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Delavar A, Anbarkeh FR, Baradaran R, Arab Z, Moghaddam SHR, Hosseini M, Nikravesh MR, Nejat SS, Jalali M. The protective effect of methanolic extract of Verbascum cheiranthifolium and Biebersteinia multifida DC on hippocampus damage induced by diazinon in male Wistar rats: An experimental study. J Chem Neuroanat 2024; 137:102398. [PMID: 38342332 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2024.102398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Diazinon (DZN) an organophosphate (OP), with the most important mechanism of action of DZN being induction of oxidative stress (OS) and inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Verbascum cheiranthifolium (VER) and Biebersteinia multifida (BM) belong to the Scrophulariaceae and Biebersteiniaceae family respectively. These plants are widely used in Iranian traditional medicine due to their beneficial effects. Thus, this research aimed to appraise the protective effects of the methanolic extract of the VER and BM on changes in the level of expression of α7 and α4 subunits of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in hippocampus (HPC) of DZN-treated rats. In this research, 36 male Wistar rats were used and randomly divided into six groups: Control, DZN (40 mg/kg), VER (1 g/kg), DZN+VER (40 mg/kg+1 g/kg), BM (150 mg/kg), and DZN+BM (40 mg/kg+150 mg/kg). At the end of treatment periods, the animals of all groups underwent the Morris water maze (MWM) test. The rats were anesthetized, and blood sampling was performed. Eventually, the brain was removed for histological study and evaluation of OS parameters. The results indicated that DZN increased the extent of expression of nAChRs in the HPC and significantly inhibited cholinesterase (ChEs) activity plus OS parameters. Also, in MWM, the time to find the platform was significantly longer in the DZN group, while the time and the distance in the probe test were lower than in the control groups. VER and BM extract in the treatment groups simultaneously improved the extent of expression of nAChRs, ChEs activity, as well as the parameters of OS and spatial memory significantly. In conclusion, our results support the neuroprotective properties of VER and BM extract versus DZN in rats. Accordingly, the extracts of VER and BM may be useful as an approach for the treatment of learning disorders and memory enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Delavar
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rahimi Anbarkeh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Raheleh Baradaran
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Zohreh Arab
- Neurocognitive Research Center and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Mahmoud Hosseini
- Neurocognitive Research Center and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Nikravesh
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shahin Saeidi Nejat
- School of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mehdi Jalali
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Xu Y, Wang J, He Z, Rao Z, Zhang Z, Zhou J, Zhou T, Wang H. A review on the effect of COX-2-mediated mechanisms on development and progression of gastric cancer induced by nicotine. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 220:115980. [PMID: 38081368 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Smoking is a documented risk factor for cancer, e.g., gastric cancer. Nicotine, the principal tobacco alkaloid, would exert its role of contribution to gastric cancer development and progression through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and β-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs), which then promote cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. As a key isoenzyme in conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been demonstrated to have a wide range of effects in carcinogenesis and tumor development. At present, many studies have reported the effect of nicotine on gastric cancer by binding to nAChR, as well as indirectly stimulating β-AR to mediate COX-2-related pathways. This review summarizes these studies, and also proposes more potential COX-2-mediated mechanisms. These events might contribute to the growth and progression of gastric cancer exposed to nicotine through tobacco smoke or cigarette substitutes. Also, this review article has therefore the potential not only to make a significant contribution to the treatment and prognosis of gastric cancer for smokers but also to the clinical application of COX-2 antagonists. In addition, this work also discusses the considerable challenges of this field with special reference to the future perspective of COX-2-mediated mechanisms in development and progression of gastric cancer induced by nicotine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqin Xu
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No. 461 Ba Yi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No. 461 Ba Yi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Chongqing Research Institute of Nanchang University, Tai Bai Road, Tongnan, Chongqing 402679, PR China
| | - Juan Wang
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No. 461 Ba Yi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No. 461 Ba Yi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
| | - Zihan He
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No. 461 Ba Yi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No. 461 Ba Yi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Chongqing Research Institute of Nanchang University, Tai Bai Road, Tongnan, Chongqing 402679, PR China
| | - Zihan Rao
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No. 461 Ba Yi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No. 461 Ba Yi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Chongqing Research Institute of Nanchang University, Tai Bai Road, Tongnan, Chongqing 402679, PR China
| | - Zhongwei Zhang
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No. 461 Ba Yi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No. 461 Ba Yi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Chongqing Research Institute of Nanchang University, Tai Bai Road, Tongnan, Chongqing 402679, PR China
| | - Jianming Zhou
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No. 461 Ba Yi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No. 461 Ba Yi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Chongqing Research Institute of Nanchang University, Tai Bai Road, Tongnan, Chongqing 402679, PR China
| | - Tong Zhou
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No. 461 Ba Yi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No. 461 Ba Yi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Chongqing Research Institute of Nanchang University, Tai Bai Road, Tongnan, Chongqing 402679, PR China
| | - Huai Wang
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No. 461 Ba Yi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No. 461 Ba Yi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; Chongqing Research Institute of Nanchang University, Tai Bai Road, Tongnan, Chongqing 402679, PR China.
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3
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Tae HS, Adams DJ. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtype expression, function, and pharmacology: Therapeutic potential of α-conotoxins. Pharmacol Res 2023; 191:106747. [PMID: 37001708 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The pentameric nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are typically classed as muscle- or neuronal-type, however, the latter has also been reported in non-neuronal cells. Given their broad distribution, nAChRs mediate numerous physiological and pathological processes including synaptic transmission, presynaptic modulation of transmitter release, neuropathic pain, inflammation, and cancer. There are 17 different nAChR subunits and combinations of these subunits produce subtypes with diverse pharmacological properties. The expression and role of some nAChR subtypes have been extensively deciphered with the aid of knock-out models. Many nAChR subtypes expressed in heterologous systems are selectively targeted by the disulfide-rich α-conotoxins. α-Conotoxins are small peptides isolated from the venom of cone snails, and a number of them have potential pharmaceutical value.
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Padilla-Orozco M, Duhne M, Fuentes-Serrano A, Ortega A, Galarraga E, Bargas J, Lara-González E. Synaptic determinants of cholinergic interneurons hyperactivity during parkinsonism. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2022; 14:945816. [PMID: 36147730 PMCID: PMC9485566 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2022.945816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative ailment generated by the loss of dopamine in the basal ganglia, mainly in the striatum. The disease courses with increased striatal levels of acetylcholine, disrupting the balance among these modulatory transmitters. These modifications disturb the excitatory and inhibitory balance in the striatal circuitry, as reflected in the activity of projection striatal neurons. In addition, changes in the firing pattern of striatal tonically active interneurons during the disease, including cholinergic interneurons (CINs), are being searched. Dopamine-depleted striatal circuits exhibit pathological hyperactivity as compared to controls. One aim of this study was to show how striatal CINs contribute to this hyperactivity. A second aim was to show the contribution of extrinsic synaptic inputs to striatal CINs hyperactivity. Electrophysiological and calcium imaging recordings in Cre-mice allowed us to evaluate the activity of dozens of identified CINs with single-cell resolution in ex vivo brain slices. CINs show hyperactivity with bursts and silences in the dopamine-depleted striatum. We confirmed that the intrinsic differences between the activity of control and dopamine-depleted CINs are one source of their hyperactivity. We also show that a great part of this hyperactivity and firing pattern change is a product of extrinsic synaptic inputs, targeting CINs. Both glutamatergic and GABAergic inputs are essential to sustain hyperactivity. In addition, cholinergic transmission through nicotinic receptors also participates, suggesting that the joint activity of CINs drives the phenomenon; since striatal CINs express nicotinic receptors, not expressed in striatal projection neurons. Therefore, CINs hyperactivity is the result of changes in intrinsic properties and excitatory and inhibitory inputs, in addition to the modification of local circuitry due to cholinergic nicotinic transmission. We conclude that CINs are the main drivers of the pathological hyperactivity present in the striatum that is depleted of dopamine, and this is, in part, a result of extrinsic synaptic inputs. These results show that CINs may be a main therapeutic target to treat Parkinson’s disease by intervening in their synaptic inputs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Padilla-Orozco
- División Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mariana Duhne
- División Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Alejandra Fuentes-Serrano
- División Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Aidán Ortega
- División Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Elvira Galarraga
- División Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Bargas
- División Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- *Correspondence: José Bargas,
| | - Esther Lara-González
- División Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Esther Lara-González,
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Wills L, Ables JL, Braunscheidel KM, Caligiuri SPB, Elayouby KS, Fillinger C, Ishikawa M, Moen JK, Kenny PJ. Neurobiological Mechanisms of Nicotine Reward and Aversion. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:271-310. [PMID: 35017179 PMCID: PMC11060337 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) regulate the rewarding actions of nicotine contained in tobacco that establish and maintain the smoking habit. nAChRs also regulate the aversive properties of nicotine, sensitivity to which decreases tobacco use and protects against tobacco use disorder. These opposing behavioral actions of nicotine reflect nAChR expression in brain reward and aversion circuits. nAChRs containing α4 and β2 subunits are responsible for the high-affinity nicotine binding sites in the brain and are densely expressed by reward-relevant neurons, most notably dopaminergic, GABAergic, and glutamatergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area. High-affinity nAChRs can incorporate additional subunits, including β3, α6, or α5 subunits, with the resulting nAChR subtypes playing discrete and dissociable roles in the stimulatory actions of nicotine on brain dopamine transmission. nAChRs in brain dopamine circuits also participate in aversive reactions to nicotine and the negative affective state experienced during nicotine withdrawal. nAChRs containing α3 and β4 subunits are responsible for the low-affinity nicotine binding sites in the brain and are enriched in brain sites involved in aversion, including the medial habenula, interpeduncular nucleus, and nucleus of the solitary tract, brain sites in which α5 nAChR subunits are also expressed. These aversion-related brain sites regulate nicotine avoidance behaviors, and genetic variation that modifies the function of nAChRs in these sites increases vulnerability to tobacco dependence and smoking-related diseases. Here, we review the molecular, cellular, and circuit-level mechanisms through which nicotine elicits reward and aversion and the adaptations in these processes that drive the development of nicotine dependence. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Tobacco use disorder in the form of habitual cigarette smoking or regular use of other tobacco-related products is a major cause of death and disease worldwide. This article reviews the actions of nicotine in the brain that contribute to tobacco use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Wills
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Jessica L Ables
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Kevin M Braunscheidel
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Stephanie P B Caligiuri
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Karim S Elayouby
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Clementine Fillinger
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Masago Ishikawa
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Janna K Moen
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Paul J Kenny
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
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Moen JK, Lee AM. Sex Differences in the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor System of Rodents: Impacts on Nicotine and Alcohol Reward Behaviors. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:745783. [PMID: 34621155 PMCID: PMC8490611 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.745783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol and nicotine are the two most widely used and misused drugs around the world, and co-consumption of both substances is highly prevalent. Multiple lines of evidence show a profound effect of sex in many aspects of alcohol and nicotine reward, with women having more difficulty quitting smoking and showing a faster progression toward developing alcohol use disorder compared with men. Both alcohol and nicotine require neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) to elicit rewarding effects within the mesolimbic system, representing a shared molecular pathway that likely contributes to the frequent comorbidity of alcohol and nicotine dependence. However, the majority of preclinical studies on the mechanisms of alcohol and nicotine reward behaviors utilize only male rodents, and thus our understanding of alcohol and nicotine neuropharmacology relies heavily on male data. As preclinical research informs the development and refinement of therapies to help patients reduce drug consumption, it is critical to understand the way biological sex and sex hormones influence the rewarding properties of alcohol and nicotine. In this review, we summarize what is known about sex differences in rodent models of alcohol and nicotine reward behaviors with a focus on neuronal nAChRs, highlighting exciting areas for future research. Additionally, we discuss the way circulating sex hormones may interact with neuronal nAChRs to influence reward-related behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janna K Moen
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Anna M Lee
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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Assous M. Striatal cholinergic transmission. Focus on nicotinic receptors' influence in striatal circuits. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 53:2421-2442. [PMID: 33529401 PMCID: PMC8161166 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The critical role of acetylcholine (ACh) in the basal ganglia is evident from the effect of cholinergic agents in patients suffering from several related neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, Tourette syndrome, or dystonia. The striatum possesses the highest density of ACh markers in the basal ganglia underlying the importance of ACh in this structure. Striatal cholinergic interneurons (CINs) are responsible for the bulk of striatal ACh, although extrinsic cholinergic afferents from brainstem structures may also play a role. CINs are tonically active, and synchronized pause in their activity occurs following the presentation of salient stimuli during behavioral conditioning. However, the synaptic mechanisms involved are not fully understood in this physiological response. ACh modulates striatal circuits by acting on muscarinic and nicotinic receptors existing in several combinations both presynaptically and postsynaptically. While the effects of ACh in the striatum through muscarinic receptors have received particular attention, nicotinic receptors function has been less studied. Here, after briefly reviewing relevant results regarding muscarinic receptors expression and function, I will focus on striatal nicotinic receptor expressed presynaptically on glutamatergic and dopaminergic afferents and postsynaptically on diverse striatal interneurons populations. I will also review recent evidence suggesting the involvement of different GABAergic sources in two distinct nicotinic-receptor-mediated striatal circuits: the disynaptic inhibition of striatal projection neurons and the recurrent inhibition among CINs. A better understanding of striatal nicotinic receptors expression and function may help to develop targeted pharmacological interventions to treat brain disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Tourette syndrome, dystonia, or nicotine addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Assous
- Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
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Mulcahy MJ, Huard SM, Paulo JA, Wang JH, McKinney S, Henderson BJ, Lester HA. Brain Region-Specific nAChR and Associated Protein Abundance Alterations Following Chronic Nicotine and/or Menthol Exposure. J Proteome Res 2019; 19:36-48. [PMID: 31657575 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.9b00286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The identification of biomarkers that are altered following nicotine/tobacco exposure can facilitate the investigation of tobacco-related diseases. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are pentameric cation channels expressed in the mammalian central and peripheral nervous systems and the neuromuscular junction. Neuronal nAChR subunits (11) have been identified in mammals (α2-7, α9-10, β2-4). We examined changes in β2 nAChR subunit protein levels after chronic nicotine, (±)-menthol, or nicotine co-administered with (±)-menthol in nine murine brain regions. Our investigation of β2 nAChR subunit level changes identified the hypothalamus as a novel region of interest for menthol exposure that demonstrated increased β2 nAChR levels after (±)-menthol plus nicotine exposure compared to nicotine exposure alone. Using mass spectrometry, we further characterized changes in membrane protein abundance profiles in the hypothalamus to identify potential biomarkers of (±)-menthol plus nicotine exposure and proteins that may contribute to the elevated β2 nAChR subunit levels. In the hypothalamus, 272 membrane proteins were identified with altered abundances after chronic nicotine plus menthol exposure with respect to chronic nicotine exposure without menthol. A comprehensive investigation of changes in nAChR and non-nAChR protein expression resulting from (±)-menthol plus nicotine in the brain may establish biomarkers to better understand the effects of these drugs on addiction and addiction-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Mulcahy
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering , California Institute of Technology , 1200 East California Boulevard , Pasadena , California 91125-2900 , United States
| | - Stephanie M Huard
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering , California Institute of Technology , 1200 East California Boulevard , Pasadena , California 91125-2900 , United States
| | - Joao A Paulo
- Department of Cell Biology , Harvard Medical School , 240 Longwood Avenue , Boston , Massachusetts 02115 , United States
| | - Jonathan H Wang
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering , California Institute of Technology , 1200 East California Boulevard , Pasadena , California 91125-2900 , United States
| | - Sheri McKinney
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering , California Institute of Technology , 1200 East California Boulevard , Pasadena , California 91125-2900 , United States
| | - Brandon J Henderson
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering , California Institute of Technology , 1200 East California Boulevard , Pasadena , California 91125-2900 , United States.,Department of Biomedical Sciences , Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University , Huntington , West Virginia 25701 , United States
| | - Henry A Lester
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering , California Institute of Technology , 1200 East California Boulevard , Pasadena , California 91125-2900 , United States
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Tanimura A, Du Y, Kondapalli J, Wokosin DL, Surmeier DJ. Cholinergic Interneurons Amplify Thalamostriatal Excitation of Striatal Indirect Pathway Neurons in Parkinson’s Disease Models. Neuron 2019; 101:444-458.e6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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10
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Alkadhi KA. Neuroprotective Effects of Nicotine on Hippocampal Long-Term Potentiation in Brain Disorders. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2018; 366:498-508. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.118.247841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
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11
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Semenova S, Jin X, McClure-Begley TD, Tadman MP, Marks MJ, Markou A. Differential effects of withdrawal from intermittent and continuous nicotine exposure on reward deficit and somatic aspects of nicotine withdrawal and expression of α4β2* nAChRs in Wistar male rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2018; 171:54-65. [PMID: 29908200 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 06/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic nicotine exposure produces neuroadaptations in brain reward systems and α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the corticolimbic brain areas. We previously demonstrated opposite effects of nicotine exposure delivered by self-administration or pumps on brain reward thresholds that can be attributed to the different temporal pattern and contingency of nicotine exposure. We investigated the effects of these two factors on reward thresholds and somatic signs during nicotine withdrawal, and on nAChRs binding in corticolimbic brain areas. METHODS The intracranial self-stimulation procedure was used to assess reward thresholds in rats prepared with pumps delivering various doses of nicotine continuously or intermittently. Separate group of rats were randomly exposed to nicotine via pumps (non-contingent) or nicotine self-administration (contingent) to determine [125I]-epibatidine binding at α4β2* nAChRs. RESULTS Withdrawal from continuous non-contingent nicotine exposure led to significant elevations in thresholds and increases in somatic signs in rats, while there was no significant effect of withdrawal from intermittent non-contingent nicotine exposure at the same doses. nAChRs were upregulated during withdrawal from continuous non-contingent nicotine exposure. α4β2* nAChRs were upregulated in the ventral tegmental area and prelimbic cortex during withdrawal from non-contingent intermittent exposure and in the nucleus accumbens during withdrawal from contingent intermittent nicotine exposure to the same dose. CONCLUSIONS During non-contingent nicotine exposure, the temporal pattern of nicotine delivery differentially affected thresholds and somatic signs of withdrawal. Upregulation of α4β2* nAChRs was brain site-specific and depended on both temporal pattern and contingency of nicotine exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Semenova
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, M/C 0603, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Xinchun Jin
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, M/C 0603, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | | | | | - Michael J Marks
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Athina Markou
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, M/C 0603, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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Qian J, Mummalaneni S, Larsen J, Grider JR, Spielman AI, Özdener MH, Lyall V. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (CHRN) expression and function in cultured human adult fungiform (HBO) taste cells. PLoS One 2018. [PMID: 29513745 PMCID: PMC5841828 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In rodents, CHRNs are involved in bitter taste transduction of nicotine and ethanol. Currently, it is not clear if CHRNs are expressed in human taste cells and if they play a role in transducing the bitter taste of nicotine and ethanol or in the synthesis and release of neurohumoral peptides. Accordingly, we investigated the expression and functional role of CHRNs in HBO cells. Using molecular techniques, we demonstrate that a subset of HBO cells express CHRNs that also co-express TRPM5, T1R3 or T2R38. Exposing HBO cells to nicotine or ethanol acutely or to nicotine chronically induced a differential increase in the expression of CHRN mRNA and protein in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Acutely exposing HBO cells to a mixture containing nicotine plus ethanol induced a smaller increase in CHRN mRNAs relative to nicotine or ethanol treatment alone. A subset of HBO cells responded to nicotine, acetylcholine and ATP with a transient increase in [Ca2+]i. Nicotine effects on [Ca2+]i were mecamylamine sensitive. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein was detected in HBO cells using ELISA. Acute nicotine exposure decreased BDNF in HBO cells and increased BDNF release in the medium. CHRNs were also detected in HEK293 cells by RT-PCR. Unlike HBO cells, CHRNs were localized in most of HEK293 cells and majority of HEK293 cells responded to nicotine and ethanol stimulation with a transient increase in [Ca2+]i. BDNF levels in HEK293 cells were significantly higher than in HBO cells but the nicotine induced release of BDNF in the media was a fraction of the BDNF cellular content. We conclude that CHRNs are expressed in TRPM5 positive HBO cells. CHRN mRNA expression is modulated by exposure to nicotine and ethanol in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Nicotine induces the synthesis and release of BDNF in HBO cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Qian
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Shobha Mummalaneni
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - James Larsen
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - John R. Grider
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | | | | | - Vijay Lyall
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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13
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Mulcahy MJ, Lester HA. Granulocytes as models for human protein marker identification following nicotine exposure. J Neurochem 2017; 142 Suppl 2:151-161. [PMID: 28791704 PMCID: PMC6057152 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are pentameric cation channels expressed in the mammalian CNS, in the peripheral nervous system, and in skeletal muscle. Neuronal-type nAChRs are also found in several non-neuronal cell types, including leukocytes. Granulocytes are a subtype of leukocytes that include basophils, eosinophils, and neutrophils. Granulocytes, also known as polymorphonuclear leukocytes, are characterized by their ability to produce, store, and release compounds from intracellular granules. Granulocytes are the most abundant type of leukocyte circulating in the peripheral blood. Granulocyte abundance, nAChR expression, and nAChR upregulation following chronic nicotine administration makes granulocytes interesting models for identifying protein markers of nicotine exposure. Nicotinic receptor subunits and several non-nAChR proteins have been identified as protein markers of granulocyte nicotine exposure. We review methods to isolate granulocytes from human tissue, summarize present data about the expression of nAChRs in the three granulocyte cell types (basophils, eosinophils, and neutrophils), describe current knowledge of the effects of nicotine exposure on human granulocyte protein expression, and highlight areas of interest for future investigation. This is an article for the special issue XVth International Symposium on Cholinergic Mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Mulcahy
- Department of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Henry A Lester
- Department of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
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14
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Zuo L, Tan Y, Li CSR, Wang Z, Wang K, Zhang X, Lin X, Chen X, Zhong C, Wang X, Guo X, Wang J, Lu L, Luo X. Associations of rare nicotinic cholinergic receptor gene variants to nicotine and alcohol dependence. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2016; 171:1057-1071. [PMID: 27473937 PMCID: PMC5587505 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Nicotine's rewarding effects are mediated through distinct subunits of nAChRs, encoded by different nicotinic cholinergic receptor (CHRN) genes and expressed in discrete regions in the brain. In the present study, we aimed to test the associations between rare variants at CHRN genes and nicotine dependence (ND), and alcohol dependence (AD). A total of 26,498 subjects with nine different neuropsychiatric disorders in 15 independent cohorts, which were genotyped on Illumina, Affymetrix, or PERLEGEN microarray platforms, were analyzed. Associations between rare variants (minor allele frequency (MAF) <0.05) at CHRN genes and nicotine dependence, and alcohol dependence were tested. The mRNA expression of all Chrn genes in whole mouse brain and 10 specific brain areas was investigated. All CHRN genes except the muscle-type CHRNB1, including eight genomic regions containing 11 neuronal CHRN genes and three genomic regions containing four muscle-type CHRN genes, were significantly associated with ND, and/or AD. All of these genes were expressed in the mouse brain. We conclude that CHRNs are associated with ND (mainly) and AD, supporting the hypothesis that the full catalog of ND/AD risk genes may contain most neuronal nAChRs-encoding genes. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingjun Zuo
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yunlong Tan
- Biological Psychiatry Research Center, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chiang-Shan R. Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Zhiren Wang
- Biological Psychiatry Research Center, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kesheng Wang
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Xiangyang Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiandong Lin
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Xiangning Chen
- Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine and Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Chunlong Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoping Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai First People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyun Guo
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of EEG & Neuroimaging, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jijun Wang
- Department of EEG & Neuroimaging, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target, Medical College of Nantong University, China
- Departments of Genetics, Genomics, Informatics, Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Xingguang Luo
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Biological Psychiatry Research Center, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China
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15
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Nicotine-Induced Effects on Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors (nAChRs), Ca2+ and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in STC-1 Cells. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0166565. [PMID: 27846263 PMCID: PMC5112875 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to the T2R bitter taste receptors, neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have recently been shown to be involved in the bitter taste transduction of nicotine, acetylcholine and ethanol. However, at present it is not clear if nAChRs are expressed in enteroendocrine cells other than beta cells of the pancreas and enterochromaffin cells, and if they play a role in the synthesis and release of neurohumoral peptides. Accordingly, we investigated the expression and functional role of nAChRs in enteroendocrine STC-1 cells. Our studies using RT-PCR, qRT-PCR, immunohistochemical and Western blotting techniques demonstrate that STC-1 cells express several α and β nAChR subunits. Exposing STC-1 cells to nicotine acutely (24h) or chronically (4 days) induced a differential increase in the expression of nAChR subunit mRNA and protein in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Mecamylamine, a non-selective antagonist of nAChRs, inhibited the nicotine-induced increase in mRNA expression of nAChRs. Exposing STC-1 cells to nicotine increased intracellular Ca2+ in a dose-dependent manner that was inhibited in the presence of mecamylamine or dihydro-β-erythroidine, a α4β2 nAChR antagonist. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA and protein were detected in STC-1 cells using RT-PCR, specific BDNF antibody, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Acute nicotine exposure (30 min) decreased the cellular content of BDNF in STC-1 cells. The nicotine-induced decrease in BDNF was inhibited in the presence of mecamylamine. We also detected α3 and β4 mRNA in intestinal mucosal cells and α3 protein expression in intestinal enteroendocrine cells. We conclude that STC-1 cells and intestinal enteroendocrine cells express nAChRs. In STC-1 cells nAChR expression is modulated by exposure to nicotine in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Nicotine interacts with nAChRs and inhibits BDNF expression in STC-1 cells.
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Wen L, Yang Z, Cui W, Li MD. Crucial roles of the CHRNB3-CHRNA6 gene cluster on chromosome 8 in nicotine dependence: update and subjects for future research. Transl Psychiatry 2016; 6:e843. [PMID: 27327258 PMCID: PMC4931601 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2016.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2015] [Revised: 04/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cigarette smoking is a leading cause of preventable death throughout the world. Nicotine, the primary addictive compound in tobacco, plays a vital role in the initiation and maintenance of its use. Nicotine exerts its pharmacological roles through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), which are ligand-gated ion channels consisting of five membrane-spanning subunits. Besides the CHRNA4, CHRNB2 and CHRNA5/A3/B4 cluster on chromosome 15, which has been investigated intensively, recent evidence from both genome-wide association studies and candidate gene-based association studies has revealed the crucial roles of the CHRNB3-CHRNA6 gene cluster on chromosome 8 in nicotine dependence (ND). These studies demonstrate two distinct loci within this region. The first one is tagged by rs13277254, upstream of the CHRNB3 gene, and the other is tagged by rs4952, a coding single nucleotide polymorphism in exon 5 of that gene. Functional studies by genetic manipulation in mice have shown that α6*-nAChRs, located in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), are of great importance in controlling nicotine self-administration. However, when the α6 subunit is selectively re-expressed in the VTA of the α6(-/-) mouse by a lentiviral vector, the reinforcing property of nicotine is restored. To further determine the role of α6*-nAChRs in the process of nicotine-induced reward and withdrawal, genetic knock-in strains have been examined, which showed that replacement of Leu with Ser in the 9' residue in the M2 domain of α6 produces nicotine-hypersensitive mice (α6 L9'S) with enhanced dopamine release. Moreover, nicotine-induced upregulation may be another ingredient in the pathology of nicotine addiction although the effect of chronic nicotine exposure on the expression of α6-containing receptors is controversial. To gain a better understanding of the pathological processes underlying ND and ND-related behaviors and to promote the development of effective smoking cessation therapies, we here present the most recent studies concerning the genetic effects of the CHRNB3-CHRNA6 gene cluster in ND.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Wen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Z Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - W Cui
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - M D Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China,Air Center for Air Pollution and Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China,Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA,State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China or Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA. E-mail:
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17
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The mammalian target of rapamycin pathway in the basolateral amygdala is critical for nicotine-induced behavioural sensitization. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2014; 17:1881-94. [PMID: 24916432 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145714000650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Repeated exposure to nicotine increases psychomotor activity. Long-lasting neural plasticity changes that contribute to the nicotine-induced development of locomotor sensitization have been identified. The mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signalling pathway is involved in regulating the neuroplasticity of the central nervous system. In this study, we examined the role of mTORC1 in the amygdala in nicotine-induced locomotor sensitization. Rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTORC1, was infused into the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and central amygdala (CeA) or systemically administered to investigate the role of the mTORC1 in the development and expression of nicotine-induced locomotor sensitization. We found that locomotor activity progressively increased during the initiation of nicotine-induced locomotor sensitization and the expression of nicotine sensitization was induced by nicotine challenge injection (0.35 mg/kg s.c.) after five days of withdrawal. The initiation of nicotine-induced locomotor sensitization was accompanied by the increased phosphorylated level of mTORC1 downstream target proteins including p-p70s6k and p-4EBP in the BLA, but not CeA. Intra-BLA infusion or systemic administration of rapamycin blocked locomotor activity. Increased p-p70s6k and p-4EBP were also observed in the expression of nicotine sensitization, which was demonstrated to be inhibited by systemic rapamycin administration. Our findings indicated that mTORC1 activity in the BLA, but not the CeA, mediated the initiation and expression of nicotine-induced locomotor sensitization, and may become a potential target for the treatment of nicotine addiction.
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18
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Wang J, Kuryatov A, Lindstrom J. Expression of cloned α6* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Neuropharmacology 2014; 96:194-204. [PMID: 25446669 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) are ACh-gated ion channels formed from five homologous subunits in subtypes defined by their subunit composition and stoichiometry. Some subtypes readily produce functional AChRs in Xenopus oocytes and transfected cell lines. α6β2β3* AChRs (subtypes formed from these subunits and perhaps others) are not easily expressed. This may be because the types of neurons in which they are expressed (typically dopaminergic neurons) have unique chaperones for assembling α6β2β3* AChRs, especially in the presence of the other AChR subtypes. Because these relatively minor brain AChR subtypes are of major importance in addiction to nicotine, it is important for drug development as well as investigation of their functional properties to be able to efficiently express human α6β2β3* AChRs. We review the issues and progress in expressing α6* AChRs. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'The Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor: From Molecular Biology to Cognition'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alexander Kuryatov
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jon Lindstrom
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Henderson BJ, Srinivasan R, Nichols WA, Dilworth CN, Gutierrez DF, Mackey EDW, McKinney S, Drenan RM, Richards CI, Lester HA. Nicotine exploits a COPI-mediated process for chaperone-mediated up-regulation of its receptors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 143:51-66. [PMID: 24378908 PMCID: PMC3874574 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201311102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to nicotine up-regulates high sensitivity nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain. This up-regulation partially underlies addiction and may also contribute to protection against Parkinson's disease. nAChRs containing the α6 subunit (α6* nAChRs) are expressed in neurons in several brain regions, but comparatively little is known about the effect of chronic nicotine on these nAChRs. We report here that nicotine up-regulates α6* nAChRs in several mouse brain regions (substantia nigra pars compacta, ventral tegmental area, medial habenula, and superior colliculus) and in neuroblastoma 2a cells. We present evidence that a coat protein complex I (COPI)-mediated process mediates this up-regulation of α6* or α4* nAChRs but does not participate in basal trafficking. We show that α6β2β3 nAChR up-regulation is prevented by mutating a putative COPI-binding motif in the β3 subunit or by inhibiting COPI. Similarly, a COPI-dependent process is required for up-regulation of α4β2 nAChRs by chronic nicotine but not for basal trafficking. Mutation of the putative COPI-binding motif or inhibition of COPI also results in reduced normalized Förster resonance energy transfer between α6β2β3 nAChRs and εCOP subunits. The discovery that nicotine exploits a COPI-dependent process to chaperone high sensitivity nAChRs is novel and suggests that this may be a common mechanism in the up-regulation of nAChRs in response to chronic nicotine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon J Henderson
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
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20
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Batsikadze G, Paulus W, Grundey J, Kuo MF, Nitsche MA. Effect of the Nicotinic α4β2-receptor Partial Agonist Varenicline on Non-invasive Brain Stimulation-Induced Neuroplasticity in the Human Motor Cortex. Cereb Cortex 2014; 25:3249-59. [PMID: 24917274 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhu126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Nicotine alters cognitive functions in animals and humans most likely by modification of brain plasticity. In the human brain, it alters plasticity induced by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and paired associative stimulation (PAS), probably by interference with calcium-dependent modulation of the glutamatergic system. We aimed to test this hypothesis further by exploring the impact of the α4β2-nicotinic receptor partial agonist varenicline on focal and non-focal plasticity, induced by PAS and tDCS, respectively. We administered low (0.1 mg), medium (0.3 mg), and high (1.0 mg) single doses of varenicline or placebo medication before PAS or tDCS on the left motor cortex of 25 healthy non-smokers. Corticospinal excitability was monitored by single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation-induced motor evoked potential amplitudes up to 36 h after plasticity induction. Whereas low-dose varenicline had no impact on stimulation-induced neuroplasticity, medium-dose abolished tDCS-induced facilitatory after-effects, favoring focal excitatory plasticity. High-dose application preserved cathodal tDCS-induced excitability diminution and focal excitatory PAS-induced facilitatory plasticity. These results are comparable to the impact of nicotine receptor activation and might help to further explain the involvement of specific receptor subtypes in the nicotinic impact on neuroplasticity and cognitive functions in healthy subjects and patients with neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgi Batsikadze
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Georg-August-University of Göttingen, Göttingen 37075, Germany
| | - Walter Paulus
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Georg-August-University of Göttingen, Göttingen 37075, Germany
| | - Jessica Grundey
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Georg-August-University of Göttingen, Göttingen 37075, Germany
| | - Min-Fang Kuo
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Georg-August-University of Göttingen, Göttingen 37075, Germany
| | - Michael A Nitsche
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Georg-August-University of Göttingen, Göttingen 37075, Germany
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Grebenstein P, Burroughs D, Zhang Y, LeSage MG. Sex differences in nicotine self-administration in rats during progressive unit dose reduction: implications for nicotine regulation policy. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2013; 114-115:70-81. [PMID: 24201048 PMCID: PMC3903094 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2013.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2013] [Revised: 10/09/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Reducing the nicotine content in tobacco products is being considered by the FDA as a policy to reduce the addictiveness of tobacco products. Understanding individual differences in response to nicotine reduction will be critical to developing safe and effective policy. Animal and human research demonstrating sex differences in the reinforcing effects of nicotine suggests that males and females may respond differently to nicotine-reduction policies. However, no studies have directly examined sex differences in the effects of nicotine unit-dose reduction on nicotine self-administration (NSA) in animals. The purpose of the present study was to examine this issue in a rodent self-administration model. Male and female rats were trained to self-administer nicotine (0.06mg/kg) under an FR 3 schedule during daily 23h sessions. Rats were then exposed to saline extinction and reacquisition of NSA, followed by weekly reductions in the unit dose (0.03 to 0.00025mg/kg) until extinction levels of responding were achieved. Males and females were compared with respect to baseline levels of intake, resistance to extinction, degree of compensatory increases in responding during dose reduction, and the threshold reinforcing unit dose of nicotine. Exponential demand-curve analysis was also conducted to compare the sensitivity of males and females to increases in the unit price (FR/unit dose) of nicotine (i.e., elasticity of demand or reinforcing efficacy). Females exhibited significantly higher baseline intake and less compensation than males. However, there were no sex differences in the reinforcement threshold or elasticity of demand. Dose-response relationships were very well described by the exponential demand function (r(2) values>0.96 for individual subjects). These findings suggest that females may exhibit less compensatory smoking in response to nicotine reduction policies, even though their nicotine reinforcement threshold and elasticity of demand may not differ from males.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danielle Burroughs
- Department of Medicine, Minneapolis Medical Research Foundation, United States
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, United States
| | - Mark G. LeSage
- Department of Medicine, Minneapolis Medical Research Foundation, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, United States
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Morganstern I, Lukatskaya O, Moon SH, Guo WR, Shaji J, Karatayev O, Leibowitz SF. Stimulation of nicotine reward and central cholinergic activity in Sprague-Dawley rats exposed perinatally to a fat-rich diet. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2013; 230:509-24. [PMID: 23836027 PMCID: PMC4006699 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-013-3178-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2012] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE While clinical studies show maternal consumption of palatable fat-rich diets during pregnancy to negatively impact the children's behaviors and increase their vulnerability to drug abuse, the precise behavioral and neurochemical mechanisms mediating these phenomena have yet to be examined. OBJECTIVE The study examined in rats whether gestational exposure to a high-fat diet (HFD) can increase the offspring's propensity to use nicotine and whether disturbances in central nicotinic cholinergic signaling accompany this behavioral effect. METHODS Rat offspring exposed perinatally to a HFD or chow diet were characterized in terms of their nicotine self-administration behavior in a series of operant response experiments and the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and density of nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) in different brain areas. RESULT Perinatal HFD compared to chow exposure increased nicotine-self administration behavior during fixed ratio and dose-response testing and caused an increase in breakpoint using progressive ratio testing, while nicotine seeking in response to nicotine prime-induced reinstatement was reduced. This behavioral change induced by the HFD was associated with a significant reduction in activity of AChE in the midbrain, hypothalamus, and striatum and increased density of β2-nAChRs in the ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra and of α7-nAChRs in the lateral and ventromedial hypothalamus. CONCLUSIONS Perinatal exposure to a HFD increases the vulnerability of the offspring to excessive nicotine use by enhancing its reward potential, and these behavioral changes are accompanied by a stimulation of nicotinic cholinergic signaling in mesostriatal and hypothalamic brain areas important for reinforcement and consummatory behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Morganstern
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Olga Lukatskaya
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Sang-Ho Moon
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Wei-Ran Guo
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Jane Shaji
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Olga Karatayev
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Sarah F. Leibowitz
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065, USA
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23
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Colombo SF, Mazzo F, Pistillo F, Gotti C. Biogenesis, trafficking and up-regulation of nicotinic ACh receptors. Biochem Pharmacol 2013; 86:1063-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Revised: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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24
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Exley R, Clements MA, Hartung H, McIntosh JM, Franklin M, Bermudez I, Cragg SJ. Striatal dopamine transmission is reduced after chronic nicotine with a decrease in α6-nicotinic receptor control in nucleus accumbens. Eur J Neurosci 2013; 38:3036-43. [PMID: 23841846 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Revised: 05/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Nicotine directly regulates striatal dopamine (DA) neurotransmission via presynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) that are α6β2 and/or α4β2 subunit-containing, depending on region. Chronic nicotine exposure in smokers upregulates striatal nAChR density, with some reports suggesting differential impact on α6- or α4-containing nAChRs. Here, we explored whether chronic nicotine exposure modifies striatal DA transmission, whether the effects of acute nicotine on DA release probability persist and whether there are modifications to the regulation of DA release by α6-subunit-containing (*) relative to non-α6* nAChRs in nucleus accumbens (NAc) and in caudate-putamen (CPu). We detected electrically evoked DA release at carbon-fiber microelectrodes in striatal slices from mice exposed for 4-8 weeks to nicotine (200 μg/mL in saccharin-sweetened drinking water) or a control saccharin solution. Chronic nicotine exposure subtly reduced striatal DA release evoked by single electrical pulses, and in NAc enhanced the range of DA release evoked by different frequencies. Effects of acute nicotine (500 nm) on DA release probability and its sensitivity to activity were apparent. However, in NAc there was downregulation of the functional dominance of α6-nAChRs (α6α4β2β3), and an emergence in function of non-α6* nAChRs. In CPu, there was no change in the control of DA release by its α6 nAChRs (α6β2β3) relative to non-α6. These data suggest that chronic nicotine subtly modifies the regulation of DA transmission, which, in NAc, is through downregulation of function of a susceptible population of α6α4β2β3 nAChRs. This imbalance in function of α6:non-α6 nAChRs might contribute to DA dysregulation in nicotine addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Exley
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Sherrington Building, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK.
| | - Michael A Clements
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Sherrington Building, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Henrike Hartung
- University Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Isabel Bermudez
- School of Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - Stephanie J Cragg
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Sherrington Building, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
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Role of α7- and α4β2-nAChRs in the neuroprotective effect of nicotine in stress-induced impairment of hippocampus-dependent memory. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2013; 16:1105-13. [PMID: 23067572 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145712001046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that nicotine prevents stress-induced memory impairment. In this study, we have investigated the role of α7- and α4β2-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the protective effect of nicotine during chronic stress conditions. Chronic psychosocial stress was induced using a form of rat intruder model. During stress, specific antagonist for either α7-nAChRs [methyllycaconitine (MLA)] or α4β2-nAChRs [dihydro-β-erythroidine (DHβE)] was infused into the hippocampus using a 4-wk osmotic pump at a rate of 82 μg/side.d and 41 μg/side.d, respectively. Three weeks after the start of infusion, all rats were subjected to a series of cognitive tests in the radial arm water maze (RAWM) for six consecutive days or until the animal reached days to criterion (DTC) in the fourth acquisition trial and in all memory tests. DTC is defined as the number of days the animal takes to make no more than one error in three consecutive days. In the short-term memory test, MLA-infused stressed/nicotine-treated rats made similar errors to those of stress and significantly more errors compared to those of stress/nicotine, nicotine or control groups. This finding was supported by the DTC values for the short memory tests. Thus, MLA treatment blocked the neuroprotective effect of nicotine during chronic stress. In contrast, DHβE infusion did not affect the RAWM performance of stress/nicotine animals. These results strongly suggest the involvement of α7-nAChRs, but not α4β2-nAChRs, in the neuroprotective effect of chronic nicotine treatment during chronic stress conditions.
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Melis M, Pistis M. Hub and switches: endocannabinoid signalling in midbrain dopamine neurons. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2013; 367:3276-85. [PMID: 23108546 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2011.0383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The last decade has provided a wealth of experimental data on the role played by lipids belonging to the endocannabinoid family in several facets of physiopathology of dopamine neurons. We currently suggest that these molecules, being intimately connected with diverse metabolic and signalling pathways, might differently affect various functions of dopamine neurons through activation not only of surface receptors, but also of nuclear receptors. It is now emerging how dopamine neurons can regulate their constituent biomolecules to compensate for changes in either internal functions or external conditions. Consequently, dopamine neurons use these lipid molecules as metabolic and homeostatic signal detectors, which can dynamically impact cell function and fitness. Because dysfunctions of the dopamine system underlie diverse neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and drug addiction, the importance of better understanding the correlation between an unbalanced endocannabinoid signal and the dopamine system is even greater. Particularly, because dopamine neurons are critical in controlling incentive-motivated behaviours, the involvement of endocannabinoid molecules in fine-tuning dopamine cell activity opened new avenues in both understanding and treating drug addiction. Here, we review recent advances that have shed new light on the understanding of differential roles of endocannabinoids and their cognate molecules in the regulation of the reward circuit, and discuss their anti-addicting properties, particularly with a focus on their potential engagement in the prevention of relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, C.N.R. Neuroscience Institute, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
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Surin AM, Kriukova EV, Strukov AS, Zhmak MN, Talka R, Tuominen R, Salminen O, Khiroug L, Kasheverov IE, Tsetlin VI. [Effect of alpha-conotoxin MII and its N-terminal derivatives on Ca2+ and Na+ signals induced by nicotine in neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y]. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2012; 38:214-22. [PMID: 22792725 DOI: 10.1134/s1068162012020112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are implicated in the regulation ofintracellular Ca2+-dependent processes in cells both in normal and pathological states, alpha-Conotoxins isolated from Conus snails venom are a valuable tool for the study of pharmacological properties and functional role of nAChRs. In the present study the alpha-conotoxin MII analogue with the additional tyrosine attached to the N terminus (Y0-MII) was prepared. Also we synthesized analogs with the N-terminal glycine residue labeled with the Bolton- Hunter reagent (BH-MII) or fluorestsein isothiocyanate (FITC-MII). Fluorescence microscopy studies of the neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells loaded with Ca2+ indicator Fura-2 or with Ca2+ and Na+ indicators Fluo-4 and SBFI were performed to examine effect of MII modification on its ability to inhibit nicotin-induced increases in intracellular free Ca2+ and Na+ concentrations ([Ca2+] and [Na+]i respectively). Monitoring of individual cell [Ca2+]i and [Na+]i signals revealed different kinetics of [Ca2+]i and [Na+]i rise and decay in responses to brief nicotine (Nic) applications (10-30 microM, 3-5 min), which indicates to different mechanisms of Ca2+ and Na+ homeostasis control in SH-SY5Y cells. MII inhibited in concentration-dependent manner the both [Ca2+]i and [Na+]i increase induced by Nic. Additional tyrosine in the Y0-MII or, especially, more sizeable label in FITC-MII significantly reduced the inhibitory effect of MII. Whereas the efficiency of the Ca2+ response inhibition by BH-MII was found to be close to the efficiency of its inhibition by natural alpha-conotoxin MII, radioiodinated derivatives BH-MII can be used in radioligand assay.
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Feduccia AA, Chatterjee S, Bartlett SE. Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: neuroplastic changes underlying alcohol and nicotine addictions. Front Mol Neurosci 2012; 5:83. [PMID: 22876217 PMCID: PMC3411089 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2012.00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2012] [Accepted: 07/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Addictive drugs can activate systems involved in normal reward-related learning, creating long-lasting memories of the drug's reinforcing effects and the environmental cues surrounding the experience. These memories significantly contribute to the maintenance of compulsive drug use as well as cue-induced relapse which can occur even after long periods of abstinence. Synaptic plasticity is thought to be a prominent molecular mechanism underlying drug-induced learning and memories. Ethanol and nicotine are both widely abused drugs that share a common molecular target in the brain, the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). The nAChRs are ligand-gated ion channels that are vastly distributed throughout the brain and play a key role in synaptic neurotransmission. In this review, we will delineate the role of nAChRs in the development of ethanol and nicotine addiction. We will characterize both ethanol and nicotine's effects on nAChR-mediated synaptic transmission and plasticity in several key brain areas that are important for addiction. Finally, we will discuss some of the behavioral outcomes of drug-induced synaptic plasticity in animal models. An understanding of the molecular and cellular changes that occur following administration of ethanol and nicotine will lead to better therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison A Feduccia
- Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, Preclinical Development Emeryville, CA, USA
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Quik M, Wonnacott S. α6β2* and α4β2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors as drug targets for Parkinson's disease. Pharmacol Rev 2012; 63:938-66. [PMID: 21969327 DOI: 10.1124/pr.110.003269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a debilitating movement disorder characterized by a generalized dysfunction of the nervous system, with a particularly prominent decline in the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway. Although there is currently no cure, drugs targeting the dopaminergic system provide major symptomatic relief. As well, agents directed to other neurotransmitter systems are of therapeutic benefit. Such drugs may act by directly improving functional deficits in these other systems, or they may restore aberrant motor activity that arises as a result of a dopaminergic imbalance. Recent research attention has focused on a role for drugs targeting the nicotinic cholinergic systems. The rationale for such work stems from basic research findings that there is an extensive overlap in the organization and function of the nicotinic cholinergic and dopaminergic systems in the basal ganglia. In addition, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) drugs could have clinical potential for Parkinson's disease. Evidence for this proposition stems from studies with experimental animal models showing that nicotine protects against neurotoxin-induced nigrostriatal damage and improves motor complications associated with l-DOPA, the "gold standard" for Parkinson's disease treatment. Nicotine interacts with multiple central nervous system receptors to generate therapeutic responses but also produces side effects. It is important therefore to identify the nAChR subtypes most beneficial for treating Parkinson's disease. Here we review nAChRs with particular emphasis on the subtypes that contribute to basal ganglia function. Accumulating evidence suggests that drugs targeting α6β2* and α4β2* nAChR may prove useful in the management of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryka Quik
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA.
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Nicotine-induced upregulation of native neuronal nicotinic receptors is caused by multiple mechanisms. J Neurosci 2012; 32:2227-38. [PMID: 22323734 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5438-11.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Nicotine causes changes in brain nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) during smoking that initiate addiction. Nicotine-induced upregulation is the long-lasting increase in nAChR radioligand binding sites in brain resulting from exposure. The mechanisms causing upregulation are not established. Many different mechanisms have been reported with the assumption that there is a single underlying cause. Using live rat cortical neurons, we examined for the first time how exposure and withdrawal of nicotine shape the kinetics of native α4β2-containing nAChR upregulation in real time. Upregulation kinetics demonstrates that at least two different mechanisms underlie this phenomenon. First, a transient upregulation occurs that rapidly reverses, faster than nAChR degradation, and corresponds to nAChR conformational changes as assayed by conformational-dependent, subunit-specific antibodies. Second, a long-lasting process occurs correlating with increases in nAChR numbers caused by decreased proteasomal subunit degradation. Previous radioligand binding measurements to brain tissue have measured the second process and largely missed the first. We conclude that nicotine-induced upregulation is composed of multiple processes occurring at different rates with different underlying causes.
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Elevation of BACE in an Aβ rat model of Alzheimer's disease: exacerbation by chronic stress and prevention by nicotine. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2012; 15:223-33. [PMID: 21356140 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145711000162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
In Alzheimer's disease (AD), progressive accumulation of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides impairs nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) function by a mechanism that may involve α7 and α4β2-nAChR subtypes. Additionally, the beta-site amyloid precursor protein (APP)-cleaving enzyme (BACE), the rate-limiting enzyme in the pathogenic Aβ production pathway, is expressed at high levels in hippocampal and cortical regions of AD brains. We measured hippocampal area CA1 protein levels of BACE and α7- and α4β2-nAChR subunits using an Aβ rat model of AD (14-d osmotic pump i.c.v. infusion of 300 pmol/d Aβ peptides) in the presence and absence of chronic stress and/or chronic nicotine treatment. There was a significant increase in the levels of BACE in Aβ-infused rats, which were markedly intensified by chronic (4-6 wk) stress, but were normalized in Aβ rats chronically treated with nicotine (1 mg/kg b.i.d.). The levels of the three subunits α7, α4 and β2 were significantly decreased in Aβ rats, but these were also normalized in Aβ rats chronically treated with nicotine. Chronic stress did not further aggravate the reduction of nAChRs in Aβ-infused rats. The increased BACE levels and decreased nAChR levels, which are established hallmarks of AD, provide additional support for the validity of the Aβ i.c.v.-infused rat as a model of AD.
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Wooters TE, Smith AM, Pivavarchyk M, Siripurapu KB, McIntosh JM, Zhang Z, Crooks PA, Bardo MT, Dwoskin LP. bPiDI: a novel selective α6β2* nicotinic receptor antagonist and preclinical candidate treatment for nicotine abuse. Br J Pharmacol 2011; 163:346-57. [PMID: 21232049 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01220.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) containing α6β2 subunits expressed by dopamine neurons regulate nicotine-evoked dopamine release. Previous results show that the α6β2* nAChR antagonist, N,N'-dodecane-1,12-diyl-bis-3-picolinium dibromide (bPiDDB) inhibits nicotine-evoked dopamine release from dorsal striatum and decreases nicotine self-administration in rats. However, overt toxicity emerged with repeated bPiDDB treatment. The current study evaluated the preclinical pharmacology of a bPiDDB analogue. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The C₁₀ analogue of bPiDDB, N,N-decane-1,10-diyl-bis-3-picolinium diiodide (bPiDI), was evaluated preclinically for nAChR antagonist activity. KEY RESULTS bPiDI inhibits nicotine-evoked [³H]dopamine overflow (IC₅₀= 150 nM, I(max)=58%) from rat striatal slices. Schild analysis revealed a rightward shift in the nicotine concentration-response curve and surmountability with increasing nicotine concentration; however, the Schild regression slope differed significantly from 1.0, indicating surmountable allosteric inhibition. Co-exposure of maximally inhibitory concentrations of bPiDI (1 µM) and the α6β2* nAChR antagonist α-conotoxin MII (1 nM) produced inhibition not different from either antagonist alone, indicating that bPiDI acts at α6β2* nAChRs. Nicotine treatment (0.4 mg·kg⁻¹·da⁻¹, 10 days) increased more than 100-fold the potency of bPiDI (IC₅₀=1.45 nM) to inhibit nicotine-evoked dopamine release. Acute treatment with bPiDI (1.94-5.83 µmol·kg⁻¹, s.c.) specifically reduced nicotine self-administration relative to responding for food. Across seven daily treatments, bPiDI decreased nicotine self-administration; however, tolerance developed to the acute decrease in food-maintained responding. No observable body weight loss or lethargy was observed with repeated bPiDI. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results are consistent with the hypothesis that α6β2* nAChR antagonists have potential for development as pharmacotherapies for tobacco smoking cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E Wooters
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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Hone AJ, Meyer EL, McIntyre M, McIntosh JM. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in dorsal root ganglion neurons include the α6β4* subtype. FASEB J 2011; 26:917-26. [PMID: 22024738 DOI: 10.1096/fj.11-195883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The α6-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have recently been implicated in diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), including Parkinson's disease and substance abuse. In contrast, little is known about the role of α6* nAChRs in the peripheral nervous system (where the asterisk denotes the possible presence of additional subunits). Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons are known to express nAChRs with a pharmacology consistent with an α7, α3β4*, and α4β2* composition. Here we present evidence that DRG neurons also express α6* nAChRs. We used RT-PCR to show the presence of α6 subunit transcripts and patch-clamp electrophysiology together with subtype-selective α-conotoxins to pharmacologically characterize the nAChRs in rat DRG neurons. α-Conotoxin BuIA (500 nM) blocked acetylcholine-gated currents (I(ACh)) by 90.3 ± 3.0%; the recovery from blockade was very slow, indicating a predominance of α(x)β4* nAChRs. Perfusion with either 300 nM BuIA[T5A;P6O] or 200 nM MII[E11A], α-conotoxins that target the α6β4* subtype, blocked I(ACh) by 49.3 ± 5 and 46.7 ± 8%, respectively. In these neurons, I(ACh) was relatively insensitive to 200 nM ArIB[V11L;V16D] (9.4±2.0% blockade) or 500 nM PnIA (23.0±4% blockade), α-conotoxins that target α7 and α3β2*/α6β2* nAChRs, respectively. We conclude that α6β4* nAChRs are among the subtypes expressed by DRG, and to our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of α6β4* in neurons outside the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arik J Hone
- Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Tuesta LM, Fowler CD, Kenny PJ. Recent advances in understanding nicotinic receptor signaling mechanisms that regulate drug self-administration behavior. Biochem Pharmacol 2011; 82:984-95. [PMID: 21740894 PMCID: PMC3163076 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2011.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2011] [Revised: 06/15/2011] [Accepted: 06/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Tobacco smoking is one of the leading causes of disease and premature death in the United States. Nicotine is considered the major reinforcing component in tobacco smoke responsible for tobacco addiction. Nicotine acts in the brain through the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). The predominant nAChR subtypes in mammalian brain are those containing α4 and β2 subunits. The α4β2 nAChRs, particularly those located in the mesoaccumbens dopamine pathway, play a key role in regulating the reinforcing properties of nicotine. Considering that twelve mammalian nAChR subunits have been cloned, it is likely that nAChRs containing subunits in addition to, or other than, α4 and β2 also play a role in the tobacco smoking habit. Consistent with this possibility, human genome-wide association studies have shown that genetic variation in the CHRNA5-CHRNA3-CHRNB4 gene cluster located in chromosome region 15q25, which encode the α5, α3 and β4 nAChR subunits, respectively, increases vulnerability to tobacco addiction and smoking-related diseases. Most recently, α5-containing nAChRs located in the habenulo-interpeduncular tract were shown to limit intravenous nicotine self-administration behavior in rats and mice, suggesting that deficits in α5-containing nAChR signaling in the habenulo-interpeduncular tract increases vulnerability to the motivational properties of nicotine. Finally, evidence suggests that nAChRs may also play a prominent role in controlling consumption of addictive drugs other than nicotine, including cocaine, alcohol, opiates and cannabinoids. The aim of the present review is to discuss recent preclinical findings concerning the identity of the nAChR subtypes that regulate self-administration of nicotine and other drugs of abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis M Tuesta
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Molecular Therapeutics, The Scripps Research Institute - Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
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Sharp BM, Chen H, Gong S, Wu X, Liu Z, Hiler K, Taylor WL, Matta SG. Gene expression in accumbens GABA neurons from inbred rats with different drug-taking behavior. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2011; 10:778-88. [PMID: 21745336 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-183x.2011.00716.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Inbred Lewis and Fisher 344 rat strains differ greatly in drug self-administration; Lewis rats operantly self-administer drugs of abuse including nicotine, whereas Fisher self-administer poorly. As shown herein, operant food self-administration is similar. On the basis of their pivotal role in drug reward, we hypothesized that differences in basal gene expression in GABAergic neurons projecting from nucleus accumbens (NAcc) to ventral pallidum (VP) play a role in vulnerability to drug-taking behavior. The transcriptomes of NAcc shell-VP GABAergic neurons from these two strains were analyzed in adolescents, using a multidisciplinary approach that combined stereotaxic ionotophoretic brain microinjections, laser-capture microdissection (LCM) and microarray measurement of transcripts. Laser-capture microdissection enriched the gene transcripts detected in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons compared to the residual NAcc tissue: a ratio of neuron/residual >1 and false discovery rate (FDR) <5% yielded 6623 transcripts, whereas a ratio of >3 yielded 3514. Strain-dependent differences in gene expression within GABA neurons were identified; 322 vs. 60 transcripts showed 1.5-fold vs. 2-fold differences in expression (FDR < 5%). Classification by gene ontology showed that these 322 transcripts were widely distributed, without categorical enrichment. This is most consistent with a global change in GABA neuron function. Literature mining by Chilibot found 38 genes related to synaptic plasticity, signaling and gene transcription, all of which determine drug abuse; 33 genes have no known association with addiction or nicotine. In Lewis rats, upregulation of Mint-1, Cask, CamkII , Ncam1, Vsnl1, Hpcal1 and Car8 indicates that these transcripts likely contribute to altered signaling and synaptic function in NAcc GABA projection neurons to VP.
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Affiliation(s)
- B M Sharp
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
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Progress and challenges in the study of α6-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Biochem Pharmacol 2011; 82:862-72. [PMID: 21736871 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2011.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2011] [Revised: 06/15/2011] [Accepted: 06/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Recent progress has been made in the understanding of the anatomical distribution, composition, and physiological role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors containing the α6 subunit. Extensive study by many researchers has indicated that a collection of α6-containing receptors representing a nicotinic sub-family is relevant in preclinical models of nicotine self-administration and locomotor activity. Due to a number of technical difficulties, the state of the art of in vitro model systems expressing α6-containing receptors has lagged behind the state of knowledge of native α6 nAChR subunit composition. Several techniques, such as the expression of chimeric and concatameric α6 subunit constructs in oocytes and mammalian cell lines have been employed to overcome these obstacles. There remains a need for other critical tools, such as selective small molecules and radioligands, to advance the field of research and to allow the discovery and development of potential therapeutics targeting α6-containing receptors for smoking cessation, Parkinson's disease and other disorders.
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Shimizu T, Tanaka K, Hasegawa T, Yokotani K. Brain α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are involved in the secretion of noradrenaline and adrenaline from adrenal medulla in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2011; 654:241-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2010.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2010] [Revised: 11/30/2010] [Accepted: 12/15/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Metaxas A, Bailey A, Barbano MF, Galeote L, Maldonado R, Kitchen I. Differential region-specific regulation of α4β2* nAChRs by self-administered and non-contingent nicotine in C57BL/6J mice. Addict Biol 2010; 15:464-79. [PMID: 20731631 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2010.00246.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal nAChR upregulation is the hallmark of chronic nicotine exposure. Neuroplasticity to abused drugs, however, depends on whether their administration is forced by the experimenter or is under the control of the experimental animal. Neuroadaptation to chronic nicotine self-administration was examined with a yoked-control paradigm, using nose-poking as the operating procedure. Freely moving C57BL/6J mice that responded for 0.03 mg/kg/infusion of intravenous nicotine under a continuous schedule of reinforcement (FR-1), had control over the rate and amount of drug intake that a yoked littermate passively received (n = 11). The impact of response dependency on neurobiological changes in nicotinic and dopaminergic systems was subsequently assessed using quantitative autoradiography. Cytisine-sensitive [(125)I]epibatidine binding, [³H]SCH23390, [³H]raclopride and [³H]mazindol were used to label nAChRs with α4β2* subtype properties, D1 and D2 dopaminergic receptors, and dopamine transporters, respectively. During a period of 12 days, self-administration was reliably initiated and maintained in animals receiving response-contingent nicotine. Region specific changes in the density of α4β2* nAChRs were found to be dependent on the contingency of nicotine treatment. Higher levels of α4β2* receptor binding were observed in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus and the ventral tegmental area of self-administering mice, compared to non-contingent animals. Moreover, response-independent increases in D2 binding were observed following chronic nicotine administration. No change in D1 and DAT binding was observed among groups. These findings indicate regional specific alterations in the regulation of the nicotinic cholinergic system following contingent and non-contingent nicotine exposure, and underline the importance of response dependency on the development of nicotine addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Metaxas
- Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Division of Biochemical Sciences, University of Surrey, UK.
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Brennan KA, Lea RA, Fitzmaurice PS, Truman P. Nicotinic receptors and stages of nicotine dependence. J Psychopharmacol 2010; 24:793-808. [PMID: 19251827 DOI: 10.1177/0269881108100256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death, where nicotine has been identified as the primary addictive constituent of tobacco. Consequently, there have been extensive investigations into the neuroadaptations that occur as nicotine dependence develops, where numerous neurological systems have been implicated. The focus of this review was on nicotinic acetylcholine receptor neuroadaptations that occur during the development of nicotine dependence. This focus was selected because (1) the nicotinic receptors are the primary binding sites for both nicotine and the most efficacious pharmacological smoking cessation treatments and (2) the receptors are located throughout the brain with considerable neuromodulatory ability. However, there was difficulty associated in outlining the role of nicotinic receptors in the development of nicotine dependence because it comprises a series of stages involving different neurological systems rather than a single state. To address this issue, the review adopts a novel approach and considers the role of nicotinic receptor subtypes at separate stages of the nicotine dependence cycle. This information was then used to examine the nicotinic receptor-related therapeutic mechanisms of three main pharmacological smoking cessation treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Brennan
- Environmental Science and Research Ltd, Porirua, Wellington, New Zealand.
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40
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Moretti M, Mugnaini M, Tessari M, Zoli M, Gaimarri A, Manfredi I, Pistillo F, Clementi F, Gotti C. A Comparative Study of the Effects of the Intravenous Self-Administration or Subcutaneous Minipump Infusion of Nicotine on the Expression of Brain Neuronal Nicotinic Receptor Subtypes. Mol Pharmacol 2010; 78:287-96. [DOI: 10.1124/mol.110.064071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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41
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Clemens KJ, Caillé S, Stinus L, Cador M. The addition of five minor tobacco alkaloids increases nicotine-induced hyperactivity, sensitization and intravenous self-administration in rats. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2009; 12:1355-66. [PMID: 19366487 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145709000273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Several minor tobacco alkaloids have been found to exhibit properties pharmacologically relevant to the addictive profile of tobacco; however, little is known of their effects on a behavioural model of drug addiction. In this study we compared the locomotor and reinforcing effects of intravenous nicotine (30 microg/kg per infusion) vs. a cocktail of nicotine plus five minor alkaloids found in tobacco smoke (anabasine, nornicotine, anatabine, cotinine and myosmine). Rats were initially tested for their locomotor response to nicotine or nicotine plus the minor alkaloids with six intravenous injections over 1 h. We then assessed the spontaneous acquisition of intravenous self-administration with nicotine or nicotine plus the minor alkaloids, under a fixed-ratio 1 schedule followed by responding on a fixed-ratio 5 schedule, progressive-ratio schedule and a single within-session ascending dose-response test. The activity test was repeated following the progressive-ratio phase to assess locomotor sensitization. A second group of rats were then tested on the locomotor procedure to better clarify the role of each individual minor alkaloid in nicotine-induced locomotor activity. Compared to nicotine alone, addition of the minor tobacco alkaloids increased locomotor activity and increased locomotor sensitization following self-administration. During fixed-ratio 5, progressive ratio and the dose-response test, rats receiving nicotine plus the minor alkaloids responded significantly more than those receiving nicotine alone. Testing of each minor alkaloid in the second experiment indicated that anatabine, cotinine and myosmine individually increased nicotine-induced locomotor activity. These results suggest that the minor tobacco alkaloids, particularly anatabine, cotinine and myosmine, may increase the motivation for nicotine and thus facilitate smoking behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J Clemens
- CNRS UMR 5227, Team Neuropsychopharmacology of Addiction, University of Bordeaux 1 and 2, Bordeaux, France.
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42
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Dwoskin LP, Smith AM, Wooters TE, Zhang Z, Crooks PA, Bardo MT. Nicotinic receptor-based therapeutics and candidates for smoking cessation. Biochem Pharmacol 2009; 78:732-43. [PMID: 19523455 PMCID: PMC4110684 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2009.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2009] [Revised: 05/29/2009] [Accepted: 06/01/2009] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Tobacco dependence is the most preventable cause of death and is a chronic, relapsing disorder in which compulsive tobacco use persists despite known negative health consequences. All currently available cessation agents (nicotine, varenicline and bupropion) have limited efficacy and are associated with high relapse rates, revealing a need for more efficacious, alternative pharmacotherapies. The major alkaloid in tobacco, nicotine, activates nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) which increase brain extracellular dopamine producing nicotine reward leading to addiction. nAChRs are located primarily presynaptically and modulate synaptic activity by regulating neurotransmitter release. Subtype-selective nAChR antagonists that block reward-relevant mesocorticolimbic and nigrostriatal dopamine release induced by nicotine may offer advantages over current therapies. An innovative approach is to provide pharmacotherapies which are antagonists at nAChR subtypes mediating nicotine evoked dopamine release. In addition, providing multiple medications with a wider array of targets and mechanisms should provide more treatment options for individuals who are not responsive to the currently available pharmacotherapies. This review summarizes the currently available smoking cessation therapies and discusses emerging potential therapeutic approaches employing pharmacological agents which act as antagonists at nicotinic receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda P Dwoskin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
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43
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Differential contribution of genetic variation in multiple brain nicotinic cholinergic receptors to nicotine dependence: recent progress and emerging open questions. Mol Psychiatry 2009; 14:912-45. [PMID: 19564872 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2009.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Nicotine dependence (ND), a major public health challenge, is a complex, multifactorial behavior, in which both genetic and environmental factors have a role. Brain nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR)-encoding genes are among the most prominent candidate genes studied in the context of ND, because of their biological relevance as binding sites for nicotine. Until recently, most research on the role of nAChRs in ND has focused on two of these genes (encoding the alpha4- and beta2-subunits) and not much attention has been paid to the possible contribution of the other nine brain nAChR subunit genes (alpha2-alpha3, alpha5-alpha7, alpha9-alpha10, beta3-beta4) to the pathophysiology and genetics of ND. This situation has changed dramatically in the last 2 years during which intensive research had addressed the issue, mainly from the genetics perspective, and has shown the importance of the CHRNA5-CHRNA3-CHRNB4 and CHRNA6-CHRNB3 loci in ND-related phenotypes. In this review, we highlight recent findings regarding the contribution of non-alpha4/beta2-subunit containing nAChRs to ND, based on several lines of evidence: (1) human genetics studies (including linkage analysis, candidate-gene association studies and whole-genome association studies) of several ND-related phenotypes; (2) differential pharmacological and biochemical properties of receptors containing these subunits; (3) evidence from genetically manipulated mice; and (4) the contribution of nAChR genes to ND-related personality traits and neurocognitive profiles. Combining neurobiological genetic and behavioral perspectives, we suggest that genetic susceptibility to ND is not linked to one or two specific nAChR subtype genes but to several. In particular, the alpha3, alpha5-6 and beta3-4 nAChR subunit-encoding genes may play a much more pivotal role in the neurobiology and genetics of ND than was appreciated earlier. At the functional level, variants in these subunit genes (most likely regulatory) may have independent as well as interactive contributions to the ND phenotype spectrum. We address methodological challenges in the field, highlight open questions and suggest possible pathways for future research.
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44
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Nicotine and Behavioral Sensitization. J Mol Neurosci 2009; 40:154-63. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-009-9230-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2009] [Accepted: 07/20/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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45
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The neuropharmacological substrates of nicotine reward: reinforcing versus reinforcement-enhancing effects of nicotine. Behav Pharmacol 2009; 20:211-25. [PMID: 19421028 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0b013e32832c7083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Compulsive nicotine use is thought to be maintained by the acute reinforcing effects of nicotine and the reinforcement-enhancing effects of nicotine, in addition to the negative consequences of nicotine abstinence. Nicotine self-administration and nicotine-induced enhancement of non-nicotine reinforcers such as intracranial self-stimulation provide measures of these dual rewarding properties of nicotine. First, pharmacological manipulations that modulate the reinforcing and reinforcement-enhancing effects of nicotine are identified and discussed. Second, the interpretation and implications of data that identified shared and specific pharmacological substrates underlying the dual rewarding effects of nicotine are discussed, including implications for the preclinical testing of putative antismoking medications. In conclusion, reinforcement-related behaviors that are mediated by central reinforcement processes are likely to, and generally do, exhibit a number of common pharmacological substrates. Interestingly, however, a few pharmacological classes of compounds seem to exert selective effects on components of the dual nicotine reward mechanisms, indicating differences in the pharmacological substrates of the reinforcing and reinforcement-enhancing effects of nicotine. Further characterization of such compounds may ultimately lead to the identification of novel medications for nicotine dependence in humans.
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Govind AP, Vezina P, Green WN. Nicotine-induced upregulation of nicotinic receptors: underlying mechanisms and relevance to nicotine addiction. Biochem Pharmacol 2009; 78:756-65. [PMID: 19540212 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2009.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2009] [Revised: 06/04/2009] [Accepted: 06/09/2009] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A major hurdle in defining the molecular biology of nicotine addiction has been characterizing the different nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtypes in the brain and how nicotine alters their function. Mounting evidence suggests that the addictive effects of nicotine, like other drugs of abuse, occur through interactions with its receptors in the mesolimbic dopamine system, particularly ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurons, where nicotinic receptors act to modulate the release of dopamine. The molecular identity of the nicotinic receptors responsible for drug seeking behavior, their cellular and subcellular location and the mechanisms by which these receptors initiate and maintain addiction are poorly defined. In this commentary, we review how nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are upregulated by nicotine exposure, the potential posttranslational events that appear to cause it and how upregulation is linked to nicotine addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anitha P Govind
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Abbot Hall 402-MC0926, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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Gotti C, Clementi F, Fornari A, Gaimarri A, Guiducci S, Manfredi I, Moretti M, Pedrazzi P, Pucci L, Zoli M. Structural and functional diversity of native brain neuronal nicotinic receptors. Biochem Pharmacol 2009; 78:703-11. [PMID: 19481063 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2009.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 366] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2009] [Revised: 05/16/2009] [Accepted: 05/19/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are a family of ligand-gated ion channels present in the central and peripheral nervous systems, that are permeable to mono- and divalent cations. They share a common basic structure but their pharmacological and functional properties arise from the wide range of different subunit combinations making up distinctive subtypes. nAChRs are involved in many physiological functions in the central and peripheral nervous systems, and are the targets of the widely used drug of abuse nicotine. In addition to tobacco dependence, changes in their number and/or function are associated with neuropsychiatric disorders, ranging from epilepsy to dementia. Although some of the neural circuits involved in the acute and chronic effects of nicotine have been identified, much less is known about which native nAChR subtypes are involved in specific physiological functions and pathophysiological conditions. We briefly review some recent findings concerning the structure and function of native nAChRs, focusing on the subtypes identified in the mesostriatal and habenulo-interpeduncular pathways, two systems involved in nicotine reinforcement and withdrawal. We also discuss recent findings concerning the effect of chronic nicotine on the expression of native subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Gotti
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, CNR, Institute of Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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48
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Cellular events in nicotine addiction. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2009; 20:418-31. [PMID: 19560047 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2009.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2008] [Revised: 12/19/2008] [Accepted: 01/09/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In the 25 years since the observation that chronic exposure to nicotine could regulate the number and function of high affinity nicotine binding sites in the brain there has been a major effort to link alterations in nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) to nicotine-induced behaviors that drive the addiction to tobacco products. Here we review the proposed roles of various nAChR subtypes in the addiction process, with emphasis on how they are regulated by nicotine and the implications for understanding the cellular neurobiology of addiction to this drug.
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Albuquerque EX, Pereira EFR, Alkondon M, Rogers SW. Mammalian nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: from structure to function. Physiol Rev 2009; 89:73-120. [PMID: 19126755 PMCID: PMC2713585 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00015.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1227] [Impact Index Per Article: 81.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The classical studies of nicotine by Langley at the turn of the 20th century introduced the concept of a "receptive substance," from which the idea of a "receptor" came to light. Subsequent studies aided by the Torpedo electric organ, a rich source of muscle-type nicotinic receptors (nAChRs), and the discovery of alpha-bungarotoxin, a snake toxin that binds pseudo-irreversibly to the muscle nAChR, resulted in the muscle nAChR being the best characterized ligand-gated ion channel hitherto. With the advancement of functional and genetic studies in the late 1980s, the existence of nAChRs in the mammalian brain was confirmed and the realization that the numerous nAChR subtypes contribute to the psychoactive properties of nicotine and other drugs of abuse and to the neuropathology of various diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and schizophrenia, has since emerged. This review provides a comprehensive overview of these findings and the more recent revelations of the impact that the rich diversity in function and expression of this receptor family has on neuronal and nonneuronal cells throughout the body. Despite these numerous developments, our understanding of the contributions of specific neuronal nAChR subtypes to the many facets of physiology throughout the body remains in its infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edson X Albuquerque
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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50
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Regional differential effects of chronic nicotine on brain α4-containing and α6-containing receptors. Neuroreport 2008; 19:1545-50. [DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0b013e3283112703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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