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Corley C, Craig A, Sadek S, Marusich JA, Chehimi SN, White AM, Holdiness LJ, Reiner BC, Gipson CD. Enhancing translation: A need to leverage complex preclinical models of addictive drugs to accelerate substance use treatment options. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024:173836. [PMID: 39067531 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2024.173836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Preclinical models of addictive drugs have been developed for decades to model aspects of the clinical experience in substance use disorders (SUDs). These include passive exposure as well as volitional intake models across addictive drugs and have been utilized to also measure withdrawal symptomatology and potential neurobehavioral mechanisms underlying relapse to drug seeking or taking. There are a number of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications for SUDs, however, many demonstrate low clinical efficacy as well as potential sex differences, and we also note gaps in the continuum of care for certain aspects of clinical experiences in individuals who use drugs. In this review, we provide a comprehensive update on both frequently utilized and novel behavioral models of addiction with a focus on translational value to the clinical experience and highlight the need for preclinical research to follow epidemiological trends in drug use patterns to stay abreast of clinical treatment needs. We then note areas in which models could be improved to enhance the medications development pipeline through efforts to enhance translation of preclinical models. Next, we describe neuroscience efforts that can be leveraged to identify novel biological mechanisms to enhance medications development efforts for SUDs, focusing specifically on advances in brain transcriptomics approaches that can provide comprehensive screening and identification of novel targets. Together, the confluence of this review demonstrates the need for careful selection of behavioral models and methodological parameters that better approximate the clinical experience combined with cutting edge neuroscience techniques to advance the medications development pipeline for SUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christa Corley
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Ashley Craig
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Safiyah Sadek
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | | | - Samar N Chehimi
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ashley M White
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Lexi J Holdiness
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Benjamin C Reiner
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Cassandra D Gipson
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
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Lehmann CM, Miller NE, Nair VS, Costa KM, Schoenbaum G, Moussawi K. Generalized cue reactivity in dopamine neurons after opioids. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.02.597025. [PMID: 38853878 PMCID: PMC11160774 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.02.597025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Cue reactivity is the maladaptive neurobiological and behavioral response upon exposure to drug cues and is a major driver of relapse. The leading hypothesis is that dopamine release by addictive drugs represents a persistently positive reward prediction error that causes runaway enhancement of dopamine responses to drug cues, leading to their pathological overvaluation compared to non-drug reward alternatives. However, this hypothesis has not been directly tested. Here we developed Pavlovian and operant procedures to measure firing responses, within the same dopamine neurons, to drug versus natural reward cues, which we found to be similarly enhanced compared to cues predicting natural rewards in drug-naïve controls. This enhancement was associated with increased behavioral reactivity to the drug cue, suggesting that dopamine release is still critical to cue reactivity, albeit not as previously hypothesized. These results challenge the prevailing hypothesis of cue reactivity, warranting new models of dopaminergic function in drug addiction, and provide critical insights into the neurobiology of cue reactivity with potential implications for relapse prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collin M. Lehmann
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh, 15219, USA
| | - Nora E. Miller
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh, 15219, USA
| | - Varun S. Nair
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh, 15219, USA
| | - Kauê M. Costa
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Birmingham, 35233, USA
| | - Geoffrey Schoenbaum
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health; Baltimore, 21224, USA
| | - Khaled Moussawi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh, 15219, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco; San Francisco, 94158, USA
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3
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Gutierrez A, Taffe MA. Persistent effects of repeated adolescent and adult heroin vapor inhalation in female Wistar rats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.06.592492. [PMID: 38765990 PMCID: PMC11100616 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.06.592492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Adolescent drug exposure has been associated with more severe mental health outcomes related to substance abuse and anxiety disorders. The aim of the present study was to contrast the long-term effects of repeated heroin vapor inhalation during adolescence with similar heroin exposure in adulthood. Groups of female Wistar rats underwent twice daily 30-minute sessions of heroin or propylene glycol (control) vapor inhalation from postnatal days (PND) 36-45 or PND 85-94, respectively. Nociception was assessed after vapor inhalation sessions and forty days later, for the Adolescent-Exposed and Adult-Exposed groups. Anxiety-like behavior was assessed with an elevated plus-maze (EPM) and spatial learning was assessed with a Barnes maze. Acute effects of naloxone (0.3 mg/kg, i.p.) and heroin (0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg, s.c.) on thermal nociception were determined on PND 140/189 and PND 149/198, respectively. Repeated heroin vapor inhalation produced anti-nociceptive tolerance across sessions in both adolescent and adult rats, with the adolescents exhibiting more complete tolerance. Heroin vapor inhalation produced anxiolytic effects, regardless of age of exposure. There were no effects of heroin on spatial learning. Naloxone produced acute hyperalgesia in all but the Adolescent-Exposed heroin group, and heroin anti-nociception was blunted in both heroin-exposed groups at the highest heroin dose. Repeated heroin vapor inhalation can produce lasting effects on nociception and anxiety-like behavior that persist for months after the exposure. Importantly, these findings suggest that adolescent exposure to heroin vapor produces specific effects on nociception that are not observed when exposure occurs in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold Gutierrez
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego; La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael A Taffe
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego; La Jolla, CA, USA
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Newman M, Lynch C, Connery H, Goldsmith W, Nurkiewicz T, Raylman R, Boyd J. Fentanyl overdose: Temporal effects and prognostic factors in SKH1 mice. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2024; 134:460-471. [PMID: 38284460 PMCID: PMC10939806 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Fentanyl exposure and overdose are growing concerns in public health and occupational safety. This study aimed to establish parameters of fentanyl lethality in SKH1 mice for future overdose research. Lethality was determined using the up-down procedure, with subjects monitored post-administration using pulse oximetry (5 min) and then whole-body plethysmography (40 min). Following the determination of subcutaneous dose-response, [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18 F-FDG PET) was performed after LD10 fentanyl at 40 min, 6 h, 24 h or 7 days post-dose. LD10 and LD50 were observed to be 110 and 135 mg/kg, respectively, and consistent with four-parameter logistic fit values of 111.2 and 134.6 mg/kg (r2 = 0.9996). Overdose (LD10 or greater) yielded three distinct cardiovascular groups: survival, non-survival with blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) minimum ≥37% and non-survival with SpO2 <37%. Breaths per minute, minute volume and inspiratory quotient were significantly different between surviving and non-surviving animals for up to 40 min post-injection. 18 F-FDG PET revealed decreased glucose uptake in the heart, lungs and brain for up to 24 h. These findings provide critical insights into fentanyl lethality in SKH1 mice, including non-invasive respiratory effects and organ-specific impacts that are invaluable for future translational studies investigating the temporal effects of fentanyl overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie Newman
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Cayla Lynch
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Heather Connery
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - William Goldsmith
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Center for Inhalation Toxicology (iTOX), West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Timothy Nurkiewicz
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Center for Inhalation Toxicology (iTOX), West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Raymond Raylman
- Department of Radiology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Jonathan Boyd
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Center for Inhalation Toxicology (iTOX), West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Gutierrez A, Taffe MA. Rats chasing the dragon: A new heroin inhalation method. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 402:110013. [PMID: 37989452 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2023.110013] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite extensive human use of inhalation for ingesting opioids, models in rodents have mostly been limited to parenteral injection and oral dosing. Methods using electronic drug delivery systems (EDDS; "e-cigarettes") have shown efficacy in rodent models but these do not faithfully mimic the most popular human inhalation method of heating heroin to the point of vaporization. NEW METHOD Middle aged rats were exposed to vapor created by direct heating of heroin HCl powder in a ceramic e-cigarette type atomizer. Efficacy was determined with a warm water tail withdrawal nociception assay, rectal temperature and self-administration. RESULTS Ten minutes of inhalation of vaporized heroin slowed response latency in a warm water tail withdrawal assay and increased rectal temperature in male rats, in a dose-dependent manner. Similar antinociceptive effects in female rats were attenuated by the opioid antagonist naloxone (1.0 mg/kg, s.c.). Female rats made operant responses for heroin vapor in 15-minute sessions, increased their response rate when the reinforcement ratio increased from FR1 to FR5, and further increased their responding when vapor delivery was omitted. Anti-nociceptive effects of self-administered volatilized heroin were of a similar magnitude as those produced by the 10-minute non-contingent exposure. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS Inhalation of directly volatilized heroin successfully produces heroin-typical effects, comparable to EDDS inhalation delivery. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that "chasing the dragon" methods of inhalation of heroin can be modeled successfully in the rat. Inhalation techniques may be particularly useful for longer term studies deep into the middle age of rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold Gutierrez
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Michael A Taffe
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.
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Miao Z, Zhong Y, Gan Y, Fu K, Liu W, Cao Z, Zhao T, Li Z, Hai A, Peng Y, Zuo Z, Zhang T, Hu S, Chen C, Kang T, Huang T, Guo D, Ke B. A Novel Bifunctional μOR Agonist and σ 1R Antagonist with Potent Analgesic Responses and Reduced Adverse Effects. J Med Chem 2023; 66:16257-16275. [PMID: 38015878 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Bifunctional ligands possessing both μOR agonism and σ1R antagonism have shown promise in producing strong analgesic effects with reduced opioid-related side effects. However, the μOR agonism activity of most dual ligands diminishes compared with classical opioids, raising concern about their effectiveness in managing nociceptive pain. In this study, a new class of dual μOR agonist/σ1R antagonist was reported. Through structure-activity relationship analyses, we identified the optimal compound, 4x, which displayed picomolar μOR agonism activity (EC50: 0.6 ± 0.2 nM) and good σ1R inhibitory activity (Ki: 363.7 ± 5.6 nM) with excellent selectivity. Compound 4x exhibited robust analgesic effects in various pain models, with significantly reduced side effects. Importantly, compound 4x also possessed good safety profiles and no abnormalities were observed in biological parameters even under a high dosage. Our findings suggest that 4x may be a promising lead compound for developing safer opioids and warrants further in-depth studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuang Miao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yuhan Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yu Gan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Kequan Fu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Wencheng Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhihua Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Tiantian Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ziyuan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ao Hai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yanlai Peng
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zeping Zuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Tian Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shilong Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Chunxia Chen
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ting Kang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Tianguang Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Dong Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Bowen Ke
- Department of Anesthesiology, Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Coffey KR, Nickelson WB, Dawkins AJ, Neumaier JF. Rapid appearance of negative emotion during oral fentanyl self-administration in male and female rats. Addict Biol 2023; 28:e13344. [PMID: 38017643 PMCID: PMC10745948 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Opioid use disorder has become an epidemic in the United States, fuelled by the widespread availability of fentanyl, which produces rapid and intense euphoria followed by severe withdrawal and emotional distress. We developed a new preclinical model of fentanyl seeking in outbred male and female rats using volitional oral self-administration (SA) that can be readily applied in labs without intravascular access. Using a traditional two-lever operant procedure, rats learned to take oral fentanyl vigorously, escalated intake across sessions, and readily reinstated responding to conditioned cues after extinction. Oral SA also revealed individual and sex differences that are essential to studying substance use risk propensity. During a behavioural economics task, rats displayed inelastic demand curves and maintained stable intake across a wide range of fentanyl concentrations. Oral SA was also neatly patterned, with distinct 'loading' and 'maintenance' phases of responding within each session. Using our software DeepSqueak, we analysed ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), which are innate expressions of current emotional state in rats. Rats produced 50 kHz USVs during loading then shifted quickly to 22 kHz calls despite ongoing maintenance of oral fentanyl taking, reflecting a transition to negative reinforcement. Using fibre photometry, we found that the lateral habenula differentially processed drug cues and drug consumption depending on affective state, with potentiated modulation by drug cues and consumption during the negative affective maintenance phase. Together, these results indicate a rapid progression from positive to negative reinforcement occurs even within an active drug taking session, revealing a within-session opponent process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R. Coffey
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - William B. Nickelson
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Puget Sound VA Health Care System, 1660 S Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108
| | - Aliyah J. Dawkins
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Puget Sound VA Health Care System, 1660 S Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108
| | - John F. Neumaier
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Puget Sound VA Health Care System, 1660 S Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
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Wilkinson CS, Blount HL, Davis S, Rojas G, Wu L, Murphy NP, Schwendt M, Knackstedt LA. Voluntary alcohol intake alters the motivation to seek intravenous oxycodone and neuronal activation during the reinstatement of oxycodone and sucrose seeking. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19174. [PMID: 37932476 PMCID: PMC10628226 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46111-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioid-alcohol polysubstance use is prevalent and worsens treatment outcomes. Here we assessed whether co-consumption of oxycodone and alcohol influence the intake of one another, demand for oxycodone, and the neurocircuitry underlying cue-primed reinstatement of oxycodone-seeking. Male and female rats underwent oxycodone intravenous self-administration (IVSA) with homecage access to alcohol (20% v/v) and/or water immediately after the IVSA session. Next, economic demand for intravenous oxycodone was assessed while access to alcohol and/or water continued. Control rats self-administered sucrose followed by access to alcohol and/or water. Rats underwent a cue-primed reinstatement test and brains were processed for c-fos mRNA expression. While both sexes decreased oxycodone intake if they had access to alcohol, and decreased alcohol intake if they had access to oxycodone, only female oxycodone + alcohol rats exhibited decreased demand elasticity and increased cue-primed reinstatement. Alcohol consumption increased the number of basolateral and central amygdala neurons activated during sucrose and oxycodone reinstatement and the number of ventral and dorsal striatum neurons engaged by sucrose reinstatement. Nucleus accumbens shell dopamine 1 receptor expressing neurons displayed activation patterns consistent with oxycodone reinstatement. Thus, alcohol alters the motivation to seek oxycodone in a sex-dependent manner and the neural circuitry engaged by cue-primed reinstatement of sucrose and oxycodone-seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney S Wilkinson
- Psychology Department, University of Florida, 114 Psychology, 945 Center Dr., Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Harrison L Blount
- Psychology Department, University of Florida, 114 Psychology, 945 Center Dr., Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Shane Davis
- Psychology Department, University of Florida, 114 Psychology, 945 Center Dr., Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Giselle Rojas
- Psychology Department, University of Florida, 114 Psychology, 945 Center Dr., Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Lizhen Wu
- Psychology Department, University of Florida, 114 Psychology, 945 Center Dr., Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Niall P Murphy
- Orthodontics Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Marek Schwendt
- Psychology Department, University of Florida, 114 Psychology, 945 Center Dr., Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lori A Knackstedt
- Psychology Department, University of Florida, 114 Psychology, 945 Center Dr., Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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9
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Falconnier C, Caparros-Roissard A, Decraene C, Lutz PE. Functional genomic mechanisms of opioid action and opioid use disorder: a systematic review of animal models and human studies. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4568-4584. [PMID: 37723284 PMCID: PMC10914629 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02238-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
In the past two decades, over-prescription of opioids for pain management has driven a steep increase in opioid use disorder (OUD) and death by overdose, exerting a dramatic toll on western countries. OUD is a chronic relapsing disease associated with a lifetime struggle to control drug consumption, suggesting that opioids trigger long-lasting brain adaptations, notably through functional genomic and epigenomic mechanisms. Current understanding of these processes, however, remain scarce, and have not been previously reviewed systematically. To do so, the goal of the present work was to synthesize current knowledge on genome-wide transcriptomic and epigenetic mechanisms of opioid action, in primate and rodent species. Using a prospectively registered methodology, comprehensive literature searches were completed in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Of the 2709 articles identified, 73 met our inclusion criteria and were considered for qualitative analysis. Focusing on the 5 most studied nervous system structures (nucleus accumbens, frontal cortex, whole striatum, dorsal striatum, spinal cord; 44 articles), we also conducted a quantitative analysis of differentially expressed genes, in an effort to identify a putative core transcriptional signature of opioids. Only one gene, Cdkn1a, was consistently identified in eleven studies, and globally, our results unveil surprisingly low consistency across published work, even when considering most recent single-cell approaches. Analysis of sources of variability detected significant contributions from species, brain structure, duration of opioid exposure, strain, time-point of analysis, and batch effects, but not type of opioid. To go beyond those limitations, we leveraged threshold-free methods to illustrate how genome-wide comparisons may generate new findings and hypotheses. Finally, we discuss current methodological development in the field, and their implication for future research and, ultimately, better care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Falconnier
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives UPR 3212, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Alba Caparros-Roissard
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives UPR 3212, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Charles Decraene
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives UPR 3212, 67000, Strasbourg, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives UMR 7364, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Pierre-Eric Lutz
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives UPR 3212, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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10
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Little KM, Kosten TA. Focus on fentanyl in females: Sex and gender differences in the physiological and behavioral effects of fentanyl. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 71:101096. [PMID: 37597668 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of opioid use disorder and overdose continues to harm the U.S. population and is further exacerbated by the use of the synthetic opioid, fentanyl, and its analogs. Gender differences in the effects of fentanyl are not well understood. The present article reviews evidence for gender and sex differences in the physiological and behavioral effects of fentanyl in humans and animals. Biological sex seems to be a foundational driver in addiction vulnerability and affects mechanisms related to opioid use including fentanyl. Fentanyl has distinct pharmacodynamics and enhanced efficacy relative to other opioids that highlights the need to investigate how females may be uniquely altered by its use. Behavioral and physiological responses to fentanyl are found to differ by sex and gender in many cases, including outputs like affective symptoms, analgesia, tolerance, and withdrawal emphasizing the need for further research about the role of biological sex on fentanyl use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn M Little
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Therese A Kosten
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States.
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11
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Gutierrez A, Taffe MA. Rats Chasing the Dragon: A new heroin inhalation method. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.09.552712. [PMID: 37786688 PMCID: PMC10541576 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.09.552712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Rationale Despite extensive human use of the inhalation route for ingesting opioids, models in rodents have mostly been limited to parenteral injection and oral dosing. Methods using electronic drug delivery systems (EDDS; "e-cigarettes") have shown efficacy in rodent models but these do not faithfully mimic the most popular human inhalation method of heating heroin to the point of vaporization. Objective This study was designed to determine if direct volatilization of heroin hydrochloride delivers effective heroin doses to rodents. Methods Middle aged rats were exposed to vapor created by direct heating of heroin HCl powder in a ceramic e-cigarette type atomizer. Efficacy was determined with a warm water tail withdrawal nociception assay, rectal temperature and self-administration. Results Ten minutes of inhalation of vaporized heroin slowed response latency in a warm water tail withdrawal assay and increased rectal temperature in male rats, in a dose-dependent manner. Similar antinociceptive effects in female rats were attenuated by the opioid antagonist naloxone (1.0 mg/kg, s.c.). Female rats made operant responses for heroin vapor in 15-minute sessions, increased their response rate when the reinforcement ratio increased from FR1 to FR5, and further increased their responding when vapor delivery was omitted. Anti-nociceptive effects of self-administered volatilized heroin were of a similar magnitude as those produced by the 10-minute non-contingent exposure. Conclusions This study shows that "chasing the dragon" methods of inhalation of heroin can be modeled successfully in the rat. Inhalation techniques may be particularly useful for longer term studies deep into middle age of rat species.
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12
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Wilkinson CS, Blount HL, Davis S, Rojas G, Wu L, Murphy NP, Schwendt M, Knackstedt LA. Voluntary alcohol intake alters the motivation to seek intravenous oxycodone and neuronal activation during the reinstatement of oxycodone and sucrose seeking. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.20.549769. [PMID: 37546763 PMCID: PMC10401968 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.20.549769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Opioid-alcohol polysubstance use is prevalent and worsens treatment outcomes. Here we assessed whether co-consumption of oxycodone and alcohol would influence intake of one another, demand for oxycodone, and the neurocircuitry underlying cue-primed reinstatement of oxycodone-seeking. Male and female rats underwent oxycodone intravenous self-administration (IVSA) with access to either alcohol (20% v/v) and water or only water immediately after the IVSA session. Next, economic demand for intravenous oxycodone was assessed while access to alcohol and/or water continued. Control rats self-administered sucrose followed by access to alcohol and/or water. Rats underwent extinction training and brains were processed for c-fos mRNA expression immediately following a cue-primed reinstatement test. While both sexes decreased oxycodone intake if they had access to alcohol, and decreased alcohol intake if they had access to oxycodone, female oxycodone+alcohol rats exhibited decreased demand elasticity for intravenous oxycodone and increased cue-primed reinstatement while male rats did not. Spontaneous withdrawal signs were correlated with oxycodone intake while alcohol intake was correlated with anxiety-like behavior. Alcohol consumption increased the number of basolateral and central amygdala neurons activated during sucrose and oxycodone reinstatement and the number of ventral and dorsal striatum neurons engaged by sucrose reinstatement. Nucleus accumbens shell dopamine 1 receptor containing neurons displayed activation patterns consistent with oxycodone reinstatement. Thus, alcohol alters the motivation to seek oxycodone in a sex-dependent manner and alters the neural circuitry engaged by cue-primed reinstatement of sucrose and oxycodone-seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney S. Wilkinson
- Psychology Dept. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Harrison L. Blount
- Psychology Dept. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Shane Davis
- Psychology Dept. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Giselle Rojas
- Psychology Dept. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Lizhen Wu
- Psychology Dept. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | | | - Marek Schwendt
- Psychology Dept. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Lori A. Knackstedt
- Psychology Dept. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
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13
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Terem A, Fatal Y, Peretz-Rivlin N, Turm H, Koren SS, Kitsberg D, Ashwal-Fluss R, Mukherjee D, Habib N, Citri A. Claustral neurons projecting to frontal cortex restrict opioid consumption. Curr Biol 2023:S0960-9822(23)00737-6. [PMID: 37379841 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.05.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
The synthetic opioid fentanyl is a major contributor to the current opioid addiction crisis. We report that claustral neurons projecting to the frontal cortex limit oral fentanyl self-administration in mice. We found that fentanyl transcriptionally activates frontal-projecting claustrum neurons. These neurons also exhibit a unique suppression of Ca2+ activity upon initiation of bouts of fentanyl consumption. Optogenetic stimulation of frontal-projecting claustral neurons, intervening in this suppression, decreased bouts of fentanyl consumption. In contrast, constitutive inhibition of frontal-projecting claustral neurons in the context of a novel, group-housed self-administration procedure increased fentanyl bout consumption. This same manipulation also sensitized conditioned-place preference for fentanyl and enhanced the representation of fentanyl experience in the frontal cortex. Together, our results indicate that claustrum neurons exert inhibitory control over frontal cortical neurons to restrict oral fentanyl intake. Upregulation of activity in the claustro-frontal projection may be a promising strategy for reducing human opioid addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Terem
- Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel; Institute of Life Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Yonatan Fatal
- Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Noa Peretz-Rivlin
- Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Hagit Turm
- Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel; Institute of Life Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Shahar Shohat Koren
- Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Danny Kitsberg
- Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Reut Ashwal-Fluss
- Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Diptendu Mukherjee
- Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel; Institute of Life Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Naomi Habib
- Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Ami Citri
- Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel; Institute of Life Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel; Program in Child and Brain Development, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, MaRS Centre, West Tower, 661 University Avenue, Suite 505, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada.
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14
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Bedard ML, Nowlan AC, Martin Del Campo Z, Miller C, Dasgupta N, McElligott ZA. All Hands on Deck: We Need Multiple Approaches To Uncover the Neuroscience behind the Opioid Overdose Crisis. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:1921-1929. [PMID: 37159430 PMCID: PMC10591273 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) affects millions of people throughout the United States, yet there are only three Food and Drug Administration-approved pharmacological treatments. Though these treatments have been shown to be effective, the number of overdose deaths continues to rise. The increase of fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, and adulterants in the illicit drug supply has further complicated treatment strategies. Preclinical researchers strive to model OUD to better understand this complicated disorder, and this research is a critical enabler for the development of novel treatments. As a result, there are many different preclinical models of OUD. Often, researchers form strong opinions on what they believe to be the "best" model to mimic the human condition. Here, we argue that researchers should be supportive of multiple models to promote new perspectives and discoveries and always consider the trends in human opioid use when designing preclinical studies. We describe the benefits of contingent and noncontingent models as well as models of opioid withdrawal and how each of these can help illuminate different components of OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madigan L Bedard
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, The University North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Alexandra C Nowlan
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Zoe Martin Del Campo
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Injury Prevention Research Center, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Colin Miller
- Injury Prevention Research Center, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Nabarun Dasgupta
- Injury Prevention Research Center, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Zoe A McElligott
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, The University North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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15
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Coffey KR, Nickelson W, Dawkins AJ, Neumaier JF. Rapid appearance of negative emotion during oral fentanyl self-administration in male and female rats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.27.538613. [PMID: 37163074 PMCID: PMC10168304 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.27.538613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Opioid use disorder has become an epidemic in the United States, fueled by the widespread availability of fentanyl, which produces rapid and intense euphoria followed by severe withdrawal and emotional distress. We developed a new preclinical model of fentanyl seeking in outbred male and female rats using volitional oral self-administration that can be readily applied in labs without intravascular access. Using a traditional two lever operant procedure, rats learned to take oral fentanyl vigorously, escalated intake across sessions, and readily reinstated responding to conditioned cues after extinction. Oral self-administration also revealed individual and sex differences that are essential to studying substance use risk propensity. During a behavioral economics task, rats displayed inelastic demand curves and maintained stable intake across a wide range of fentanyl concentrations. Oral SA was also neatly patterned, with distinct "loading" and "maintenance" phases of responding within each session. Using our software DeepSqueak, we analyzed thousands of ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), which are innate expressions of current emotional state in rats. Rats produced 50 kHz USVs during loading then shifted quickly to 22 kHz calls despite ongoing maintenance oral fentanyl taking, reflecting a transition to negative reinforcement. Using fiber photometry, we found that the lateral habenula differentially processed drug-cues and drug-consumption depending on affective state, with potentiated modulation by drug cues and consumption during the negative affective maintenance phase. Together, these results indicate a rapid progression from positive to negative reinforcement occurs even within an active drug taking session, revealing a within-session opponent process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R. Coffey
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - William Nickelson
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Puget Sound VA Health Care System, 660 S Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108
| | - Aliyah J. Dawkins
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Puget Sound VA Health Care System, 660 S Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108
| | - John F. Neumaier
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Puget Sound VA Health Care System, 660 S Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
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16
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Brockett AT, Xue W, King D, Deng CL, Zhai C, Shuster M, Rastogi S, Briken V, Roesch MR, Isaacs L. Pillar[6]MaxQ: A Potent Supramolecular Host for In Vivo Sequestration of Methamphetamine and Fentanyl. Chem 2023; 9:881-900. [PMID: 37346394 PMCID: PMC10281757 DOI: 10.1016/j.chempr.2022.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Pillar[6]MaxQ (P6AS) functions as an in vivo sequestration agent for methamphetamine and fentanyl. We use 1H NMR, isothermal titration calorimetry, and molecular modelling to deduce the geometry and strength of the P6AS•drug complexes. P6AS forms tight complexes with fentanyl (Kd=9.8 nM), PCP (17.1 nM), MDMA (25.5 nM), mephedrone (52.4 nM), and methamphetamine (101 nM). P6AS has good in vitro biocompatibility according to MTS metabolic, Adenylate Kinase cell death, and hERG ion channel inhibition assays, and the Ames fluctuation test. The no observed adverse effect level for P6AS is 45 mg/kg. The hyperlocomotion of mice treated with methamphetamine (0.5 mg/kg) can be ameliorated by treatment with P6AS (35.7 mg/kg) 5-minutes later, whereas the hyperlocomotion of mice treated with fentanyl (0.1 mg/kg) can be controlled by treatment with P6AS (5 mg/kg) up to 15-minutes later. P6AS has significant potential for development as a broad spectrum in vivo sequestration agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam T. Brockett
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science (NACS), University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
| | - Weijian Xue
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
| | - David King
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
| | - Chun-Lin Deng
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
| | - Canjia Zhai
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
| | - Michael Shuster
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
| | - Shivangi Rastogi
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
| | - Volker Briken
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
| | - Matthew R. Roesch
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science (NACS), University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
| | - Lyle Isaacs
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
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17
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Marusich JA, Palmatier MI. Development of a nicotine aerosol self-administration model in rats and the effects of e-liquid flavors. Behav Pharmacol 2023; 34:141-153. [PMID: 36752651 PMCID: PMC10006336 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) use is maintained by the positive reinforcement associated with preferred flavors. These flavors become conditioned reinforcers through pairings with primary reinforcers. This study sought to extend prior research with intravenous nicotine self-administration and develop a more ecologically valid preclinical model of aerosol self-administration in rats that incorporated flavors paired with sucrose. Rats were first trained to respond for oral sucrose with or without raspberry flavor to establish the flavor as a conditioned reinforcer for some groups. Rats were then exposed to aerosol self-administration. All groups responded for raspberry-flavored aerosol with or without nicotine. Rats responded more for raspberry flavored sucrose than unflavored sucrose. Despite raspberry increasing responding for sucrose, the flavor did not function as a conditioned reinforcer during aerosol self-administration and did not increase responding for nicotine. Throughout the aerosol self-administration phase, most groups responded more on the active than inactive lever, and some groups increased their response when the fixed ratio value was increased. At the end of the study, rats in nicotine groups earned similar or fewer aerosol deliveries than rats in vehicle groups. Aerosolized nicotine did not function as a reinforcer in this study, whereas aerosolized raspberry flavor may have maintained self-administration. Further preclinical investigation is needed to articulate the impact of flavors on ENDS use and whether they offset some aversive effects of nicotine or maintain responding on their own. If flavors reduce some aversive effects of self-administered nicotine, then policies to regulate flavors in e-liquids are prudent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Marusich
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC
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18
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Extended access to fentanyl vapor self-administration leads to addiction-like behaviors in mice: Blood chemokine/cytokine levels as potential biomarkers. ADDICTION NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 5:100057. [PMID: 36683829 PMCID: PMC9851134 DOI: 10.1016/j.addicn.2022.100057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Rodent models are useful for understanding the mechanisms that underlie opioid addiction, but most preclinical studies have focused on rewarding and consummatory aspects of opioids without components of dependence-induced escalation of drug taking or seeking. We characterized several opioid-related behaviors in mice using a model of vaporized fentanyl self-administration. Male and female C57BL/6J mice were assigned to short-access (ShA; 1 h, nondependent) or long-access (LgA; 6 h, dependent) fentanyl vapor self-administration and subsequently tested in a battery of behavioral tests, followed by blood collection during withdrawal. Compared with mice in the ShA group, mice in the LgA group escalated their fentanyl intake, were more motivated to work to obtain the drug, exhibited greater hyperalgesia, and exhibited greater signs of naloxone-precipitated withdrawal. Principal component analysis indicated the emergence of two independent behavioral constructs: "intake/motivation" and "hyperalgesia/punished seeking." In mice in the LgA condition only, "hyperalgesia/punished seeking" was associated with plasma levels of proinflammatory interleukin-17 (IL-17), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 4 (CCL-4), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Overall, the results suggest that extended access to opioids leads to addiction-like behavior, and some constructs that are associated with addiction-like behavior may be associated with levels of the proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines IL-17, TNF-α, and CCL-4 in blood.
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19
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Rivera-Garcia MT, Rose RM, Wilson-Poe AR. High-CBD Cannabis Vapor Attenuates Opioid Reward and Partially Modulates Nociception in Female Rats. ADDICTION NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 5:100050. [PMID: 36937502 PMCID: PMC10019487 DOI: 10.1016/j.addicn.2022.100050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain patients report analgesic effects when using cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid found in whole-plant cannabis extract (WPE). Several studies suggest that cannabis-derived products may serve as an analgesic adjunct or alternative to opioids, and importantly, CBD may also attenuate the abuse potential of opioids. Vaping is a popular route of administration among people who use cannabis, however both the therapeutic and hazardous effects of vaping are poorly characterized. Despite the fact that chronic pain is more prevalent in women, the ability of inhaled high-CBD WPE to relieve pain and reduce opioid reward has not been studied in females. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of high-CBD WPE vapor inhalation in female rats. We found that WPE was modestly efficacious in reversing neuropathy-induced cold allodynia in rats with spared nerve injury (SNI). Chronic exposure to WPE did not affect lung cytoarchitecture or estrous cycle, and it did not induce cognitive impairment, social withdrawal or anxiolytic effects. WPE inhalation prevented morphine-induced conditioned place preference and reinstatement. Similarly, WPE exposure reduced fentanyl self-administration in rats with and without neuropathic pain. We also found that WPE vapor lacks of reinforcing effects compared to the standard excipient used in most vapor administration research. Combined, these results suggest that although high-CBD vapor has modest analgesic effects, it has a robust safety profile, no abuse potential, and it significantly reduces opioid reward in females. Clinical studies examining high-CBD WPE as an adjunct treatment during opioid use disorder are highly warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria T Rivera-Garcia
- RS Dow Neurobiology Laboratories, Legacy Research Institute, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Rizelle Mae Rose
- RS Dow Neurobiology Laboratories, Legacy Research Institute, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Adrianne R Wilson-Poe
- RS Dow Neurobiology Laboratories, Legacy Research Institute, Portland, OR, United States
- Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University
- Corresponding author. Adrianne R Wilson-Poe, Ph.D., 1225 NE 2nd Ave, suite 249, Portland, OR 97232, USA. Tel. (503) 413-1754, (A.R. Wilson-Poe)
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20
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Leonardo M, Brunty S, Huffman J, Kastigar A, Dickson PE. Intravenous fentanyl self-administration in male and female C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice. Sci Rep 2023; 13:799. [PMID: 36646781 PMCID: PMC9842734 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27992-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The genetic mechanisms underlying fentanyl addiction, a highly heritable disease, are unknown. Identifying these mechanisms will lead to better risk assessment, early diagnosis, and improved intervention. To this end, we used intravenous fentanyl self-administration to quantify classical self-administration phenotypes and addiction-like fentanyl seeking in male and female mice from the two founder strains of the BXD recombinant inbred mouse panel (C57BL/6J and DBA/2J). We reached three primary conclusions from these experiments. First, mice from all groups rapidly acquired intravenous fentanyl self-administration and exhibited a dose-response curve, extinction burst, and extinction of the learned self-administration response. Second, fentanyl intake (during acquisition and dose response) and fentanyl seeking (during extinction) were equivalent among groups. Third, strain effects, sex effects, or both were identified for several addiction-like behaviors (cue-induced reinstatement, stress-induced reinstatement, escalation of intravenous fentanyl self-administration). Collectively, these data indicate that C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice of both sexes were able to acquire, regulate, and extinguish intravenous fentanyl self-administration. Moreover, these data reveal novel strain and sex effects on addiction-like behaviors in the context of intravenous fentanyl self-administration in mice and indicate that the full BXD panel can be used to identify and dissect the genetic mechanisms underlying these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Leonardo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1700 3rd Ave., Huntington, WV, 25703, USA
| | - Sarah Brunty
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1700 3rd Ave., Huntington, WV, 25703, USA
| | - Jessica Huffman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1700 3rd Ave., Huntington, WV, 25703, USA
| | - Alexis Kastigar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1700 3rd Ave., Huntington, WV, 25703, USA
| | - Price E Dickson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, 1700 3rd Ave., Huntington, WV, 25703, USA.
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21
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Slivicki RA, Earnest T, Chang YH, Pareta R, Casey E, Li JN, Tooley J, Abiraman K, Vachez YM, Wolf DK, Sackey JT, Kumar Pitchai D, Moore T, Gereau RW, Copits BA, Kravitz AV, Creed MC. Oral oxycodone self-administration leads to features of opioid misuse in male and female mice. Addict Biol 2023; 28:e13253. [PMID: 36577735 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Use of prescription opioids, particularly oxycodone, is an initiating factor driving the current opioid epidemic. There are several challenges with modelling oxycodone abuse. First, prescription opioids including oxycodone are orally self-administered and have different pharmacokinetics and dynamics than morphine or fentanyl, which have been more commonly used in rodent research. This oral route of administration determines the pharmacokinetic profile, which then influences the establishment of drug-reinforcement associations in animals. Moreover, the pattern of intake and the environment in which addictive drugs are self-administered are critical determinants of the levels of drug intake, of behavioural sensitization and of propensity to relapse behaviour. These are all important considerations when modelling prescription opioid use, which is characterized by continuous drug access in familiar environments. Thus, to model features of prescription opioid use and the transition to abuse, we designed an oral, homecage-based oxycodone self-administration paradigm. Mice voluntarily self-administer oxycodone in this paradigm without any taste modification such as sweeteners, and the majority exhibit preference for oxycodone, escalation of intake, physical signs of dependence and reinstatement of seeking after withdrawal. In addition, a subset of animals demonstrate drug taking that is resistant to aversive consequences. This model is therefore translationally relevant and useful for studying the neurobiological substrates of prescription opioid abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Slivicki
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Tom Earnest
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Yu-Hsuan Chang
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Rajesh Pareta
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Eric Casey
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jun-Nan Li
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jessica Tooley
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kavitha Abiraman
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Yvan M Vachez
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Drew K Wolf
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jason T Sackey
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | | | - Robert W Gereau
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Bryan A Copits
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Alexxai V Kravitz
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Meaghan C Creed
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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22
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Tanguturi P, Streicher JM. The role of opioid receptors in modulating Alzheimer's Disease. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1056402. [PMID: 36937877 PMCID: PMC10014470 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1056402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurological disorder characterized by accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Long term investigation of AD pathogenesis suggests that β-site amyloid precursor protein [APP] cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and γ-secretase enzymes promote the amyloidogenic pathway and produce toxic Aβ peptides that are predisposed to aggregate in the brain. Hence, the targeted inhibition of BACE1/γ-secretase expression and function is a promising approach for AD therapy. Several reports have suggested that the opioid family of G-protein coupled receptors modulate the etiology of AD progression. It has also been found that changes in the signaling pathways of opioid receptors increased the expression of BACE1 and γ-secretase, and is strongly correlated with abnormal production of Aβ and pathogenesis of AD. Thus, the opioid receptor family is a promising candidate for targeted drug development to treat AD. In this review, we outline the involvement and mechanisms of opioid receptor signaling modulation in Alzheimer's Disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parthasaradhireddy Tanguturi
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Comprehensive Pain and Addiction Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - John M. Streicher
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Comprehensive Pain and Addiction Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- *Correspondence: John M. Streicher,
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23
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Gutierrez A, Harvey EL, Creehan KM, Taffe MA. The long-term effects of repeated heroin vapor inhalation during adolescence on measures of nociception and anxiety-like behavior in adult Wistar rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:3939-3952. [PMID: 36287213 PMCID: PMC9672020 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06267-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Adolescents represent a vulnerable group due to increased experimentation with illicit substances that is often associated with the adolescent period, and because adolescent drug use can result in long-term effects that differ from those caused by drug use initiated during adulthood. OBJECTIVES The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of repeated heroin vapor inhalation during adolescence on measures of nociception, and anxiety-like behavior during adulthood in female and male Wistar rats. METHODS Rats were exposed twice daily to 30 min of heroin vapor from post-natal day (PND) 36 to PND 45. At 12 weeks of age, baseline thermal nociception was assessed across a range of temperatures with a warm-water tail-withdrawal assay. Anxiety-like behavior was assessed in an elevated plus-maze (EPM) and activity was measured in an open-field arena. Starting at 23 weeks of age, baseline thermal nociception was re-assessed, nociception was determined after acute heroin or naloxone injection, and anxiety-like behavior was redetermined in the EPM. RESULTS Adolescent heroin inhalation altered baseline thermal nociception in female rats at 12 weeks of age and in both female and male rats at ~ 23 weeks. Heroin-treated animals exhibited anxiety-like behavior when tested in the elevated plus-maze, showed blunted heroin-induced analgesia, but exhibited no effect on naloxone-induced hyperalgesia. CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrates that heroin vapor inhalation during adolescence produces behavioral and physiological consequences in rats that persist well into adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold Gutierrez
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, Mail Code 0714, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Eric L Harvey
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, Mail Code 0714, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Kevin M Creehan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, Mail Code 0714, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Michael A Taffe
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, Mail Code 0714, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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24
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Shelton KL, Nicholson KL. Reinforcing effects of fentanyl and sufentanil aerosol puffs in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:2491-2502. [PMID: 35426491 PMCID: PMC10878424 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06129-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Rapidly evolving e-cigarette technology developed for self-administering nicotine aerosol has the potential to be utilized to self-administer other aerosolized drugs of abuse. Rodent models which mirror characteristics of human e-cigarette use are necessary to explore the degree to which this may be a public health concern. OBJECTIVES Our goal was to develop a highly translational model of discrete nose-only aerosol puff drug delivery to explore the reinforcing effects of fentanyl and sufentanil aerosols in rats. METHODS Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to perform a multiple schedule FR1 lever-press, 4-s (second) nose hold operant during which the subject's orofacial areas were exposed to drug-free glycerol/propylene glycol aerosol produced by a commercial e-cigarette at a power setting of 18 watts. Each completed 4-s drug-free vehicle aerosol exposure resulted in a 3-s presentation of a 0.1-ml dipper of sweetened milk solution. After training, rats were then allowed to self-administer 4-s nose-only puffs of fentanyl (100-6000 µg/ml) or sufentanil (30-500 µg/ml) aerosol in the absence of paired milk dipper reinforcers. RESULTS All 31 rats learned the lever-press/nose-poke multiple schedule for milk dippers alone and 25 accepted exposure to 4 s of 18 watts of drug-free vehicle aerosol when paired with milk dipper presentations. In the absence of paired milk dipper presentations, fentanyl aerosol puffs at concentrations of 1000 and 3000 µg/ml as well as 100 µg/ml puffs of sufentanil served as reinforcers compared to both air puffs and drug-free vehicle aerosol puffs. There were no significant differences between males and females in number of fentanyl or sufentanil puffs self-administered. CONCLUSIONS Discrete nose-only puffs of two potent opioids under exposure conditions comparable to puff durations in human e-cigarette users serve as reinforcers in rats. This outcome suggests that under appropriate conditions e-cigarettes might be a potential alternative delivery mechanism for illicit opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith L Shelton
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 410 North 12th Street, Room 746D, Richmond, VA, 23298-0613, USA.
| | - Katherine L Nicholson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 410 North 12th Street, Room 746D, Richmond, VA, 23298-0613, USA
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25
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Mathieson E, Irving C, Koberna S, Nicholson M, Otto MW, Kantak KM. Role of preexisting inhibitory control deficits vs. drug use history in mediating insensitivity to aversive consequences in a rat model of polysubstance use. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:2377-2394. [PMID: 35391547 PMCID: PMC8989405 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06134-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The nature and predictors of insensitivity to aversive consequences of heroin + cocaine polysubstance use are not well characterized. OBJECTIVES Translational methods incorporating a tightly controlled animal model of drug self-administration and measures of inhibitory control and avoidance behavior might be helpful for clarifying this issue. METHODS The key approach for distinguishing potential contributions of pre-existing inhibitory control deficits vs. drug use history in meditating insensitivity to aversive consequences was comparison of two rat strains: Wistar (WIS/Crl), an outbred strain, and the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR/NCrl), an inbred strain shown previously to exhibit heightened cocaine and heroin self-administration and poor inhibitory control relative to WIS/Crl. RESULTS In separate tasks, SHR/NCrl displayed greater impulsive action and compulsive-like behavior than WIS/Crl prior to drug exposure. Under two different schedules of drug delivery, SHR/NCrl self-administered more cocaine than WIS/Crl, but self-administered a similar amount of heroin + cocaine as WIS/Crl. When half the session cycles were punished by random foot shock, SHR/NCrl initially were less sensitive to punishment than WIS/Crl when self-administering cocaine, but were similarly insensitive to punishment when self-administering heroin + cocaine. Based on correlation analyses, only trait impulsivity predicted avoidance capacity in rats self-administering cocaine and receiving yoked-saline. In contrast, only amount of drug use predicted avoidance capacity in rats self-administering heroin + cocaine. Additionally, baseline drug seeking and taking predicted punishment insensitivity in rats self-administering cocaine or heroin + cocaine. CONCLUSIONS Based on the findings revealed in this animal model, human laboratory research concerning the nature and predictors of insensitivity to aversive consequences in heroin and cocaine polysubstance vs. monosubstance users is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elon Mathieson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 64 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Carolyn Irving
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 64 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Sarah Koberna
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 64 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Megan Nicholson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 64 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Michael W Otto
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 64 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Kathleen M Kantak
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 64 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
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26
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Han Y, Cao L, Yuan K, Shi J, Yan W, Lu L. Unique Pharmacology, Brain Dysfunction, and Therapeutic Advancements for Fentanyl Misuse and Abuse. Neurosci Bull 2022; 38:1365-1382. [PMID: 35570233 PMCID: PMC9107910 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00872-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fentanyl is a fully synthetic opioid with analgesic and anesthetic properties. It has become a primary driver of the deadliest opioid crisis in the United States and elsewhere, consequently imposing devastating social, economic, and health burdens worldwide. However, the neural mechanisms that underlie the behavioral effects of fentanyl and its analogs are largely unknown, and approaches to prevent fentanyl abuse and fentanyl-related overdose deaths are scarce. This review presents the abuse potential and unique pharmacology of fentanyl and elucidates its potential mechanisms of action, including neural circuit dysfunction and neuroinflammation. We discuss recent progress in the development of pharmacological interventions, anti-fentanyl vaccines, anti-fentanyl/heroin conjugate vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies to attenuate fentanyl-seeking and prevent fentanyl-induced respiratory depression. However, translational studies and clinical trials are still lacking. Considering the present opioid crisis, the development of effective pharmacological and immunological strategies to prevent fentanyl abuse and overdose are urgently needed.
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27
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Carmack SA, Vendruscolo JCM, Adrienne McGinn M, Miranda-Barrientos J, Repunte-Canonigo V, Bosse GD, Mercatelli D, Giorgi FM, Fu Y, Hinrich AJ, Jodelka FM, Ling K, Messing RO, Peterson RT, Rigo F, Edwards S, Sanna PP, Morales M, Hastings ML, Koob GF, Vendruscolo LF. Corticosteroid sensitization drives opioid addiction. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:2492-2501. [PMID: 35296810 PMCID: PMC10406162 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01501-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The global crisis of opioid overdose fatalities has led to an urgent search to discover the neurobiological mechanisms of opioid use disorder (OUD). A driving force for OUD is the dysphoric and emotionally painful state (hyperkatifeia) that is produced during acute and protracted opioid withdrawal. Here, we explored a mechanistic role for extrahypothalamic stress systems in driving opioid addiction. We found that glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonism with mifepristone reduced opioid addiction-like behaviors in rats and zebrafish of both sexes and decreased the firing of corticotropin-releasing factor neurons in the rat amygdala (i.e., a marker of brain stress system activation). In support of the hypothesized role of glucocorticoid transcriptional regulation of extrahypothalamic GRs in addiction-like behavior, an intra-amygdala infusion of an antisense oligonucleotide that blocked GR transcriptional activity reduced addiction-like behaviors. Finally, we identified transcriptional adaptations of GR signaling in the amygdala of humans with OUD. Thus, GRs, their coregulators, and downstream systems may represent viable therapeutic targets to treat the "stress side" of OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie A Carmack
- Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Adaptive Systems of Brain-Body Interactions, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Janaina C M Vendruscolo
- Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - M Adrienne McGinn
- Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jorge Miranda-Barrientos
- Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vez Repunte-Canonigo
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Gabriel D Bosse
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Daniele Mercatelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico M Giorgi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Yu Fu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Anthony J Hinrich
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Francine M Jodelka
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Karen Ling
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | - Robert O Messing
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, Department of Neuroscience and Neurology, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Randall T Peterson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | - Scott Edwards
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Pietro P Sanna
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Marisela Morales
- Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michelle L Hastings
- Center for Genetic Diseases, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - George F Koob
- Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Leandro F Vendruscolo
- Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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28
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Towers EB, Setaro B, Lynch WJ. Sex- and Dose-Dependent Differences in the Development of an Addiction-Like Phenotype Following Extended-Access Fentanyl Self-Administration. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:841873. [PMID: 35370634 PMCID: PMC8968863 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.841873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a major epidemic in the United States, and fentanyl is a major culprit. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has highlighted an urgent need for research on the risks and outcomes of OUD with fentanyl; a better understanding of sex/gender differences is also critically needed given that the opioid epidemic has been particularly impactful on women. In response to this need, we developed a rat model of OUD with fentanyl and showed that sex impacts relapse vulnerability following extended-access self-administration under a low fentanyl dose. Here, our goal was to determine sex differences across a broad dose range, including high doses expected to maximize the expression of addiction-like features (e.g., vulnerability to relapse and physical dependence). Male and female rats were assigned to self-administer one of four fentanyl doses (0.25, 0.75, 1.5, and 3.0 µg/kg/infusion), and once they acquired, they were given extended (24-h/day), intermittent access (2, 5 min trials/h, fixed-ratio 1) to fentanyl for 10 days. Physical dependence (spontaneous weight loss) was assessed during early withdrawal, and relapse vulnerability was assessed on withdrawal day 15 using an extinction/cue-induced reinstatement procedure. Despite markedly higher intake in the high- versus low-dose groups, each group responded similarly during relapse testing (extinction and cue-induced reinstatement). However, number of infusions, or frequency of use, during extended access was predictive of later vulnerability to relapse, whereas total intake impacted physical dependence given that weight loss only occurred following the discontinuation of fentanyl self-administration at the three highest doses. Females self-administered more fentanyl each day and within each binge (active trial), and had longer lasting weight loss during withdrawal than males. Relapse vulnerability was also higher in females than males and highest in females tested during estrus. These findings indicate that sex is an important risk factor for patterns and levels of fentanyl intake, relapse, and physical dependence, and while fentanyl intake predicts physical dependence, frequency of use predicts relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Blair Towers
- Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Ben Setaro
- Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Wendy J Lynch
- Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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29
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Scarlata MJ, Keeley RJ, Carmack SA, Tsai PJ, Vendruscolo JCM, Lu H, Koob GF, Vendruscolo LF, Stein EA. Cingulate circuits are associated with escalation of heroin use and naloxone-induced increases in heroin self-administration. ADDICTION NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 1:100002. [PMID: 37323812 PMCID: PMC10270679 DOI: 10.1016/j.addicn.2021.100002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is defined as a compulsion to seek and take opioids, loss of control over intake and the development of a negative emotional state when access to opioids is denied. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data in a rat model of OUD, we demonstrate that the escalation of heroin self-administration (SA) and the increased heroin SA following an injection of an opioid receptor antagonist (naloxone) are associated with changes in distinct brain circuits, centered on the cingulate cortex (Cg). Here, SA escalation score was negatively associated with changes in resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) between the Cg and the dorsal striatum. Conversely, increased heroin SA following naloxone injection, was associated with increased connectivity between the Cg and the extended amygdala and hypothalamus. Naloxone-induced increased SA was also positively associated with changes in the amplitude of low frequency fluctuations within the Cg, a measure of spontaneous neuronal activity. Characterizing the distinct brain circuit and behavior changes associated with different facets of addiction increases our understanding of OUD and may provide insight into addiction prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- MJ Scarlata
- Neuroimaging Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, United States of America
| | - RJ Keeley
- Neuroimaging Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, United States of America
| | - SA Carmack
- Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Intramural Research Program, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - P-J Tsai
- Neuroimaging Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, United States of America
| | - JCM Vendruscolo
- Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Intramural Research Program, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - H Lu
- Neuroimaging Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, United States of America
| | - GF Koob
- Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Intramural Research Program, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - LF Vendruscolo
- Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Intramural Research Program, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - EA Stein
- Neuroimaging Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, United States of America
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Abstract
RATIONALE Opioids are effective medications, but they have several key limitations including the development of tolerance, establishment of dependence, diversion for non-medical use, and the development of addiction. Therefore, any drugs which act in an additive or synergistic fashion with opioids to address medical applications have the potential to reduce opioid-related harms. OBJECTIVES To determine if heroin and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) interact in an additive or independent manner to alter nociception, body temperature, and spontaneous locomotor activity when inhaled or injected. METHODS Groups of female and male rats, implanted with radiotelemetry transmitters, were exposed to vapor generated from heroin (50 mg/mL in propylene glycol vehicle; PG), THC (50 mg/mL), or the combination for assessment of effects on temperature and activity. Thermal nociception was assessed with a warm water tail-withdrawal assay. RESULTS Heroin inhalation increased temperature and activity whereas THC inhalation decreased temperature and activity in both female and male Sprague-Dawley rats. Effects of combined inhalation were in opposition, and additional experiments found the same outcome for the injection of heroin (0.5 mg/kg, s.c.) and THC (10 mg/kg, i.p.) alone and in combination. In contrast, the co-administration of heroin and THC by either inhalation or injection produced additive effects on thermal nociception in both male and female Sprague-Dawley and Wistar rats. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that additive effects of THC with an opioid on a medical endpoint such as analgesia may not generalize to other behavioral or physiological effects, which may be a positive outcome for unwanted side effects.
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31
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Marchette RCN, Tunstall BJ, Vendruscolo LF, Moussawi K. Operant Vapor Self-administration in Mice. Bio Protoc 2021; 11:e4023. [PMID: 34150930 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Models of drug addiction in rodents are instrumental in understanding the underlying neurobiology. Intravenous self-administration of drugs in mice is currently the most commonly used model; however, several challenges exist due to complications related to catheter patency. To take full advantage of the genetic tools available to study opioid addiction in mice, we developed a non-invasive mouse model of opioid self-administration using vaporized fentanyl. This model can be used to study various aspects of opioid addiction including self-administration, escalation of drug intake, extinction, reinstatement, and drug seeking despite adversity. Further, this model bypasses the limitations of intravenous self-administration and allows the investigation of drug taking over extended periods of time and in conjunction with cutting-edge techniques such as calcium imaging and in vivo electrophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata C N Marchette
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute for Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Brendan J Tunstall
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Leandro F Vendruscolo
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute for Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Khaled Moussawi
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute for Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Marchette RCN, Gregory-Flores A, Tunstall BJ, Carlson ER, Jackson SN, Sulima A, Rice KC, Koob GF, Vendruscolo LF. κ-Opioid receptor antagonism reverses heroin withdrawal-induced hyperalgesia in male and female rats. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 14:100325. [PMID: 33997152 PMCID: PMC8095052 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Although opioids are potent analgesics, a consequence of chronic opioid use is hyperalgesia during withdrawal, which may contribute to opioid misuse. Dynorphin, the endogenous ligand of κ-opioid receptors (KORs), is upregulated in opioid-dependent rats and in animal models of chronic pain. However, the role of KORs in opioid withdrawal-induced hyperalgesia remains to be determined. We hypothesized that KOR antagonism would reverse opioid withdrawal-induced hyperalgesia in opioid-dependent rats. Male and female Wistar rats received daily injections of heroin (2-6 mg/kg, SC) and were tested for mechanical sensitivity in the electronic von Frey test 4-6 h into withdrawal. Female rats required significantly more heroin than male rats to reach comparable levels of both heroin-induced analgesia and hyperalgesia (6 mg/kg vs. 2 mg/kg). Once hyperalgesia was established, we tested the effects of the KOR antagonists nor-binaltorphimine (norBNI; 30 mg/kg, SC) and 5'-guanidinonaltrindole (5'GNTI; 30 mg/kg, SC). When the animals continued to receive their daily heroin treatment (or saline treatment in the repeated saline group) five times per week throughout the experiment, both KOR antagonists reversed heroin withdrawal-induced hyperalgesia. The anti-hyperalgesia effect of norBNI was more prolonged in males than in females (14 days vs. 7 days), whereas 5'GNTI had more prolonged effects in females than in males (14 days vs. 4 days). The behavioral effects of 5'GNTI coincided with higher 5'GNTI levels in the brain than in plasma when measured at 24 h, whereas 5'GNTI did not reverse hyperalgesia at 30 min posttreatment when 5'GNTI levels were higher in plasma than in the brain. Finally, we tested the effects of 5'GNTI on naloxone-induced and spontaneous signs of opioid withdrawal and found no effect in either male or female rats. These findings indicate a functional role for KORs in heroin withdrawal-induced hyperalgesia that is observed in rats of both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata C N Marchette
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Adriana Gregory-Flores
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Brendan J Tunstall
- Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science, and Toxicology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Erika R Carlson
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shelley N Jackson
- Structural Biology Core, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Agnieszka Sulima
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - George F Koob
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Leandro F Vendruscolo
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Pantazis CB, Gonzalez LA, Tunstall BJ, Carmack SA, Koob GF, Vendruscolo LF. Cues conditioned to withdrawal and negative reinforcement: Neglected but key motivational elements driving opioid addiction. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/15/eabf0364. [PMID: 33827822 PMCID: PMC8026136 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf0364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a debilitating disorder that affects millions of people. Neutral cues can acquire motivational properties when paired with the positive emotional effects of drug intoxication to stimulate relapse. However, much less research has been devoted to cues that become conditioned to the aversive effects of opioid withdrawal. We argue that environmental stimuli promote motivation for opioids when cues are paired with withdrawal (conditioned withdrawal) and generate opioid consumption to terminate conditioned withdrawal (conditioned negative reinforcement). We review evidence that cues associated with pain drive opioid consumption, as patients with chronic pain may misuse opioids to escape physical and emotional pain. We highlight sex differences in withdrawal-induced stress reactivity and withdrawal cue processing and discuss neurocircuitry that may underlie withdrawal cue processing in dependent individuals. These studies highlight the importance of studying cues associated with withdrawal in dependent individuals and point to areas for exploration in OUD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline B Pantazis
- Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Luis A Gonzalez
- Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Brendan J Tunstall
- Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science, and Toxicology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Stephanie A Carmack
- Center for Adaptive Systems of Brain-Body Interactions, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - George F Koob
- Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Leandro F Vendruscolo
- Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Abstract
Animal models of addictive behaviors are useful for uncovering neural mechanisms involved in the development of dependence and for identifying risk factors for drug abuse. One such risk factor is biological sex, which strongly moderates drug self-administration behavior in rodents. Female rodents are more likely to acquire drug self-administration behaviors, consume higher amounts of drug, and reinstate drug-seeking behavior more readily. Despite this female vulnerability, preclinical addiction research has largely been done in male animals. The study of sex differences in rodent models of addictive behavior is increasing, however, as more investigators are choosing to include both male and female animals in experiments. This commentary is meant to serve as an introductory guide for preclinical investigators new to the study of sex differences in addiction. We provide an overview of self-administration models, a broad view of female versus male self-administration behaviors, and suggestions for study design and implementation. Inclusion of female subjects in preclinical addiction research is timely, as problem drug and alcohol use in women is increasing. With proper attention, design, and analysis, the study of sex differences in addiction has the potential to uncover novel neural mechanisms and lead to greater translational success for addiction research. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K. Radke
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
| | - Elizabeth A. Sneddon
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
| | - Sean C. Monroe
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
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Lin M, Lee JC, Blake S, Ellis B, Eubanks LM, Janda KD. Broadly Neutralizing Synthetic Cannabinoid Vaccines. JACS AU 2021; 1:31-40. [PMID: 34467269 PMCID: PMC8395583 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.0c00057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) constitute a significant portion of psychoactive substances forming a major public health risk. Due to the wide variety of SCs, broadly neutralizing antibodies generated by active immunization present an intriguing pathway to combat cannabinoid use disorder. Here, we probed hapten design for antibody affinity and cross reactivity against two classes of SCs. Of the 10 haptens screened, 3 vaccine groups revealed submicromolar IC50, each targeting 5-6 compounds in our panel of 22 drugs. Moreover, SCs were successfully sequestered when administered by vaping or intraperitoneal injection, which was confirmed within animal models by observing locomotion, body temperature, and pharmacokinetics. We also discovered synergistic effects to simultaneously blunt two drug classes through an admixture vaccine approach. Collectively, our study provides a comprehensive foundation for the development of vaccines against SCs.
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Gutierrez A, Nguyen JD, Creehan KM, Taffe MA. Female rats self-administer heroin by vapor inhalation. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 199:173061. [PMID: 33164848 PMCID: PMC7725943 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.173061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Over the last two decades the United States has experienced a significant increase in the medical and non-medical use of opioid drugs, resulting in record numbers of opioid-related overdoses and deaths. There was an initial increase in non-medical use of prescription opioids around 2002, followed later by increased heroin use and then most recently fentanyl. Inhalation is a common route of administration for opioids, with a documented history spanning back to Mediterranean antiquity and up through modern use with e-cigarette devices. Unfortunately, preclinical studies using inhalation as the route of administration remain relatively few. This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of e-cigarette vapor inhalation of heroin in rats. Non-contingent exposure to heroin or methadone vapor produced anti-nociceptive efficacy in male and female rats. Female rats were trained to self-administer heroin vapor; the most-preferring half of the distribution obtained more vapor reinforcers when the concentration of heroin was reduced in the vapor vehicle and when pre-treated with the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone. The anti-nociceptive effect of heroin self-administered by vapor was identical in magnitude to that produced by intravenous self-administration. Finally, anxiety-like behavior increased 24-48 h after last heroin vapor access, consistent with withdrawal signs observed after intravenous self-administration. In sum, these studies show that rewarding and anti-nociceptive effects of heroin are produced in rats by vapor inhalation using e-cigarette technology. Importantly, self-administration models by this route can be deployed to determine health effects of inhaled heroin or other opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold Gutierrez
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jacques D Nguyen
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kevin M Creehan
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael A Taffe
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Gutierrez A, Creehan KM, Taffe MA. A vapor exposure method for delivering heroin alters nociception, body temperature and spontaneous activity in female and male rats. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 348:108993. [PMID: 33130050 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ongoing crisis related to non-medical use of opioids makes it of continued importance to understand the risk factors for opioid addiction, the behavioral and neurobiological consequences of opioid exposure and to seek potential avenues for therapy. Pre-clinical rodent models have been critical to advancing understanding of opioid consequences for decades, but have been mostly limited to drug delivery by injection or by oral dosing. Inhalation, a significant route for many human users, has not been as well-established. METHOD We adapted an e-cigarette based exposure system, previously shown efficacious for delivery of other drugs to rats, to deliver heroin vapor. Effectsin vivo were assessed in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats using a warm-water assay for anti-nociception and an implanted radiotelemetry system for evaluating changes in body temperature and spontaneous activity rate. RESULTS Inhalation of vapor created by heroin 100 mg/mL in the propylene glycol (PG) vehicle significantly slowed tail-withdrawal from a 52 °C water bath, bi-phasically altered activity, and increased temperature in male and female rats. Inhalation of heroin 50 mg/mL for 15 min produced significant effects, as the lower bound on efficacy, whereas inhalation of heroin 100 mg/mL for 30 min produced robust effects across all endpoints and groups. CONCLUSIONS This work shows that e-cigarette devices deliver psychoactive doses of heroin to rats, using concentrations of ∼50-100 mg/mL and inhalation durations of 15-30 min. This technique may be useful to assess the health consequences of inhaled heroin and other opioid drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold Gutierrez
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kevin M Creehan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael A Taffe
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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McConnell SA, Brandner AJ, Blank BA, Kearns DN, Koob GF, Vendruscolo LF, Tunstall BJ. Demand for fentanyl becomes inelastic following extended access to fentanyl vapor self-administration. Neuropharmacology 2020; 182:108355. [PMID: 33091459 PMCID: PMC7747488 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Opioid use disorder imposes great societal harm in the United States and in countries worldwide. Animal models that accurately capture motivational changes that occur in opioid dependence are critical to studying this disorder. The present study used a model of opioid vapor self-administration combined with a behavioral economics approach to determine whether rats would be more motivated to "work" to defend their baseline intake of fentanyl (i.e., more inelastic demand) following sufficiently frequent, intense, and chronic exposure to self-administered vaporized fentanyl. Male rats were allowed to respond for deliveries of 1.5-s of vaporized 10 mg/ml fentanyl solution. Following 15 sessions of short access (ShA; 1 h) vs. long access (LgA; 12 h) to self-administration, we conducted a between-sessions demand curve procedure, and observed significantly more inelastic demand for fentanyl (Essential Value; EV), and increased maximal response output (Omax) in LgA compared with ShA rats. In a subsequent phase, the unit-dose was doubled to 3 s of fentanyl vaporization. After seven ShA vs. LgA sessions, we assessed demand again and found that LgA rats, contrasted to ShA rats, demonstrated significantly higher baseline intake or "hedonic setpoint" (Q0), in addition to significantly increased EV and Omax. These results demonstrate that extended access to self-administration of a vaporized opioid causes changes in behavioral economic metrics consistent with development of an addiction-like state in rats. The combination of the vapor model with a translationally relevant behavioral economics framework opens new avenues to study dysregulated motivational processes in substance use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam A McConnell
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Adam J Brandner
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Brandon A Blank
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - David N Kearns
- Psychology Department, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20016, USA
| | - George F Koob
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Leandro F Vendruscolo
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Brendan J Tunstall
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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