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Tillage RP, Foster SL, Lustberg D, Liles LC, McCann KE, Weinshenker D. Co-released norepinephrine and galanin act on different timescales to promote stress-induced anxiety-like behavior. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:1535-1543. [PMID: 33911187 PMCID: PMC8208976 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01011-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Both the noradrenergic and galaninergic systems have been implicated in stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders, and these two neuromodulators are co-released from the stress-responsive locus coeruleus (LC); however, the individual contributions of LC-derived norepinephrine (NE) and galanin to behavioral stress responses are unclear. Here we aimed to disentangle the functional roles of co-released NE and galanin in stress-induced behavior. We used foot shock, optogenetics, and behavioral pharmacology in wild-type (WT) mice and mice lacking either NE (Dbh-/-) or galanin (GalcKO-Dbh) specifically in noradrenergic neurons to isolate the roles of these co-transmitters in regulating anxiety-like behavior in the elevated zero maze (EZM) either immediately or 24 h following stress. Foot shock and optogenetic LC stimulation produced immediate anxiety-like behavior in WT mice, and the effects of foot shock persisted for 24 h. NE-deficient mice were resistant to the anxiogenic effects of acute stress and optogenetic LC stimulation, while mice lacking noradrenergic-derived galanin displayed typical increases in anxiety-like behavior. However, when tested 24 h after foot shock, both Dbh-/- and GalcKO-Dbh mice lacked normal expression of anxiety-like behavior. Pharmacological rescue of NE, but not galanin, in knockout mice during EZM testing was anxiogenic. In contrast, restoring galanin, but not NE, signaling during foot shock normalized stress-induced anxiety-like behavior 24 h later. These results indicate that NE and noradrenergic-derived galanin play complementary, but distinguishable roles in behavioral responses to stress. NE is required for the expression of acute stress-induced anxiety, while noradrenergic-derived galanin mediates the development of more persistent responses following a stressor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel P. Tillage
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Stephanie L. Foster
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Daniel Lustberg
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - L. Cameron Liles
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Katharine E. McCann
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
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Dey SK, Saini M, Prabhakar P, Kundu S. Dopamine β hydroxylase as a potential drug target to combat hypertension. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2020; 29:1043-1057. [DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2020.1795830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Kumar Dey
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Camp us , New Delhi, India
| | - Manisha Saini
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Camp us , New Delhi, India
| | - Pankaj Prabhakar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Camp us , New Delhi, India
| | - Suman Kundu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Camp us , New Delhi, India
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Ohkubo N, Aoto M, Kon K, Mitsuda N. Lack of zinc finger protein 521 upregulates dopamine β-hydroxylase expression in the mouse brain, leading to abnormal behavior. Life Sci 2019; 231:116559. [PMID: 31200001 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.116559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM Previously, we reported that mice deficient in most of the Zfp521 coding region (Zfp521Δ/Δ mice) displayed abnormal behaviors, including hyperlocomotion and lower anxiety. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the involvement and mechanisms of monoamine variation. MAIN METHODS First, we compared the levels of dopamine (DA), noradrenaline (NA), and serotonin in the brains of Zfp521Δ/Δ and Zfp521+/+ mice using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Next, we elucidated the mechanisms using quantitative PCR and Western Blotting. Additionally, we administered inhibitory drug to the mice and performed behavioral tests. KEY FINDINGS Our results showed that the DA level decreased and the NA level increased in Zfp521Δ/Δ mice. We found that ZFP521 suppresses the expression of dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH), which converts DA into NA. We also demonstrated that paired homeodomain transcription factor 2 and early growth response protein-1, which are the transcription factors for Dbh, were involved in the upregulation of Dbh by ZFP521. The administration of nepicastat, a specific inhibitor of DBH, attenuated the abnormal behaviors of Zfp521Δ/Δ mice. SIGNIFICANCE These results suggest that the lack of ZFP521 upregulates the expression of DBH, which leads to a decrease in the DA level and an increase in the NA level in the brain, resulting in abnormal behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobutaka Ohkubo
- Department of Circulatory Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan..
| | - Mamoru Aoto
- Department of Circulatory Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
| | - Kazunori Kon
- Department of Circulatory Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
| | - Noriaki Mitsuda
- Department of Circulatory Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan
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Xiao LY, Wang XR, Yang JW, Ye Y, Zhu W, Cao Y, Ma SM, Liu CZ. Acupuncture Prevents the Impairment of Hippocampal LTP Through β1-AR in Vascular Dementia Rats. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 55:7677-7690. [PMID: 29435917 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-0943-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that the synaptic dysfunction and synapse loss contribute to the cognitive deficits of vascular dementia (VD) patients. We have previously reported that acupuncture improved cognitive function in rats with VD. However, the mechanisms involved in acupuncture improving cognitive ability remain to be elucidated. The present study aims to investigate the pathways and molecules involved in the neuroprotective effect of acupuncture. We assessed the effects of acupuncture on hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), the most prominent cellular model of memory formation. Acupuncture enhanced LTP and norepinephrine (NE) levels in the hippocampus. Inhibition of the β-adrenergic receptor (AR), but not the α-AR, was able to block the effects of acupuncture on hippocampal LTP. Furthermore, inhibition of β1-AR, not β2-AR, abolished the enhanced LTP induced by acupuncture. The expression analysis revealed a significant upregulation of β1-AR and unchanged β2-AR with acupuncture, which supported the above findings. Specifically, increased β1-ARs in the dentate gyrus were expressed on neurons exclusively. Taken together, the present data supports a beneficial role of acupuncture in synaptic plasticity challenged with VD. A likely mechanism is the increase of NE and activation of β1-AR in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Yong Xiao
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China.,Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6 Fangxingyuan 1st Block, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100078, China
| | - Xue-Rui Wang
- Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Wen Yang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Ye
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6 Fangxingyuan 1st Block, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100078, China
| | - Wen Zhu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Cao
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Si-Ming Ma
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Cun-Zhi Liu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6 Fangxingyuan 1st Block, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100078, China.
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Shelkar GP, Kumar S, Singru PS, Subhedar NK, Kokare DM. Noradrenergic inputs from locus coeruleus to posterior ventral tegmental area are essential to support ethanol reinforcement. Addict Biol 2017; 22:291-302. [PMID: 26549324 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2015] [Revised: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Although dysregulation of the dopaminergic mesolimbic system is generally considered central to addiction, the involvement of other circuits is increasingly being appreciated. An interaction between locus coeruleus (LC) noradrenergic neurons and the posterior ventral tegmental area (pVTA) dopaminergic system, in the processing of drug-triggered reward, has been suggested, but not demonstrated in behaving animals. Herein, we try to tease out the precise role of noradrenergic neurons in the LC-VTA circuit in mediating reward and reinforcement behavior associated with ethanol. In the standard two-lever (active/inactive) operant paradigm, the rats were trained to self-administer ethanol in pVTA and subjected to pharmacological intervention. Intra-pVTA administration of phenylephrine (alpha-1 adrenoceptor agonist) increased ethanol self-administration, while prazosin and disulfiram (agents that reduce noradrenergic tone) produced opposite effects. While degeneration [N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine hydrochloride, DSP-4, intraperitoneal route] or silencing (lidocaine or muscimol, both via intra-LC route) of the LC noradrenergic neurons decreased, phenylephrine via the intra-LC route reinstated ethanol self-administration. Furthermore, lidocaine reduced ethanol self-administration, but the effect was fully attenuated by noradrenaline given directly in the pVTA. This suggests that the feedback signals from LC to pVTA are necessary to sustain the ethanol self-infusion activity. Ethanol self-administration significantly increased tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in pVTA and LC; the response was blocked by DSP-4 pre-treatment. While dopamine D1 , but not D2 , receptors were localized on noradrenergic LC neurons, pre-treatment with SCH-23390 (intra-LC) dampened the lever press activity. We suggest that two-way communications between VTA and LC regions is essential for ethanol-triggered reinforcement behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gajanan P. Shelkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University; India
| | - Santosh Kumar
- School of Biological Sciences; National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER); Institute of Physics Campus; Sachivalaya Marg, PO Sainik School, Bhubaneswar; India
| | - Praful S. Singru
- School of Biological Sciences; National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER); Institute of Physics Campus; Sachivalaya Marg, PO Sainik School, Bhubaneswar; India
| | | | - Dadasaheb M. Kokare
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University; India
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Zaniewska M, Filip M, Przegalinski E. The Involvement of Norepinephrine in Behaviors Related to Psychostimulant Addiction. Curr Neuropharmacol 2016; 13:407-18. [PMID: 26411968 PMCID: PMC4812804 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x13666150121225659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although it is generally accepted that the abuse-related effects of
amphetamines and cocaine result from the activation of the brain dopaminergic
(DA) system, the psychostimulants also alter other neurotransmitter systems. In
particular, they increase extracellular levels of norepinephrine (NE) and
serotonin by inhibiting respective plasma membrane transporters and/or inducing
release. The present review will discuss the preclinical findings on the effects
of the NE system modulation (lesions, pharmacological and genetic approaches) on
behaviors (locomotor hyperactivity, behavioral sensitization, modification of
intracranial self-stimulation, conditioned place preference, drug
self-administration, extinction/reinstatement of drug seeking behavior) related
to the psychostimulant addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Zaniewska
- Laboratory of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland.
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Gaval-Cruz M, Goertz RB, Puttick DJ, Bowles DE, Meyer RC, Hall RA, Ko D, Paladini CA, Weinshenker D. Chronic loss of noradrenergic tone produces β-arrestin2-mediated cocaine hypersensitivity and alters cellular D2 responses in the nucleus accumbens. Addict Biol 2016; 21:35-48. [PMID: 25123018 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12174] [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: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine blocks plasma membrane monoamine transporters and increases extracellular levels of dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5-HT). The addictive properties of cocaine are mediated primarily by DA, while NE and 5-HT play modulatory roles. Chronic inhibition of dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH), which converts DA to NE, increases the aversive effects of cocaine and reduces cocaine use in humans, and produces behavioral hypersensitivity to cocaine and D2 agonism in rodents, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. We found a decrease in β-arrestin2 (βArr2) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) following chronic genetic or pharmacological DBH inhibition, and overexpression of βArr2 in the NAc normalized cocaine-induced locomotion in DBH knockout (Dbh -/-) mice. The D2/3 agonist quinpirole decreased excitability in NAc medium spiny neurons (MSNs) from control, but not Dbh -/- animals, where instead there was a trend for an excitatory effect. The Gαi inhibitor NF023 abolished the quinpirole-induced decrease in excitability in control MSNs, but had no effect in Dbh -/- MSNs, whereas the Gαs inhibitor NF449 restored the ability of quinpirole to decrease excitability in Dbh -/- MSNs, but had no effect in control MSNs. These results suggest that chronic loss of noradrenergic tone alters behavioral responses to cocaine via decreases in βArr2 and cellular responses to D2/D3 activation, potentially via changes in D2-like receptor G-protein coupling in NAc MSNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meriem Gaval-Cruz
- Department of Human Genetics; Emory University School of Medicine; Atlanta GA USA
| | - Richard B. Goertz
- Department of Biology; Neurosciences Institute; University of Texas at San Antonio; San Antonio TX USA
| | - Daniel J. Puttick
- Department of Human Genetics; Emory University School of Medicine; Atlanta GA USA
| | - Dawn E. Bowles
- Department of Surgery; Duke University School of Medicine; Durham NC USA
| | - Rebecca C. Meyer
- Department of Pharmacology; Emory University School of Medicine; Atlanta GA USA
| | - Randy A. Hall
- Department of Pharmacology; Emory University School of Medicine; Atlanta GA USA
| | - Daijin Ko
- Department of Management Science and Statistics; University of Texas at San Antonio; San Antonio TX USA
| | - Carlos A. Paladini
- Department of Biology; Neurosciences Institute; University of Texas at San Antonio; San Antonio TX USA
| | - David Weinshenker
- Department of Human Genetics; Emory University School of Medicine; Atlanta GA USA
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Evaluation of the dopamine β-hydroxylase (DβH) inhibitor nepicastat in participants who meet criteria for cocaine use disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2015; 59:40-48. [PMID: 25602710 PMCID: PMC4777897 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2015.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the potent and selective dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DβH) inhibitor nepicastat would have minimal effects on cardiovascular and pharmacokinetic parameters associated with cocaine administration and would reduce the positive subjective effects produced by cocaine. We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, inpatient study of oral nepicastat (0, 80 and 160mg) concurrent with intravenous (IV) cocaine (0, 10, 20 and 40mg) in non-treatment seeking participants who metcriteria for cocaine use disorder. Safety analyses revealed that nepicastat was well-tolerated and there were no differences in adverse events observed after nepicastat plus cocaine vs. cocaine alone. In addition, the pharmacokinetic properties of cocaine administration were not altered by nepicastat treatment. Cocaine-induced cardiovascular and subjective effects were evaluated for completers in the cohort randomized to nepicastat (n=13) using a within-subjects statistical analysis strategy. Specifically, the cardiovascular and subjective effects of cocaine were assessed in the presence of placebo (0mg), 80mg of nepicastat or 160mg of nepicastat on study Days 4, 8 and 12, respectively. Analyses revealed a main effect of nepicastat to reduce several cocaine-induced positive subjective effects. Taken together, these data indicate that nepicastat is safe when co-administered with cocaine and may suppress its positive subjective effects, and may be viable as a pharmacotherapy for treatment of cocaine use disorder.
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Kim JH, Lawrence AJ. Drugs currently in Phase II clinical trials for cocaine addiction. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2014; 23:1105-22. [PMID: 24773297 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2014.915312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There are no FDA-approved pharmacotherapies for treating cocaine addiction; thus, developing drugs to treat cocaine dependence is an unmet critical need. Fortunately, there are a number of drugs that are currently in Phase II clinical trial/s. This is due in part to the advances from in vivo imaging in humans which provided a roadmap of the neurochemistry of the cocaine-dependent brain. Most drugs currently in Phase II clinical trials attempt to modulate the disturbed neurochemistry in cocaine dependents to resemble those of healthy individuals. These predominantly modulate dopamine, serotonin, glutamate, GABA or noradrenaline signalling. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the therapeutic potential of each drug as evidenced by clinical and preclinical studies. It also discusses their utility in terms of bioavailability and half-life. EXPERT OPINION Amphetamine salts and topiramate clearly stand out in terms of their potential efficacy in treating cocaine addiction. The efficacy of topiramate was closely associated with regular cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which highlights the importance of a combined effort to promote abstinence and enhance retention via CBT. Cognitive/psychological screening appears necessary for a more symptom-based approach with more reasonable outcomes other than abstinence (e.g., improved quality of life) in treating cocaine addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee Hyun Kim
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Behavioural Neuroscience Division , Parkville, VIC 3052 , Australia
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Manvich DF, DePoy LM, Weinshenker D. Dopamine β-hydroxylase inhibitors enhance the discriminative stimulus effects of cocaine in rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2013; 347:564-73. [PMID: 24068832 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.113.207746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibitors of dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH), the enzyme that converts dopamine (DA) to norepinephrine (NE) in noradrenergic cells, have shown promise for the treatment of cocaine abuse disorders. However, the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of these compounds have not been fully elucidated. We used the drug discrimination paradigm to determine the impact of DBH inhibitors on the interoceptive stimulus properties of cocaine. Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to discriminate cocaine (5.6 mg/kg) from saline using a multicomponent, food-reinforced discrimination procedure. On test days, subjects were pretreated with the nonselective DBH inhibitor disulfiram (0-100.0 mg/kg i.p.) or the selective DBH inhibitor nepicastat (0-56.0 mg/kg i.p.) 2 hours prior to a test session either alone or in combination with cumulatively administered cocaine (0-5.6 mg/kg i.p.). Neither disulfiram nor nepicastat substituted for the cocaine stimulus when tested up to doses that nonspecifically reduced responding. However, in combination studies, pretreatment with either disulfiram or nepicastat produced leftward shifts in the cocaine dose-response function and also conferred cocaine-like stimulus effects to the selective NE transporter inhibitor, reboxetine (0.3-5.6 mg/kg i.p.). These results indicate that pharmacological inhibition of DBH does not produce cocaine-like interoceptive stimulus effects alone, but functionally enhances the interoceptive stimulus effects of cocaine, possibly due to facilitated increases in DA released from noradrenergic terminals. These findings suggest that DBH inhibitors have low abuse liability and provide support to clinical reports that some subjective effects produced by cocaine, particularly aversive effects, are enhanced after DBH inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F Manvich
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia (D.F.M., D.W.); and Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia (L.M.D.)
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Kushner S, Han D, Oscar-Berman M, William Downs B, Madigan MA, Giordano J, Beley T, Jones S, Barh D, Simpatico T, Dushaj K, Lohmann R, Braverman ER, Schoenthaler S, Ellison D, Blum K. Declinol, a Complex Containing Kudzu, Bitter Herbs (Gentian, Tangerine Peel) and Bupleurum, Significantly Reduced Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) Scores in Moderate to Heavy Drinkers: A Pilot Study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 4. [PMID: 24273684 DOI: 10.4172/2155-6105.1000153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that inherited human aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH-2) deficiency reduces the risk for alcoholism. Kudzu plants and extracts have been used for 1,000 years in traditional Chinese medicine to treat alcoholism. Kudzu contains daidzin, which inhibits ALDH-2 and suppresses heavy drinking in rodents. Decreased drinking due to ALDH-2 inhibition is attributed to aversive properties of acetaldehyde accumulated during alcohol consumption. However not all of the anti-alcohol properties of diadzin are due to inhibition of ALDH-2. This is in agreement with our earlier work showing significant interaction effects of both pyrozole (ALDH-2 inhibitor) and methyl-pyrozole (non-inhibitor) and ethanol's depressant effects. Moreover, it has been suggested that selective ALDH 2 inhibitors reduce craving for alcohol by increasing dopamine in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). In addition there is significant evidence related to the role of the genetics of bitter receptors (TAS2R) and its stimulation as an aversive mechanism against alcohol intake. The inclusion of bitters such as Gentian & Tangerine Peel in Declinol provides stimulation of gut TAS2R receptors which is potentially synergistic with the effects of Kudzu. Finally the addition of Radix Bupleuri in the Declinol formula may have some protective benefits not only in terms of ethanol induced liver toxicity but neurochemical actions involving endorphins, dopamine and epinephrine. With this information as a rationale, we report herein that this combination significantly reduced Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scores administered to ten heavy drinkers (M=8, F=2; 43.2 ± 14.6 years) attending a recovery program. Specifically, from the pre-post comparison of the AUD scores, it was found that the score of every participant decreased after the intervention which ranged from 1 to 31. The decrease in the scores was found to be statistically significant with the p-value of 0.00298 (two-sided paired test; p-value = 0.00149 for one-sided test). Albeit this being a small pilot, we are encouraged about these significant results, and caution any interpretation until larger controlled studies are executed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Kushner
- Department of Nutritional Science, ALM Research & Development, Inc., Tampa, FL, USA
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