-risk Taar1m1J/m1J mice appears to involve mechanisms associated with neuroadaptation to MA, but not sensitivity to hypothermic effects of MA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Reed
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Methamphetamine Abuse Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Alexandra M Stafford
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Methamphetamine Abuse Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - John R K Mootz
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Methamphetamine Abuse Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Harue Baba
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Methamphetamine Abuse Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jason Erk
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Methamphetamine Abuse Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Tamara J Phillips
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Methamphetamine Abuse Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.,Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Escobar ADP, Casanova JP, Andrés ME, Fuentealba JA. Crosstalk Between Kappa Opioid and Dopamine Systems in Compulsive Behaviors. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:57. [PMID: 32132923 PMCID: PMC7040183 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The strength of goal-oriented behaviors is regulated by midbrain dopamine neurons. Dysfunctions of dopaminergic circuits are observed in drug addiction and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Compulsive behavior is a feature that both disorders share, which is associated to a heightened dopamine neurotransmission. The activity of midbrain dopamine neurons is principally regulated by the homeostatic action of dopamine through D2 receptors (D2R) that decrease the firing of neurons as well as dopamine synthesis and release. Dopamine transmission is also regulated by heterologous neurotransmitter systems such as the kappa opioid system, among others. Much of our current knowledge of the kappa opioid system and its influence on dopamine transmission comes from preclinical animal models of brain diseases. In 1988, using cerebral microdialysis, it was shown that the acute activation of the Kappa Opioid Receptors (KOR) decreases synaptic levels of dopamine in the striatum. This inhibitory effect of KOR opposes to the facilitating influence of drugs of abuse on dopamine release, leading to the proposition of the use of KOR agonists as pharmacological therapy for compulsive drug intake. Surprisingly, 30 years later, KOR antagonists are instead proposed to treat drug addiction. What may have happened during these years that generated this drastic change of paradigm? The collected evidence suggested that the effect of KOR on synaptic dopamine levels is complex, depending on the frequency of KOR activation and timing with other incoming stimuli to dopamine neurons, as well as sex and species differences. Conversely to its acute effect, chronic KOR activation seems to facilitate dopamine neurotransmission and dopamine-mediated behaviors. The opposing actions exerted by acute versus chronic KOR activation have been associated with an initial aversive and a delayed rewarding effect, during the exposure to drugs of abuse. Compulsive behaviors induced by repeated activation of D2R are also potentiated by the sustained co-activation of KOR, which correlates with decreased synaptic levels of dopamine and sensitized D2R. Thus, the time-dependent activation of KOR impacts directly on dopamine levels affecting the tuning of motivated behaviors. This review analyzes the contribution of the kappa opioid system to the dopaminergic correlates of compulsive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélica Del Pilar Escobar
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaíso, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - José Patricio Casanova
- Departamento de Neurociencia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Núcleo Milenio NUMIND Biology of Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - María Estela Andrés
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - José Antonio Fuentealba
- Department of Pharmacy and Interdisciplinary Center of Neuroscience, Faculty of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Gatica RI, Aguilar-Rivera MÍ, Azocar VH, Fuentealba JA. Individual Differences in Amphetamine Locomotor Sensitization are Accompanied with Changes in Dopamine Release and Firing Pattern in the Dorsolateral Striatum of Rats. Neuroscience 2019; 427:116-126. [PMID: 31874242 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.11.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Not all the people that consume drugs of abuse develop addiction. In this sense, just a percentage of rats express locomotor sensitization after repeated psychostimulant exposure. Neurochemical evidence has shown that locomotor sensitization is associated with changes in dorsolateral striatum (DLS) activity. However, it is unknown if individual differences observed in locomotor sensitization are related to differential neuro-adaptations in DLS activity. In this study, we measured basal dopamine (DA) levels and single unit activity in the DLS of anesthetized rats, after repeated amphetamine (AMPH) administration. Rats were treated with AMPH 1.0 mg/kg ip or saline ip for 5 days. Following 5 days of withdrawal, a challenge dose of AMPH 1.0 mg/kg ip was injected. In-vivo microdialysis experiments and single unit recording were carried out twenty-four hours after the last AMPH injection. Sensitized rats showed increased basal DA levels and baseline firing rate of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) compared to non-sensitized rats. The local variation index (Lv) was used to measure the firing pattern of MSNs. In saline rats, a bursty firing pattern was observed in MSNs. A decrease in MSNs baseline Lv accompanies the expression of AMPH locomotor sensitization. Moreover, a decrease in Lv after an acute AMPH 1.0 mg/kg injection was only observed in saline and sensitized rats. Our results show individual differences in DLS basal DA levels and firing pattern after repeated AMPH administration, suggesting that an hyperfunction of nigrostriatal pathway, accompanied by a decrease in DLS MSNs firing irregularity underlies the expression of AMPH locomotor sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Ignacio Gatica
- Department of Pharmacy and Interdisciplinary Center of Neuroscience, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Victor Hugo Azocar
- Department of Pharmacy and Interdisciplinary Center of Neuroscience, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - José Antonio Fuentealba
- Department of Pharmacy and Interdisciplinary Center of Neuroscience, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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Ma YY. Striatal morphological and functional alterations induced by prenatal alcohol exposure. Pharmacol Res 2019; 142:262-266. [PMID: 30807864 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is an insidious yet preventable cause of developmental disability. The prenatal stage is a critical period for brain development with the concurrence of high vulnerability to the acute and prolonged effects of PAE. There is substantial evidence from both human observations and laboratory experiments that PAE is a common risk factor that predisposes to an array of postnatal mental disorders, including emotional, cognitive, and motor deficits. Although it is well accepted that PAE causes substantial morbidity, available treatments are limited. One reason is the lack of sufficient understanding about the neuroalterations induced by PAE, and how these changes contribute to PAE-induced mental disorders. Among a number of brain structures that have been explored extensively in PAE, the striatum has attracted great attention in the last 20 years in the field of PAE neurobiology. Interestingly, in animal models, the striatum has been considered as a pivotal switch of brain dysfunction induced by PAE, such as addiction, anxiety, depression, and neurodegeneration. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the understanding of morphological and functional changes in brain regions related to alterations after PAE, in particular the striatum. Because this region is central for behavior, emotion and cognition, there is an urgent need for more studies to uncover the PAE-induced alterations at the circuit, neuronal, synaptic and molecular levels, which will not only improve our understanding of the neuroplasticity induced by PAE, but also provide novel biological targets to treat PAE-related mental disorders with translational significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Ying Ma
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, MS A422, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States.
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