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Colettis N, Higgs J, Wasowski C, Knez D, Gobec S, Pastore V, Marder M. 3,3-Dibromoflavanone, a synthetic flavonoid derivative for pain management with antidepressant-like effects and fewer side effects than those of morphine in mice. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 402:111189. [PMID: 39121896 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.111189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
In the pursuit of new lead compounds with fewer side effects than opioids, the novel synthetic phytochemical core, 3,3-dibromoflavanone (3,3-DBF), has emerged as a promising candidate for pain management. Acute assays demonstrated dose-dependent central and peripheral antinociceptive activity of 3,3-DBF through the μ-opioid receptor. This study aimed to explore repeated administration effects of 3,3-DBF in mice and compare them with morphine. Mice were treated with 3,3-DBF (30 mg/kg), morphine (6 mg/kg), or vehicle for 10 days, alongside single-treatment groups. Unlike morphine, 3,3-DBF demonstrated antinociceptive effects in the hot plate test without inducing tolerance. Locomotor activity and motor coordination tests (evaluated through the inverted screen and rotarod tests) revealed no significant differences between the 3,3-DBF-treated and control groups. The gastrointestinal transit assay indicated that 3,3-DBF did not induce constipation, in contrast to morphine. Furthermore, withdrawal signs assessed with the Gellert-Holtzman scale were not comparable to morphine. Additionally, 3,3-DBF exhibited antidepressant-like activity, reducing immobility time in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests, akin to imipramine. In summary, 3,3-DBF demonstrated antinociceptive effects without inducing tolerance or dependence and exhibited antidepressant properties. These findings highlight the potential of 3,3-DBF as a promising therapeutic agent for pain management and its comorbidities, offering advantages over morphine by minimizing side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Colettis
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Laboratorio de Neuro-Fito-Farmacología Medicinal, Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas Prof. Dr. Alejandro C. Paladini, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Junín 956 (C1113AAD), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Josefina Higgs
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Laboratorio de Neuro-Fito-Farmacología Medicinal, Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas Prof. Dr. Alejandro C. Paladini, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Junín 956 (C1113AAD), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Cristina Wasowski
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Laboratorio de Neuro-Fito-Farmacología Medicinal, Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas Prof. Dr. Alejandro C. Paladini, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Junín 956 (C1113AAD), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Damijan Knez
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Stanislav Gobec
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva 7, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Valentina Pastore
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Laboratorio de Neuro-Fito-Farmacología Medicinal, Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas Prof. Dr. Alejandro C. Paladini, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Junín 956 (C1113AAD), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Mariel Marder
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Laboratorio de Neuro-Fito-Farmacología Medicinal, Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas Prof. Dr. Alejandro C. Paladini, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Junín 956 (C1113AAD), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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2
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Yu Y, Tsang QK, Jaramillo-Polanco J, Lomax AE, Vanner SJ, Reed DE. Cannabinoid 1 and mu-Opioid Receptor Agonists Synergistically Inhibit Abdominal Pain and Lack Side Effects in Mice. J Neurosci 2022; 42:6313-6324. [PMID: 35790401 PMCID: PMC9398536 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0641-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
While effective in treating abdominal pain, opioids have significant side effects. Recent legalization of cannabis will likely promote use of cannabinoids as an adjunct or alternative to opioids, despite a lack of evidence. We aimed to investigate whether cannabinoids inhibit mouse colonic nociception, alone or in combination with opioids at low doses. Experiments were performed on C57BL/6 male and female mice. Visceral nociception was evaluated by measuring visceromotor responses (VMR), afferent nerve mechanosensitivity in flat-sheet colon preparations, and excitability of isolated DRG neurons. Blood oxygen saturation, locomotion, and defecation were measured to evaluate side effects. An agonist of cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R), arachidonyl-2'-chloroethylamide (ACEA), dose-dependently decreased VMR. ACEA and HU-210 (another CB1R agonist) also attenuated colonic afferent nerve mechanosensitivity. Additionally, HU-210 concentration-dependently decreased DRG neuron excitability, which was reversed by the CB1R antagonist AM-251. Conversely, cannabinoid 2 receptor (CB2R) agonists did not attenuate VMR, afferent nerve mechanosensitivity, or DRG neuron excitability. Combination of subanalgesic doses of CB1R and µ-opioid receptor agonists decreased VMR; importantly, this analgesic effect was preserved after 6 d of twice daily treatment. This combination also attenuated afferent nerve mechanosensitivity and DRG neuron excitability, which was inhibited by neuronal nitric oxide synthase and guanylate cyclase inhibitors. This combination avoided side effects (decreased oxygen saturation and colonic transit) caused by analgesic dose of morphine. Activation of CB1R, but not CB2R, decreased colonic nociception both alone and in synergy with µ-opioid receptor. Thus, CB1R agonists may enable opioid dose reduction and avoid opioid-related side effects.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT One of the most cited needs for patients with abdominal pain are safe and effective treatment options. The effectiveness of opioids in the management of abdominal pain is undermined by severe adverse side effects. Therefore, strategies to replace opioids or reduce the doses of opioids to suppress abdominal pain is needed. This study in mice demonstrates that cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) agonists inhibit visceral sensation. Furthermore, a combination of subanalgesic doses of µ-opioid receptor agonist and CB1R agonist markedly reduce abdominal pain without causing the side effects of high-dose opioids. Thus, CB1R agonists, alone or in combination with low-dose opioids, may be a novel and safe treatment strategy for abdominal pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Unit, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 2V7, Canada
| | - Quentin K Tsang
- Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Unit, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 2V7, Canada
| | - Josue Jaramillo-Polanco
- Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Unit, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 2V7, Canada
| | - Alan E Lomax
- Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Unit, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 2V7, Canada
| | - Stephen J Vanner
- Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Unit, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 2V7, Canada
| | - David E Reed
- Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Unit, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 2V7, Canada
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3
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Rodrigues RF, Fulco BCW, Nogueira CW. m-CF 3-substituted diphenyl diselenide attenuates all phases of morphine-induced behavioral locomotor sensitization in mice. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2022; 69:126889. [PMID: 34798514 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2021.126889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Behavioral sensitization, thought to underlie some aspects of drug dependence, is typically measured as increased locomotion in response to repeated administration of a drug. The study aimed to investigate the (m-CF3-PhSe)2 effects on the acquisition, withdrawal, and re-exposure phases of morphine-induced behavioral locomotor sensitization. METHODS Swiss male mice were treated with saline or morphine at 10 mg/kg twice a day for 3 days; those of the morphine group were kept in the morphine withdrawal period (5 days). On day 9, mice were re-exposed to morphine. (m-CF3-PhSe)2 (10 mg/kg) or vehicle was administered at all phases of morphine protocol, and mice performed locomotor activity test. Oxidative stress markers and the levels of opioid, dopamine, and glutamate receptors were determined in samples of the cerebral cortex. (m-CF3-PhSe)2 administered at all phases of protocol attenuated morphine-induced locomotor sensitization. RESULTS Mice exposed to morphine showed reduced weight gain and increased locomotor activity, but (m-CF3-PhSe)2 treatment attenuates the weight gain and behavioral hyperlocomotion effects. (m-CF3-PhSe)2, independent of the administration phase, modulated the increase of opioidergic (MOR, DOR, KOR) and glutamatergic (NMDA 2A and 2B) protein contents and attenuated redox imbalance in the cerebral cortex of mice exposed to morphine. However, (m-CF3-PhSe)2 did not modulate cortical protein levels of dopaminergic (D1 and D2) receptors in the acquisition phase of morphine-induced locomotor sensitization protocol. CONCLUSION (m-CF3-PhSe)2 was effective against the behavioral and molecular alterations caused by morphine at all phases of locomotor sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata F Rodrigues
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Bruna C W Fulco
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Cristina W Nogueira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil.
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4
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Ahmadian-Moghadam H, Sadat-Shirazi MS, Seifi F, Niknamfar S, Akbarabadi A, Toolee H, Zarrindast MR. Transgenerational influence of parental morphine exposure on pain perception, anxiety-like behavior and passive avoidance memory among male and female offspring of Wistar rats. EXCLI JOURNAL 2019; 18:1019-1036. [PMID: 31762726 PMCID: PMC6868917 DOI: 10.17179/excli2019-1845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that epigenetic mechanisms play an important role in the formation and maintenance of memory within the brain. Moreover, the effect of parental drug-exposure before gestation on behavioral state of offspring has been little studied. The main objective of the current study is to evaluate the effect of parental morphine exposure on avoidance memory, morphine preference and anxiety-like behavior of offspring. The total of 32 males and 32 females were used for mating. The animals were treated with morphine. The offspring according to their parental morphine treatment was divided into four groups (n=16) including paternally treated, maternally treated, both of parents treated and naïve animals. The pain perception, anxiety-like behavior, and avoidance memory were evaluated in the offspring. In the current study, the total of 256 offspring was used for the experiments (4 tasks × 4 groups of offspring × 8 female offspring × 8 male offspring). The finding revealed that the avoidance memory and visceral pain were reduced significantly in male and female offspring with at least one morphine-treated parent. Moreover, anxiety-like behavior was reduced significantly in the male offspring with at least one morphine-treated parent. While anxiety-like behavior was increased significantly in female offspring that were treated by morphine either maternally or both of parents. The data revealed that the endogenous opioid system may be altered in the offspring of morphine-treated parent(s), and epigenetic role could be important. However, analysis of variance signified the important role of maternal inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Ahmadian-Moghadam
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Fereshteh Seifi
- Biology Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saba Niknamfar
- Biology Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ardeshir Akbarabadi
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Garmsar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Garmsar, Iran
| | - Heidar Toolee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
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Hamidkhaniha S, Bashiri H, Omidi A, Hosseini‐Chegeni A, Tavangar SM, Sabouri S, Montazeri H, Sahebgharani M. Effect of pretreatment with intracerebroventricular injection of minocycline on morphine‐induced memory impairment in passive avoidance test: Role of P‐
CREB
and c‐Fos expression in the dorsal hippocampus and basolateral amygdala regions. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2019; 46:711-722. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shokouh Hamidkhaniha
- Department of Pharmacology School of Medicine Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Hamideh Bashiri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Afzalipour School of Medicine Kerman University of Medical Sciences Kerman Iran
| | - Ameneh Omidi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences Medical Sciences Faculty Tarbiat Modares University Tehran Iran
| | | | - Seyed Mohammad Tavangar
- Department of Pathology Dr. Shariati Hospital Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Salehe Sabouri
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Faculty of Pharmacy Kerman University of Medical Sciences Kerman Iran
| | - Hamed Montazeri
- School of Pharmacy‐ International Campus Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Mousa Sahebgharani
- Department of Pharmacology School of Medicine Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
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6
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Increased calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II activity by morphine-sensitization in rat hippocampus. Behav Brain Res 2014; 267:74-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2013] [Revised: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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7
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Dopamine Involved in the Nociceptive Modulation in the Parafascicular Nucleus of Morphine-Dependent Rat. Neurochem Res 2011; 37:428-35. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-011-0629-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2010] [Revised: 06/27/2011] [Accepted: 10/01/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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8
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Wong K, Elegante M, Bartels B, Elkhayat S, Tien D, Roy S, Goodspeed J, Suciu C, Tan J, Grimes C, Chung A, Rosenberg M, Gaikwad S, Denmark A, Jackson A, Kadri F, Chung KM, Stewart A, Gilder T, Beeson E, Zapolsky I, Wu N, Cachat J, Kalueff AV. Analyzing habituation responses to novelty in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Behav Brain Res 2009; 208:450-7. [PMID: 20035794 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2009.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 302] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2009] [Revised: 12/09/2009] [Accepted: 12/14/2009] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Analysis of habituation is widely used to characterize animal cognitive phenotypes and their modulation. Although zebrafish (Danio rerio) are increasingly utilized in neurobehavioral research, their habituation responses have not been extensively investigated. Utilizing the novel tank test, we examine intra- and inter-session habituation and demonstrate robust habituation responses in adult zebrafish. Analyzing the intra-session habituation to novelty further, we also show that selected anxiogenic drugs (caffeine, pentylenetetrazole), as well as stress-inducing alarm pheromone, attenuated zebrafish habituation. Some acute anxiolytic agents, such as morphine and ethanol, while predictably reducing zebrafish anxiety, had no effects on habituation. Chronic ethanol and fluoxetine treatments improved intra-session habituation in zebrafish. In general, our study parallels literature on rodent habituation responses to novelty, and reconfirms zebrafish as a promising model for cognitive neurobehavioral research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Wong
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University Medical School, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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9
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Xu CM, Wang J, Wu P, Zhu WL, Li QQ, Xue YX, Zhai HF, Shi J, Lu L. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β in the nucleus accumbens core mediates cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization. J Neurochem 2009; 111:1357-68. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06414.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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10
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Effect of Co-administration of Morphine and Cholinergic Antagonists on Y-maze Spatial Recognition Memory Retrieval and Locomotor Activity in Mice. Zool Res 2009. [DOI: 10.3724/sp.j.1141.2008.06613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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11
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Effects of cannabinoids infused into the dorsal hippocampus upon memory formation in 3-days apomorphine-treated rats. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2009; 92:391-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2009.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2008] [Revised: 05/10/2009] [Accepted: 05/13/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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12
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Zarrindast M, Madadi F, Ahmadi S. Repeated administrations of dopamine receptor agents affect lithium-induced state-dependent learning in mice. J Psychopharmacol 2009; 23:645-51. [PMID: 18635706 DOI: 10.1177/0269881108093926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The influence of repeated administration of dopamine receptor agents on the effect of lithium on lithium-induced state-dependent learning was examined in mice. Immediate post-training intraperitoneal (i.p.) administrations of lithium (10 and 20 m/kg) decreased the step-down latency of a single-trial inhibitory avoidance task. This was fully or partly reversed by pre-test administration of the same doses of the drug, with maximum response at the dose of 10 mg/kg, suggesting state-dependent learning was induced by lithium. Here, it has also been shown that repeated intracerebroventricular administrations of a mixed D1/D2 dopamine receptors agonist apomorphine (once daily injections of 0.5 microg/mouse for three consecutive days followed by five days of no drug treatment) increased the effect of lower doses of pre-test lithium (1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg, i.p.) on the reinstatement of the step-down latency decreased by post-training lithium (10 mg/kg). On the contrary, not only repeated administrations of the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390 (0.5 and 1 microg/mouse) but also the dopamine D2 receptor antagonist sulpiride (0.3 and 1 microg/mouse) disrupted the state-dependent learning induced by lithium. These results suggest that state-dependent learning induced by lithium may be altered by repeated pretreatment of dopamine receptor agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mr Zarrindast
- Department of Pharmacology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Sepehrizadeh Z, Bahrololoumi Shapourabadi M, Ahmadi S, Hashemi Bozchlou S, Zarrindast MR, Sahebgharani M. DECREASED AMPA GLuR2, BUT NOT GLuR3, mRNA EXPRESSION IN RAT AMYGDALA AND DORSAL HIPPOCAMPUS FOLLOWING MORPHINE-INDUCED BEHAVIOURAL SENSITIZATION. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2008; 35:1321-30. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1681.2008.05004.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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14
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Sepehrizadeh Z, Sahebgharani M, Ahmadi S, Shapourabadi MB, Bozchlou SH, Zarrindast MR. Morphine-induced behavioral sensitization increased the mRNA expression of NMDA receptor subunits in the rat amygdala. Pharmacology 2008; 81:333-43. [PMID: 18391508 DOI: 10.1159/000122959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2007] [Accepted: 12/02/2007] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
This study was designed to evaluate the effect of repeated morphine treatment on rat behavioral responses. In the genetic section, the mRNA expression of NMDA receptor subunits (NR1 and NR2A) was measured in certain areas of the male rat brain (striatum, prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus and amygdala). In the behavioral section, the effect of repeated morphine treatment on animal models such as locomotion, oral stereotypy, and state-dependent memory in a passive avoidance test was evaluated in the presence or absence of MK801 (NMDA receptor antagonist). Our results showed that chronic morphine treatment, followed by a 7-day (but not 24-hour) washout period, potentiated the effect of test doses of morphine, which is referred to as behavioral sensitization. Meanwhile, pretreatment of animals with MK801 (0.1 and 0.25 mg/kg), 30 min before a test dose of morphine (5 mg/kg), failed to attenuate the locomotion and oral stereotypy in the behavioral sensitization state. Interestingly, a higher dose of MK801 (0.25 mg/kg) decreased memory retrieval induced by morphine (2.5 mg/kg) in state-dependent memory. This effect may be due to the intrinsic motor enhancer property of higher doses of MK801, rather than the blockade of NMDA receptors. It can be concluded that MK801 does not affect morphine-induced behavioral sensitization in the expression phase. In the genetic section of the study, results of quantitative real-time RT-PCR clearly indicated that morphine sensitization increased the expression of NMDA receptor subunits mRNA in the amygdala (NR1 by 104% and NR2A by 85%), while the other areas of the brain were unaffected. Maenwhile, no change in the mRNA levels was observed in non-sensitized animals (chronic morphine treatment followed by a 24-hour washout period). In summary, the present study indicates that repeated morphine treatment followed by long-term (7-day washout) induces behavioral sensitization and causes a delayed increase in mRNA levels of NMDA receptor subunits in the rat amygdala. Meanwhile, it has previously been reported that the amygdala is involved in behavioral sensitization. Thus, it can be concluded that the increase in NMDA receptor expression is associated with morphine-induced behavioral sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zargham Sepehrizadeh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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15
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Abstract
This paper is the 29th consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, now spanning 30 years of research. It summarizes papers published during 2006 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior (Section 2), and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia (Section 3); stress and social status (Section 4); tolerance and dependence (Section 5); learning and memory (Section 6); eating and drinking (Section 7); alcohol and drugs of abuse (Section 8); sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (Section 9); mental illness and mood (Section 10); seizures and neurological disorders (Section 11); electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (Section 12); general activity and locomotion (Section 13); gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (Section 14); cardiovascular responses (Section 15); respiration and thermoregulation (Section 16); and immunological responses (Section 17).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, CUNY, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, United States.
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16
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Zarrindast MR, Parsaei L, Ahmadi S. Repeated Administration of Histamine Improves Memory Retrieval of Inhibitory Avoidance by Lithium in Mice. Pharmacology 2007; 81:187-94. [DOI: 10.1159/000111760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2007] [Accepted: 08/24/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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