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Shen B, Zhang D, Zeng X, Guan L, Yang G, Liu L, Huang J, Li Y, Hong S, Li L. Cannabidiol inhibits methamphetamine-induced dopamine release via modulation of the DRD1-MeCP2-BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:1521-1537. [PMID: 34997862 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-06051-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Adaptive alteration of dopamine (DA) system in mesocorticolimbic circuits is an extremely intricate and dynamic process, which contributes to maintaining methamphetamine (METH)-related disorders. There are no approved pharmacotherapies for METH-related disorders. Cannabidiol (CBD), a major non-psychoactive constituent of cannabis, has received attention for its therapeutic potential in treating METH-related disorders. However, the major research obstacles of CBD are the yet to be clarified mechanisms behind its therapeutic potential. Recent evidence showed that DA system may be active target of CBD. CBD could be a promising dopaminergic medication for METH-related disorders. OBJECTIVES We investigated the role of the DA receptor D1 (DRD1)-methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2)-brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) signaling pathway in DA release induced by METH. Investigating the intervention effects of CBD on the DRD1-MeCP2-BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway could help clarify the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic potential of CBD in METH-related disorders. RESULTS METH (400 μM) significantly increased DA release from primary neurons in vitro, which was blocked by CBD (1 μM) pretreatment. METH (400 μM) significantly increased the expression levels of DRD1, BDNF, and TrkB, but decreased the expression of MeCP2 in the neurons, whereas CBD (1 μM) pretreatment notably inhibited the protein changes induced by METH. In addition, DRD1 antagonist SCH23390 (10 μM) inhibited the DA release and protein change induced by METH in vitro. However, DRD1 agonist SKF81297 (10 μM) induced DA release and protein change in vitro, which was also blocked by CBD (1 μM) pretreatment. METH (2 mg/kg) significantly increased the DA level in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of rats with activation of the DRD1-MeCP2-BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway, but these changes were blocked by CBD (40 or 80 mg/kg) pretreatment. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that METH induces DA release via the DRD1-MeCP2-BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway. Furthermore, CBD significantly inhibits DA release induced by METH through modulation of this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoyu Shen
- School of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine of National Health Commission (NHC), Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Dongxian Zhang
- School of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine of National Health Commission (NHC), Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zeng
- School of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine of National Health Commission (NHC), Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Lina Guan
- School of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine of National Health Commission (NHC), Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Genmeng Yang
- School of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine of National Health Commission (NHC), Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Liu Liu
- School of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine of National Health Commission (NHC), Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Jian Huang
- School of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine of National Health Commission (NHC), Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- School of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine of National Health Commission (NHC), Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Shijun Hong
- School of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine of National Health Commission (NHC), Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China.
| | - Lihua Li
- School of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine of National Health Commission (NHC), Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China.
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Sałaciak K, Pytka K. Revisiting the sigma-1 receptor as a biological target to treat affective and cognitive disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 132:1114-1136. [PMID: 34736882 PMCID: PMC8559442 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Depression and cognitive disorders are diseases with complex and not-fully understood etiology. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically increased the prevalence of both conditions. Since the current treatments are inadequate in many patients, there is a constant need for discovering new compounds, which will be more effective in ameliorating depressive symptoms and treating cognitive decline. Proteins attracting much attention as potential targets for drugs treating these conditions are sigma-1 receptors. Sigma-1 receptors are multi-functional proteins localized in endoplasmic reticulum membranes, which play a crucial role in cellular signal transduction by interacting with receptors, ion channels, lipids, and kinases. Changes in their functions and expression may lead to various diseases, including depression or memory impairments. Thus, sigma-1 receptor modulation might be useful in treating these central nervous system diseases. Importantly, two sigma-1 receptor ligands entered clinical trials, showing that this compound group possesses therapeutic potential. Therefore, based on preclinical studies, this review discusses whether the sigma-1 receptor could be a promising target for drugs treating affective and cognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Sałaciak
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
| | - Karolina Pytka
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Krakow, Poland.
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Yang G, Liu L, Zhang R, Li J, Leung CK, Huang J, Li Y, Shen B, Zeng X, Zhang D. Cannabidiol attenuates methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference via the Sigma1R/AKT/GSK-3β/CREB signaling pathway in rats. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2020; 9:202-211. [PMID: 32670551 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfaa021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) is a highly addictive psychostimulant. Cannabidiol (CBD) is an exogenous cannabinoid without psychostimulating activity, which has potential therapeutic effects on opioid addiction. However, it is unclear whether CBD has therapeutic effects on METH-induced motivational effects. The present study examines whether CBD has a protective effect on METH-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in rats by regulating the Sigma1R and AKT-GSK3β-CREB signaling pathway. Seventy rats were equally and randomly divided into seven groups. The rat CPP model was established via the intraperitoneal injection (IP) of 2 mg/kg of METH. Next, the intraperitoneal injection of 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg CBD was performed 1 h prior to the injection of saline or METH. The protein expression levels of Sigma1R, AKT, p-AKT, GSK-3β, p-GSK-3β, CREB, and p-CREB in the rats' prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and hippocampus and ventral tegmental were detected using western blot analysis. CBD was found to inhibit METH-induced CPP in a dose-dependent fashion. The expression levels of Sigma1R, p-AKT, p-GSK3β, and p-CREB increased significantly in the METH-induced CPP model. Treatment involving different doses of CBD caused differential inhibitory responses in the cellular protein abundance of Sigma1R, p-AKT, p-GSK3β, and p-CREB across various brain regions. The present study found that METH can induce CPP in rats. When a pretreatment of CBD is applied, the CBD can weaken CPP in METH-induced rats by regulating the SigmaR1/AKT/GSK-3β/CREB signaling pathway. The results of this study indicate that CBD has a potential therapeutic effect on METH-induced rewarding effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genmeng Yang
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Avenue Chenggong District, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Liu Liu
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Avenue Chenggong District, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Ruilin Zhang
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Avenue Chenggong District, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Juan Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Avenue Chenggong District, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Chi-Kwan Leung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jian Huang
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Avenue Chenggong District, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Avenue Chenggong District, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Baoyu Shen
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Avenue Chenggong District, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zeng
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Avenue Chenggong District, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Dongxian Zhang
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Avenue Chenggong District, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
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4
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Ray A, Canal CE, Ehlen JC, Rice KC, Murnane KS. M100907 and BD 1047 attenuate the acute toxic effects of methamphetamine. Neurotoxicology 2019; 74:91-99. [PMID: 31163210 PMCID: PMC6750996 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2019.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
There are no Food and Drug Administration approved pharmacotherapies for methamphetamine (METH) overdose, thus identifying novel drug targets to prevent this devastating adverse event is a public-health imperative. Previous research suggests that serotonin and sigma receptors may contribute to the adverse effects of METH. The present study assessed whether pretreatment with the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist M100907 or the sigma 1 (σ1) receptor antagonist BD 1047 attenuated METH-induced lethality, hyperthermia, convulsions, and seizures. Male, Swiss-Webster mice received intraperitoneal injections of M100907 (1 and 10 mg/kg), BD 1047 (10 mg/kg), or a combination of M100907 (1 mg/kg) and BD 1047 (10 mg/kg) prior to treatment with METH (78 mg/kg). Convulsions and lethality were assessed by observation, core body temperature was assessed by surgically implanted telemetric probes, and seizures were assessed by electroencephalography. M100907 reduced METH-elicited lethality from 67% to 33%, BD1047 reduced METH-elicited lethality from 67% to 50%, and combined administration of both agents eliminated lethality in all mice tested. Similarly, both agents and their combination reduced METH-elicited seizures and convulsions. None of the treatments decreased METH-induced hyperthermia. This research suggests that reducing METH-induced seizures is an important factor in reducing lethality associated with METH overdose. However, future studies should examine whether M100907 and BD 1047 modulate METH-induced hypertension and other adverse effects that may also contribute to METH overdose. Our data support the continued investigation of compounds that target 5-HT2A and σ1 receptors in METH-induced overdose, including their potential to yield emergency reversal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azizi Ray
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mercer University College of Pharmacy, Mercer University Health Sciences Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Clinton E Canal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mercer University College of Pharmacy, Mercer University Health Sciences Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Kenner C Rice
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Kevin Sean Murnane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mercer University College of Pharmacy, Mercer University Health Sciences Center, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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5
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Hedges DM, Obray JD, Yorgason JT, Jang EY, Weerasekara VK, Uys JD, Bellinger FP, Steffensen SC. Methamphetamine Induces Dopamine Release in the Nucleus Accumbens Through a Sigma Receptor-Mediated Pathway. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:1405-1414. [PMID: 29185481 PMCID: PMC5916361 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) is a drug with a high addictive potential that is widely abused across the world. Although it is known that METH dysregulates both dopamine transmission and dopamine reuptake, the specific mechanism of action remains obscure. One promising target of METH is the sigma receptor, a chaperone protein located on the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum. Using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry, we show that METH-enhancement of evoked dopamine release and basal efflux is dependent on sigma receptor activation. METH-induced activation of sigma receptors results in oxidation of a cysteine residue on VMAT2, which decreases transporter function. Unilateral injections of the sigma receptor antagonist BD-1063 prior to METH administration increased dopamine-related ipsilateral circling behavior, indicating the involvement of sigma receptors. These findings suggest that interactions between METH and the sigma receptor lead to oxidative species (most likely superoxide) that in turn oxidize VMAT2. Altogether, these findings show that the sigma receptor has a key role in METH dysregulation of dopamine release and dopamine-related behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Hedges
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - J Daniel Obray
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Jordan T Yorgason
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Eun Young Jang
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Vajira K Weerasekara
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - Joachim D Uys
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Frederick P Bellinger
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Scott C Steffensen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA,Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Brigham Young University, 1050 SWKT, Provo UT 84602, USA, Tel: +1-801-422-9499, Fax: +1-801-422-0602, E-mail:
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6
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Abstract
Thanks to advances in neuroscience, addiction is now recognized as a chronic brain disease with genetic, developmental, and cultural components. Drugs of abuse, including alcohol, are able to produce significant neuroplastic changes responsible for the profound disturbances shown by drug addicted individuals. The current lack of efficacious pharmacological treatments for substance use disorders has encouraged the search for novel and more effective pharmacotherapies. Growing evidence strongly suggests that Sigma Receptors are involved in the addictive and neurotoxic properties of abused drugs, including cocaine , methamphetamine , and alcohol. The present chapter will review the current scientific knowledge on the role of the Sigma Receptor system in the effects of drugs and alcohol, and proposes that this receptor system may represent a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of substance use disorders and associated neurotoxicity.
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7
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Yasui Y, Su TP. Potential Molecular Mechanisms on the Role of the Sigma-1 Receptor in the Action of Cocaine and Methamphetamine. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 5. [PMID: 27088037 DOI: 10.4303/jdar/235970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The sigma-1 receptor (Sig-1R) is an endoplasmic reticulum membrane protein that involves a wide range of physiological functions. The Sig-1R has been shown to bind psychostimulants including cocaine and methamphetamine (METH) and thus has been implicated in the actions of those psychostimulants. For example, it has been demonstrated that the Sig-1R antagonists mitigate certain behavioral and cellular effects of psychostimulants including hyperactivity and neurotoxicity. Thus, the Sig-1R has become a potential therapeutic target of medication development against drug abuse that differs from traditional monoamine-related strategies. In this review, we will focus on the molecular mechanisms of the Sig-1R and discuss in such a manner with a hope to further understand or unveil unexplored relations between the Sig-1R and the actions of cocaine and METH, particularly in the context of cellular biological relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Yasui
- Cellular Pathobiology Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, DHHS, Baltimore, Maryland 21224
| | - Tsung-Ping Su
- Cellular Pathobiology Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, DHHS, Baltimore, Maryland 21224
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8
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Nguyen L, Kaushal N, Robson MJ, Matsumoto RR. Sigma receptors as potential therapeutic targets for neuroprotection. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 743:42-7. [PMID: 25261035 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Revised: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Sigma receptors comprise a unique family of proteins that have been implicated in the pathophysiology and treatment of many central nervous system disorders, consistent with their high level of expression in the brain and spinal cord. Mounting evidence indicate that targeting sigma receptors may be particularly beneficial in a number of neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer׳s disease, Parkinson׳s disease, stroke, methamphetamine neurotoxicity, Huntington׳s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and retinal degeneration. In this perspective, a brief overview is given on sigma receptors, followed by a focus on common mechanisms of neurodegeneration that appear amenable to modulation by sigma receptor ligands to convey neuroprotective effects and/or restorative functions. Within each of the major mechanisms discussed herein, the neuroprotective effects of sigma ligands are summarized, and when known, the specific sigma receptor subtype(s) involved are identified. Together, the literature suggests sigma receptors may provide a novel target for combatting neurodegenerative diseases through both neuronal and glial mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Nguyen
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Nidhi Kaushal
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Matthew J Robson
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Rae R Matsumoto
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.
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Matsumoto RR, Nguyen L, Kaushal N, Robson MJ. Sigma (σ) receptors as potential therapeutic targets to mitigate psychostimulant effects. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2014; 69:323-86. [PMID: 24484982 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-420118-7.00009-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Many psychostimulants, including cocaine and methamphetamine, interact with sigma (σ) receptors at physiologically relevant concentrations. The potential therapeutic relevance of this interaction is underscored by the ability to selectively target σ receptors to mitigate many behavioral and physiological effects of psychostimulants in animal and cell-based model systems. This chapter begins with an overview of these enigmatic proteins. Provocative preclinical data showing that σ ligands modulate an array of cocaine and methamphetamine effects are summarized, along with emerging areas of research. Together, the literature suggests targeting of σ receptors as an innovative option for combating undesired actions of psychostimulants through both neuronal and glial mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rae R Matsumoto
- West Virginia University, One Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA.
| | - Linda Nguyen
- West Virginia University, One Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Nidhi Kaushal
- West Virginia University, One Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Matthew J Robson
- West Virginia University, One Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
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10
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Beardsley PM, Hauser KF. Glial modulators as potential treatments of psychostimulant abuse. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2014; 69:1-69. [PMID: 24484974 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-420118-7.00001-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Glia (including astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes), which constitute the majority of cells in the brain, have many of the same receptors as neurons, secrete neurotransmitters and neurotrophic and neuroinflammatory factors, control clearance of neurotransmitters from synaptic clefts, and are intimately involved in synaptic plasticity. Despite their prevalence and spectrum of functions, appreciation of their potential general importance has been elusive since their identification in the mid-1800s, and only relatively recently have they been gaining their due respect. This development of appreciation has been nurtured by the growing awareness that drugs of abuse, including the psychostimulants, affect glial activity, and glial activity, in turn, has been found to modulate the effects of the psychostimulants. This developing awareness has begun to illuminate novel pharmacotherapeutic targets for treating psychostimulant abuse, for which targeting more conventional neuronal targets has not yet resulted in a single, approved medication. In this chapter, we discuss the molecular pharmacology, physiology, and functional relationships that the glia have especially in the light in which they present themselves as targets for pharmacotherapeutics intended to treat psychostimulant abuse disorders. We then review a cross section of preclinical studies that have manipulated glial processes whose behavioral effects have been supportive of considering the glia as drug targets for psychostimulant-abuse medications. We then close with comments regarding the current clinical evaluation of relevant compounds for treating psychostimulant abuse, as well as the likelihood of future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kurt F Hauser
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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11
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Kaushal N, Robson MJ, Rosen A, McCurdy CR, Matsumoto RR. Neuroprotective targets through which 6-acetyl-3-(4-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)butyl)benzo[d]oxazol-2(3H)-one (SN79), a sigma receptor ligand, mitigates the effects of methamphetamine in vitro. Eur J Pharmacol 2013; 724:193-203. [PMID: 24380829 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2013] [Revised: 11/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to high or repeated doses of methamphetamine can cause hyperthermia and neurotoxicity, which are thought to increase the risk of developing a variety of neurological conditions. Sigma receptor antagonism can prevent methamphetamine-induced hyperthermia and neurotoxicity, but the underlying cellular targets through which the neuroprotection is conveyed remain unknown. Differentiated NG108-15 cells were thus used as a model system to begin elucidating the neuroprotective mechanisms targeted by sigma receptor antagonists to mitigate the effects of methamphetamine. In differentiated NG108-15 cells, methamphetamine caused the generation of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, an increase in PERK-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress and the activation of caspase-3, -8 and -9, ultimately resulting in apoptosis at micromolar concentrations, and necrotic cell death at higher concentrations. The sigma receptor antagonist, 6-acetyl-3-(4-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)butyl)benzo[d]oxazol-2(3H)-one (SN79), attenuated methamphetamine-induced increases in reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, activation of caspase-3, -8 and -9 and accompanying cellular toxicity. In contrast, 1,3-di(2-tolyl)-guanidine (DTG), a sigma receptor agonist, shifted the dose response curve of methamphetamine-induced cell death towards the left. To probe the effect of temperature on neurotoxicity, NG108-15 cells maintained at an elevated temperature (40 °C) exhibited a significant and synergistic increase in cell death in response to methamphetamine, compared to cells maintained at a normal cell culture temperature (37 °C). SN79 attenuated the enhanced cell death observed in the methamphetamine-treated cells at 40 °C. Together, the data demonstrate that SN79 reduces methamphetamine-induced reactive oxygen/nitrogen species generation and caspase activation, thereby conveying neuroprotective effects against methamphetamine under regular and elevated temperature conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Kaushal
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Matthew J Robson
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Abagail Rosen
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Christopher R McCurdy
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, MS 38677, USA
| | - Rae R Matsumoto
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.
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12
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Wang YJ, Chan MH, Chen HH. Methamphetamine inhibits voltage-gated potassium currents in NG108-15 cells: possible contribution of large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels. Toxicol Lett 2013; 223:139-45. [PMID: 24012886 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2013.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Revised: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (MA), a highly abused amphetamine-like psychostimulant, has surged in popularity worldwide in the last decade. Repeated MA exposure has been shown to affect the alternative splice variant expression of large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK) channels. It remains unclear whether MA affects BK channel activity. The present study investigated the effects of MA on BK channels in NG108-15 mouse neuroblastoma×rat glioma hybrid cells using whole-cell and cell-attached patch clamp techniques. In whole-cell recordings, the macroscopic K(+) outward currents were inhibited by MA with an EC50 of 146μM, but not affected by dopamine (DA). It implies that DA is not involved in the effects of MA on K(+) outward currents. In cell-attached patches, MA significantly decreased BK channel activity. Moreover, MA significantly decreased the BK channel opener NS1619-evoked whole-cell K(+) outward currents and BK channel activity. Finally, the effect of MA on membrane potential was examined by current-clamp configuration. MA caused membrane depolarization and application of NS1619 returned the depolarized potential to resting value. These findings suggest that MA might act as an inhibitor of BK channels, and thereby increase the neuronal excitability and enhance neurotransmitter release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Jean Wang
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan
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13
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Kaushal N, Seminerio MJ, Robson MJ, McCurdy CR, Matsumoto RR. Pharmacological evaluation of SN79, a sigma (σ) receptor ligand, against methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity in vivo. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2013; 23:960-71. [PMID: 22921523 PMCID: PMC3748261 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2012.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2012] [Revised: 07/21/2012] [Accepted: 08/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive psychostimulant drug of abuse, causing hyperthermia and neurotoxicity at high doses. Currently, there is no clinically proven pharmacotherapy to treat these effects of methamphetamine, necessitating identification of potential novel therapeutic targets. Earlier studies showed that methamphetamine binds to sigma (σ) receptors in the brain at physiologically relevant concentrations, where it "acts in part as an agonist." SN79 (6-acetyl-3-(4-(4-(4-florophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)butyl)benzo[d]oxazol-2(3H)-one) was synthesized as a putative σ receptor antagonist with nanomolar affinity and selectivity for σ receptors over 57 other binding sites. SN79 pretreatment afforded protection against methamphetamine-induced hyperthermia and striatal dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotoxicity in male, Swiss Webster mice (measured as depletions in striatal dopamine and serotonin levels, and reductions in striatal dopamine and serotonin transporter expression levels). In contrast, di-o-tolylguanidine (DTG), a well established σ receptor agonist, increased the lethal effects of methamphetamine, although it did not further exacerbate methamphetamine-induced hyperthermia. Together, the data implicate σ receptors in the direct modulation of some effects of methamphetamine such as lethality, while having a modulatory role which can mitigate other methamphetamine-induced effects such as hyperthermia and neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Kaushal
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Michael J. Seminerio
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Matthew J. Robson
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Christopher R. McCurdy
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Rae R. Matsumoto
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
- Corresponding author. School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, P.O. Box 9500, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA. Tel.: +1 304 293 1450; fax: +1 304 293 2576. (R.R. Matsumoto)
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The evaluation of AZ66, an optimized sigma receptor antagonist, against methamphetamine-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity and memory impairment in mice. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2013; 16:1033-44. [PMID: 22932447 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145712000831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Sigma (σ) receptors have recently been identified as potential targets for the development of novel therapeutics aimed at mitigating the effects of methamphetamine. Particularly, σ receptors are believed to mitigate some of the neurotoxic effects of methamphetamine through modulation of dopamine, dopamine transporters and body temperature. Furthermore, recent evidence suggests that targeting σ receptors may prevent cognitive impairments produced by methamphetamine. In the present study, an optimized σ receptor antagonist, AZ66, was evaluated against methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity and cognitive dysfunction. AZ66 was found to be highly selective for σ receptors compared to 64 other sites tested. Pretreatment of male, Swiss Webster mice with i.p. dosing of AZ66 significantly attenuated methamphetamine-induced striatal dopamine depletions, striatal dopamine transporter reductions and hyperthermia. Additionally, neurotoxic dosing with methamphetamine caused significant memory impairment in the object recognition test, which was attenuated when animals were pretreated with AZ66; similar trends were observed in the step-through passive avoidance test. Taken together, these results suggest that targeting σ receptors may provide neuroprotection against the neurotoxicity and cognitive impairments produced by methamphetamine.
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SN79, a sigma receptor ligand, blocks methamphetamine-induced microglial activation and cytokine upregulation. Exp Neurol 2013; 247:134-42. [PMID: 23631864 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2013.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2013] [Revised: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) abuse is associated with several negative side effects including neurotoxicity in specific brain regions such as the striatum. The precise molecular mechanisms by which METH usage results in neurotoxicity remain to be fully elucidated, with recent evidence implicating the importance of microglial activation and neuroinflammation in damaged brain regions. METH interacts with sigma receptors which are found in glial cells in addition to neurons. Moreover, sigma receptor antagonists have been shown to block METH-induced neurotoxicity in rodents although the cellular mechanisms underlying their neuroprotection remain unknown. The purpose of the current study was to determine if the prototypic sigma receptor antagonist, SN79, mitigates METH-induced microglial activation and associated increases in cytokine expression in a rodent model of METH-induced neurotoxicity. METH increased striatal mRNA and protein levels of cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68), indicative of microglial activation. METH also increased ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA-1) protein expression, further confirming the activation of microglia. Along with microglial activation, METH increased striatal mRNA expression levels of IL-6 family pro-inflammatory cytokines, leukemia inhibitory factor (lif), oncostatin m (osm), and interleukin-6 (il-6). Pretreatment with SN79 reduced METH-induced increases in CD68 and IBA-1 expression, demonstrating its ability to prevent microglial activation. SN79 also attenuated METH-induced mRNA increases in IL-6 pro-inflammatory cytokine family members. The ability of a sigma receptor antagonist to block METH-induced microglial activation and cytokine production provides a novel mechanism through which the neurotoxic effects of METH may be mitigated.
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Dodd S, Maes M, Anderson G, Dean OM, Moylan S, Berk M. Putative neuroprotective agents in neuropsychiatric disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2013. [PMID: 23178231 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2012.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In many individuals with major neuropsychiatric disorders including depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, their disease characteristics are consistent with a neuroprogressive illness. This includes progressive structural brain changes, cognitive and functional decline, poorer treatment response and an increasing vulnerability to relapse with chronicity. The underlying molecular mechanisms of neuroprogression are thought to include neurotrophins and regulation of neurogenesis and apoptosis, neurotransmitters, inflammatory, oxidative and nitrosative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, cortisol and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and epigenetic influences. Knowledge of the involvement of each of these pathways implies that specific agents that act on some or multiple of these pathways may thus block this cascade and have neuroprotective properties. This paper reviews the potential of the most promising of these agents, including lithium and other known psychotropics, aspirin, minocycline, statins, N-acetylcysteine, leptin and melatonin. These agents are putative neuroprotective agents for schizophrenia and mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seetal Dodd
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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Jamalapuram S, Vuppala PK, Abdelazeem AH, McCurdy CR, Avery BA. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of AZ66, a sigma receptor ligand, in rat plasma and its application to in vivo pharmacokinetics. Biomed Chromatogr 2013; 27:1034-40. [PMID: 23558564 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.2901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2012] [Revised: 02/08/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine abuse continues as a major problem in the USA owing to its powerful psychological addictive properties. AZ66, 3-[4-(4-cyclohexylpiperazine-1-yl)pentyl]-6-fluorobenzo[d]thiazole-2(3H)-one, an optimized sigma receptor ligand, is a promising therapeutic agent against methamphetamine. To study the in vivo pharmacokinetics of this novel sigma receptor ligand in rats, a sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS/MS) method was developed in rat plasma and validated. The developed method requires a small volume of plasma (100 μL) and a simple liquid-liquid extraction. The chromatographic separations were achieved in 3.3 min using an Acquity UPLC BEH Shield RP18 column. The mass spectrophotometric detection was carried out using a Waters Micromass Quattro MicroTM triple-quadrupole system. Multiple reaction monitoring was used for the quantitation with transitions m/z 406 → m/z 181 for AZ66 and m/z 448 → m/z 285 for aripiprazole. The method was validated over a concentration range of 1-3500 ng/mL and the lower limit of quantitation was determined to be 1 ng/mL. Validation of the assay demonstrated that the developed UPLC/MS/MS method was sensitive, accurate and selective for the determination of AZ66 in rat plasma. The present method has been successfully applied to an i.v. pharmacokinetic study in Sprague-Dawley rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seshulatha Jamalapuram
- The University of Mississippi, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Mississippi, Mississippi, USA
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Robson MJ, Seminerio MJ, McCurdy CR, Coop A, Matsumoto RR. σ Receptor antagonist attenuation of methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity is correlated to body temperature modulation. Pharmacol Rep 2013; 65:343-9. [DOI: 10.1016/s1734-1140(13)71009-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2012] [Revised: 11/16/2012] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Berk M, Malhi GS, Gray LJ, Dean OM. The promise of N-acetylcysteine in neuropsychiatry. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2013; 34:167-77. [PMID: 23369637 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2013.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 290] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2012] [Revised: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) targets a diverse array of factors germane to the pathophysiology of multiple neuropsychiatric disorders including glutamatergic transmission, the antioxidant glutathione, neurotrophins, apoptosis, mitochondrial function, and inflammatory pathways. This review summarises the areas where the mechanisms of action of NAC overlap with known pathophysiological elements, and offers a précis of current literature regarding the use of NAC in disorders including cocaine, cannabis, and smoking addictions, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, autism, compulsive and grooming disorders, schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder. There are positive trials of NAC in all these disorders, and although many of these require replication and are methodologically preliminary, this makes it one of the most promising drug candidates in neuropsychiatric disorders. The efficacy pattern of NAC interestingly shows little respect for the current diagnostic systems. Its benign tolerability profile, its action on multiple operative pathways, and the emergence of positive trial data make it an important target to investigate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Berk
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.
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Seminerio MJ, Robson MJ, McCurdy CR, Matsumoto RR. Sigma receptor antagonists attenuate acute methamphetamine-induced hyperthermia by a mechanism independent of IL-1β mRNA expression in the hypothalamus. Eur J Pharmacol 2012; 691:103-9. [PMID: 22820108 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2012.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Revised: 06/10/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine is currently one of the most widely abused drugs worldwide, with hyperthermia being a leading cause of death in methamphetamine overdose situations. Methamphetamine-induced hyperthermia involves a variety of cellular mechanisms, including increases in hypothalamic interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) expression. Methamphetamine also interacts with sigma receptors and previous studies have shown that sigma receptor antagonists mitigate many of the behavioral and physiological effects of methamphetamine, including hyperthermia. The purpose of the current study was to determine if the attenuation of methamphetamine-induced hyperthermia by the sigma receptor antagonists, AZ66 and SN79, is associated with a concomitant attenuation of IL-1β mRNA expression, particularly in the hypothalamus. Methamphetamine produced dose- and time-dependent increases in core body temperature and IL-1β mRNA expression in the hypothalamus, striatum, and cortex in male, Swiss Webster mice. Pretreatment with the sigma receptor antagonists, AZ66 and SN79, significantly attenuated methamphetamine-induced hyperthermia, but further potentiated IL-1β mRNA in the mouse hypothalamus when compared to animals treated with methamphetamine alone. These findings suggest sigma receptor antagonists attenuate methamphetamine-induced hyperthermia through a different mechanism from that involved in the modulation of hypothalamic IL-1β mRNA expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Seminerio
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
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