1
|
Li Q, Zhang N. Sex differences in resting-state functional networks in awake rats. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2684325. [PMID: 36993730 PMCID: PMC10055639 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2684325/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Sex-related differences can be found in many brain disorders and psychophysiological traits, highlighting the importance to systematically understand the sex differences in brain function in humans and animal models. Despite emerging effort to address sex differences in behaviors and disease models in rodents, how brain-wide functional connectivity (FC) patterns differ between male and female rats remains largely unknown. Here we used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) to investigate regional and systems-level differences between female and male rats. Our data show that female rats display stronger hypothalamus connectivity, whereas male rats exhibit more prominent striatum-related connectivity. At the global scale, female rats demonstrate stronger segregation within the cortical and subcortical systems, while male rats display more prominent cortico-subcortical interactions, particularly between the cortex and striatum. Taken together, these data provide a comprehensive framework of sex differences in resting-state connectivity patterns in the awake rat brain, and offer a reference for studies aiming to reveal sex-related FC differences in different animal models of brain disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Li
- The Pennsylvania State University
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Arski ON, Martire DJ, Young JM, Wong SM, Suresh H, Kerr EN, Ochi A, Otsubo H, Sharma R, Widjaja E, Snead OC, Jain P, Donner EJ, Smith ML, Ibrahim GM. Connectomic Profiles and Cognitive Trajectories After Epilepsy Surgery in Children. Neurology 2022; 98:e2233-e2244. [PMID: 35410904 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000200273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neurocognitive outcomes following surgery for temporal lobe epilepsy in childhood are variable. Postoperative changes are not directly predicted by seizure-freedom and associations between epilepsy, neuropsychological function, and developing neural networks are poorly understood. Here, we leveraged whole-brain connectomic profiling in magnetoencephalography (MEG) to retrospectively study associations between brain connectivity and neuropsychological function in children with temporal lobe epilepsy undergoing resective surgery. METHODS Clinical and MEG data were retrospectively analyzed for children who underwent temporal lobe epilepsy surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children from 2000 to 2021. Resting-state connectomes were constructed from neuromagnetic oscillations via the weighted phase lag index. Using a partial least-squares (PLS) approach, multidimensional associations between patient connectomes, neuropsychological scores, and clinical covariates were assessed. Bootstrap resampling statistics were performed to assess statistical significance. RESULTS A total of 133 medical records were reviewed, and 5 PLS analyses were performed. Each PLS analysis probed a particular neuropsychological domain and the associations between its baseline and post-operative scores and the connectomic data. In each PLS analysis, a significant latent variable was identified, representing a specific percentage of the variance in the data, and relating neural networks to clinical covariates, which included changes in rote verbal memory (N=41, p = 0.01, σ2 = 0.38), narrative/verbal memory (N=57, p = 0.00, σ2 = 0.52), visual memory (N=51, p = 0.00, σ2 = 0.43), working memory (N=44, p = 0.00, σ2 = 0.52), and overall intellectual function (N=59, p = 0.00, σ2 = 0.55). Children with more diffuse, bilateral intrinsic connectivity across several frequency bands showed lower scores on all neuropsychological assessments but demonstrated a greater propensity for gains following resective surgery. CONCLUSION Here, we report that connectomes characterized by diffuse connectivity, reminiscent of developmentally immature networks, are associated with lower pre-operative cognition and post-operative cognitive improvement. These findings provide a potential means to understand neurocognitive function in children with temporal lobe epilepsy and expected changes post-operatively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivia N Arski
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - Daniel J Martire
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON
| | - Julia M Young
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON.,Department of Psychology, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - Simeon M Wong
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON.,Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - Hrishikesh Suresh
- Division of Neurosurgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - Elizabeth N Kerr
- Department of Psychology, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - Ayako Ochi
- Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - Hiroshi Otsubo
- Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - Roy Sharma
- Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - Elysa Widjaja
- Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - O Carter Snead
- Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - Puneet Jain
- Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - Elizabeth J Donner
- Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| | - Mary Lou Smith
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON.,Department of Psychology, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.,Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON
| | - George M Ibrahim
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.,Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.,Division of Neurosurgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
McDougall SA, Robinson JAM, Gleason DC, Cotter LL. Reciprocal cross-sensitization between cocaine and RU 24969 in male and female preweanling rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 209:173265. [PMID: 34437872 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173265] [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: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal adaptations involving dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and serotonergic neurotransmitter systems are responsible for behavioral sensitization. Because of common underlying mechanisms, cross-sensitization between compounds of different drug classes can be observed. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether a one- or four-day pretreatment regimen of RU 24969 (a 5-HT1A/1B receptor agonist) would reciprocally cross-sensitize with cocaine or methamphetamine in male and female preweanling rats. Rats were pretreated with RU 24969 (0 or 5 mg/kg) for 4 days (PD 17-20) and then challenged with cocaine (10 or 20 mg/kg) or methamphetamine (1 or 2 mg/kg) on PD 22. Reciprocal cross-sensitization was also assessed (i.e., rats were pretreated with psychostimulants and tested with RU 24969). In a follow-up experiment, the ability of RU 24969 and cocaine to reciprocally cross-sensitize was assessed using a one-day pretreatment regimen. Reciprocal cross-sensitization between cocaine and RU 24969 was evident in preweanling rats, whereas methamphetamine and RU 24969 did not cross-sensitize. When a one-trial pretreatment regimen was used, cross-sensitization was only detected when rats were pretreated with RU 24969 and tested with cocaine, but not the reverse. In sum, the present results show that the nonselective 5-HT1A/1B receptor agonist RU 24969 cross-sensitizes with cocaine, but not methamphetamine, in preweanling rats. This dichotomy may be a function of cocaine having a greater affinity for the serotonin transporter than methamphetamine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanders A McDougall
- Department of Psychology, 5500 University Parkway, California State University, San Bernardino, CA 92407, USA.
| | - Jasmine A M Robinson
- Department of Psychology, 5500 University Parkway, California State University, San Bernardino, CA 92407, USA
| | - Devon C Gleason
- Department of Psychology, 5500 University Parkway, California State University, San Bernardino, CA 92407, USA
| | - Laura L Cotter
- Department of Psychology, 5500 University Parkway, California State University, San Bernardino, CA 92407, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Oliveira-Campos D, Reis HS, Libarino-Santos M, Cata-Preta EG, Dos Santos TB, Dos Anjos-Santos A, Oliveira TS, de Brito ACL, Patti CL, Marinho EAV, de Oliveira Lima AJ. The influence of early exposure to methylphenidate on addiction-related behaviors in mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 206:173208. [PMID: 34022293 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173208] [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: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Methylphenidate (MET) has a putative cognitive enhancer effect that has led adolescents and young adults to increase and indiscriminate its use aiming to ameliorate their productivity. However, the impacts of MET on addiction-related behaviors, emotional levels, and cognition are still not fully understood. To investigate the influence of chronic treatment with MET during adolescence on addiction-like behaviors, memory, and anxiety in adult mice. Thirty-day-old female mice received i.p. 10 mg/kg MET or Veh injections for 10 consecutive days. Forty days after the treatment (mice were 70-days-old), animals were submitted to the behavioral evaluation under the effects of MET, which included: MET-induced conditioned place preference (CPP), behavioral sensitization, and plus-maze discriminative avoidance task. Pre-exposure to MET during adolescence promoted an early expression of CPP and also facilitated the development of MET-induced behavioral sensitization during adulthood. These addictive-like behaviors were accompanied by anxiogenic effects of MET but not by any memory-enhancing effect. We demonstrated that exposure to MET during adolescence can increase the vulnerability to addiction-like behaviors and anxiety during adulthood. Our results reinforce the necessity of a more efficient system to control MET indiscriminate use, thus avoiding its potential tardive addictive effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Henrique Sousa Reis
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Matheus Libarino-Santos
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | | | | | - Alexia Dos Anjos-Santos
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | - Thaynara Silva Oliveira
- Department of Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
| | | | - Camilla L Patti
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
The potential rewarding and reinforcing effects of the substituted benzofurans 2-EAPB and 5-EAPB in rodents. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 885:173527. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
6
|
Locomotor sensitization in male Sprague-Dawley rats following repeated concurrent treatment with 4-methylmethcathinone and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Behav Pharmacol 2020; 30:566-573. [PMID: 31268871 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Recreational abuse of illicit synthetic cathinones is an ongoing public health concern. Recent studies indicate that the methcathinone derivative 4-methylmethcathinone (4-MMC) produces behavioral and neurochemical effects similar to the entactogen 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Whereas polysubstance abuse is common, most preclinical studies of drug abuse liability only evaluate the effects of single drugs. Utilizing the locomotor sensitization paradigm, the present study assessed the combined locomotor stimulant effects of 4-MMC and MDMA for induction of sensitization following repeated administration and for expression of sensitization to a challenge dose of either substance alone after a 10-day period of drug abstinence. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received once daily intraperitoneal injections of saline, 4-MMC (1.0 mg/kg or 5.0 mg/kg), MDMA (3.0 mg/kg), or a mixture containing 4-MMC (1.0 mg/kg or 5.0 mg/kg) + MDMA (3.0 mg/kg) for 7 consecutive days. Following a 10-day drug-free period, rats were given a single intraperitoneal injection of either saline, 4-MMC (1.0 or 5.0 mg/kg), or 3.0 mg/kg MDMA. Activity was recorded for 1 h immediately before and 1 h immediately after injections on days 1, 7, and 17. 4-MMC treatment failed to induce locomotor sensitization, but, when combined with MDMA, sensitization was induced to a greater extent than with MDMA alone. Furthermore, the expression of sensitization to a subsequent challenge dose of MDMA was observed only in animals previously exposed to MDMA or a 5.0 mg/kg 4-MMC + MDMA mixture. In consideration of these findings along with the fact that 4-MMC has similar neurochemical actions to MDMA, further research may be warranted to determine the abuse liability of drug mixtures including 4-MMC and MDMA.
Collapse
|
7
|
Mead J, Parrott A. Mephedrone and MDMA: A comparative review. Brain Res 2020; 1735:146740. [PMID: 32087112 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.146740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Mephedrone and MDMA are both constituents of party drugs, with mephedrone being relatively new compared to MDMA. This review compares current knowledge regarding the patterns of usage and neuropsychobiological effects of both mephedrone and MDMA. Both drugs share common psychoactive effects, the duration of which is significantly shorter with mephedrone use, attributing towards a pattern of binge use among users. Both drugs have also been associated with adverse health, psychiatric, and neurocognitive problems. Whilst there is extensive research into the psychobiological problems induced by MDMA, the evidence for mephedrone is comparatively limited. The adverse effect profile of mephedrone appears to be less severe than that of MDMA. Users often believe it to be safer, although both drugs have been associated with overdoses. The neurotoxic potential of mephedrone appears to be low, whereas MDMA can cause long-term damage to the serotonergic system, although this needs further investigation. The abuse liability of mephedrone is significantly greater than that of MDMA, raising concerns regarding the impact of lifetime usage on users. Given that mephedrone is relatively new, the effects of long-term exposure are yet to be documented. Future research focused on lifetime users may highlight more severe neuropsychobiological effects from the drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Mead
- Department of Psychology, School of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom.
| | - Andrew Parrott
- Department of Psychology, School of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wilkey ED, Ansari D. Challenging the neurobiological link between number sense and symbolic numerical abilities. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2019; 1464:76-98. [PMID: 31549430 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
A significant body of research links individual differences in symbolic numerical abilities, such as arithmetic, to number sense, the neurobiological system used to approximate and manipulate quantities without language or symbols. However, recent findings from cognitive neuroscience challenge this influential theory. Our current review presents an overview of evidence for the number sense account of symbolic numerical abilities and then reviews recent studies that challenge this account, organized around the following four assertions. (1) There is no number sense as traditionally conceived. (2) Neural substrates of number sense are more widely distributed than common consensus asserts, complicating the neurobiological evidence linking number sense to numerical abilities. (3) The most common measures of number sense are confounded by other cognitive demands, which drive key correlations. (4) Number sense and symbolic number systems (Arabic digits, number words, and so on) rely on distinct neural mechanisms and follow independent developmental trajectories. The review follows each assertion with comments on future directions that may bring resolution to these issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric D Wilkey
- Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Ansari
- Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hagenmuller F, Heekeren K, Roser P, Haker H, Theodoridou A, Walitza S, Rössler W, Kawohl W. Early Somatosensory Processing Over Time in Individuals at Risk to Develop Psychosis. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:47. [PMID: 30890966 PMCID: PMC6413704 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) enable the investigation of thalamocortical and early cortical processing. Previous studies reported alterations of SEPs in patients with schizophrenia as well as in individuals in the prodromal stage. Moreover, cannabis use as an environmental risk factor for the development of schizophrenia has been demonstrated to influence SEP parameters in individuals at risk to develop psychosis. The aim of this study was to explore the course of SEP changes and the impact of concomitant cannabis use in individuals at risk to develop psychosis who sought medical help. Methods: Median nerve SEPs including high-frequency oscillations (HFOs) superimposed on the primary cortical response (N20) were investigated using multichannel EEG in individuals (n = 54 at baseline) remaining at risk to develop psychosis at follow-up after 1 year (high-risk: n = 19; ultra-high-risk: n = 27) vs. subjects with conversion to psychosis (n = 8) and a healthy control group (n = 35). Longitudinal and cross-sectional analyses of SEP components as estimated by dipole source analysis were performed. Results: The longitudinal development of the N20 strength depended on cannabis use. In cannabis non-users, a greater decrease of N20 strengths over time was associated with more negative symptoms at baseline. At baseline, converters did not differ from subjects remaining at risk. At follow-up, converters showed increased low- and high-frequency activity than at-risk subjects and did not differ from controls. Conclusion: The results of this study lead to the suggestion that the deficits in early somatosensory processing in individuals at risk to develop psychosis may not represent a marker for a genetic risk for psychosis but rather reflect state-dependent factors such as negative symptoms. On the other hand, the transition to psychosis seems to represent an interstage between reduced sensory registration from the at-risk state and gating deficits in the chronic state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florence Hagenmuller
- The Zurich Program for Sustainable Development of Mental Health Services (ZInEP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Karsten Heekeren
- The Zurich Program for Sustainable Development of Mental Health Services (ZInEP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patrik Roser
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric Services Aargau, Academic Hospital of the University of Zurich, Brugg, Switzerland
| | - Helene Haker
- The Zurich Program for Sustainable Development of Mental Health Services (ZInEP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Translational Neuromodeling Unit, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anastasia Theodoridou
- The Zurich Program for Sustainable Development of Mental Health Services (ZInEP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Susanne Walitza
- The Zurich Program for Sustainable Development of Mental Health Services (ZInEP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Wulf Rössler
- The Zurich Program for Sustainable Development of Mental Health Services (ZInEP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Neuroscience (LIM 27), Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolfram Kawohl
- The Zurich Program for Sustainable Development of Mental Health Services (ZInEP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric Services Aargau, Academic Hospital of the University of Zurich, Brugg, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Promoting preschoolers' numerical knowledge through spatial analogies: Numbers’ spatial alignment influences its learning. CONTEMPORARY EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cedpsych.2018.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
11
|
A critical analysis of design, facts, bias and inference in the approximate number system training literature: A systematic review. Trends Neurosci Educ 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tine.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
|
12
|
Affiliation(s)
- Robert S. Siegler
- Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213;
- The Siegler Center for Innovative Learning (SCIL), Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - David W. Braithwaite
- Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213;
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Schenk S, Aronsen D. Contribution of Impulsivity and Serotonin Receptor Neuroadaptations to the Development of an MDMA ('Ecstasy') Substance Use Disorder. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2017; 34:17-32. [PMID: 26718587 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2015_421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
As is the case with other drugs of abuse, a proportion of ecstasy users develop symptoms consistent with a substance use disorder (SUD). In this paper, we propose that the pharmacology of MDMA, the primary psychoactive component of ecstasy tablets, changes markedly with repeated exposure and that neuroadaptations in dopamine and serotonin brain systems underlie the shift from MDMA use to MDMA misuse in susceptible subjects. Data from both the human and laboratory animal literature are synthesized to support the idea that (1) MDMA becomes a less efficacious serotonin releaser and a more efficacious dopamine releaser with the development of behaviour consistent with an SUD and (2) that upregulated serotonin receptor mechanisms contribute to the development of the MDMA SUD via dysregulated inhibitory control associated with the trait of impulsivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Schenk
- School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Dane Aronsen
- School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Awake whole-brain functional connectivity alterations in the adolescent spontaneously hypertensive rat feature visual streams and striatal networks. Brain Struct Funct 2016; 222:1673-1683. [DOI: 10.1007/s00429-016-1301-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
|
15
|
Zhang Y, Chen C, Liu H, Cui J, Zhou X. Both non-symbolic and symbolic quantity processing are important for arithmetical computation but not for mathematical reasoning. JOURNAL OF COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/20445911.2016.1205074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
16
|
Whipple BD, Nelson JM. Naming Speed of Adolescents and Young Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Differences in Alphanumeric Versus Color/Object Naming. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2015; 31:66-78. [PMID: 26471216 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acv061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Brittany D Whipple
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Jason M Nelson
- Regents' Center for Learning Disorders, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mephedrone interactions with cocaine: prior exposure to the 'bath salt' constituent enhances cocaine-induced locomotor activation in rats. Behav Pharmacol 2014; 24:684-8. [PMID: 24126218 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Concurrent use of mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone; MEPH) and established drugs of abuse is now commonplace, but knowledge about interactions between these drugs is sparse. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that prior MEPH exposure enhances the locomotor-stimulant effects of cocaine and methamphetamine (METH). For cocaine experiments, rats pretreated with saline, cocaine (15 mg/kg), or MEPH (15 mg/kg) for 5 days were injected with cocaine after 10 days of drug absence. For METH experiments, rats pretreated with saline, METH (2 mg/kg), or MEPH (15 mg/kg) were injected with METH after 10 days of drug absence. Cocaine challenge produced greater locomotor activity after pretreatment with cocaine or MEPH than after pretreatment with saline. METH challenge produced greater locomotor activity after METH pretreatment than after saline pretreatment; however, locomotor activity in rats pretreated with MEPH or saline and then challenged with METH was not significantly different. The locomotor response to MEPH (15 mg/kg) was not significantly affected by pretreatment with cocaine (15 mg/kg) or METH (0.5, 2 mg/kg). The present demonstration that cocaine-induced locomotor activation is enhanced by prior MEPH exposure suggests that MEPH cross-sensitizes to cocaine and increases cocaine efficacy. Interestingly, MEPH cross-sensitization was not bidirectional and did not extend to METH, suggesting that the phenomenon is sensitive to specific psychostimulants.
Collapse
|
18
|
Rukova B, Staneva R, Hadjidekova S, Stamenov G, Milanova V, Toncheva D. Whole genome methylation analyses of schizophrenia patients before and after treatment. BIOTECHNOL BIOTEC EQ 2014; 28:518-524. [PMID: 26019538 PMCID: PMC4434134 DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2014.933501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aetiology of schizophrenia is still unknown but it involves both heritable and non-heritable factors. DNA methylation is an inheritable epigenetic modification that stably alters gene expression. It takes part in the regulation of neurodevelopment and may be a contributing factor to the pathogenesis of brain diseases. It was found that many of the antipsychotic drugs may lead to epigenetic modifications. We have performed 42 high-resolution genome-wide methylation array analyses to determine the methylation status of 27,627 CpG islands. Differentially methylated regions were studied with samples from 20 Bulgarian individuals divided in four groups according to their gender (12 males/8 females) and their treatment response (6 in complete/14 in incomplete remission). They were compared to two age and sex matched control pools (110 females in female pool/110 males in male pool) before and after treatment. We found significant differences in the methylation profiles between male schizophrenia patients with complete remission and control male pool before treatment (C16orf70, CST3, DDRGK1, FA2H, FLJ30058, MFSD2B, RFX4, UBE2J1, ZNF311) and male schizophrenia patients with complete remission and control male pool after treatment (AP1S3, C16orf59, KCNK15, LOC146336, MGC16384, XRN2) that potentially could be used as target genes for new therapeutic strategies as well as markers for good treatment response. Our data revealed major differences in methylation profiles between male schizophrenia patients in complete remission before and after treatment and healthy controls which supports the hypothesis that antipsychotic drugs may play a role in epigenetic modifications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blaga Rukova
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Sofia , Sofia , Bulgaria
| | - Rada Staneva
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Sofia , Sofia , Bulgaria
| | - Savina Hadjidekova
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Sofia , Sofia , Bulgaria
| | | | - Vihra Milanova
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Sofia , Sofia , Bulgaria
| | - Draga Toncheva
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Sofia , Sofia , Bulgaria
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Davidse NJ, de Jong MT, Shaul S, Bus AG. A twin-case study of developmental number sense impairment. Cogn Neuropsychol 2014; 31:221-36. [PMID: 24479698 DOI: 10.1080/02643294.2013.876980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
20
|
Repeated exposure to MDMA and amphetamine: sensitization, cross-sensitization, and response to dopamine D₁- and D₂-like agonists. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2012; 223:389-99. [PMID: 22562523 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-012-2726-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2011] [Accepted: 04/16/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Acute exposure to (±) 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) produces hyperlocomotion that is preferentially expressed in the periphery of closed chambers. Following repeated administration, however, a sensitized hyperlocomotor response is preferentially expressed in the center of an activity box, so that the response resembles the more generalized activity that is produced by D-amphetamine (AMPH). OBJECTIVES The present study was designed to determine whether common neuroadaptations underlie the acute and sensitized responses to MDMA and AMPH. METHODS Rats were pretreated with five daily injections of MDMA (10.0 mg/kg), AMPH (2.0 mg/kg), or saline. Following a 2-day drug-free period, dose-response curves for hyperactivity produced by MDMA (2.5-10.0 mg/kg), AMPH (0.5-2.0 mg/kg), SKF-81297 (1.0-2.0 mg/kg), or quinpirole (0.25-1.0 mg/kg) were obtained. RESULTS Effects of MDMA and AMPH were increased by pretreatment with both drugs. The sensitized response following MDMA exposure was preferentially expressed in the center compartment, but, following AMPH pretreatment, the sensitized response was observed in both compartments. Cross-sensitization was unidirectional; AMPH pretreatment failed to sensitize to the effects of MDMA, but MDMA pretreatment sensitized to the effects of AMPH. MDMA and AMPH pretreatment produced marginal increases in the effects of SKF-81297. The response to quinpirole was, however, greater following MDMA, but not AMPH, pretreatment. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that repeated MDMA exposure produces sensitization via a unique neurochemical effect.
Collapse
|
21
|
Barde LHF, Yeatman JD, Lee ES, Glover G, Feldman HM. Differences in neural activation between preterm and full term born adolescents on a sentence comprehension task: implications for educational accommodations. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2012; 2 Suppl 1:S114-28. [PMID: 22682901 PMCID: PMC3501002 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2011.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2011] [Revised: 10/19/2011] [Accepted: 10/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Adolescent survivors of preterm birth experience persistent functional problems that negatively impact academic outcomes, even when standardized measures of cognition and language suggest normal ability. In this fMRI study, we compared the neural activation supporting auditory sentence comprehension in two groups of adolescents (ages 9-16 years); sentences varied in length and syntactic difficulty. Preterms (n=18, mean gestational age 28.8 weeks) and full terms (n=14) had scores on verbal IQ, receptive vocabulary, and receptive language tests that were within or above normal limits and similar between groups. In early and late phases of the trial, we found interactions by group and length; in the late phase, we also found a group by syntactic difficulty interaction. Post hoc tests revealed that preterms demonstrated significant activation in the left and right middle frontal gyri as syntactic difficulty increased. ANCOVA showed that the interactions could not be attributed to differences in age, receptive language skill, or reaction time. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that preterm birth modulates brain-behavior relations in sentence comprehension as task demands increase. We suggest preterms' differences in neural processing may indicate a need for educational accommodations, even when formal test scores indicate normal academic achievement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura H F Barde
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Mohamed WM, Hamida SB, Cassel JC, de Vasconcelos AP, Jones BC. MDMA: Interactions with other psychoactive drugs. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2011; 99:759-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2011.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2010] [Revised: 05/10/2011] [Accepted: 06/28/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
23
|
Abstract
Recent research in cognitive and developmental neuroscience is providing a new approach to the understanding of dyscalculia that emphasizes a core deficit in understanding sets and their numerosities, which is fundamental to all aspects of elementary school mathematics. The neural bases of numerosity processing have been investigated in structural and functional neuroimaging studies of adults and children, and neural markers of its impairment in dyscalculia have been identified. New interventions to strengthen numerosity processing, including adaptive software, promise effective evidence-based education for dyscalculic learners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Butterworth
- Centre for Educational Neuroscience and Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Steinkellner T, Freissmuth M, Sitte HH, Montgomery T. The ugly side of amphetamines: short- and long-term toxicity of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'Ecstasy'), methamphetamine and D-amphetamine. Biol Chem 2011; 392:103-15. [PMID: 21194370 DOI: 10.1515/bc.2011.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Amphetamine ('Speed'), methamphetamine ('Ice') and its congener 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; 'Ecstasy') are illicit drugs abused worldwide for their euphoric and stimulant effects. Despite compelling evidence for chronic MDMA neurotoxicity in animal models, the physiological consequences of such toxicity in humans remain unclear. In addition, distinct differences in the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of MDMA between species and different strains of animals prevent the rationalisation of realistic human dose paradigms in animal studies. Here, we attempt to review amphetamine toxicity and in particular MDMA toxicity in the pathogenesis of exemplary human pathologies, independently of confounding environmental factors such as poly-drug use and drug purity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Steinkellner
- Centre for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Währingerstrasse 13a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kay C, Harper D, Hunt M. The effects of binge MDMA on acquisition and reversal learning in a radial-arm maze task. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2011; 95:473-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2011.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2010] [Revised: 02/10/2011] [Accepted: 02/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
26
|
Yang PB, Atkins KD, Dafny N. Behavioral sensitization and cross-sensitization between methylphenidate amphetamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in female SD rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2011; 661:72-85. [PMID: 21549116 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2011.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2010] [Revised: 04/08/2011] [Accepted: 04/14/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The psychostimulants amphetamine and methylphenidate (MPD/Ritalin) are the drugs most often used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In addition, students of all ages take these drugs to improve academic performance but also abuse them for pleasurable enhancement. In addition, other psychostimulants such as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA/ecstasy) are used/abused for similar objectives. One of the experimental markers for the potential of a drug to produce dependence is its ability to induce behavioral sensitization and cross sensitization with other drugs of abuse. The objective of this study is to use identical experimental protocols and behavioral assays to compare in female rats the effects of amphetamine, MPD and MDMA on locomotor activity and to determine if they induce behavioral sensitization and/or cross sensitization with each other. The main findings of this study are as follows: (1) acute amphetamine, MPD and MDMA all elicited increases in locomotor activity; (2) chronic administration of an intermediate dose of amphetamine or MPD elicited behavioral sensitization; (3) chronic administration of MDMA elicited behavioral sensitization in some animals and behavioral tolerance in others; (4) cross sensitization between MPD and amphetamine was observed; and (5) MDMA did not show either cross sensitization or cross tolerance with amphetamine. In conclusion, these results suggest that MDMA acts by different mechanisms compared to MPD and amphetamine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pamela B Yang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine-School of Medicine, 92697, United States
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Martel MM, Nikolas M, Jernigan K, Friderici K, Waldman I, Nigg JT. The dopamine receptor D4 gene (DRD4) moderates family environmental effects on ADHD. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2011; 39:1-10. [PMID: 20644990 PMCID: PMC4306231 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-010-9439-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prime candidate for exploration of gene-by-environment interaction (i.e., G x E), particularly in relation to dopamine system genes, due to strong evidence that dopamine systems are dysregulated in the disorder. Using a G x E design, we examined whether the DRD4 promoter 120-bp tandem repeat polymorphism, previously associated with ADHD, moderated the effects of inconsistent parenting and marital conflict on ADHD or Oppositional-Defiant Disorder (ODD). Participants were 548 children with ADHD and non-ADHD comparison children and their parents. Homozygosity for the DRD4 promoter 120-bp tandem repeat insertion allele increased vulnerability for ADHD and ODD only in the presence of inconsistent parenting and appeared to increase susceptibility to the influence of increased child self-blame for marital conflict on ADHD inattention. DRD4 genotypes may interact with these proximal family environmental risk factors by increasing the individual's responsivity to environmental contingencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Martel
- Psychology Department, University of New Orleans, 2000 Lakeshore Drive; 2005 Geology & Psychology Building, New Orleans, LA 70148, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Schenk S. MDMA ("ecstasy") abuse as an example of dopamine neuroplasticity. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2010; 35:1203-18. [PMID: 21184779 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2010.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2010] [Revised: 12/12/2010] [Accepted: 12/15/2010] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
A number of reviews have focused on the short- and long-term effects of MDMA and, in particular, on the persistent deficits in serotonin neurotransmission that accompany some exposure regimens. The mechanisms underlying the serotonin deficits and their relevance to various behavioral and cognitive consequences of MDMA use are still being debated. It has become clear, however, that some individuals develop compulsive and uncontrolled drug-taking that is consistent with abuse. For other drugs of abuse, this transition has been attributed to neuroadaptations in central dopamine mechanisms that occur as a function of repeated drug exposure. A question remains as to whether similar neuroadaptations occur as a function of exposure to MDMA and the impact of serotonin neurotoxicity in the transition from use to abuse. This review focuses specifically on this issue by first providing an overview of human studies and then reviewing the animal literature with specific emphasis on paradigms that measure subjective effects of drugs and self-administration as indices of abuse liability. It is suggested that serotonin deficits resulting from repeated exposure to MDMA self-administration lead to a sensitized dopaminergic response to the drug and that this sensitized response renders MDMA comparable to other drugs of abuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Schenk
- Victoria University of Wellington, School of Psychology, Kelburn Pde, Easterfield Bldg Rm 702, Wellington, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Drug seeking in response to a priming injection of MDMA in rats: relationship to initial sensitivity to self-administered MDMA and dorsal striatal dopamine. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2010; 13:1315-27. [PMID: 20334725 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145710000283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In laboratory animals, exposure to priming injections of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) produced drug seeking following extinction of MDMA self-administration. This study aimed to evaluate whether the magnitude of drug seeking was related to latency to acquisition of MDMA self-administration and increases in striatal dopamine, as measured by in-vivo microdialysis. Rats were given daily access to MDMA self-administration until they earned a total of 240 infusions (total intake of 165 mg/kg MDMA). Twelve of the 20 rats acquired self-administration within the temporal limits of the study and the latency to meet the criterion ranged from 9 d to 37 d. An experimenter-administered injection of MDMA (10.0 mg/kg i.p.) produced drug seeking in these rats, and the number of responses was significantly higher than responses produced by rats that failed to meet the criterion or by yoked control rats that received the drug passively. For rats that met the criterion, drug seeking was negatively correlated with the number of days to self-administer the criterion number of MDMA infusions and positively correlated with MDMA-produced dopamine in the dorsal striatum. Importantly, MDMA-produced dopamine overflow was greater for the rats that met the criterion. These findings suggest that drug seeking is influenced by initial sensitivity to the reinforcing effects of MDMA and to drug-produced increases in striatal dopamine.
Collapse
|
30
|
Atkins K, Burks T, Swann AC, Dafny N. MDMA (ecstasy) modulates locomotor and prefrontal cortex sensory evoked activity. Brain Res 2009; 1302:175-82. [PMID: 19769950 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2009.09.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2009] [Revised: 09/02/2009] [Accepted: 09/13/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Ingestion of 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) leads to heightened response to sensory stimulation; thus, MDMA is referred to as "ecstasy" because it produces pleasurable enhancement of such sensation. There have been no electrophysiological studies that report the consequences of MDMA on sensory input. The present study was initiated to study the effects of acute and chronic MDMA on locomotor activity and sensory evoked field potential from freely behaving rats previously implanted with permanent electrodes in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The main findings of this study are that: (1) acute MDMA augments locomotor behavior and attenuates the incoming sensory input, (2) chronic treatment of MDMA elicits behavioral sensitization, (3) chronic administration of MDMA results in attenuation of the baseline activity of the sensory evoked field potential, and (4) administration of rechallenge MDMA result in enhancement of the PFC sensory evoked field potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristal Atkins
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, The University of Texas-Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX 77225, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Learning disabilities: definitions, epidemiology, diagnosis, and intervention strategies. Pediatr Clin North Am 2008; 55:1259-68, vii. [PMID: 19041456 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2008.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Learning problems occur in about 5% of school-aged children. Learning disabilities are specific and life-long but present with different school problems at different ages, depending on such factors as age, medical history, family history, and intelligence quotient. Proper individualized diagnosis and treatment plans are necessary to remediate these problems and to offer adequate coping strategies. Many children who have learning problems can be classified into one of two major categories: the dyslexia group or the nonverbal learning disability group. The role of the medical professional is important to guide parents in the diagnostic and therapeutic process.
Collapse
|
32
|
Schenk S, Hely L, Gittings D, Lake B, Daniela E. Effects of priming injections of MDMA and cocaine on reinstatement of MDMA- and cocaine-seeking in rats. Drug Alcohol Depend 2008; 96:249-55. [PMID: 18472230 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2008.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2007] [Revised: 02/29/2008] [Accepted: 03/05/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to self-administered drugs is sufficient to produce drug-seeking in animal models. In many cases priming injections of drugs that share discriminative stimulus properties with the self-administered drug also can lead to drug-seeking, suggesting that exposure might precipitate relapse. The present investigation examined the ability of MDMA or cocaine priming injections to reinstate extinguished drug-seeking in rats. Priming injections of cocaine (0-20.0 mg/kg) and MDMA (0.0-10.0 mg/kg) reinstated extinguished drug-taking for both the cocaine- and MDMA-trained rats. In a separate group of cocaine-trained rats that received repeated exposure to 10.0 mg/kg MDMA, the initial exposure to MDMA (10.0 mg/kg, i.p.) failed to reinstate extinguished responding but MDMA became an effective prime for reinstatement of extinguished cocaine-taking behavior with repeated exposure. Effects of MDMA in MDMA-trained rats was greater than the effect in cocaine-trained rats suggesting that extensive experience with MDMA self-administration might have sensitized rats to this effect. These findings show that extinguished MDMA self-administration, like self-administration of other drugs of abuse, can be reinstated by exposure to psychostimulants thereby precipitating relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Schenk
- Victoria University of Wellington, School of Psychology, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Daza-Losada M, Rodríguez-Arias M, Aguilar MA, Miñarro J. Effect of adolescent exposure to MDMA and cocaine on acquisition and reinstatement of morphine-induce CPP. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2008; 32:701-9. [PMID: 18164530 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2007.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2007] [Revised: 11/14/2007] [Accepted: 11/15/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that an elevated percentage of ecstasy users also consume cocaine. Recently, it has been reported that a high frequency of heroin smokers first consumed heroin under the effects of ecstasy with the hope of reducing the stimulant effects of the latter drug. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of exposure to MDMA and cocaine during adolescence on morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) and reinstatement in adulthood. In the first experiment, adolescent mice were exposed to six injections of MDMA and three weeks later their response to the reinforcing properties of 40 mg/kg of morphine was evaluated using the CPP paradigm. All the treatment groups developed the same magnitude of morphine-induced preference and, after CPP was extinguished, it was restored in all the groups with a priming dose of 10 mg/kg of morphine. Only mice that had been treated with 10 or 20 mg/kg of MDMA had their morphine-induced preference reinstated after receiving only 5 mg/kg of morphine. In the second experiment, adolescent mice were similarly treated with six administrations of cocaine (25 mg/kg) or cocaine plus MDMA (5, 10 or 20 mg/kg), and their response to morphine-induce CPP was evaluated three weeks later. Similarly to the first experiment, all the groups developed a preference for the morphine-paired compartment, but this preference was not reinstated with a priming dose of 10 mg/kg of morphine following extinction, as was the case among the control animals. These results lead us to hypothesize that periadolescent MDMA exposure alters responsiveness to the rewarding properties of morphine, highlighting MDMA as a gateway drug whose use may increase the likelihood of dependence on other drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Daza-Losada
- Unidad de Investigación Psicobiología de las Drogodependencias, Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Avda. Blasco Ibáñez 21, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Ludwig V, Mihov Y, Schwarting RKW. Behavioral and neurochemical consequences of multiple MDMA administrations in the rat: role of individual differences in anxiety-related behavior. Behav Brain Res 2007; 189:52-64. [PMID: 18241937 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2007.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2007] [Accepted: 12/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Using the elevated plus-maze (EPM), Wistar rats can be distinguished into high (HA) or low anxiety (LA) subjects. These differences seem to reflect traits, since HA and LA rats vary also in other anxiety-dependent tasks, neurochemical mechanisms, and psychopharmacological reactivity, including lasting consequences after single treatment with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Here, we tested whether multiple MDMA treatments also have subject-dependent effects. Based on routine EPM screening, male Wistar rats were divided into HA and LA sub-groups, which received five (i.e. multiple) daily injections of MDMA (5 mg/kg) or saline, followed by a test battery, including a challenge test with MDMA, a retest in the EPM, a novel-object test, and a final neurochemical analysis. Acutely, MDMA led to comparable hyperactivity in HA and LA rats. After multiple MDMA, behavioral sensitization was observed, especially in LA rats. Open arm time during the EPM retest (min 0-5) correlated with that of the initial one only in those rats, which had received a single injection of MDMA. Rats with multiple MDMA, especially LA-rats, showed more open-arm time and locomotion during the subsequent 5-10 min of the retest. In a novel-object test, rats with multiple MDMA, again especially LA subjects, showed more exploratory bouts towards the novel object. Neurochemically, multiple MDMA led to moderately lower serotonin in the ventral striatum, and higher dopamine levels in the frontal cortex as compared to single MDMA; these effects were also moderated by subject-dependent factors. Our data show that low-dosed multiple MDMA can lead to behavioral sensitization and outlasting consequences, which affect behavior in the EPM and a novel object task. Detecting such sequels partly requires consideration of individual differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Ludwig
- Experimental and Physiological Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
MDMA (N-methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine) and its stereoisomers: Similarities and differences in behavioral effects in an automated activity apparatus in mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2007; 88:318-31. [PMID: 17904622 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2007.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2007] [Revised: 08/28/2007] [Accepted: 09/06/2007] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Racemic MDMA (0.3-30 mg/kg), S(+)-MDMA (0.3-30 mg/kg), R(-)-MDMA (0.3-50 mg/kg) and saline vehicle (10 ml/kg) were comprehensively evaluated in fully automated and computer-integrated activity chambers, which were designed for mice, and provided a detailed analysis of the frequency, location, and/or duration of 18 different activities. The results indicated that MDMA and its isomers produced stimulation of motor actions, with S(+)-MDMA and (+/-)-MDMA usually being more potent than R(-)-MDMA in measures such as movement (time, distance, velocity), margin distance, rotation (clockwise and counterclockwise), and retraced activities. Interestingly, racemic MDMA appeared to exert a greater than expected potency and/or an enhanced effect on measures such as movement episodes, center actions (entries and distance), clockwise rotations, and jumps; actions that might be explained by additive or synergistic (i.e. potentiation) effects of the stereoisomers. In other measures, the enantiomers displayed different effects: S(+)-MDMA produced a preference to induce counterclockwise (versus clockwise) rotations, and each isomer exerted a different profile of effect on vertical activities and jumps. Furthermore, each isomer of MDMA appeared to attenuate the effect of its opposite enantiomer on some behaviors; antagonism effects that were surmised from a lack of expected activities by racemic MDMA. S(+)-MDMA (but not R(-)-MDMA), for example, produced an increase in vertical entries (rearing) and a preference to increase counterclockwise (versus clockwise) rotations; (+/-)-MDMA also should have induced such effects but did not. Apparently, R(-)-MDMA, when combined with S(+)-MDMA to form (+/-)-MDMA, prevented the appearance of those increases (from control) in activities. Similarly, R(-)-MDMA (but not S(+)-MDMA) produced increases in episodes (i.e. jumps) and vertical distance that racemic MDMA also should have, but were not, exhibited. Evidently, the presence of S(+)-MDMA in the racemic mixture inhibited the appearance of those increases (from control) in behavior. Taken together, the various and complex effects of MDMA and its stereoisomers are noted and a strategy is suggested for future studies that stresses the importance of steric effects and interplay, probable interaction(s) with various neurotransmitters, and interaction(s) with the particular behavioral or biological event (or action) being measured.
Collapse
|
36
|
Daza-Losada M, Ribeiro Do Couto B, Manzanedo C, Aguilar MA, Rodríguez-Arias M, Miñarro J. Rewarding effects and reinstatement of MDMA-induced CPP in adolescent mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2007; 32:1750-9. [PMID: 17299518 DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1301309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Although the rewarding effects of 3,4-methylenedioxy-metamphetamine (MDMA) have been demonstrated in self-administration and conditioned place preference (CPP) procedures, its addictive potential (ie, the vulnerability to relapse, measured by its ability to induce reinstatement of an extinguished response), remains poorly understood. In this study, the effects of MDMA (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) on the acquisition, extinction and reinstatement of CPP were evaluated in mice, using two different protocols during acquisition of CPP. In the first experiment, animals were trained using a two-session/day schedule (MDMA and saline for 4 consecutive days), whereas in the second experiment, they were trained using an alternating day schedule (MDMA and saline each 48 h). After extinction, the ability of drug priming to reinstate CPP was evaluated. In Experiment 1, MDMA did not significantly increase the time spent in the drug-paired compartment during the post-conditioning (Post-C) test, although the preference was evident a week afterwards, lasting between 2 and 21 weeks. No reinstatement was observed after MDMA priming. In Experiment 2, all doses produced CPP in Post-C, which lasted between 1 and 4 weeks. MDMA induces reinstatement at doses up to 4 times lower than those used in conditioning. The analyses of brain monoamines revealed that the daily schedule of treatment induces a non-dose-dependent decrease in dopamine and serotonin (5-HT) in the striatum, whereas the alternating schedule produces a dose-dependent decrease of 5-HT in the cortex. These results demonstrate that MDMA produces long-lasting rewarding effects and reinstatement after extinction, suggesting the susceptibility of this drug to induce addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Daza-Losada
- Facultad de Psicología, Departamento de Psicobiología, Unidad de Investigación Psicobiología de las Drogodependencias, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Ben Hamida S, Plute E, Bach S, Lazarus C, Tracqui A, Kelche C, de Vasconcelos AP, Jones BC, Cassel JC. Ethanol-MDMA interactions in rats: the importance of interval between repeated treatments in biobehavioral tolerance and sensitization to the combination. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2007; 192:555-69. [PMID: 17345065 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-007-0752-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2006] [Accepted: 02/19/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE In our previous work, we showed that ethanol (EtOH) potentiates 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-induced hyperlocomotion while protecting against its hyperthermic effects. Whereas the effect on activity were found on all days (although declining over the three first days), the protection against hyperthermia completely disappeared on the second day. The latter effect was previously thought to reflect tolerance to ethanol or the combination, per se. OBJECTIVE In the present study, we changed the treatment regimen to irregular and longer intervals between treatments (48, 120, and again 48 h) to check if tolerance was still observed. RESULTS We found progressive sensitization of locomotor activity to EtOH (1.5 g/kg, i.p.)+MDMA (6.6 mg/kg, i.p.), and a partial EtOH protection against MDMA-induced hyperthermia that persisted after the first drug challenge day. When the monoamine neurotransmitters, dopamine, and serotonin were assessed 2 weeks after treatment, we found no consistent effect on the concentration of any of these neurotransmitters, whatever the treatment. Similarly, we found that regional brain concentrations of MDMA were not significantly affected by EtOH at a 45-min post-treatment delay; however, the overall ratio of the metabolite 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) to MDMA was lower (overall, -16%) in animals treated with the combination compared to MDMA alone, indicating possible contribution of pharmacokinetic factors. This difference was especially marked in the striatum (-25%). CONCLUSIONS These findings shed new light on the consequences of EtOH-MDMA, taken together at a nearly normal ambient temperature, both in terms of motivation and potential risks for recreational drug users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sami Ben Hamida
- LINC-UMR 7191, Université Louis Pasteur-CNRS, Institut Fédérératif de Recherche 37, GDR CNRS 2905, Strasbourg, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Åberg M, Wade D, Wall E, Izenwasser S. Effect of MDMA (ecstasy) on activity and cocaine conditioned place preference in adult and adolescent rats. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2006; 29:37-46. [PMID: 17049207 PMCID: PMC1817672 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2006.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2006] [Revised: 08/08/2006] [Accepted: 09/04/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
MDMA (ecstasy) is a drug commonly used in adolescence, and many users of MDMA also use other illicit drugs. It is not known whether MDMA during adolescence alters subsequent responses to cocaine differently than in adults. This study examined the effects of MDMA in adolescent and adult rats on cocaine conditioned reward. At the start of these experiments, adolescent rats were at postnatal day (PND) 33 and adult rats at PND 60. Each rat was treated for 7 days with MDMA (2 or 5 mg/kg/day or vehicle) and locomotor activity was measured. Five days later cocaine conditioned place preference (CPP) was begun. Rats were trained for 3 days, in the morning with saline and in the afternoon with 10 mg/kg cocaine in 30 min sessions, and tested on the fourth day. MDMA stimulated activity in both age groups, but with a greater effect in the adult rats. Sensitization to the locomotor-stimulant effects of the lower dose of MDMA occurred in adult rats and in both groups to the higher dose. Cocaine did not produce a CPP in vehicle-treated adolescent rats, but a significant CPP was observed subsequent to treatment with MDMA. In contrast, cocaine-induced CPP was diminished after MDMA in adult rats. These effects were still evident 2 weeks later upon retest. Thus, under the present conditions, MDMA increased cocaine conditioned reward in adolescent and decreased it in adult rats. These findings suggest that exposure to MDMA during this critical developmental period may carry a greater risk than during adulthood and that male adolescents may be particularly vulnerable to the risk of stimulant abuse after use of MDMA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sari Izenwasser
- *Correspondence to: Sari Izenwasser, Ph.D., E-mail: , Tel: +1-305-243-2032, Fax:+1-305-243-5475
| |
Collapse
|