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Reeves KC, Shah N, Muñoz B, Atwood BK. Opioid Receptor-Mediated Regulation of Neurotransmission in the Brain. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:919773. [PMID: 35782382 PMCID: PMC9242007 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.919773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioids mediate their effects via opioid receptors: mu, delta, and kappa. At the neuronal level, opioid receptors are generally inhibitory, presynaptically reducing neurotransmitter release and postsynaptically hyperpolarizing neurons. However, opioid receptor-mediated regulation of neuronal function and synaptic transmission is not uniform in expression pattern and mechanism across the brain. The localization of receptors within specific cell types and neurocircuits determine the effects that endogenous and exogenous opioids have on brain function. In this review we will explore the similarities and differences in opioid receptor-mediated regulation of neurotransmission across different brain regions. We discuss how future studies can consider potential cell-type, regional, and neural pathway-specific effects of opioid receptors in order to better understand how opioid receptors modulate brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin C. Reeves
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Nikhil Shah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Braulio Muñoz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Brady K. Atwood
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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2
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Puryear CB, Brooks J, Tan L, Smith K, Li Y, Cunningham J, Todtenkopf MS, Dean RL, Sanchez C. Opioid receptor modulation of neural circuits in depression: What can be learned from preclinical data? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 108:658-678. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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3
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Wei AD, Ramirez JM. Presynaptic Mechanisms and KCNQ Potassium Channels Modulate Opioid Depression of Respiratory Drive. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1407. [PMID: 31824331 PMCID: PMC6882777 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD) is the major cause of death associated with opioid analgesics and drugs of abuse, but the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. We investigated opioid action in vivo in unanesthetized mice and in in vitro medullary slices containing the preBötzinger Complex (preBötC), a locus critical for breathing and inspiratory rhythm generation. Although hypothesized as a primary mechanism, we found that mu-opioid receptor (MOR1)-mediated GIRK activation contributed only modestly to OIRD. Instead, mEPSC recordings from genetically identified Dbx1-derived interneurons, essential for rhythmogenesis, revealed a prevalent presynaptic mode of action for OIRD. Consistent with MOR1-mediated suppression of presynaptic release as a major component of OIRD, Cacna1a KO slices lacking P/Q-type Ca2+ channels enhanced OIRD. Furthermore, OIRD was mimicked and reversed by KCNQ potassium channel activators and blockers, respectively. In vivo whole-body plethysmography combined with systemic delivery of GIRK- and KCNQ-specific potassium channel drugs largely recapitulated these in vitro results, and revealed state-dependent modulation of OIRD. We propose that respiratory failure from OIRD results from a general reduction of synaptic efficacy, leading to a state-dependent collapse of rhythmic network activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aguan D. Wei
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jan-Marino Ramirez
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
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Agostinho AS, Mietzsch M, Zangrandi L, Kmiec I, Mutti A, Kraus L, Fidzinski P, Schneider UC, Holtkamp M, Heilbronn R, Schwarzer C. Dynorphin-based "release on demand" gene therapy for drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy. EMBO Mol Med 2019; 11:e9963. [PMID: 31486590 PMCID: PMC6783645 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201809963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Focal epilepsy represents one of the most common chronic CNS diseases. The high incidence of drug resistance, devastating comorbidities, and insufficient responsiveness to surgery pose unmet medical challenges. In the quest of novel, disease-modifying treatment strategies of neuropeptides represent promising candidates. Here, we provide the "proof of concept" that gene therapy by adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector transduction of preprodynorphin into the epileptogenic focus of well-accepted mouse and rat models for temporal lobe epilepsy leads to suppression of seizures over months. The debilitating long-term decline of spatial learning and memory is prevented. In human hippocampal slices obtained from epilepsy surgery, dynorphins suppressed seizure-like activity, suggestive of a high potential for clinical translation. AAV-delivered preprodynorphin expression is focally and neuronally restricted and release is dependent on high-frequency stimulation, as it occurs at the onset of seizures. The novel format of "release on demand" dynorphin delivery is viewed as a key to prevent habituation and to minimize the risk of adverse effects, leading to long-term suppression of seizures and of their devastating sequel.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mario Mietzsch
- Institute of VirologyCampus Benjamin Franklin, Charité ‐ Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of HealthBerlinGermany
| | - Luca Zangrandi
- Department of PharmacologyMedical University of InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - Iwona Kmiec
- Department of PharmacologyMedical University of InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - Anna Mutti
- Department of PharmacologyMedical University of InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - Larissa Kraus
- Department of NeurologyCharité ‐ Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Epilepsy‐Center Berlin‐BrandenburgBerlinGermany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH)BerlinGermany
| | - Pawel Fidzinski
- Department of NeurologyCharité ‐ Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Epilepsy‐Center Berlin‐BrandenburgBerlinGermany
| | - Ulf C Schneider
- Department of NeurosurgeryCharité ‐ Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of HealthBerlinGermany
| | - Martin Holtkamp
- Department of NeurologyCharité ‐ Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Epilepsy‐Center Berlin‐BrandenburgBerlinGermany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH)BerlinGermany
| | - Regine Heilbronn
- Institute of VirologyCampus Benjamin Franklin, Charité ‐ Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of HealthBerlinGermany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH)BerlinGermany
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5
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Ma Z, Gao F, Larsen B, Gao M, Luo Z, Chen D, Ma X, Qiu S, Zhou Y, Xie J, Xi ZX, Wu J. Mechanisms of cannabinoid CB 2 receptor-mediated reduction of dopamine neuronal excitability in mouse ventral tegmental area. EBioMedicine 2019; 42:225-237. [PMID: 30952618 PMCID: PMC6491419 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have recently reported that activation of cannabinoid type 2 receptors (CB2Rs) reduces dopamine (DA) neuron excitability in mouse ventral tegmental area (VTA). Here, we elucidate the underlying mechanisms. METHODS Patch-clamp recordings were performed in mouse VTA slices and dissociated single VTA DA neurons. FINDINGS Using cell-attached recording in VTA slices, bath-application of CB2R agonists (JWH133 or five other CB2R agonists) significantly reduced VTA DA neuron action potential (AP) firing rate. Under the patch-clamp whole-cell recording model, JWH133 (10 μM) mildly reduced the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) but not miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs). JWH133 also did not alter evoked EPSCs or IPSCs. In freshly dissociated VTA DA neurons, JWH133 reduced AP firing rate, delayed AP initiation and enhanced AP after-hyperpolarization. In voltage-clamp recordings, JWH133 (1 μM) enhanced M-type K+ currents and this effect was absent in CB2-/- mice and abolished by co-administration of a selective CB2R antagonist (10 μM, AM630). CB2R-mediated inhibition in VTA DA neuron firing can be mimicked by M-current opener (10 μM retigabine) and blocked by M-current blocker (30 μM XE991). In addition, enhancement of neuronal cAMP by forskolin (10 μM) reduced M-current and increased DA neuron firing rate. Finally, pharmacological block of synaptic transmission by NBQX (10 μM), D-APV (50 μM) and picrotoxin (100 μM) in VTA slices failed to prevent CB2R-mediated inhibition, while intracellular infusion of guanosine 5'-O-2-thiodiphosphate (600 μM, GDP-β-S) through recording electrode to block postsynaptic G-protein function prevented JWH133-induced reduction in AP firing. INTERPRETATION Our results suggest that CB2Rs modulate VTA DA neuron excitability mainly through an intrinsic mechanism, including a CB2R-mediated reduction of intracellular cAMP, and in turn enhancement of M-type K+ currents. FUND: This research was supported by the Barrow Neuroscience Foundation, the BNI-BMS Seed Fund, and CNSF (81771437).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zegang Ma
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders and State Key Disciplines: Physiology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China; Department of Neurobiology, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Fenfei Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 210854, China; Department of Neurobiology, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Brett Larsen
- Department of Neurobiology, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Ming Gao
- Department of Neurobiology, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Zhihua Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 210854, China
| | - Dejie Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA; Department of Neurology, Yunfu People's Hospital, Yunfu, Guangdong 527300, China
| | - Xiaokuang Ma
- Department of Neurobiology, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 210854, China; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Shenfeng Qiu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders and State Key Disciplines: Physiology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Junxia Xie
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders and State Key Disciplines: Physiology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Jie Wu
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders and State Key Disciplines: Physiology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China; Department of Neurobiology, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 210854, China; Department of Neurology, Yunfu People's Hospital, Yunfu, Guangdong 527300, China.
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6
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Torres-Berrio A, Nava-Mesa MO. The opioid system in stress-induced memory disorders: From basic mechanisms to clinical implications in post-traumatic stress disorder and Alzheimer's disease. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 88:327-338. [PMID: 30118823 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive and emotional impairment are a serious consequence of stress exposure and are core features of neurological and psychiatric conditions that involve memory disorders. Indeed, acute and chronic stress are high-risk factors for the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), two devastating brain disorders associated with memory dysfunction. Besides the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, stress response also involves the activation of the opioid system in brain regions associated with stress regulation and memory processing. In this context, it is possible that stress-induced memory disorders may be attributed to alterations in the interaction between the neuroendocrine stress system and the opioid system. In this review, we: (1) describe the effects of acute and chronic stress on memory, and the modulatory role of the opioid system, (2) discuss the contribution of the opioid system to the pathophysiology of PTSD and AD, and (3) present evidence of current and potential therapies that target the opioid receptors to treat PTSD- and AD-associated symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mauricio O Nava-Mesa
- Neuroscience Research Group (NEUROS), School of Medicine, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
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7
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Ghezzi F, Corsini S, Nistri A. Electrophysiological characterization of the M-current in rat hypoglossal motoneurons. Neuroscience 2017; 340:62-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.10.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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8
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Greene DL, Hoshi N. Modulation of Kv7 channels and excitability in the brain. Cell Mol Life Sci 2016; 74:495-508. [PMID: 27645822 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2359-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal Kv7 channels underlie a voltage-gated non-inactivating potassium current known as the M-current. Due to its particular characteristics, Kv7 channels show pronounced control over the excitability of neurons. We will discuss various factors that have been shown to drastically alter the activity of this channel such as protein and phospholipid interactions, phosphorylation, calcium, and numerous neurotransmitters. Kv7 channels locate to key areas for the control of action potential initiation and propagation. Moreover, we will explore the dynamic surface expression of the channel modulated by neurotransmitters and neural activity. We will also focus on known principle functions of neural Kv7 channels: control of resting membrane potential and spiking threshold, setting the firing frequency, afterhyperpolarization after burst firing, theta resonance, and transient hyperexcitability from neurotransmitter-induced suppression of the M-current. Finally, we will discuss the contribution of altered Kv7 activity to pathologies such as epilepsy and cognitive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek L Greene
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, 360 Med Surge II, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Naoto Hoshi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, 360 Med Surge II, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, USA.
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9
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Zangrandi L, Burtscher J, MacKay JP, Colmers WF, Schwarzer C. The G-protein biased partial κ opioid receptor agonist 6'-GNTI blocks hippocampal paroxysmal discharges without inducing aversion. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 173:1756-67. [PMID: 26928671 PMCID: PMC4867738 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Revised: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose With a prevalence of 1–2%, epilepsies belong to the most frequent neurological diseases worldwide. Although antiepileptic drugs are available since several decades, the incidence of patients that are refractory to medication is still over 30%. Antiepileptic effects of κ opioid receptor (κ receptor) agonists have been proposed since the 1980s. However, their clinical use was hampered by dysphoric side effects. Recently, G‐protein biased κ receptor agonists were developed, suggesting reduced aversive effects. Experimental Approach We investigated the effects of the κ receptor agonist U‐50488H and the G‐protein biased partial κ receptor agonist 6′‐GNTI in models of acute seizures and drug‐resistant temporal lobe epilepsy and in the conditioned place avoidance (CPA) test. Moreover, we performed slice electrophysiology to understand the functional mechanisms of 6′‐GNTI. Key Results As previously shown for U‐50488H, 6′‐GNTI markedly increased the threshold for pentylenetetrazole‐induced seizures. All treated mice displayed reduced paroxysmal activity in response to U‐50488H (20 mg·kg−1) or 6′‐GNTI (10–30 nmoles) treatment in the mouse model of intra‐hippocampal injection of kainic acid. Single cell recordings on hippocampal pyramidal cells revealed enhanced inhibitory signalling as potential mechanisms causing the reduction of paroxysmal activity. Effects of 6′‐GNTI were blocked in both seizure models by the κ receptor antagonist 5′‐GNTI. Moreover, 6′‐GNTI did not induce CPA, a measure of aversive effects, while U‐50488H did. Conclusions and Implications Our data provide the proof of principle that anticonvulsant/antiseizure and aversive effects of κ receptor activation can be pharmacologically separated in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Zangrandi
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johannes Burtscher
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - James P MacKay
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - William F Colmers
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Christoph Schwarzer
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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10
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Impaired hippocampal synaptic plasticity and NR2A/2B expression ratio in remifentanil withdrawal rats. Neurotoxicology 2016; 53:115-123. [PMID: 26777139 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2016.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2015] [Revised: 12/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Remifentanil is a kind of synthetic opioid which has gained wide clinical acceptance by anesthesiologists. In this study, we attempted to test whether withdrawal effects on learning mechanisms can be triggered by repeated low-dose remifentanil treatment. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were subjected to remifentanil (50μg/kgs.c.) twice per day at 12h intervals for 15 days. When the animals of remifentanil group were withdrawn from remifentanil at 10h after the last injection, changes in open field test, Morris water maze test (MWM) and synaptic efficacy were examined in each group. We demonstrated that repeated exposure to 50μg/kg remifentanil produced enhanced locomotor activity indicating that a remifentanil addiction animal model in rats was established. MWM results showed that exposure to remifentanil had no influence on the spatial cognition. After withdrawal of remifentanil rats showed impaired spatial cognition. In electrophysiology test, remifentanil group rats showed a trend for a rightward shift of input/output relationship and significant deficits in maintenance of STP and LTP. Immunohistochemistry results demonstrated increased NR2A/NR2B ratio that should be included depression of LTP. In the whole-cell patch-clamp recording, after elimination from remifentanil incubation, mEPSC frequency was down regulated in hippocampal CA1 neurons, indicating that basal synaptic transmission were affected by remifentanil withdrawal. Taken together, the current findings demonstrate that the remifentanil withdrawn rats exhibit obvious impairment of hippocampus-dependent memory and synaptic plasticity. Increased hippocampal NR2A/NR2B expression ratio and the changes of basal synaptic transmission may participate in the impairment of LTP.
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Crowley NA, Kash TL. Kappa opioid receptor signaling in the brain: Circuitry and implications for treatment. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2015; 62:51-60. [PMID: 25592680 PMCID: PMC4465498 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2015.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Revised: 12/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Kappa opioid receptors (KORs) in the central nervous system have been known to be important regulators of a variety of psychiatry illnesses, including anxiety and addiction, but their precise involvement in these disorders is complex and has yet to be fully elucidated. Here, we briefly review the pharmacology of KORs in the brain, including KOR's involvement in anxiety, depression, and drug addiction. We also review the known neuronal circuitry impacted by KOR signaling, and interactions with corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF), another key peptide in anxiety-related illnesses, as well as the role of glucocorticoids. We suggest that KORs are a promising therapeutic target for a host of neuropsychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A. Crowley
- Neurobiology Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA,Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Thomas L. Kash
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA,Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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12
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Sarkisyan D, Hussain MZ, Watanabe H, Kononenko O, Bazov I, Zhou X, Yamskova O, Krishtal O, Karpyak VM, Yakovleva T, Bakalkin G. Downregulation of the endogenous opioid peptides in the dorsal striatum of human alcoholics. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:187. [PMID: 26029055 PMCID: PMC4428131 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The endogenous opioid peptides dynorphins and enkephalins may be involved in brain-area specific synaptic adaptations relevant for different stages of an addiction cycle. We compared the levels of prodynorphin (PDYN) and proenkephalin (PENK) mRNAs (by qRT-PCR), and dynorphins and enkephalins (by radioimmunoassay) in the caudate nucleus and putamen between alcoholics and control subjects. We also evaluated whether PDYN promoter variant rs1997794 associated with alcoholism affects PDYN expression. Postmortem specimens obtained from 24 alcoholics and 26 controls were included in final statistical analysis. PDYN mRNA and Met-enkephalin-Arg-Phe, a marker of PENK were downregulated in the caudate of alcoholics, while PDYN mRNA and Leu-enkephalin-Arg, a marker of PDYN were decreased in the putamen of alcoholics carrying high risk rs1997794 C allele. Downregulation of opioid peptides in the dorsal striatum may contribute to development of alcoholism including changes in goal directed behavior and formation of a compulsive habit in alcoholics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniil Sarkisyan
- Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Hiroyuki Watanabe
- Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Olga Kononenko
- Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden ; Department for Cellular Membranology, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Igor Bazov
- Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Xingwu Zhou
- Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Olga Yamskova
- Department of Functional Pharmacology, Institute for Neuroscience, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Oleg Krishtal
- Department for Cellular Membranology, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Victor M Karpyak
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Tatiana Yakovleva
- Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Georgy Bakalkin
- Division of Biological Research on Drug Dependence, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden
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13
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Cannon J, McCarthy MM, Lee S, Lee J, Börgers C, Whittington MA, Kopell N. Neurosystems: brain rhythms and cognitive processing. Eur J Neurosci 2014; 39:705-19. [PMID: 24329933 PMCID: PMC4916881 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Revised: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal rhythms are ubiquitous features of brain dynamics, and are highly correlated with cognitive processing. However, the relationship between the physiological mechanisms producing these rhythms and the functions associated with the rhythms remains mysterious. This article investigates the contributions of rhythms to basic cognitive computations (such as filtering signals by coherence and/or frequency) and to major cognitive functions (such as attention and multi-modal coordination). We offer support to the premise that the physiology underlying brain rhythms plays an essential role in how these rhythms facilitate some cognitive operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Cannon
- Department of Mathematics and StatisticsBoston University111 Cummington MallBostonMA02215USA
| | - Michelle M. McCarthy
- Department of Mathematics and StatisticsBoston University111 Cummington MallBostonMA02215USA
| | - Shane Lee
- Department of NeuroscienceBrown UniversityProvidenceRIUSA
| | - Jung Lee
- Department of Mathematics and StatisticsBoston University111 Cummington MallBostonMA02215USA
| | | | | | - Nancy Kopell
- Department of Mathematics and StatisticsBoston University111 Cummington MallBostonMA02215USA
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14
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Lasoń W, Chlebicka M, Rejdak K. Research advances in basic mechanisms of seizures and antiepileptic drug action. Pharmacol Rep 2013; 65:787-801. [DOI: 10.1016/s1734-1140(13)71060-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Revised: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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15
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Kang-Park M, Kieffer BL, Roberts AJ, Siggins GR, Moore SD. κ-Opioid receptors in the central amygdala regulate ethanol actions at presynaptic GABAergic sites. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2013; 346:130-7. [PMID: 23587526 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.112.202903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human and animal studies indicate that κ-opioid receptors (KORs) are involved in ethanol drinking and dependence (Xuei et al., 2006; Walker and Koob, 2008; Walker et al., 2011). Using in vitro single-cell recording techniques in mouse brain slices, we examined the physiologic effects of KOR activation in the central amygdala (CeA) on GABAergic neurotransmission and its interaction with acute ethanol. A selective KOR agonist (U69593, 1 μM) diminished evoked GABAergic inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) by 18% (n = 10), whereas blockade of KORs with a selective antagonist (nor-binaltorphimine, 1 μM) augmented the baseline evoked GABAergic IPSCs by 14% (P < 0.01; n = 34), suggesting that the KOR system contributes to tonic inhibition of GABAergic neurotransmission in the CeA. In addition, the enhancement by acute ethanol of GABAergic IPSC amplitudes was further augmented by pharmacologic blockade of KORs, from 14% (n = 36) to 27% (n = 26; P < 0.01), or by genetic deletion of KORs, from 14% in wild-type mice (n = 19) to 34% in KOR knockout mice (n = 13; P < 0.01). Subsequent experiments using tetrodotoxin to block activity-dependent neurotransmission suggest that KORs regulate GABA release at presynaptic sites. Our data support the idea that KORs modulate GABAergic synaptic responses and ethanol effects as one of multiple opioid system-dependent actions of ethanol in the CeA, possibly in a circuit-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maenghee Kang-Park
- Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, and Research Service, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27705, USA
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16
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Khajehpour L, Fathinia K, Moazedi AA, Kesmati M. Вeta1-Adrenoreceptors of the CA1 Area Mediate Morphine-Modified State-Dependent Memory in Rats. NEUROPHYSIOLOGY+ 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s11062-013-9350-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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17
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Deemyad T, Kroeger J, Chacron MJ. Sub- and suprathreshold adaptation currents have opposite effects on frequency tuning. J Physiol 2012; 590:4839-58. [PMID: 22733663 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2012.234401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural stimuli are often characterized by statistics that can vary over orders of magnitude. Experiments have shown that sensory neurons continuously adapt their responses to changes in these statistics, thereby optimizing information transmission. However, such adaptation can also alter the neuronal transfer function by attenuating if not eliminating responses to the low frequency components of time varying stimuli,which can create ambiguity in the neural code. We recorded from electrosensory pyramidal neurons before and after pharmacological inactivation of either calcium-activated (I(AHP)) or KCNQ voltage-gated potassium currents (I(M)). We found that blocking each current decreased adaptation in a similar fashion but led to opposite changes in the neuronal transfer function. Indeed, blocking I(AHP) increased while blocking I(M) instead decreased the response to low temporal frequencies. To understand this surprising result, we built a mathematical model incorporating each channel type. This model predicted that these differential effects could be accounted for by differential activation properties. Our results show that the mechanisms that mediate adaptation can either increase or decrease the response to low frequency stimuli. As such, they suggest that the nervous system resolves ambiguity resulting from adaptation through independent control of adaptation and the neuronal transfer function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Deemyad
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, 3655 Sir William Osler, room 1137, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada
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18
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Rezaï X, Faget L, Bednarek E, Schwab Y, Kieffer BL, Massotte D. Mouse δ opioid receptors are located on presynaptic afferents to hippocampal pyramidal cells. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2012; 32:509-16. [PMID: 22252784 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-011-9791-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2011] [Accepted: 12/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Delta opioid receptors participate in the control of chronic pain and emotional responses. Recent data have also identified their implication in drug-context associations pointing to a modulatory role on hippocampal activity. We used fluorescent knock-in mice that express a functional delta opioid receptor fused at its carboxy terminus with the green fluorescent protein in place of the native receptor to investigate the receptor neuroanatomical distribution in this structure. Fine mapping of the pyramidal layer was performed in hippocampal acute brain slices and organotypic cultures using fluorescence confocal imaging, co-localization with pre- and postsynaptic markers and correlative light-electron microscopy. The different approaches concurred to identify delta opioid receptors on presynaptic afferents to glutamatergic principal cells. In the latter, only scarce receptors were detected that were confined within the Golgi or vesicular intracellular compartments with no receptor present at the cell surface. In the mouse hippocampus, expression of functional delta opioid receptors is therefore mostly associated with interneurons emphasizing a presynaptic modulatory effect on the pyramidal cell firing rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Rezaï
- Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC) CNRS/INSERM/UdS, Illkirch, France
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19
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McDermott CM, Schrader LA. Activation of κ opioid receptors increases intrinsic excitability of dentate gyrus granule cells. J Physiol 2011; 589:3517-32. [PMID: 21606111 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2011.211623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The dentate gyrus of the hippocampus is thought to control information flow into the rest of the hippocampus. Under pathological conditions, such as epilepsy, this protective feature is circumvented and uninhibited activity flows throughout the hippocampus. Many factors can modulate excitability of the dentate gyrus and ultimately, the hippocampus. It is therefore of critical importance to understand the mechanisms involved in regulating excitability in the dentate gyrus. Dynorphin, the endogenous ligand for the kappa (κ) opioid receptor (KOR), is thought to be involved in neuromodulation in the dentate gyrus. Both dynorphin and its receptor are widely expressed in the dentate gyrus and have been implicated in epilepsy and other complex behaviours such as stress-induced deficits in learning and stress-induced depression-like behaviours. Administration of KOR agonists can prevent both the behavioural and electroencephalographic measures of seizures in several different models of epilepsy. Antagonism of the KORs also prevents stress-induced behaviours. This evidence suggests the KORs as possible therapeutic targets for various pathological conditions. In addition, KOR agonists prevent the induction of LTP. Although there are several mechanisms through which dynorphin could mediate these effects, no studies to date investigated the effects of KOR activation on intrinsic membrane properties and cell excitability. We used whole-cell, patch-clamp recordings from acute mouse hippocampus slices to investigate the effect of KOR activation on dentate gyrus granule cell excitability. The agonist U69,593 (U6, 1 μM) resulted in a lower spike threshold, a decreased latency to first spike, an increased spike half-width, and an overall increase in spike number with current injections ranging from 15 to 45 pA. There was also a reduction in the interspike interval (ISI) both early and late in the spike train, with no change in membrane potential or input resistance. Preincubation of the slice with the selective KOR antagonist, nor-binalthorphimine (BNI, 1 μM) inhibited the effect of U6 on the latency to first spike and spike half-width suggesting that these effects are mediated through KORs. The inclusion of GDP-βS (1 mM) in the recording pipette prevented all of the U6 effects, suggesting that all effects are mediated via a G-protein-dependent mechanism. Inclusion of the A-type K+ current blocker, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 5 mM) in the pipette also antagonised the effects of U6. Kv4.2 is one of the channel α subunits thought to be responsible for carrying the A-type K+ current. Incubation of hippocampus slices with U6 resulted in a decrease in the Kv4.2 subunit protein at the cell surface. These results are consistent with an increase in cell excitability in response to KOR activation and may reflect new possibilities for additional opioid functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmel M McDermott
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, 6400 Freret St, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
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20
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Robertson CR, Flynn SP, White HS, Bulaj G. Anticonvulsant neuropeptides as drug leads for neurological diseases. Nat Prod Rep 2011; 28:741-62. [PMID: 21340067 DOI: 10.1039/c0np00048e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Anticonvulsant neuropeptides are best known for their ability to suppress seizures and modulate pain pathways. Galanin, neuropeptide Y, somatostatin, neurotensin, dynorphin, among others, have been validated as potential first-in-class anti-epileptic or/and analgesic compounds in animal models of epilepsy and pain, but their therapeutic potential extends to other neurological indications, including neurodegenerative and psychatric disorders. Disease-modifying properties of neuropeptides make them even more attractive templates for developing new-generation neurotherapeutics. Arguably, efforts to transform this class of neuropeptides into drugs have been limited compared to those for other bioactive peptides. Key challenges in developing neuropeptide-based anticonvulsants are: to engineer optimal receptor-subtype selectivity, to improve metabolic stability and to enhance their bioavailability, including penetration across the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Here, we summarize advances toward developing systemically active and CNS-penetrant neuropeptide analogs. Two main objectives of this review are: (1) to provide an overview of structural and pharmacological properties for selected anticonvulsant neuropeptides and their analogs and (2) to encourage broader efforts to convert these endogenous natural products into drug leads for pain, epilepsy and other neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles R Robertson
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, 421 Wakara Way, STE. 360 Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
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21
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Williams TJ, Torres-Reveron A, Chapleau JD, Milner TA. Hormonal regulation of delta opioid receptor immunoreactivity in interneurons and pyramidal cells in the rat hippocampus. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2011; 95:206-20. [PMID: 21224009 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2011.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2010] [Revised: 01/04/2011] [Accepted: 01/04/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Clinical and preclinical studies indicate that women and men differ in relapse vulnerability to drug-seeking behavior during abstinence periods. As relapse is frequently triggered by exposure of the recovered addict to objects previously associated with drug use and the formation of these associations requires memory systems engaged by the hippocampal formation (HF), studies exploring ovarian hormone modulation of hippocampal function are warranted. Previous studies revealed that ovarian steroids alter endogenous opioid peptide levels and trafficking of mu opioid receptors in the HF, suggesting cooperative interaction between opioids and estrogens in modulating hippocampal excitability. However, whether ovarian steroids affect the levels or trafficking of delta opioid receptors (DORs) in the HF is unknown. Here, hippocampal sections of adult male and normal cycling female Sprague-Dawley rats were processed for quantitative immunoperoxidase light microscopy and dual label fluorescence or immunoelectron microscopy using antisera directed against the DOR and neuropeptide Y (NPY). Consistent with previous studies in males, DOR-immunoreactivity (-ir) localized to select interneurons and principal cells in the female HF. In comparison to males, females, regardless of estrous cycle phase, show reduced DOR-ir in the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus and proestrus (high estrogen) females, in particular, display reduced DOR-ir in the CA1 pyramidal cell layer. Ultrastructural analysis of DOR-labeled profiles in CA1 revealed that while females generally show fewer DORs in the distal apical dendrites of pyramidal cells, proestrus females, in particular, exhibit DOR internalization and trafficking towards the soma. Dual label studies revealed that DORs are found in NPY-labeled interneurons in the hilus, CA3, and CA1. While DOR colocalization frequency in NPY-labeled neuron somata was similar between animals in the hilus, proestrus females had fewer NPY-labeled neurons that co-labeled with DOR in stratum oriens of CA1 and CA3 when compared to males. Ultrastructural analysis of NPY-labeled axon terminals within stratum radiatum of CA1 revealed that NPY-labeled axon terminals contain DORs that are frequently found at or near the plasma membrane. As no differences were noted by sex or estrous cycle phase, DOR activation on NPY-labeled axon terminals would inhibit GABA release probability equally in males and females. Taken together, these findings suggest that ovarian steroids can impact hippocampal function through direct effects on DOR levels and trafficking in principal cells and broad indirect effects through reductions in DOR-ir in NPY-labeled interneurons, particularly in CA1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya J Williams
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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22
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Rivera-Arconada I, Roza C, Lopez-Garcia JA. Enhancing m currents: a way out for neuropathic pain? Front Mol Neurosci 2009; 2:10. [PMID: 19680469 PMCID: PMC2726036 DOI: 10.3389/neuro.02.010.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2009] [Accepted: 07/23/2009] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Almost three decades ago, the M current was identified and characterized in frog sympathetic neurons (Brown and Adams, 1980). The years following this discovery have seen a huge progress in the understanding of the function and the pharmacology of this current as well as on the structure of the underlying ion channels. Therapies for a number of syndromes involving abnormal levels of excitability in neurons are benefiting from research on M currents. At present, the potential of M current openers as analgesics for neuropathic pain is under discussion. Here we offer a critical view of existing data on the involvement of M currents in pain processing. We believe that enhancement of M currents at the site of injury may become a powerful strategy to alleviate pain in some peripheral neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Rivera-Arconada
- Departamento de Fisiología, Edificio de Medicina, Universidad de Alcala Madrid, Spain
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23
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Schwarzer C. 30 years of dynorphins--new insights on their functions in neuropsychiatric diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2009; 123:353-70. [PMID: 19481570 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2009.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2009] [Accepted: 05/13/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Since the first description of their opioid properties three decades ago, dynorphins have increasingly been thought to play a regulatory role in numerous functional pathways of the brain. Dynorphins are members of the opioid peptide family and preferentially bind to kappa opioid receptors. In line with their localization in the hippocampus, amygdala, hypothalamus, striatum and spinal cord, their functions are related to learning and memory, emotional control, stress response and pain. Pathophysiological mechanisms that may involve dynorphins/kappa opioid receptors include epilepsy, addiction, depression and schizophrenia. Most of these functions were proposed in the 1980s and 1990s following histochemical, pharmacological and electrophysiological experiments using kappa receptor-specific or general opioid receptor agonists and antagonists in animal models. However, at that time, we had little information on the functional relevance of endogenous dynorphins. This was mainly due to the complexity of the opioid system. Besides actions of peptides from all three classical opioid precursors (proenkephalin, prodynorphin, proopiomelanocortin) on the three classical opioid receptors (delta, mu and kappa), dynorphins were also shown to exert non-opioid effects mainly through direct effects on NMDA receptors. Moreover, discrepancies between the distribution of opioid receptor binding sites and dynorphin immunoreactivity contributed to the difficulties in interpretation. In recent years, the generation of prodynorphin- and opioid receptor-deficient mice has provided the tools to investigate open questions on network effects of endogenous dynorphins. This article examines the physiological, pathophysiological and pharmacological implications of dynorphins in the light of new insights in part obtained from genetically modified animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Schwarzer
- Department of Pharmacology, Innsbruck Medical University, Peter-Mayr-Str. 1a, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
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24
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Getts DR, Balcar VJ, Matsumoto I, Müller M, King NJC. Viruses and the immune system: their roles in seizure cascade development. J Neurochem 2008; 104:1167-76. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2007.05171.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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25
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Khajehpour L, Rezayof A, Zarrindast MR. Involvement of dorsal hippocampal nicotinic receptors in the effect of morphine on memory retrieval in passive avoidance task. Eur J Pharmacol 2008; 584:343-51. [PMID: 18316071 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2008.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2007] [Revised: 01/30/2008] [Accepted: 02/13/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The present study evaluated the possible role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors of the dorsal hippocampus on morphine-induced amnesia and morphine state-dependent memory in adult male Wistar rats. The animals were bilaterally implanted with chronic cannulas in the CA1 regions of the dorsal hippocampi, trained in a step-through type passive avoidance task, and tested 24 h after training to measure step-through latency. Results indicate that post-training subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of morphine (2.5-7.5 mg/kg) dose-dependently reduced the step-through latency, showing an amnestic response. Post-training intra-CA1 microinjection of nicotine (0.5-1 microg/rat) decreased significantly the amnesia induced by post-training morphine (7.5 mg/kg). Moreover, co-treatment of mecamylamine (0.5 and 1 microg/rat, intra-CA1) with an ineffective dose of morphine (2.5 mg/kg), immediately after training, caused inhibition of memory retrieval. On the other hand, amnesia produced by post-training morphine (7.5 mg/kg) was reversed by pre-test administration of the opioid that is due to a state-dependent effect. Interestingly, pre-test intra-CA1 microinjection of nicotine (0.25 and 0.5 microg/rat) improved post-training morphine (7.5 mg/kg)-induced retrieval impairment. Moreover, pre-test administration of the same doses of nicotine in combination with a lower dose of morphine (0.5 mg/kg), which had no effects alone, synergistically improved memory performance impaired by post-training morphine. Pre-test injection of mecamylamine (0.5-2 microg/rat) prevented the restoration of memory by pre-test morphine. It is important to note that post-training or pre-test intra-CA1 administration of the same doses of nicotine or mecamylamine, alone did not affect memory retrieval. These results suggest that nicotinic acetylcholine receptors of the hippocampal CA1 regions may play an important role in morphine-induced amnesia and morphine state-dependent memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotfollah Khajehpour
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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26
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Bortolato M, Solbrig MV. The price of seizure control: dynorphins in interictal and postictal psychosis. Psychiatry Res 2007; 151:139-43. [PMID: 17395273 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2006.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2006] [Revised: 09/12/2006] [Accepted: 11/02/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Postictal and interictal psychoses are relatively common complicating factors in the clinical course of epilepsy, yet their neurobiological substrates are poorly understood. Recent evidence shows that kappa opioid receptor (KOR) activation elicits anticonvulsant and psychotomimetic effects. In view of this background, here we introduce the hypothesis that epilepsy-related psychoses may partially result from excessive hippocampal dynorphin release and kappa opioid receptor overstimulation aimed at seizure control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4292, USA.
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27
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Loacker S, Sayyah M, Wittmann W, Herzog H, Schwarzer C. Endogenous dynorphin in epileptogenesis and epilepsy: anticonvulsant net effect via kappa opioid receptors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 130:1017-28. [PMID: 17347252 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awl384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disorders are one of the main challenges of human medicine with epilepsy being one of the most common serious disorders of the brain. Increasing evidence suggest neuropeptides, particularly the opioids, play an important role in epilepsy. However, little is known about the mechanisms of the endogenous opioid system in epileptogenesis and epilepsy. Therefore, we investigated the role of endogenous prodynorphin-derived peptides in epileptogenesis, acute seizure behaviour and epilepsy in prodynorphin-deficient mice. Compared with wild-type littermates, prodynorphin knockout mice displayed a significantly reduced seizure threshold as assessed by tail-vein infusion of the GABA(A) antagonist pentylenetetrazole. This phenotype could be entirely rescued by the kappa receptor-specific agonist U-50488, but not by the mu receptor-specific agonist DAMGO. The delta-specific agonist SNC80 decreased seizure threshold in both genotypes, wild-type and knockout. Pre-treatment with the kappa selective antagonist GNTI completely blocked the rescue effect of U-50488. Consistent with the reduced seizure threshold, prodynorphin knockout mice showed faster seizure onset and a prolonged time of seizure activity after intracisternal injection of kainic acid. Three weeks after local injection of kainic acid into the stratum radiatum CA1 of the dorsal hippocampus, prodynorphin knockout mice displayed an increased extent of granule cell layer dispersion and neuronal loss along the rostrocaudal axis of the ipsi- and partially also of the contralateral hippocampus. In the classical pentylenetetrazole kindling model, dynorphin-deficient mice showed significantly faster kindling progression with six out of eight animals displaying clonic seizures, while none of the nine wild-types exceeded rating 3 (forelimb clonus). Taken together, our data strongly support a critical role for dynorphin in the regulation of hippocampal excitability, indicating an anticonvulsant role of kappa opioid receptors, thereby providing a potential target for antiepileptic drugs.
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MESH Headings
- 3,4-Dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl)-benzeneacetamide, (trans)-Isomer/pharmacology
- Analgesics/pharmacology
- Animals
- Benzamides/pharmacology
- Cell Count
- Enkephalin, Ala(2)-MePhe(4)-Gly(5)-/pharmacology
- Enkephalins/genetics
- Enkephalins/metabolism
- Enkephalins/physiology
- Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe/metabolism
- Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe/physiopathology
- Guanidines
- Hippocampus/metabolism
- Kindling, Neurologic/metabolism
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Morphinans
- Naltrexone/analogs & derivatives
- Naltrexone/pharmacology
- Nerve Degeneration/metabolism
- Piperazines/pharmacology
- Protein Precursors/genetics
- Protein Precursors/metabolism
- Protein Precursors/physiology
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/physiology
- Synaptic Transmission/physiology
- Time Factors
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Loacker
- Department of Pharmacology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
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28
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Kaminski RM, Witkin JM, Shippenberg TS. Pharmacological and genetic manipulation of kappa opioid receptors: Effects on cocaine- and pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsions and seizure kindling. Neuropharmacology 2007; 52:895-903. [PMID: 17126860 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2006.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2006] [Revised: 10/11/2006] [Accepted: 10/12/2006] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The present study used pharmacological and gene ablation techniques to examine the involvement of kappa opioid receptors (KOPr) in modulating the convulsant effects of two mechanistically different drugs: cocaine and pentylenetetrazol (PTZ; GABA-A receptor antagonist) in mice. Systemic administration of the selective KOPr-1 agonist, U69593 (0.16-0.6mg/kg; s.c.), failed to modify cocaine-evoked convulsions or cocaine kindling. Similarly, no alteration in responsiveness to cocaine was observed in wild-type mice that received the selective KOPr-1 antagonist, nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI; 5mg/kg) or in mice lacking the gene encoding KOPr-1. In contrast to cocaine, U69593 attenuated the seizures induced by acute or repeated PTZ administration. Nor-BNI decreased the threshold for PTZ-evoked seizures and increased seizure incidence during the initial induction of kindling relative to controls. Decreased thresholds for PTZ-induced seizures were also observed in KOPr-1 knock out mice. Together, these data demonstrate an involvement of endogenous KOPr systems in modulating vulnerability to the convulsant effects of PTZ but not cocaine. Furthermore, they demonstrate that KOPr-1 activation protects against acute and kindled seizures induced by this convulsant. Finally, the results of our study suggest that KOPr-1 antagonists will not have therapeutic utility against cocaine-induced seizures, while they may prove beneficial in attenuating several actions of cocaine that have been linked to its abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafal M Kaminski
- Integrative Neuroscience Section, Behavioral Neuroscience Branch, NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, 5500 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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29
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Solbrig MV, Adrian R, Wechsler SL, Koob GF. Activators of potassium M currents have anticonvulsant actions in two rat models of encephalitis. Eur J Pharmacol 2006; 555:23-9. [PMID: 17126318 PMCID: PMC2981072 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2006.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2006] [Revised: 09/29/2006] [Accepted: 10/02/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Opioid systems in hippocampus regulate excitability and kappa opioids have a role in anticonvulsant protection, but their mechanisms of action are incompletely understood. We examined the ability of opioid and nonopioid agents with overlapping ionic mechanisms and actions similar to kappa opioid agonists, to block seizures in rat models of encephalitis due to Borna Disease virus and Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1. Naltrindole, a delta antagonist and thus a kappa opioid sparing agent, (10 mg/kg s.c.) blocked spontaneous and naloxone (opioid antagonist)-induced seizures in the models, but produced somatic signs similar to opioid withdrawal. Given that delta antagonists as well as kappa opioid agonists in hippocampus enhance potassium M currents (I(M)), we tested the effect of the I(M) augmenter flupirtine. Flupirtine (20 mg/kg i.p.) prevented seizures in Borna and herpes infected rats, without signs of withdrawal, hypotonia or sedation. The results support the efficacy of opioid and nonopioid drugs in modulating naloxone-induced seizures in critical illness due to viral encephalitis and by analogy, opioid withdrawal seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marylou V Solbrig
- Department of Neurology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-4292 USA.
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30
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Solbrig MV, Adrian R, Chang DY, Perng GC. Viral risk factor for seizures: Pathobiology of dynorphin in herpes simplex viral (HSV-1) seizures in an animal model. Neurobiol Dis 2006; 23:612-20. [PMID: 16843674 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2006.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2006] [Revised: 04/13/2006] [Accepted: 05/18/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Up to 89% of patients with herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) encephalitis can have seizures. Possibly, viruses are environmental triggers for seizures in genetically vulnerable individuals. Inherited dynorphin promoter polymorphisms are associated with temporal lobe epilepsy and febrile seizures in man. In animals, the dynorphin system in the hippocampus regulates excitability. The hypothesis that reduced dynorphin expression in dentate gyrus of hippocampus due to HSV-1 infection leads to epileptic responses was tested in a rat model of HSV-1 encephalitis using EEG recording, histopathological and neuropharmacologic probes. HSV-1 infection causes loss of dynorphin A-like immunoreactivity in hippocampus, an effect independent of direct viral interference and cell loss. A kappa opioid receptor agonist U50488 effectively blocks ictal activity, linking absence of dynorphin to propensity for epileptic activity. These findings show a vulnerability of hippocampal dynorphin during infection, suggesting a neurochemical basis for seizures that may be generalizable to other encephalitic viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marylou V Solbrig
- Department of Neurology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4292, USA.
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31
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Solbrig MV, Adrian R, Baratta J, Lauterborn JC, Koob GF. Kappa opioid control of seizures produced by a virus in an animal model. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 129:642-54. [PMID: 16399805 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awl008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy remains a major medical problem of unknown aetiology. Potentially, viruses can be environmental triggers for development of seizures in genetically vulnerable individuals. An estimated half of encephalitis patients experience seizures and approximately 4% develop status epilepticus. Epilepsy vulnerability has been associated with a dynorphin promoter region polymorphism or low dynorphin expression genotype, in man. In animals, the dynorphin system in the hippocampus is known to regulate excitability. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that reduced dynorphin expression in the dentate gyrus of hippocampus due to periadolescent virus exposure leads to epileptic responses. Encephalitis produced by the neurotropic Borna disease virus in the rat caused epileptic responses and dynorphin to disappear via dentate granule cell loss, failed neurogenesis and poor survival of new neurons. Kappa opioid (dynorphin) agonists prevented the behavioural and electroencephalographic seizures produced by convulsant compounds, and these effects were associated with an absence of dynorphin from the dentate gyrus granule cell layer and upregulation of enkephalin in CA1 interneurons, thus reproducing a neurochemical marker of epilepsy, namely low dynorphin tone. A key role for kappa opioids in anticonvulsant protection provides a framework for exploration of viral and other insults that increase seizure vulnerability and may provide insights into potential interventions for treatment of epilepsy.
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MESH Headings
- 3,4-Dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl)-benzeneacetamide, (trans)-Isomer/therapeutic use
- Animals
- Blotting, Northern
- Borna Disease/complications
- Borna Disease/metabolism
- Borna Disease/pathology
- Cell Survival
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dynorphins/metabolism
- Dynorphins/physiology
- Electroencephalography
- Encephalitis, Viral/complications
- Encephalitis, Viral/metabolism
- Encephalitis, Viral/pathology
- Enkephalins/metabolism
- Hippocampus/metabolism
- Male
- Naloxone
- Narcotic Antagonists
- Neurons/pathology
- Rats
- Rats, Inbred Lew
- Receptors, Opioid, kappa/agonists
- Seizures/chemically induced
- Seizures/metabolism
- Seizures/prevention & control
- Seizures/virology
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Affiliation(s)
- Marylou V Solbrig
- Department of Neurology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4292, USA.
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32
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Abstract
K(+) channels play a crucial role in regulating the excitability of neurons. Many K(+) channels are, in turn, regulated by neurotransmitters. One of the first neurotransmitter-regulated channels to be identified, some 25 years ago, was the M channel. This was categorized as such because its activity was inhibited through stimulation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. M channels are now known to be composed of subunits of the Kv7 (KCNQ) K(+) channel family. However, until recently, the link between the receptors and the channels has remained elusive. Here, we summarize recent developments that have begun to clarify this link and discuss their implications for physiology and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Delmas
- Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie Cellulaire, UMR 6150 CNRS, Faculté de Médecine, IFR Jean Roche, Bd. Pierre Dramard, 13916 Marseille Cedex 20, France.
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Guo M, Xu NJ, Li YT, Yang JY, Wu CF, Pei G. Morphine modulates glutamate release in the hippocampal CA1 area in mice. Neurosci Lett 2005; 381:12-5. [PMID: 15882781 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2005.01.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2004] [Revised: 12/17/2004] [Accepted: 01/25/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Opiate abuse is associated with long-lasting neural adaptative changes in the brain. Increasing evidence demonstrates that opiates significantly alter the function of the glutamatergic system, while how the system is regulated still remains elusive. In the present study, we studied the effect of morphine on extracellular glutamate concentration in the hippocampus, a nucleus rich of the glutamatergic neurons. The results showed that glutamate concentration in the extracellular fluid of the hippocampus was decreased following either acute or chronic treatment of morphine. However, naloxone-induced withdrawal increased glutamate concentration significantly. These results suggest an adaptation of the glutamatergic neuronal transmission in the hippocampus after morphine treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China
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34
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Taverna FA, Georgiou J, McDonald RJ, Hong NS, Kraev A, Salter MW, Takeshima H, Muller RU, Roder JC. Defective place cell activity in nociceptin receptor knockout mice with elevated NMDA receptor-dependent long-term potentiation. J Physiol 2005; 565:579-91. [PMID: 15774528 PMCID: PMC1464524 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2004.081802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 02/06/2005] [Accepted: 03/17/2005] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that NMDA receptor-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus mediates the synaptic plasticity that underlies spatial learning and memory. LTP deficiencies correlate well with spatial memory deficits and LTP enhancements may improve spatial memory. In addition, LTP deficiencies are associated with abnormal place cells as expected from the spatial mapping hypothesis of hippocampal function. In contrast, nothing is known on how enhanced NMDA receptor-dependent LTP affects place cells. To address this question we recorded place cells from mice lacking the nociceptin receptor (NOP1/ORL1/OP4) that have enhanced hippocampal LTP. We found that the enhanced LTP was mediated by NMDA receptors, did not require L-type calcium channels, and occurred only when high frequency tetanizing stimulus trains were used. Place cells in nociceptin receptor knockout mice were abnormal in several ways: they were less stable, had noisier positional firing patterns, larger firing fields and higher discharge rates inside and outside the firing fields. Our results suggest that excessive LTP can cause subnormal hippocampal place cell function. The effects of LTP enhancement on place cell function may therefore also depend on molecular details of synaptic plasticity, including the relationship between stimulus frequency and synaptic strength, and not merely on the magnitude of synaptic strength increases. The data have important clinical implications on development of strategies to improve cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco A Taverna
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, 600 University Avenue Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X5.
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35
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Feng Y, Chao DM, Li WM, Cao YX, Wang YQ, Wu GC. Inhibition of nociceptin/orphanin FQ on penicillin-induced seizures in rats. Brain Res 2004; 1020:214-9. [PMID: 15312806 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2004.05.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2004] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The opioid peptides were thought to be involved in specific types of seizures. Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (NC) is the endogenous ligand of the nociceptin opioid peptide (NOP) receptor and may play a role in epilepsy. However, accumulated evidences indicated that NC had both anti- and pro-convulsive effects, and the direct effect of NC in modulating epilepsy in the hippocampus still remained unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of NC on penicillin-induced seizures (PIS) in rats. Seizure model was produced by intra-hippocampus injection of penicillin in anesthetized rats. The electroencephalography (EEG) was then observed and estimated by power spectrum analysis. Pretreatment of NC (intracerebroventricular, i.c.v.) depressed PIS in a dose-dependent manner at doses of 0.055, 0.55 and 5.5 nmol in 2 microl saline, respectively. [Nphe1]Nociceptin(1-13)NH2, a selective NOP receptor antagonist reversed the effect of NC against PIS, and this antagonist was inactive to PIS itself. These results indicated that NC had a receptor-specific preventive effect against PIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Feng
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institute of Acupuncture Research, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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36
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Abstract
Epilepsy is a significant health problem. Despite the widespread use of both classic and newer pharmacological agents that target ion channels, amino acid transmission or receptors, there are numerous examples of mono- or polytherapy being ineffective. Seizures that are secondary to CNS infections are among the most refractory medically, and thus insult-specific agents are desirable. Recently, the study of the neuropharmacological actions of dynorphin in CNS viral injury has yielded new insights into epileptogenesis and epilepsy treatment. The opioid neuropeptide dynorphin modulates neuronal excitability in vitro in hippocampal slices and potentiates endogenous anti-ictal (i.e. protective) processes in animal models and humans. This work has renewed interest in the role of dysregulation of dynorphin in the pathogenesis of refractory seizures, including encephalitic seizures. The important role of dynorphin in epilepsy is also supported by new models of symptomatic epilepsies based on viral-induced seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marylou V Solbrig
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4292, USA.
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37
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Schindler CJ, Slamberová R, Rimanóczy A, Hnactzuk OC, Riley MA, Vathy I. Field-specific changes in hippocampal opioid mRNA, peptides, and receptors due to prenatal morphine exposure in adult male rats. Neuroscience 2004; 126:355-64. [PMID: 15207353 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2004.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in the opioid system in the hippocampal formation and some of the possible functional consequences were investigated in adult male rats that were prenatally exposed to either saline or morphine (10 mg/kg twice daily on gestational days 11-18). In situ hybridization and Northern blots were used to measure proenkephalin and prodynorphin mRNA, and radioimmunoassays quantified proenkephalin- and prodynorphin-derived peptide levels in the dentate gyrus, CA3, and CA1 subfields of the hippocampal formation. Prenatal morphine exposure in male rats decreases proenkephalin and increases prodynorphin mRNA selectively in the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus. Similarly, met-enkephalin peptide levels are decreased and dynorphin B peptide levels are increased in the dentate gyrus but not CA3 or CA1 of prenatally morphine-exposed males. In addition, there are decreases in dynorphin-derived peptides in the CA3 subfield. Receptor autoradiography revealed increases in the density of micro but not delta receptor labeling in discrete strata of specific hippocampal subfields in morphine-exposed males. Because alterations in the hippocampal opioid system suggest possible alterations in the excitability of the hippocampal formation, changes in opioid regulation of seizures were examined. Morphine exposure, however, does not alter the latency to onset or number of episodes of wet dog shakes or clonic seizures induced by infusion of 10 nmol [D-Ala2, MePhe4, Gly-ol5]enkephalin into the ventral hippocampal formation. Interestingly, a naloxone (5 mg/kg) injection 30 min before bicuculline administration reverses the increased latency to onset of clonic and tonic-clonic seizures in morphine-exposed males. Thus, the present study suggests that exposure of rats to morphine during early development alters the hippocampal opioid system, suggesting possible consequences for hippocampal-mediated functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Schindler
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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38
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Stumm RK, Zhou C, Schulz S, Höllt V. Neuronal types expressing μ- and δ-opioid receptor mRNA in the rat hippocampal formation. J Comp Neurol 2003; 469:107-18. [PMID: 14689476 DOI: 10.1002/cne.10997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Opioids are thought to control the excitability of hippocampal principal neurons indirectly by inhibiting GABAergic interneurons. However, direct inhibition of hippocampal principal neurons by opioids has also been reported. To understand better the neuromodulatory role of opioids in rat hippocampal circuits, we analyzed types of micro- and delta-opioid receptor (MOR, DOR)-expressing hippocampal neurons. Most MOR-immunoreactive neurons in the granular and pyramidal cell layers exhibited multipolar morphologies characteristic of GABAergic neurons. Virtually all neurons in the hippocampal formation expressing high MOR mRNA levels cocontained the mRNA for glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). Most parvalbumin-, several calretinin-, and several pre-proenkephalin-containing neurons expressed the MOR gene in the hippocampal formation. Expression of high DOR mRNA levels was restricted to GAD-positive neurons in the principal cell layers, oriens layer and hilus. More than 90% of the parvalbumin-positive neurons in the hippocampal formation strongly expressed the DOR gene. Granule cells expressing vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1) mRNA contained very low MOR and DOR transcript levels. In VGLUT1-positive pyramidal cells, weak DOR but no MOR gene expression was detected. Whereas most somatostatinergic hilar neurons were negative for MOR and DOR mRNA, somatostatinergic oriens layer neurons frequently expressed these receptors. Taken together, weak expression of MOR and DOR genes in hippocampal principal cells is in concordance with direct opioid-mediated inhibition of principal cells. However, strong expression of the MOR and DOR genes in the hippocampus is restricted to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurons, with DORs being selectively expressed in the parvalbumin- and somatostatin-containing subpopulations. Activation of MOR and/or DOR in parvalbumin- and somatostatin-containing neurons, which provide GABAergic inhibition to the perisomatic and distal dendritic regions of principal cells, respectively, is likely to facilitate principal cell excitation.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Gene Expression Regulation/physiology
- Hippocampus/metabolism
- Male
- Neurons/classification
- Neurons/metabolism
- Neurons/physiology
- RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Opioid, delta/genetics
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf K Stumm
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Leipziger Strasse 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
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39
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Harrison JM, Allen RG, Pellegrino MJ, Williams JT, Manzoni OJ. Chronic morphine treatment alters endogenous opioid control of hippocampal mossy fiber synaptic transmission. J Neurophysiol 2002; 87:2464-70. [PMID: 11976383 DOI: 10.1152/jn.2002.87.5.2464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic adaptations are thought to be an important component of the consequences of drug abuse. One such adaptation is an up-regulation of adenylyl cyclase that has been shown to increase transmitter release at several inhibitory synapses. In this study the effects of chronic morphine treatment were studied on mossy fiber synapses in the guinea pig hippocampus using extracellular field potential recordings. This opioid-sensitive synapse was chosen because of the known role of the adenylyl cyclase cascade in the regulation of glutamate release. Long-term potentiation (LTP) at the mossy fiber synapse was enhanced after chronic morphine treatment. In control animals, opioid antagonists increased LTP but had no effect in morphine-treated guinea pigs. In contrast, the long-lasting depression of transmission induced by a mGluR agonist and CA1 LTP were not altered. Chronic morphine treatment neither caused tolerance to mu- and kappa-receptor-mediated inhibition at the mossy fiber synapse nor modified total hippocampal dynorphin levels. The results suggest that the phasic inhibition of glutamate transmission mediated by endogenous opioids is reduced after chronic exposure to morphine.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Harrison
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA
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40
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Hippocampal long-term potentiation is reduced by chronic opiate treatment and can be restored by re-exposure to opiates. J Neurosci 2002. [PMID: 11880521 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.22-05-01914.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic exposure to opiates eventually leads to drug addiction, which is believed to involve maladaptive changes in brain function, but the underlying neuronal mechanisms remain primarily unknown. Given the known effects of opiates such as morphine and heroin on hippocampal function, we investigated the potential effect of chronic opiate treatment on long-term potentiation (LTP) at CA1 synapses in rat hippocampus, a leading experimental model for studying synaptic plasticity. Our results revealed that chronic exposure of rats to morphine or heroin, which induced severe drug tolerance and dependence, markedly reduced the capacity of hippocampal CA1 LTP during the period of drug withdrawal (from approximately 190% in control to approximately 120%). More interestingly, the capacity of LTP could be restored to the normal level by re-exposure of the animals to opiates, indicating that the synaptic function was already adapted to opiates. Morris water maze test, which measures behavioral consequences of synaptic plasticity, showed parallel learning deficits after chronic exposure to opiates. Moreover, the opiate-reduced LTP could also be restored by inhibitors of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA), suggesting that upregulation of cAMP pathway was likely one of the underlying mechanisms of the observed phenomena. These findings demonstrated that chronic opiate treatment can significantly modulate synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, leading to an opiate dependence of the plasticity.
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41
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M channel KCNQ2 subunits are localized to key sites for control of neuronal network oscillations and synchronization in mouse brain. J Neurosci 2002. [PMID: 11739564 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.21-24-09529.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the potassium channel subunit KCNQ2 lead to benign familial neonatal convulsions, a dominantly inherited form of generalized epilepsy. In heterologous cells, KCNQ2 expression yields voltage-gated potassium channels that activate slowly (tau, approximately 0.1 sec) at subthreshold membrane potentials. KCNQ2 associates with KCNQ3, a homolog, to form heteromeric channels responsible for the M current (I(M)) in superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons. Muscarinic acetylcholine and peptidergic receptors inhibit SCG I(M), causing slow EPSPs and enhancing excitability. Here, we use KCNQ2N antibodies, directed against a conserved N-terminal portion of the KCNQ2 polypeptide, to localize KCNQ2-containing channels throughout mouse brain. We show that KCNQ2N immunoreactivity, although widespread, is particularly concentrated at key sites for control of rhythmic neuronal activity and synchronization. In the basal ganglia, we find KCNQ2N immunoreactivity on somata of dopaminergic and parvalbumin (PV)-positive (presumed GABAergic) cells of the substantia nigra, cholinergic large aspiny neurons of the striatum, and GABAergic and cholinergic neurons of the globus pallidus. In the septum, GABAergic, purinergic, and cholinergic neurons that contribute to the septohippocampal and septohabenular pathways exhibit somatic KCNQ2 labeling. In the thalamus, GABAergic nucleus reticularis neurons that regulate thalamocortical oscillations show strong labeling. In the hippocampus, many PV-positive and additional PV-negative interneurons exhibit strong somatic staining, but labeling of pyramidal and dentate granule somata is weak. There is strong neuropil staining in many regions. In some instances, notably the hippocampal mossy fibers, evidence indicates this neuropil staining is presynaptic.
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42
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Kearns IR, Morton RA, Bulters DO, Davies CH. Opioid receptor regulation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor-mediated synaptic responses in the hippocampus. Neuropharmacology 2001; 41:565-73. [PMID: 11587711 DOI: 10.1016/s0028-3908(01)00108-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A common feature of many synapses is their regulation by neurotransmitters other than those released from the presynaptic terminal. This aspect of synaptic transmission is often mediated by activation of G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and has been most extensively studied at amino acid-mediated synapses where ligand gated receptors mediate the postsynaptic signal. Here we have investigated how opioid receptors modulate synaptic transmission mediated by muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurones. Using a cocktail of glutamate and gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA) receptor antagonists a slow pirenzepine-sensitive excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP(M)) that was associated with a small increase in cell input resistance could be evoked in isolation. This response was enhanced by the acetylcholine (ACh) esterase inhibitor physostigmine (1 microM) and depressed by the vesicular ACh transport inhibitor vesamicol (50 microM). The mu-opioid receptor agonists DAMGO (1-5 microM) and etonitazene (100 nM), but not the delta- and kappa-opioid receptor selective agonists DTLET (1 microM) and U-50488 (1 microM), potentiated this EPSP(M) (up to 327%) without affecting cell membrane potential or input resistance; an effect that was totally reversed by naloxone (5 microM). In contrast, postsynaptic depolarizations and increases in cell input resistance evoked by carbachol (3 microM) were unaffected by DAMGO (1-5 microM) but were abolished by atropine (1 microM). Taken together these data provide good evidence for a mu-opioid receptor-mediated presynaptic enhancement of mAChR-mediated EPSPs in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurones.
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Affiliation(s)
- I R Kearns
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Edinburgh, 1 George Square, Scotland EH8 9JZ, Edinburgh, UK
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43
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Abstract
The opiate-like peptide nociceptin/orphanin FQ (Noc) and its receptor [opiate receptor-like receptor (ORL-1)] are highly expressed in the hippocampus. Noc has inhibitory postsynaptic actions in CA1, CA3, and the dentate and seems to lack the disinhibitory, excitatory actions demonstrated for some opiate peptides in the hippocampus. The CA3 hippocampal region is important in the generation of hippocampal seizures. Therefore, we tested the action of Noc on spontaneous epileptiform activity recorded extracellularly or intracellularly in CA3 and generated by removal of Mg(2+) from the bathing solution or by raising extracellular K(+) from 3.5 to 7.5 mm. Superfusion of Noc robustly depressed spontaneous bursting without desensitization. The ORL-1 antagonist [Phe(1)Psi(CH(2)-NH)Gly(2)]NC(1-13)NH(2) (1-2 microm) greatly attenuated the reduction of spontaneous bursting by Noc. To characterize the cellular mechanism of action of Noc, we recorded intracellularly from CA3 pyramidal neurons. Noc reduced EPSCs evoked by stimulating either mossy or associational/commissural fibers. Analysis of miniature EPSCs using whole-cell voltage-clamp recording suggests that Noc acts presynaptically to inhibit glutamate release. This is the first demonstration of a presynaptic effect for Noc in the hippocampus. Noc also increased K(+) currents in CA3 pyramidal neurons, including the voltage-sensitive M-current. Blocking the M-current with linopirdine increased the duration of individual CA3 bursts but did not attenuate Noc-mediated inhibition of bursting. Thus, Noc acts via multiple mechanisms to reduce excitation in CA3. However, Noc inhibition of epileptiform events is not dependent on augmentation of the M-current.
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44
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Williams JT, Christie MJ, Manzoni O. Cellular and synaptic adaptations mediating opioid dependence. Physiol Rev 2001; 81:299-343. [PMID: 11152760 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.2001.81.1.299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 602] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Although opioids are highly effective for the treatment of pain, they are also known to be intensely addictive. There has been a massive research investment in the development of opioid analgesics, resulting in a plethora of compounds with varying affinity and efficacy at all the known opioid receptor subtypes. Although compounds of extremely high potency have been produced, the problem of tolerance to and dependence on these agonists persists. This review centers on the adaptive changes in cellular and synaptic function induced by chronic morphine treatment. The initial steps of opioid action are mediated through the activation of G protein-linked receptors. As is true for all G protein-linked receptors, opioid receptors activate and regulate multiple second messenger pathways associated with effector coupling, receptor trafficking, and nuclear signaling. These events are critical for understanding the early events leading to nonassociative tolerance and dependence. Equally important are associative and network changes that affect neurons that do not have opioid receptors but that are indirectly altered by opioid-sensitive cells. Finally, opioids and other drugs of abuse have some common cellular and anatomical pathways. The characterization of common pathways affected by different drugs, particularly after repeated treatment, is important in the understanding of drug abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- J T Williams
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA.
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45
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Abstract
This paper is the twenty-second installment of the annual review of research concerning the opiate system. It summarizes papers published during 1999 that studied the behavioral effects of the opiate peptides and antagonists, excluding the purely analgesic effects, although stress-induced analgesia is included. The specific topics covered this year include stress; tolerance and dependence; learning, memory, and reward; eating and drinking; alcohol and other drugs of abuse; sexual activity, pregnancy, and development; mental illness and mood; seizures and other neurologic disorders; electrical-related activity; general activity and locomotion; gastrointestinal, renal, and hepatic function; cardiovascular responses; respiration and thermoregulation; and immunologic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Vaccarino
- Department of Psychology, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70148, USA.
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46
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Halasy K, Rácz B, Maderspach K. Kappa opioid receptors are expressed by interneurons in the CA1 area of the rat hippocampus: a correlated light and electron microscopic immunocytochemical study. J Chem Neuroanat 2000; 19:233-41. [PMID: 11036240 DOI: 10.1016/s0891-0618(00)00068-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
A local GABA-system is known to have a mediatory function between several afferents and the principal cells of the hippocampus. This study examines the distribution and fine structure of kappa opioid receptor-immunoreactive elements in the CA1 subfield and reveals some new aspects concerning the structural basis of opioid-GABA interaction in the rat hippocampal formation. Kappa receptors were visualized immunocytochemically with a previously produced and characterized monoclonal antibody, the mAb KA8 (Maderspach, K., Németh, K., Simon, J., Benyhe, S., Szûcs, M., Wollemann, M., 1991. A monoclonal antibody recognizing kappa-, but not mu- and delta-opioid receptors. J. Neurochem. 56, 1897-1904). The antibody selectively recognizes the kappa opioid receptor with preference to the kappa(2) subtype. Neuronal cell bodies, proximal dendrites and occasionally glial processes surrounding neuronal perikarya were labelled in the CA1 area. The immunopositive cells were present mainly in the stratum oriens, followed by the stratum pyramidale in a rostrocaudally increasing number. Their shape was fusiform, or multipolar. Occasionally kappa receptor-immunoreactive boutons surrounding weakly immunopositive somata were also observed. Electron microscopy of immunopositive neurons showed that the DAB labelling was intensive in the perinuclear cytoplasm. The widths and electron densities of the postsynaptic densities of some axosomatic synapses were remarkably increased. Similar increase of postsynaptic densities were observable at some axodendritic and axospinous synapses. On the basis of their location and fine structural properties the labelled cells are suggested to be GABAergic inhibitory interneurons, probably belonging to the somatostatinergic sub-population. The axons of these inhibitory interneurons are known to arborize in the stratum lacunosum-moleculare where the entorhinal afferents terminate. A modulatory effect of opioids on the entorhinal input, mediated by somatostatinergic interneurons is suggested
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Affiliation(s)
- K Halasy
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, István u.2., 1078, Budapest, Hungary.
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Madamba SG, Schweitzer P, Siggins GR. Nociceptin augments K(+) currents in hippocampal CA1 neurons by both ORL-1 and opiate receptor mechanisms. J Neurophysiol 1999; 82:1776-85. [PMID: 10515967 DOI: 10.1152/jn.1999.82.4.1776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously reported (see also the accompanying paper) that dynorphin A significantly enhanced the voltage-dependent K(+) M-current (I(M)) in CA3 and CA1 hippocampal pyramidal neurons (HPNs). Because the opioid-receptor-like-1 (ORL-1) receptor shares a high sequence homology with opioid receptors and is expressed in rat hippocampus, we examined the effects of orphanin FQ or nociceptin, the endogenous ligand for the ORL-1 receptor, using the rat hippocampal slice preparation and intracellular voltage-clamp recording. Current-voltage (I-V) relationships from CA1 HPNs revealed that nociceptin superfusion induced an outward current reversing near the equilibrium potential for K(+) ions. Ba(2+) (2 mM) blocked this effect. The nociceptin-induced current was largest at depolarized membrane potentials, where I(M) is largely activated. Nociceptin concentrations of 0.5-1 microM (but not 0.1 microM) significantly increased I(M) relaxation amplitudes with recovery on washout. Interestingly, both the general opiate antagonist naloxone and the kappa receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (nBNI) inhibited the nociceptin-induced I(M) increases and outward currents in the depolarized range but not the inward current induced at hyperpolarized potentials. The putative ORL-1 receptor antagonist, [Phe(1)Psi(CH(2)-NH)Gly(2)]NC(1-13)NH(2) (hereafter ORLAn), blocked most of the nociceptin current near rest but not the I(M) increase. However, ORLAn alone had direct effects similar to those of nociceptin, indicating that ORLAn might be a partial agonist. Our results suggest that nociceptin postsynaptically modulates the excitability of HPNs through ORL-1 and kappa-like opiate receptors linked to different K(+) channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- S G Madamba
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Neuropharmacology, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
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