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Walker LC, Huckstep KL, Becker HC, Langmead CJ, Lawrence AJ. Targeting muscarinic receptors for the treatment of alcohol use disorders: Opportunities and hurdles for clinical development. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:4385-4398. [PMID: 37005377 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests muscarinic acetylcholine receptors represent novel targets to treat alcohol use disorder. In this review, we draw from literature across medicinal chemistry, molecular biology, addiction and learning/cognition fields to interrogate the proposition for muscarinic receptor ligands in treating various aspects of alcohol use disorder, including cognitive dysfunction, motivation to consume alcohol and relapse. In support of this proposition, we describe cholinergic dysfunction in the pathophysiology of alcohol use disorder at a network level, including alcohol-induced adaptations present in both human post-mortem brains and reverse-translated rodent models. Preclinical behavioural pharmacology implicates specific muscarinic receptors, in particular, M4 and M5 receptors, as potential therapeutic targets worthy of further interrogation. We detail how these receptors can be selectively targeted in vivo by the use of subtype-selective allosteric modulators, a strategy that overcomes the issue of targeting a highly conserved orthosteric site bound by acetylcholine. Finally, we highlight the intense pharma interest in allosteric modulators of muscarinic receptors for other indications that provide an opportunity for repurposing into the alcohol use disorder space and provide some currently unanswered questions as a roadmap for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh C Walker
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kade L Huckstep
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Howard C Becker
- Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Christopher J Langmead
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Neuromedicines Discovery Centre, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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2
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Zhao X, Wang Y, Yi X. Proteomic evidence for seed odor modifying olfaction and spatial memory in a scatter-hoarding animal. Behav Brain Res 2024; 477:115282. [PMID: 39369826 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.115282] [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: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 09/28/2024] [Accepted: 10/02/2024] [Indexed: 10/08/2024]
Abstract
Seed odor plays a crucial role in affecting the scatter-hoarding behavior of small rodents that rely on spatial memory and olfaction to cache and recover. However, evidence of how seed odor modifies olfaction function and spatial memory is still lacking. Here, we coated seeds with waterproof glue to test how seed odor intensity alters the proteome of both the olfactory bulbs and hippocampus of a dominant scatter-hoarding rodent, Leopoldamys edwardsi, in Southwest China. We showed that animals repeatedly caching and recovering weak odor seeds exhibited greater olfactory ability and spatial memory, as indicated by alterations in the protein profiles of the olfactory bulbs and hippocampus. The upregulation of proteins closely related to neural connections between the olfactory bulb and hippocampus is highly responsible for improved olfactory function and spatial memory. Our study provides new insights into how scatter-hoarding rodents manage and respond to cached seeds differing in odor intensity from a neurobiological perspective, which is of significant importance for better understanding the parallel evolution of the olfactory and hippocampal systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
| | - Yingnan Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
| | - Xianfeng Yi
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China.
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3
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Dudzik P, Lustyk K, Pytka K. Beyond dopamine: Novel strategies for schizophrenia treatment. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:2307-2330. [PMID: 38653551 DOI: 10.1002/med.22042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Despite extensive research efforts aimed at discovering novel antipsychotic compounds, a satisfactory pharmacological strategy for schizophrenia treatment remains elusive. All the currently available drugs act by modulating dopaminergic neurotransmission, leading to insufficient management of the negative and cognitive symptoms of the disorder. Due to these challenges, several attempts have been made to design agents with innovative, non-dopaminergic mechanisms of action. Consequently, a number of promising compounds are currently progressing through phases 2 and 3 of clinical trials. This review aims to examine the rationale behind the most promising of these strategies while simultaneously providing a comprehensive survey of study results. We describe the versatility behind the cholinergic neurotransmission modulation through the activation of M1 and M4 receptors, exemplified by the prospective drug candidate KarXT. Our discussion extends to the innovative approach of activating TAAR1 receptors via ulotaront, along with the promising outcomes of iclepertin, a GlyT-1 inhibitor with the potential to become the first treatment option for cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia. Finally, we evaluate the 5-HT2A antagonist paradigm, assessing two recently developed serotonergic agents, pimavanserin and roluperidone. We present the latest advancements in developing novel solutions to the complex challenges posed by schizophrenia, offering an additional perspective on the diverse investigated drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Dudzik
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Klaudia Lustyk
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Karolina Pytka
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
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4
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Balakrishnan AS, Johansen LBE, Lindsley CW, Conn PJ, Thomsen M. Co-stimulation of muscarinic M1 and M4 acetylcholine receptors prevents later cocaine reinforcement in male and female mice, but not place-conditioning. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 134:111079. [PMID: 38950842 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Acute stimulation of M1 or M4 muscarinic cholinergic receptors reduces cocaine abuse-related effects in mice and rats. The combined activation of these receptor subtypes produces synergistic effects on some behavioural endpoints in mice. M1 and M1 + M4 receptor stimulation in a cocaine vs. food choice assay in rats and microdialysis in rats showed delayed and lasting "anticocaine effects". Here, we tested whether these putative lasting neuroplastic changes are sufficient to occlude the reinforcing effects of cocaine at the behavioural level in mice. Mice were pre-treated with the M1 receptor partial agonist VU0364572, M4 receptor positive allosteric modulator VU0152100, or VU0364572 + VU0152100 two weeks prior to acquisition of cocaine intravenous self-administration (IVSA). Male C57BL/6JRj mice received vehicle, VU0364572, VU0152100, or VU0364572 + VU0152100. Female mice were tested with two VU0364572 + VU0152100 dose combinations or vehicle. To attribute potential effects to either reduced rewarding effects or increased aversion to cocaine, we tested VU0364572 alone and VU0364572 + VU0152100 in acquisition of cocaine-conditioned place preference (CPP) in male mice using an unbiased design. The acquisition of cocaine IVSA was drastically reduced and/or slowed in male and female mice receiving VU0364572 + VU0152100, but not either drug alone. Food-maintained operant behaviour was unaffected, indicating that the treatment effects were cocaine-specific. No treatment altered the acquisition of cocaine-CPP, neither in the post-test, nor in a challenge 14 days later. The cocaine IVSA findings confirm unusual long-lasting "anticocaine" effects of muscarinic M1 + M4 receptor stimulation. Thus, in mice, simultaneous stimulation of both receptor subtypes seems to produce potential neuroplastic changes that yield lasting effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Shankar Balakrishnan
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Mental Health Services in the Capital Region of Denmark and Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lærke Bornø Engelhardt Johansen
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Mental Health Services in the Capital Region of Denmark and Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Craig W Lindsley
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - P Jeffrey Conn
- Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Morgan Thomsen
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Mental Health Services in the Capital Region of Denmark and Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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5
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de Bartolomeis A, Ciccarelli M, De Simone G, Mazza B, Barone A, Vellucci L. Canonical and Non-Canonical Antipsychotics' Dopamine-Related Mechanisms of Present and Next Generation Molecules: A Systematic Review on Translational Highlights for Treatment Response and Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065945. [PMID: 36983018 PMCID: PMC10051989 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric illness affecting almost 25 million people worldwide and is conceptualized as a disorder of synaptic plasticity and brain connectivity. Antipsychotics are the primary pharmacological treatment after more than sixty years after their introduction in therapy. Two findings hold true for all presently available antipsychotics. First, all antipsychotics occupy the dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) as an antagonist or partial agonist, even if with different affinity; second, D2R occupancy is the necessary and probably the sufficient mechanism for antipsychotic effect despite the complexity of antipsychotics' receptor profile. D2R occupancy is followed by coincident or divergent intracellular mechanisms, implying the contribution of cAMP regulation, β-arrestin recruitment, and phospholipase A activation, to quote some of the mechanisms considered canonical. However, in recent years, novel mechanisms related to dopamine function beyond or together with D2R occupancy have emerged. Among these potentially non-canonical mechanisms, the role of Na2+ channels at the dopamine at the presynaptic site, dopamine transporter (DAT) involvement as the main regulator of dopamine concentration at synaptic clefts, and the putative role of antipsychotics as chaperones for intracellular D2R sequestration, should be included. These mechanisms expand the fundamental role of dopamine in schizophrenia therapy and may have relevance to considering putatively new strategies for treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS), an extremely severe condition epidemiologically relevant and affecting almost 30% of schizophrenia patients. Here, we performed a critical evaluation of the role of antipsychotics in synaptic plasticity, focusing on their canonical and non-canonical mechanisms of action relevant to the treatment of schizophrenia and their subsequent implication for the pathophysiology and potential therapy of TRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea de Bartolomeis
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Mariateresa Ciccarelli
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Simone
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Benedetta Mazza
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Annarita Barone
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Licia Vellucci
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
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6
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Muscarinic antagonists impair multiple aspects of operant discrimination learning and performance. Neurosci Lett 2023; 794:137025. [PMID: 36529388 PMCID: PMC9812939 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.137025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Acetylcholine signaling can strengthen associations between environmental cues and reward availability. Diverse subtypes (M1-M5) of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) family may have distinct roles in different learning and memory processes, such as encoding cue-reward associations and consolidating these associations in long-term memory. Using an operant discrimination learning task in which mice are trained to nose poke during a tone to receive a food reward, we found that acquisition of the task requires mAChR signaling in the central nervous system. In addition, post-session injections of a broad mAChR antagonist, scopolamine impaired consolidation of the cue-reward memory. Further, after successful learning of a cue-reward contingency across multiple training sessions, mice that received a single pre-session injection of scopolamine were unable to use the learned cue association to receive rewards. Taken together, these data demonstrate distinct roles for muscarinic signaling in acquisition, consolidation and recall of the operant discrimination learning task. Understanding mechanisms underlying natural reward-related responding may provide insight into other maladaptive forms of reward learning such as addiction.
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de Bartolomeis A, Vellucci L, Barone A, Manchia M, De Luca V, Iasevoli F, Correll CU. Clozapine's multiple cellular mechanisms: What do we know after more than fifty years? A systematic review and critical assessment of translational mechanisms relevant for innovative strategies in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 236:108236. [PMID: 35764175 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Almost fifty years after its first introduction into clinical care, clozapine remains the only evidence-based pharmacological option for treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS), which affects approximately 30% of patients with schizophrenia. Despite the long-time experience with clozapine, the specific mechanism of action (MOA) responsible for its superior efficacy among antipsychotics is still elusive, both at the receptor and intracellular signaling level. This systematic review is aimed at critically assessing the role and specific relevance of clozapine's multimodal actions, dissecting those mechanisms that under a translational perspective could shed light on molecular targets worth to be considered for further innovative antipsychotic development. In vivo and in vitro preclinical findings, supported by innovative techniques and methods, together with pharmacogenomic and in vivo functional studies, point to multiple and possibly overlapping MOAs. To better explore this crucial issue, the specific affinity for 5-HT2R, D1R, α2c, and muscarinic receptors, the relatively low occupancy at dopamine D2R, the interaction with receptor dimers, as well as the potential confounder effects resulting in biased ligand action, and lastly, the role of the moiety responsible for lipophilic and alkaline features of clozapine are highlighted. Finally, the role of transcription and protein changes at the synaptic level, and the possibility that clozapine can directly impact synaptic architecture are addressed. Although clozapine's exact MOAs that contribute to its unique efficacy and some of its severe adverse effects have not been fully understood, relevant information can be gleaned from recent mechanistic understandings that may help design much needed additional therapeutic strategies for TRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea de Bartolomeis
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
| | - Licia Vellucci
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Annarita Barone
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Mirko Manchia
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | - Felice Iasevoli
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Christoph U Correll
- The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY, USA; Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Department of Psychiatry and Molecular Medicine, Hempstead, NY, USA; Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Berlin, Germany
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8
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Inactivation of the cholinergic M4 receptor results in a disinhibited endophenotype predicting alcohol use. Behav Brain Res 2022; 430:113921. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Sola E, Moyano P, Flores A, García J, García JM, Anadon MJ, Frejo MT, Pelayo A, de la Cabeza Fernandez M, Del Pino J. Cadmium-induced neurotoxic effects on rat basal forebrain cholinergic system through thyroid hormones disruption. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 90:103791. [PMID: 34968718 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2021.103791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) single and repeated exposure produces cognitive dysfunctions. Basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCN) regulate cognitive functions. BFCN loss or cholinergic neurotransmission dysfunction leads to cognitive disabilities. Thyroid hormones (THs) maintain BFCN viability and functions, and Cd disrupts their levels. However, Cd-induced BFCN damages and THs disruption involvement was not studied. To research this we treated male Wistar rats intraperitoneally with Cd once (1 mg/kg) or repetitively for 28 days (0.1 mg/kg) with/without triiodothyronine (T3, 40 µg/kg/day). Cd increased thyroid-stimulating-hormone (TSH) and decreased T3 and tetraiodothyronine (T4). Cd altered cholinergic transmission and induced a more pronounced neurodegeneration on BFCN, mediated partially by THs reduction. Additionally, Cd antagonized muscarinic 1 receptor (M1R), overexpressed acetylcholinesterase S variant (AChE-S), downregulated AChE-R, M2R, M3R and M4R, and reduced AChE and choline acetyltransferase activities through THs disruption. These results may assist to discover cadmium mechanisms that induce cognitive disabilities, revealing a new possible therapeutic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Sola
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Moyano
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea Flores
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jimena García
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Manuel García
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Anadon
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Teresa Frejo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Adela Pelayo
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria de la Cabeza Fernandez
- Department of Chemistry in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharnacy School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Del Pino
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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Walker LC, Campbell EJ, Huckstep KL, Chen NA, Langmead CJ, Lawrence AJ. M 1 muscarinic receptor activation decreases alcohol consumption via a reduction in consummatory behavior. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2021; 10:e00907. [PMID: 34962108 PMCID: PMC8929368 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) have been shown to mediate alcohol consumption and seeking. Both M4 and M5 mAChRs have been highlighted as potential novel treatment targets for alcohol use disorders (AUD). Similarly, M1 mAChRs are expressed throughout reward circuitry, and their signaling has been implicated in cocaine consumption. However, whether the same effects are seen for alcohol consumption, or whether natural reward intake is inadvertently impacted is still unknown. To determine the role of M1 mAChRs in alcohol consumption, we tested operant self-administration of alcohol under both fixed ratio (FR3) and progressive ratio (PR3-4) schedules. Enhancing M1 mAChR signaling (via the M1 PAM-Agonist PF-06767832, 1 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced operant alcohol consumption on a fixed schedule but had no effect on motivation to acquire alcohol. To determine whether these actions were specific to alcohol, we examined the effects of M1 enhancement on natural reward (sucrose) self-administration. Systemic administration of PF-06767832 (1 mg/kg, i.p.) also reduced operant sucrose self-administration, suggesting the actions of the M1 receptor may be non-selective across drug and natural rewards. Finally, to understand whether this reduction extended to natural consummatory behaviors, we assessed home cage standard chow and water consumption. M1 enhancement via systemic PF-06767832 administration reduced food and water consumption. Together our results suggest the M1 PAM-agonist, PF-06767832, non-specifically reduces consummatory behaviors that are not associated with motivational strength for the reward. These data highlight the need to further characterize M1 agonists, PAMs, and PAM-agonists, which may have varying degrees of utility in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders including AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh C. Walker
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthParkvilleAustralia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental HealthUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
| | - Erin J. Campbell
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthParkvilleAustralia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental HealthUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
| | - Kate L. Huckstep
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthParkvilleAustralia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental HealthUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
| | - Nicola A. Chen
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthParkvilleAustralia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental HealthUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
| | - Christopher J. Langmead
- Drug Discovery BiologyMonash Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesMonash UniversityParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Andrew J. Lawrence
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthParkvilleAustralia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental HealthUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
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11
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Effects of a novel M4 muscarinic positive allosteric modulator on behavior and cognitive deficits relevant to Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia in rhesus monkey. Neuropharmacology 2021; 197:108754. [PMID: 34389398 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a profoundly debilitating neurodegenerative disorder characterized most notably by progressive cognitive decline, but also agitation and behavioral disturbances that are extremely disruptive to patient and caregiver. Current pharmacological treatments for these symptoms have limited efficacy and significant side effects. We have recently reported the discovery of Compound 24, an M4 positive allosteric modulator (PAM) that is potent, highly selective, and devoid of cholinergic-like side effects in rats. In order to further evaluate the translatability of the effects of compound 24 in primates, here we describe the effect of Compound 24 on three behavioral and cognition assays in rhesus monkeys, the stimulant induced motor activity (SIMA) assay, the object retrieval detour task (ORD), and the visuo-spatial paired-associates learning (vsPAL) task. As far as we know, this is the first such characterization of an M4 PAM in non-human primate. Compound 24 and the clinical standard olanzapine attenuated amphetamine induced hyperactivity to a similar degree. In addition, Compound 24 demonstrated procognitive effects in scopolamine-impaired ORD and vsPAL, and these effects were of similar magnitude to donepezil. These findings suggest that M4 PAMs may be beneficial to diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia, which are marked by behavioral disturbances as well as deficits in cognitive function.
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12
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Muscarinic M1, but not M4, receptor antagonism impairs divided attention in male rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 205:173184. [PMID: 33836220 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Divided attention may be more important than ever to comprehend, given ubiquitous distractors in modern living. In humans, concern has been expressed about the negative impact of distraction in education, the home, and the workplace. While acetylcholine supports divided attention, in part via muscarinic receptors, little is known about the specific muscarinic subtypes that may contribute. We designed a novel, high-response rate test of auditory sustained attention, in which rats complete variable-ratio runs on one of two levers, rather than emitting a single response. By doing this, we can present a secondary visual distractor task during some trials, for which a correct nosepoke response is reinforced with a more palatable food pellet. The nonspecific muscarinic antagonist scopolamine impaired performance, and slowed and reduced lever press activity. We then explored antagonists that preferentially block the M1 and M4 subtypes, because these receptors are potential therapeutic targets for cognitive enhancers. Telenzepine, an M1-preferring antagonist, impaired divided attention performance, but not performance of the attention task without distraction. Telenzepine also had fewer nonspecific effects than scopolamine. In contrast, the M4-preferring antagonist tropicamide had no effects. Analysis of overall behavior also indicated that accuracy in the main attention task decreased as a function of engagement with the distractor task. These results implicate the M1 receptor in divided attention.
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Walker LC, Lawrence AJ. Allosteric modulation of muscarinic receptors in alcohol and substance use disorders. FROM STRUCTURE TO CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT: ALLOSTERIC MODULATION OF G PROTEIN-COUPLED RECEPTORS 2020; 88:233-275. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2020.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Teal LB, Gould RW, Felts AS, Jones CK. Selective allosteric modulation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors for the treatment of schizophrenia and substance use disorders. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2019; 86:153-196. [PMID: 31378251 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChRs) subtypes represent exciting new targets for the treatment of schizophrenia and substance use disorder (SUD). Recent advances in the development of subtype-selective allosteric modulators have revealed promising effects in preclinical models targeting the different symptoms observed in schizophrenia and SUD. M1 PAMs display potential for addressing the negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia, while M4 PAMs exhibit promise in treating preclinical models predictive of antipsychotic-like activity. In SUD, there is increasing support for modulation of mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic circuitry involved in SUD with selective M4 mAChR PAMs or M5 mAChR NAMs. Allosteric modulators of these mAChR subtypes have demonstrated efficacy in rodent models of cocaine and ethanol seeking, with indications that these ligand may also be useful for other substances of abuse, as well as in various stages in the cycle of addiction. Importantly, allosteric modulators of the different mAChR subtypes may provide viable treatment options, while conferring greater subtype specificity and corresponding enhanced therapeutic index than orthosteric muscarinic ligands and maintaining endogenous temporo-spatial ACh signaling. Overall, subtype specific mAChR allosteric modulators represent important novel therapeutic mechanisms for schizophrenia and SUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura B Teal
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States; Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Robert W Gould
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States; Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Andrew S Felts
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States; Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Carrie K Jones
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States; Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States.
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15
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Roth TC, Krochmal AR. Of molecules, memories and migration: M1 acetylcholine receptors facilitate spatial memory formation and recall during migratory navigation. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 285:rspb.2018.1904. [PMID: 30429306 PMCID: PMC6253372 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.1904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Many animals use complex cognitive processes, including the formation and recall of memories, for successful navigation. However, the developmental and neurological processes underlying these cognitive aspects of navigation are poorly understood. To address the importance of the formation and recollection of memories during navigation, we pharmacologically manipulated turtles (Chrysemys picta) that navigate long distances using precise, complex paths learned during a juvenile critical period. We treated freely navigating turtles both within and outside of their critical learning period with a specific M1 acetylcholine receptor antagonist, a drug known to disrupt spatial cognition. Experienced adult turtles lost all navigational ability under the influence of the drug, while naive juveniles navigated successfully. We retested these same juveniles the following year (after they had passed their critical period). The juveniles that initially navigated successfully under the influence of the antagonist (but were unable to form spatial memories) were unable to do so subsequently. However, the control animals (who had the opportunity to form memories previously) exhibited typical navigational precision. These results suggest that the formation of spatial memories for navigation occur during a critical period, and successful navigation after the critical period is dependent upon the recall of such memories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy C Roth
- Department of Psychology, Franklin and Marshall College, PO Box 3003, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA
| | - Aaron R Krochmal
- Department of Biology, Washington College, 300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, MD 21620, USA
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16
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Galloway CR, Ravipati K, Singh S, Lebois EP, Cohen RM, Levey AI, Manns JR. Hippocampal place cell dysfunction and the effects of muscarinic M 1 receptor agonism in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease. Hippocampus 2018; 28:568-585. [PMID: 29742799 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that disproportionately impacts memory and the hippocampus. However, it is unclear how AD pathology influences the activity of surviving neurons in the hippocampus to contribute to the memory symptoms in AD. One well-understood connection between spatial memory and neuronal activity in healthy brains is the activity of place cells, neurons in the hippocampus that fire preferentially in a specific location of a given environment (the place field of the place cell). In the present study, place cells were recorded from the hippocampus in a recently-developed rat model of AD (Tg-F344 AD) at an age (12-20 months) at which the AD rats showed marked spatial memory deficits. Place cells in the CA2 and CA3 pyramidal regions of the hippocampus in AD rats showed sharply reduced spatial fidelity relative to wild-type (WT) rats. In contrast, spiking activity of place cells recorded in region CA1 in AD rats showed good spatial fidelity that was similar to CA1 place cells in WT rats. Oral administration of the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist VU0364572 impacted place cell firing rates in CA1 and CA2/3 hippocampal regions, but did not improve the spatial fidelity of CA2/3 hippocampal place cells in AD rats. The results indicated that, to the extent the spatial memory impairment in AD rats was attributable to hippocampal dysfunction, the memory impairment was more attributable to dysfunction in hippocampal regions CA2 and CA3 rather than CA1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kaushik Ravipati
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology Program, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Suyashi Singh
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology Program, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Evan P Lebois
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Robert M Cohen
- Department of Psychiatry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Allan I Levey
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Joseph R Manns
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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17
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Yohn SE, Conn PJ. Positive allosteric modulation of M 1 and M 4 muscarinic receptors as potential therapeutic treatments for schizophrenia. Neuropharmacology 2018; 136:438-448. [PMID: 28893562 PMCID: PMC5844786 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Current antipsychotic drugs provide symptomatic relief for positive symptoms of schizophrenia, but do not offer symptom management for negative and cognitive symptoms. In addition, many patients discontinue treatment due to adverse side effects. Therefore, there is a critical need to develop more effective and safe treatment options. Although the etiology of schizophrenia is unclear, considerable data from post-mortem, neuroimaging and neuropharmacology studies support a role of the muscarinic acetylcholine (mAChRs) in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Substantial evidence suggests that activation of mAChRs has the potential to treat all symptom domains of schizophrenia. Despite encouraging results in demonstrating efficacy, clinical trials of nonselective mAChR agonists were limited in their clinical utility due to dose-limiting peripheral side effects. Accordingly, efforts have been made to specifically target centrally located M1 and M4 mAChR subtypes devoid of adverse-effect liability. To circumvent this limitation, there have been tremendous advances in the discovery of ligands that bind at allosteric sites, binding sites distinct from the orthosteric site, which are structurally less conserved and thereby afford high levels of receptor subtype selectivity. The discovery of subtype-specific allosteric modulators has greatly advanced our understanding of the physiological role of various muscarinic receptor subtypes in schizophrenia and the potential utility of M1 and M4 mAChR subtypes as targets for the development of novel treatments for schizophrenia and related disorders. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Neuropharmacology on Muscarinic Receptors'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha E Yohn
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - P Jeffrey Conn
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States; Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States.
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18
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Aringhieri S, Carli M, Kolachalam S, Verdesca V, Cini E, Rossi M, McCormick PJ, Corsini GU, Maggio R, Scarselli M. Molecular targets of atypical antipsychotics: From mechanism of action to clinical differences. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 192:20-41. [PMID: 29953902 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The introduction of atypical antipsychotics (AAPs) since the discovery of its prototypical drug clozapine has been a revolutionary pharmacological step for treating psychotic patients as these allow a significant recovery not only in terms of hospitalization and reduction in symptoms severity, but also in terms of safety, socialization and better rehabilitation in the society. Regarding the mechanism of action, AAPs are weak D2 receptor antagonists and they act beyond D2 antagonism, involving other receptor targets which regulate dopamine and other neurotransmitters. Consequently, AAPs present a significant reduction of deleterious side effects like parkinsonism, hyperprolactinemia, apathy and anhedonia, which are all linked to the strong blockade of D2 receptors. This review revisits previous and current findings within the class of AAPs and highlights the differences in terms of receptor properties and clinical activities among them. Furthermore, we propose a continuum spectrum of "atypia" that begins with risperidone (the least atypical) to clozapine (the most atypical), while all the other AAPs fall within the extremes of this spectrum. Clozapine is still considered the gold standard in refractory schizophrenia and in psychoses present in Parkinson's disease, though it has been associated with adverse effects like agranulocytosis (0.7%) and weight gain, pushing the scientific community to find new drugs as effective as clozapine, but devoid of its side effects. To achieve this, it is therefore imperative to characterize and compare in depth the very complex molecular profile of AAPs. We also introduce relatively new concepts like biased agonism, receptor dimerization and neurogenesis to identify better the old and new hallmarks of "atypia". Finally, a detailed confrontation of clinical differences among the AAPs is presented, especially in relation to their molecular targets, and new means like therapeutic drug monitoring are also proposed to improve the effectiveness of AAPs in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Aringhieri
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Carli
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Shivakumar Kolachalam
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Valeria Verdesca
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Enrico Cini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Mario Rossi
- Institute of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Peter J McCormick
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Giovanni U Corsini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberto Maggio
- Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences Department, University of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Marco Scarselli
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy.
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19
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Effects of muscarinic M 1 and M 4 acetylcholine receptor stimulation on extinction and reinstatement of cocaine seeking in male mice, independent of extinction learning. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:815-827. [PMID: 29250738 PMCID: PMC6472894 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4797-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Stimulating muscarinic M1/M4 receptors can blunt reinforcing and other effects of cocaine. A hallmark of addiction is continued drug seeking/craving after abstinence and relapse. OBJECTIVES We tested whether stimulating M1 and/or M4 receptors could facilitate extinction of cocaine seeking, and whether this was mediated via memory consolidation. METHODS Experimentally naïve C57BL/6J mice were allowed to acquire self-administration of intravenous cocaine (1 mg/kg/infusion) under a fixed-ratio 1 schedule of reinforcement. Then, saline was substituted for cocaine until responding extinguished to ≤30% of cocaine-reinforced responding. Immediately after each extinction session, mice received saline, the M1/M4 receptor-preferring agonist xanomeline, the M1 receptor-selective allosteric agonist VU0357017, the M4 receptor-selective positive allosteric modulator VU0152100, or VU0357017 + VU0152100. In additional experiments, xanomeline was administered delayed after the session or in the home cage before extinction training began. In the latter group, reinstatement of responding by a 10-mg/kg cocaine injection was also tested. RESULTS Stimulating M1 + M4 receptors significantly expedited extinction from 17.2 sessions to 8.3 using xanomeline or 7.8 using VU0357017 + VU0152100. VU0357017 alone and VU0152100 alone did not significantly modify rates of extinction (12.6 and 14.6 sessions). The effect of xanomeline was fully preserved when administered delayed after or unpaired from extinction sessions (7.5 and 6.4 sessions). Xanomeline-treated mice showed no cocaine-induced reinstatement. CONCLUSIONS These findings show that M1/M4 receptor stimulation can decrease cocaine seeking in mice. The effect lasted beyond treatment duration and was not dependent upon extinction learning. This suggests that M1/M4 receptor stimulation modulated or reversed some neurochemical effects of cocaine exposure.
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20
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Cadmium induced ROS alters M1 and M3 receptors, leading to SN56 cholinergic neuronal loss, through AChE variants disruption. Toxicology 2018; 394:54-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Takai K, Enomoto T. Discovery and Development of Muscarinic Acetylcholine M 4 Activators as Promising Therapeutic Agents for CNS Diseases. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2018; 66:37-44. [PMID: 29311510 DOI: 10.1248/cpb.c17-00413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Among the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) subtypes, the M4 receptor has been investigated as a promising drug target for the treatment of schizophrenia. These investigations have been based on findings from M4-deficient mice studies as well as on the results of a clinical trial that used xanomeline, an M1/M4 mAChRs-preferring agonist. Both orthosteric agonists and positive allosteric modulators of M4 mAChR have been reported as promising ligands that not only have antipsychotic effects, but can also improve cognitive impairment and motor dysfunction. However, challenges remain due to the high homology of the orthosteric binding site among all muscarinic receptors. In this review, we summarize our approach to the identification of M4 mAChR activators, orthosteric agonists, and positive allosteric modulators based on M4 mAChR structural information and structure-activity relationship studies. These findings indicate that selective M4 mAChR activators are promising potential therapeutic agents for several central nervous system conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Takai
- Drug Research Division, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd
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22
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Mutual activation of glutamatergic mGlu 4 and muscarinic M 4 receptors reverses schizophrenia-related changes in rodents. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:2897-2913. [PMID: 30054675 PMCID: PMC6182605 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4980-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Metabotropic glutamate receptors and muscarinic M4 receptors have been proposed as novel targets for various brain disorders, including schizophrenia. Both receptors are coupled to Go/i proteins and are expressed in brain circuits that are important in schizophrenia. Therefore, their mutual activation may be an effective treatment and allow minimizing the doses of ligands required for optimal activity. OBJECTIVES In the present studies, subactive doses of mGlu4 and M4 activators (LSP4-2022 and VU152100, respectively) were administered to investigate the mutual interaction between mGlu4 and M4 receptors in animal models of schizophrenia. METHODS The behavioral tests used were MK-801-induced hyperactivity, (±)-2.5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine hydrochloride (DOI)-induced head twitches, the modified forced swim test, and MK-801-induced disruptions of social interactions and novel object recognition. DOI-induced spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) in brain slices and positron emission tomography (PET) in were used to establish the ability of these compounds to modulate the glutamatergic and dopaminergic systems. Rotarod was used to assess putative adverse effects. RESULTS The mutual administration of subactive doses of LSP4-2022 and VU152100 exerted similar antipsychotic-like efficacy in animals as observed for active doses of both compounds, indicating their additive actions. VU152100 inhibited the DOI-induced frequency (but not amplitude) of sEPSCs in the frontal cortex, confirming presynaptic regulation of glutamate release. Both compounds reversed amphetamine-induced decrease in D2 receptor levels in the striatum, as measured with [18F]fallypride. The compounds did not induce any motor impartments when measured in rotarod test. CONCLUSIONS Based on our results, the simultaneous activation of M4 and mGlu4 receptors is beneficial in reversing MK-801- and amphetamine-induced schizophrenia-related changes in animals.
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23
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Ballinger EC, Ananth M, Talmage DA, Role LW. Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Circuits and Signaling in Cognition and Cognitive Decline. Neuron 2017; 91:1199-1218. [PMID: 27657448 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2016.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 460] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Recent work continues to place cholinergic circuits at center stage for normal executive and mnemonic functioning and provides compelling evidence that the loss of cholinergic signaling and cognitive decline are inextricably linked. This Review focuses on the last few years of studies on the mechanisms by which cholinergic signaling contributes to circuit activity related to cognition. We attempt to identify areas of controversy, as well as consensus, on what is and is not yet known about how cholinergic signaling in the CNS contributes to normal cognitive processes. In addition, we delineate the findings from recent work on the extent to which dysfunction of cholinergic circuits contributes to cognitive decline associated with neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C Ballinger
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Program in Neuroscience, Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
| | - Mala Ananth
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - David A Talmage
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, CNS Disorders Center, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Lorna W Role
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, Neurosciences Institute, CNS Disorders Center, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
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24
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Gould RW, Grannan MD, Gunter BW, Ball J, Bubser M, Bridges TM, Wess J, Wood MW, Brandon NJ, Duggan ME, Niswender CM, Lindsley CW, Conn PJ, Jones CK. Cognitive enhancement and antipsychotic-like activity following repeated dosing with the selective M 4 PAM VU0467154. Neuropharmacology 2017; 128:492-502. [PMID: 28729220 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Although selective activation of the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) subtype has been shown to improve cognitive function in animal models of neuropsychiatric disorders, recent evidence suggests that enhancing M4 mAChR function can also improve memory performance. Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) targeting the M4 mAChR subtype have shown therapeutic potential for the treatment of multiple symptoms observed in schizophrenia, including positive and cognitive symptoms when assessed in acute preclinical dosing paradigms. Since the cholinergic system has been implicated in multiple stages of learning and memory, we evaluated the effects of repeated dosing with the highly selective M4 PAM VU0467154 on either acquisition and/or consolidation of learning and memory when dosed alone or after pharmacologic challenge with the N-methyl-d-aspartate subtype of glutamate receptors (NMDAR) antagonist MK-801. MK-801 challenge represents a well-documented preclinical model of NMDAR hypofunction that is thought to underlie some of the positive and cognitive symptoms observed in schizophrenia. In wildtype mice, 10-day, once-daily dosing of VU0467154 either prior to, or immediately after daily testing enhanced the rate of learning in a touchscreen visual pairwise discrimination task; these effects were absent in M4 mAChR knockout mice. Following a similar 10-day, once-daily dosing regimen of VU0467154, we also observed 1) improved acquisition of memory in a cue-mediated conditioned freezing paradigm, 2) attenuation of MK-801-induced disruptions in the acquisition of memory in a context-mediated conditioned freezing paradigm and 3) reversal of MK-801-induced hyperlocomotion. Comparable efficacy and plasma and brain concentrations of VU0467154 were observed after repeated dosing as those previously reported with an acute, single dose administration of this M4 PAM. Together, these studies are the first to demonstrate that cognitive enhancing and antipsychotic-like activity are not subject to the development of tolerance following repeated dosing with a selective M4 PAM in mice and further suggest that activation of M4 mAChRs may modulate both acquisition and consolidation of memory functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Gould
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Michael D Grannan
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Barak W Gunter
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jacob Ball
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Michael Bubser
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Thomas M Bridges
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jurgen Wess
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Michael W Wood
- AstraZeneca, Neuroscience, Innovative Medicines & Early Development, Waltham, MA 02451, USA
| | - Nicholas J Brandon
- AstraZeneca, Neuroscience, Innovative Medicines & Early Development, Waltham, MA 02451, USA
| | - Mark E Duggan
- AstraZeneca, Neuroscience, Innovative Medicines & Early Development, Waltham, MA 02451, USA
| | - Colleen M Niswender
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Craig W Lindsley
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - P Jeffrey Conn
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Carrie K Jones
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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25
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Denny CA, Lebois E, Ramirez S. From Engrams to Pathologies of the Brain. Front Neural Circuits 2017; 11:23. [PMID: 28439228 PMCID: PMC5383718 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2017.00023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Memories are the experiential threads that tie our past to the present. The biological realization of a memory is termed an engram—the enduring biochemical and physiological processes that enable learning and retrieval. The past decade has witnessed an explosion of engram research that suggests we are closing in on boundary conditions for what qualifies as the physical manifestation of memory. In this review, we provide a brief history of engram research, followed by an overview of the many rodent models available to probe memory with intersectional strategies that have yielded unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution over defined sets of cells. We then discuss the limitations and controversies surrounding engram research and subsequently attempt to reconcile many of these views both with data and by proposing a conceptual shift in the strategies utilized to study memory. We finally bridge this literature with human memory research and disorders of the brain and end by providing an experimental blueprint for future engram studies in mammals. Collectively, we believe that we are in an era of neuroscience where engram research has transitioned from ephemeral and philosophical concepts to provisional, tractable, experimental frameworks for studying the cellular, circuit and behavioral manifestations of memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine A Denny
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia UniversityNew York, NY, USA.,Division of Integrative Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI)/Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH)New York, NY, USA
| | - Evan Lebois
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Unit, Pfizer Inc.Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Steve Ramirez
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard UniversityCambridge, MA, USA
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26
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Grannan MD, Mielnik CA, Moran SP, Gould RW, Ball J, Lu Z, Bubser M, Ramsey AJ, Abe M, Cho HP, Nance KD, Blobaum AL, Niswender CM, Conn PJ, Lindsley CW, Jones CK. Prefrontal Cortex-Mediated Impairments in a Genetic Model of NMDA Receptor Hypofunction Are Reversed by the Novel M 1 PAM VU6004256. ACS Chem Neurosci 2016; 7:1706-1716. [PMID: 27617634 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.6b00230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormalities in the signaling of the N-methyl-d-aspartate subtype of the glutamate receptor (NMDAR) within cortical and limbic brain regions are thought to underlie many of the complex cognitive and affective symptoms observed in individuals with schizophrenia. The M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) subtype is a closely coupled signaling partner of the NMDAR. Accumulating evidence suggests that development of selective positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the M1 receptor represent an important treatment strategy for the potential normalization of disruptions in NMDAR signaling in patients with schizophrenia. In the present studies, we evaluated the effects of the novel and highly potent M1 PAM, VU6004256, in ameliorating selective prefrontal cortical (PFC)-mediated physiologic and cognitive abnormalities in a genetic mouse model of global reduction in the NR1 subunit of the NMDAR (NR1 knockdown [KD]). Using slice-based extracellular field potential recordings, deficits in muscarinic agonist-induced long-term depression (LTD) in layer V of the PFC in the NR1 KD mice were normalized with bath application of VU6004256. Systemic administration of VU6004256 also reduced excessive pyramidal neuron firing in layer V PFC neurons in awake, freely moving NR1 KD mice. Moreover, selective potentiation of M1 by VU6004256 reversed the performance impairments of NR1 KD mice observed in two preclinical models of PFC-mediated learning, specifically the novel object recognition and cue-mediated fear conditioning tasks. VU6004256 also produced a robust, dose-dependent reduction in the hyperlocomotor activity of NR1 KD mice. Taken together, the current findings provide further support for M1 PAMs as a novel therapeutic approach for the PFC-mediated impairments in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Grannan
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Catharine A. Mielnik
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Sean P. Moran
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Robert W. Gould
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Jacob Ball
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Zhuoyan Lu
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Michael Bubser
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Amy J. Ramsey
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Masahito Abe
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Hyekyung P. Cho
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Kellie D. Nance
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Anna L. Blobaum
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Colleen M. Niswender
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - P. Jeffrey Conn
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Craig W. Lindsley
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Carrie K. Jones
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
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27
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Lebois EP, Trimper JB, Hu C, Levey AI, Manns JR. Effects of Selective M 1 Muscarinic Receptor Activation on Hippocampal Spatial Representations and Neuronal Oscillations. ACS Chem Neurosci 2016; 7:1393-1405. [PMID: 27479319 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.6b00160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The muscarinic M1 acetylcholine receptor is a key target for drugs aimed at treating cognitive dysfunction, including the memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease. The overall question of the current study was to ask how systemic administration of the bitopic M1 agonist VU0364572, the M1 positive allosteric modulator BQCA, and the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor donepezil (current standard of care for Alzheimer's disease), would impact spatial memory-related hippocampal function in rats. Hippocampal pyramidal neuron spiking and local field potentials were recorded from regions CA1 and CA3 as rats freely foraged in a recording enclosure. To assess the relative stability versus flexibility of the rats' spatial representations, the walls of the recording enclosure were reshaped in 15-m intervals. As compared to the control condition, systemic administration of VU0364572 increased spatial correlations of CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neuron spiking across all enclosure shape comparisons, whereas BQCA and donepezil appeared to decrease these spatial correlations. Further, both VU0364572 and BQCA increased intrahippocampal synchrony as measured by CA3-CA1 field-field coherence in frequency ranges that tended to align with the prominence of those oscillations for the behavioral state (i.e., theta during locomotion and slow gamma during stationary moments). The results indicated that VU0364572 and BQCA influenced hippocampal function differently but in ways that might both be beneficial for treating memory dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan P. Lebois
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, ‡Department of Psychology, §Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology
Program, and ∥Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States
| | - John B. Trimper
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, ‡Department of Psychology, §Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology
Program, and ∥Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States
| | - Chun Hu
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, ‡Department of Psychology, §Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology
Program, and ∥Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States
| | - Allan I. Levey
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, ‡Department of Psychology, §Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology
Program, and ∥Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States
| | - Joseph R. Manns
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, ‡Department of Psychology, §Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology
Program, and ∥Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States
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28
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Choy KHC, Shackleford DM, Malone DT, Mistry SN, Patil RT, Scammells PJ, Langmead CJ, Pantelis C, Sexton PM, Lane JR, Christopoulos A. Positive Allosteric Modulation of the Muscarinic M1 Receptor Improves Efficacy of Antipsychotics in Mouse Glutamatergic Deficit Models of Behavior. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2016; 359:354-365. [PMID: 27630144 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.116.235788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Current antipsychotics are effective in treating the positive symptoms associated with schizophrenia, but they remain suboptimal in targeting cognitive dysfunction. Recent studies have suggested that positive allosteric modulation of the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) may provide a novel means of improving cognition. However, very little is known about the potential of combination therapies in extending coverage across schizophrenic symptom domains. This study investigated the effect of the M1 mAChR positive allosteric modulator BQCA [1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acid], alone or in combination with haloperidol (a first-generation antipsychotic), clozapine (a second-generation atypical antipsychotic), or aripiprazole (a third-generation atypical antipsychotic), in reversing deficits in sensorimotor gating and spatial memory induced by the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist, MK-801 [(5R,10S)-(+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine]. Sensorimotor gating and spatial memory induction are two models that represent aspects of schizophrenia modeled in rodents. In prepulse inhibition (an operational measure of sensorimotor gating), BQCA alone had minimal effects but exhibited different levels of efficacy in reversing MK-801-induced prepulse inhibition disruptions when combined with a subeffective dose of each of the three (currently prescribed) antipsychotics. Furthermore, the combined effect of BQCA and clozapine was absent in M1-/- mice. Interestingly, although BQCA alone had no effect in reversing MK-801-induced memory impairments in a Y-maze spatial test, we observed a reversal upon the combination of BQCA with atypical antipsychotics, but not with haloperidol. These findings provide proof of concept that a judicious combination of existing antipsychotics with a selective M1 mAChR positive allosteric modulator can extend antipsychotic efficacy in glutamatergic deficit models of behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwok H C Choy
- Drug Discovery Biology (K.H.C.C., D.T.M, C.J.L, P.M.S, J.R.L, A.C.), Centre for Drug Candidate Optimization (D.M.S., R.T.P.), and Medicinal Chemistry (S.N.M, P.J.S.), Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia; and Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry and Centre for Neural Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia (C.P.)
| | - David M Shackleford
- Drug Discovery Biology (K.H.C.C., D.T.M, C.J.L, P.M.S, J.R.L, A.C.), Centre for Drug Candidate Optimization (D.M.S., R.T.P.), and Medicinal Chemistry (S.N.M, P.J.S.), Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia; and Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry and Centre for Neural Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia (C.P.)
| | - Daniel T Malone
- Drug Discovery Biology (K.H.C.C., D.T.M, C.J.L, P.M.S, J.R.L, A.C.), Centre for Drug Candidate Optimization (D.M.S., R.T.P.), and Medicinal Chemistry (S.N.M, P.J.S.), Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia; and Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry and Centre for Neural Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia (C.P.)
| | - Shailesh N Mistry
- Drug Discovery Biology (K.H.C.C., D.T.M, C.J.L, P.M.S, J.R.L, A.C.), Centre for Drug Candidate Optimization (D.M.S., R.T.P.), and Medicinal Chemistry (S.N.M, P.J.S.), Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia; and Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry and Centre for Neural Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia (C.P.)
| | - Rahul T Patil
- Drug Discovery Biology (K.H.C.C., D.T.M, C.J.L, P.M.S, J.R.L, A.C.), Centre for Drug Candidate Optimization (D.M.S., R.T.P.), and Medicinal Chemistry (S.N.M, P.J.S.), Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia; and Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry and Centre for Neural Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia (C.P.)
| | - Peter J Scammells
- Drug Discovery Biology (K.H.C.C., D.T.M, C.J.L, P.M.S, J.R.L, A.C.), Centre for Drug Candidate Optimization (D.M.S., R.T.P.), and Medicinal Chemistry (S.N.M, P.J.S.), Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia; and Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry and Centre for Neural Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia (C.P.)
| | - Christopher J Langmead
- Drug Discovery Biology (K.H.C.C., D.T.M, C.J.L, P.M.S, J.R.L, A.C.), Centre for Drug Candidate Optimization (D.M.S., R.T.P.), and Medicinal Chemistry (S.N.M, P.J.S.), Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia; and Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry and Centre for Neural Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia (C.P.)
| | - Christos Pantelis
- Drug Discovery Biology (K.H.C.C., D.T.M, C.J.L, P.M.S, J.R.L, A.C.), Centre for Drug Candidate Optimization (D.M.S., R.T.P.), and Medicinal Chemistry (S.N.M, P.J.S.), Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia; and Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry and Centre for Neural Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia (C.P.)
| | - Patrick M Sexton
- Drug Discovery Biology (K.H.C.C., D.T.M, C.J.L, P.M.S, J.R.L, A.C.), Centre for Drug Candidate Optimization (D.M.S., R.T.P.), and Medicinal Chemistry (S.N.M, P.J.S.), Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia; and Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry and Centre for Neural Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia (C.P.)
| | - Johnathan R Lane
- Drug Discovery Biology (K.H.C.C., D.T.M, C.J.L, P.M.S, J.R.L, A.C.), Centre for Drug Candidate Optimization (D.M.S., R.T.P.), and Medicinal Chemistry (S.N.M, P.J.S.), Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia; and Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry and Centre for Neural Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia (C.P.)
| | - Arthur Christopoulos
- Drug Discovery Biology (K.H.C.C., D.T.M, C.J.L, P.M.S, J.R.L, A.C.), Centre for Drug Candidate Optimization (D.M.S., R.T.P.), and Medicinal Chemistry (S.N.M, P.J.S.), Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Australia; and Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry and Centre for Neural Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia (C.P.)
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29
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Bass DI, Manns JR. Memory-enhancing amygdala stimulation elicits gamma synchrony in the hippocampus. Behav Neurosci 2016; 129:244-56. [PMID: 26030426 DOI: 10.1037/bne0000052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the amygdala either during emotional arousal or by direct stimulation is thought to enhance memory in part by modulating plasticity in the hippocampus. However, precisely how the amygdala influences hippocampal activity to improve memory remains unclear. In the present study, brief electrical stimulation delivered to the basolateral complex of the amygdala (BLA) following encounters with some novel objects led to better memory for those objects 1 day later. Stimulation also elicited field-field and spike-field CA3-CA1 synchrony in the hippocampus in the low gamma frequency range (30-55 Hz), a range previously associated with spike timing and good memory. In addition, the hippocampal spiking patterns observed during BLA stimulation reflected recent patterns of activity in the hippocampus. Thus, the results indicate that amygdala activation can prioritize memory consolidation of specific object encounters by coordinating the precise timing of CA1 membrane depolarization with incoming CA3 spikes to initiate long-lasting spike-timing dependent plasticity at putative synapses between recently active neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- David I Bass
- Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Program in Neuroscience, Emory University
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30
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Gould RW, Dencker D, Grannan M, Bubser M, Zhan X, Wess J, Xiang Z, Locuson C, Lindsley CW, Conn PJ, Jones CK. Role for the M1 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor in Top-Down Cognitive Processing Using a Touchscreen Visual Discrimination Task in Mice. ACS Chem Neurosci 2015; 6:1683-95. [PMID: 26176846 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.5b00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) subtype has been implicated in the underlying mechanisms of learning and memory and represents an important potential pharmacotherapeutic target for the cognitive impairments observed in neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. Patients with schizophrenia show impairments in top-down processing involving conflict between sensory-driven and goal-oriented processes that can be modeled in preclinical studies using touchscreen-based cognition tasks. The present studies used a touchscreen visual pairwise discrimination task in which mice discriminated between a less salient and a more salient stimulus to assess the influence of the M1 mAChR on top-down processing. M1 mAChR knockout (M1 KO) mice showed a slower rate of learning, evidenced by slower increases in accuracy over 12 consecutive days, and required more days to acquire (achieve 80% accuracy) this discrimination task compared to wild-type mice. In addition, the M1 positive allosteric modulator BQCA enhanced the rate of learning this discrimination in wild-type, but not in M1 KO, mice when BQCA was administered daily prior to testing over 12 consecutive days. Importantly, in discriminations between stimuli of equal salience, M1 KO mice did not show impaired acquisition and BQCA did not affect the rate of learning or acquisition in wild-type mice. These studies are the first to demonstrate performance deficits in M1 KO mice using touchscreen cognitive assessments and enhanced rate of learning and acquisition in wild-type mice through M1 mAChR potentiation when the touchscreen discrimination task involves top-down processing. Taken together, these findings provide further support for M1 potentiation as a potential treatment for the cognitive symptoms associated with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - D. Dencker
- Laboratory
of Neuropsychiatry, Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhangen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - J. Wess
- Laboratory
of Bioorganic Chemistry, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
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31
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Carruthers SP, Gurvich CT, Rossell SL. The muscarinic system, cognition and schizophrenia. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 55:393-402. [PMID: 26003527 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Revised: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
An increasing body of evidence has implicated the central muscarinic system as contributing to a number of symptoms of schizophrenia and serving as a potential target for pharmaceutical interventions. A theoretical review is presented that focuses on the central muscarinic system's contribution to the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. The aim is to bridge the void between pertinent neuropsychological and neurobiological research to provide an explanatory account of the role that the central muscarinic system plays in the symptoms of schizophrenia. First, there will be a brief overview of the relevant neuropsychological schizophrenia literature, followed by a concise introduction to the central muscarinic system. Subsequently, we will draw from animal, neuropsychological and pharmacological literature, and discuss the findings in relation to cognition, schizophrenia and the muscarinic system. Whilst unifying the multiple domains of research into a concise review will act as a useful line of enquiry into the central muscarinic systems contribution to the symptoms of schizophrenia, it will be made apparent that more research is needed in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean P Carruthers
- Brain and Psychological Sciences Research Centre (BPsyC), Faculty of Health, Arts, Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne 3122, VIC, Australia; Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc), Monash University Central Clinical School and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne 3004, VIC, Australia.
| | - Caroline T Gurvich
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc), Monash University Central Clinical School and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne 3004, VIC, Australia
| | - Susan L Rossell
- Brain and Psychological Sciences Research Centre (BPsyC), Faculty of Health, Arts, Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne 3122, VIC, Australia; Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc), Monash University Central Clinical School and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne 3004, VIC, Australia; Psychiatry, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne 3065, VIC, Australia
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32
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A temporal context repetition effect in rats during a novel object recognition memory task. Anim Cogn 2015; 18:1031-7. [PMID: 25917312 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-015-0871-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Revised: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Recent research in humans has used formal models of temporal context, broadly defined as a lingering representation of recent experience, to explain a wide array of recall and recognition memory phenomena. One difficulty in extending this work to studies of experimental animals has been the challenge of developing a task to test temporal context effects on performance in rodents. The current study presents results from a novel object recognition memory paradigm that was adapted from a task used in humans and demonstrates a temporal context repetition effect in rats. Specifically, the findings indicate that repeating the first two objects from a once-encountered sequence of three objects incidentally cues memory for the third object, even in its absence. These results reveal that temporal context influences item memory in rats similar to the manner in which it influences memory in humans and also highlight a new task for future studies of temporal context in experimental animals.
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33
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Bubser M, Bridges TM, Dencker D, Gould RW, Grannan M, Noetzel MJ, Lamsal A, Niswender CM, Daniels JS, Poslusney MS, Melancon BJ, Tarr JC, Byers FW, Wess J, Duggan ME, Dunlop J, Wood MW, Brandon NJ, Wood MR, Lindsley CW, Conn PJ, Jones CK. Selective activation of M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors reverses MK-801-induced behavioral impairments and enhances associative learning in rodents. ACS Chem Neurosci 2014; 5:920-42. [PMID: 25137629 PMCID: PMC4324418 DOI: 10.1021/cn500128b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) represent a novel approach for the treatment of psychotic symptoms associated with schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders. We recently reported that the selective M4 PAM VU0152100 produced an antipsychotic drug-like profile in rodents after amphetamine challenge. Previous studies suggest that enhanced cholinergic activity may also improve cognitive function and reverse deficits observed with reduced signaling through the N-methyl-d-aspartate subtype of the glutamate receptor (NMDAR) in the central nervous system. Prior to this study, the M1 mAChR subtype was viewed as the primary candidate for these actions relative to the other mAChR subtypes. Here we describe the discovery of a novel M4 PAM, VU0467154, with enhanced in vitro potency and improved pharmacokinetic properties relative to other M4 PAMs, enabling a more extensive characterization of M4 actions in rodent models. We used VU0467154 to test the hypothesis that selective potentiation of M4 receptor signaling could ameliorate the behavioral, cognitive, and neurochemical impairments induced by the noncompetitive NMDAR antagonist MK-801. VU0467154 produced a robust dose-dependent reversal of MK-801-induced hyperlocomotion and deficits in preclinical models of associative learning and memory functions, including the touchscreen pairwise visual discrimination task in wild-type mice, but failed to reverse these stimulant-induced deficits in M4 KO mice. VU0467154 also enhanced the acquisition of both contextual and cue-mediated fear conditioning when administered alone in wild-type mice. These novel findings suggest that M4 PAMs may provide a strategy for addressing the more complex affective and cognitive disruptions associated with schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Bubser
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Thomas M. Bridges
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Probe Development (MLPCN), Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Ditte Dencker
- Laboratory
of Neuropsychiatry, Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Robert W. Gould
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Michael Grannan
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Meredith J. Noetzel
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Probe Development (MLPCN), Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Atin Lamsal
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Probe Development (MLPCN), Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Colleen M. Niswender
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Probe Development (MLPCN), Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - J. Scott Daniels
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Probe Development (MLPCN), Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Michael S. Poslusney
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Probe Development (MLPCN), Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Bruce J. Melancon
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Probe Development (MLPCN), Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - James C. Tarr
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Probe Development (MLPCN), Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Frank W. Byers
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Probe Development (MLPCN), Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Jürgen Wess
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, United States
| | - Mark E. Duggan
- Neuroscience
Innovative Medicines, AstraZeneca, 141 Portland Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - John Dunlop
- Neuroscience
Innovative Medicines, AstraZeneca, 141 Portland Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Michael W. Wood
- Neuroscience
Innovative Medicines, AstraZeneca, 141 Portland Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Nicholas J. Brandon
- Neuroscience
Innovative Medicines, AstraZeneca, 141 Portland Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Michael R. Wood
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Probe Development (MLPCN), Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Craig W. Lindsley
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Probe Development (MLPCN), Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - P. Jeffrey Conn
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Probe Development (MLPCN), Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Carrie K. Jones
- Department
of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt
Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Probe Development (MLPCN), Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
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