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Ingebretson AE, Alonso-Caraballo Y, Razidlo JA, Lemos JC. Corticotropin releasing factor alters the functional diversity of accumbal cholinergic interneurons. J Neurophysiol 2024; 132:403-417. [PMID: 39106208 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00348.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholinergic interneurons (ChIs) provide the main source of acetylcholine in the striatum and have emerged as a critical modulator of behavioral flexibility, motivation, and associative learning. In the dorsal striatum (DS), ChIs display heterogeneous firing patterns. Here, we investigated the spontaneous firing patterns of ChIs in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell, a region of the ventral striatum. We identified four distinct ChI firing signatures: regular single-spiking, irregular single-spiking, rhythmic bursting, and a mixed-mode pattern composed of bursting activity and regular single spiking. ChIs from females had lower firing rates compared with males and had both a higher proportion of mixed-mode firing patterns and a lower proportion of regular single-spiking neurons compared with males. We further observed that across the estrous cycle, the diestrus phase was characterized by higher proportions of irregular ChI firing patterns compared with other phases. Using pooled data from males and females, we examined how the stress-associated neuropeptide corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) impacts these firing patterns. ChI firing patterns showed differential sensitivity to CRF. This translated into differential ChI sensitivity to CRF across the estrous cycle. Furthermore, CRF shifted the proportion of ChI firing patterns toward more regular spiking activity over bursting patterns. Finally, we found that repeated stressor exposure altered ChI firing patterns and sensitivity to CRF in the NAc core, but not the NAc shell. These findings highlight the heterogeneous nature of ChI firing patterns, which may have implications for accumbal-dependent motivated behaviors.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Cholinergic interneurons (ChIs) within the dorsal and ventral striatum can exert a major influence on network output and motivated behaviors. However, the firing patterns and neuromodulation of ChIs within the ventral striatum, specifically the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell, are understudied. Here, we report that NAc shell ChIs have heterogeneous ChI firing patterns that are labile and can be modulated by the stress-linked neuropeptide corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) and by the estrous cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Ingebretson
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
| | - Yanaira Alonso-Caraballo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
| | - John A Razidlo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
| | - Julia C Lemos
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
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2
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Olson KL, Ingebretson AE, Vogiatzoglou E, Mermelstein PG, Lemos JC. Cholinergic interneurons in the nucleus accumbens are a site of cellular convergence for corticotropin-releasing factor and estrogen regulation in male and female mice. Eur J Neurosci 2024. [PMID: 39080914 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Cholinergic interneurons (ChIs) act as master regulators of striatal output, finely tuning neurotransmission to control motivated behaviours. ChIs are a cellular target of many peptide and hormonal neuromodulators, including corticotropin-releasing factor, opioids, insulin and leptin, which can influence an animal's behaviour by signalling stress, pleasure, pain and nutritional status. However, little is known about how sex hormones via estrogen receptors influence the function of these other neuromodulators. Here, we performed in situ hybridisation on mouse striatal tissue to characterise the effect of sex and sex hormones on choline acetyltransferase (Chat), estrogen receptor alpha (Esr1) and corticotropin-releasing factor type 1 receptor (Crhr1) expression. Although we did not detect sex differences in ChAT protein levels in the dorsal striatum or nucleus accumbens, we found that female mice have more Chat mRNA-expressing neurons than males in both the dorsal striatum and nucleus accumbens. At the population level, we observed a sexually dimorphic distribution of Esr1- and Crhr1-expressing ChIs in the ventral striatum that was negatively correlated in intact females, which was abolished by ovariectomy and not present in males. Only in the NAc did we find a significant population of ChIs that co-express Crhr1 and Esr1 in females and to a lesser extent in males. At the cellular level, Crhr1 and Esr1 transcript levels were negatively correlated only during the estrus phase in females, indicating that changes in sex hormone levels can modulate the interaction between Crhr1 and Esr1 mRNA levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendra L Olson
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Anna E Ingebretson
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Eleftheria Vogiatzoglou
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Paul G Mermelstein
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Julia C Lemos
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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3
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Sharma R, Chischolm A, Parikh M, Kempuraj D, Thakkar M. Cholinergic Interneurons in the Accumbal Shell Region Regulate Binge Alcohol Self-Administration in Mice: An In Vivo Calcium Imaging Study. Brain Sci 2024; 14:484. [PMID: 38790462 PMCID: PMC11120271 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14050484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, we and others have shown that manipulating the activity of cholinergic interneurons (CIN) present in the NAc can modulate binge alcohol consumption. The present study is designed to examine the relationship between binge alcohol consumption and the activity of the CIN in real time by using an in vivo microendoscopic technique. We hypothesized that mice exposed to Drinking in the Dark (DID)-a recognized mouse model for binge drinking-would exhibit increased activity in the accumbal shell region (NAcSh). To test this hypothesis, male mice expressing Cre-recombinase in the cholinergic neurons were exposed to binge alcohol consumption (alcohol group), employing the DID method, and utilized in vivo calcium imaging to observe CIN activity in real time during alcohol consumption. The control (sucrose) group was exposed to 10% (w/v) sucrose. As compared to sucrose, mice in the alcohol group displayed a significant increase in the frequency and amplitude of discharge activity, which was measured using calcium transients in the CIN present in the NAcSh. In summary, our findings suggest that the activity of CIN in the NAcSh plays a crucial role in alcohol self-administration. These results emphasize the potential significance of targeting CIN activity as a therapeutic approach for addressing AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Mahesh Thakkar
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Department of Neurology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA; (R.S.); (A.C.); (M.P.); (D.K.)
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4
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Olson K, Ingebretson AE, Vogiatzoglou E, Mermelstein PG, Lemos JC. Cholinergic interneurons in the nucleus accumbens are a site of cellular convergence for corticotropin release factor and estrogen regulation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.13.589360. [PMID: 38659848 PMCID: PMC11042197 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.13.589360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Cholinergic interneurons (ChIs) act as master regulators of striatal output, finely tuning neurotransmission to control motivated behaviors. ChIs are a cellular target of many peptide and hormonal neuromodulators, including corticotropin releasing factor, opioids, insulin and leptin, which can influence an animal's behavior by signaling stress, pleasure, pain and nutritional status. However, little is known about how sex hormones via estrogen receptors influence the function of these other neuromodulators. Here, we performed in situ hybridization on mouse striatal tissue to characterize the effect of sex and sex hormones on choline acetyltransferase ( Chat ), estrogen receptor alpha ( Esr1 ), and corticotropin releasing factor type 1 receptor ( Crhr1 ) expression. Although we did not detect sex differences in ChAT protein levels in the striatum, we found that female mice have more Chat mRNA-expressing neurons than males. At the population level, we observed a sexually dimorphic distribution of Esr1 - and Crhr1 -expressing ChIs in the ventral striatum that demonstrates an antagonistic correlational relationship, which is abolished by ovariectomy. Only in the NAc did we find a significant population of ChIs that co-express Crhr1 and Esr1 . At the cellular level, Crhr1 and Esr1 transcript levels were negatively correlated only during estrus, indicating that changes in sex hormones levels can modulate the interaction between Crhr1 and Esr1 mRNA levels. Together, these data provide evidence for the unique expression and interaction of Esr1 and Crhr1 in ventral striatal ChIs, warranting further investigation into how these transcriptomic patterns might underlie important functions for ChIs at the intersection of stress and reproductive behaviors.
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5
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Sin R, Sotogaku N, Ohnishi YN, Shuto T, Kuroiwa M, Kawahara Y, Sugiyama K, Murakami Y, Kanai M, Funakoshi H, Chakraborti A, Bibb JA, Nishi A. Inhibition of STAT-mediated cytokine responses to chemically-induced colitis prevents inflammation-associated neurobehavioral impairments. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 114:173-186. [PMID: 37625556 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression can be associated with chronic systemic inflammation, and production of peripheral proinflammatory cytokines and upregulation of the kynurenine pathway have been implicated in pathogenesis of depression. However, the mechanistic bases for these comorbidities are not yet well understood. As tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), which convert tryptophan to kynurenine, are rate-limiting enzymes of the kynurenine pathway, we screened TDO or IDO inhibitors for effects on the production of proinflammatory cytokines in a mouse macrophage cell line. The TDO inhibitor 680C91 attenuated LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β and IL-6. Surprisingly, this effect was TDO-independent, as it occurred even in peritoneal macrophages from TDO knockout mice. Instead, the anti-inflammatory effects of 680C91 were mediated through the suppression of signal transducer and activator of transcription(STAT) signaling. Furthermore, 680C91 suppressed production of proinflammatory cytokines and STAT signaling in an animal model of inflammatory bowel disease. Specifically, 680C91 effectively attenuated acute phase colon cytokine responses in male mice subjected to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Interestingly, this treatment also prevented the development of anxiodepressive-like neurobehaviors in DSS-treated mice during the recovery phase. The ability of 680C91 to prevent anxiodepressive-like behavior in response to chemically-induced colitis appeared to be due to rescue of attenuated dopamine responses in the nucleus accumbens. Thus, inhibition of STAT-mediated, but TDO-independent proinflammatory cytokines in macrophages can prevent inflammation-associated anxiety and depression. Identification of molecular mechanisms involved may facilitate the development of new treatments for gastrointestinal-neuropsychiatric comorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryusuke Sin
- Department of Pharmacology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Naoki Sotogaku
- Department of Pharmacology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Yoshinori N Ohnishi
- Department of Pharmacology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Takahide Shuto
- Department of Pharmacology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Mahomi Kuroiwa
- Department of Pharmacology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Yukie Kawahara
- Department of Pharmacology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Keita Sugiyama
- Department of Pharmacology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Yuki Murakami
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan
| | - Masaaki Kanai
- Department of Advanced Medical Science, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 078-8510, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Funakoshi
- Department of Advanced Medical Science, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 078-8510, Japan
| | - Ayanabha Chakraborti
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University of Arizona College of Medicine in Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004-2230, USA
| | - James A Bibb
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University of Arizona College of Medicine in Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004-2230, USA
| | - Akinori Nishi
- Department of Pharmacology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan.
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6
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Juza R, Musilek K, Mezeiova E, Soukup O, Korabecny J. Recent advances in dopamine D 2 receptor ligands in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Med Res Rev 2023; 43:55-211. [PMID: 36111795 DOI: 10.1002/med.21923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Dopamine is a biologically active amine synthesized in the central and peripheral nervous system. This biogenic monoamine acts by activating five types of dopamine receptors (D1-5 Rs), which belong to the G protein-coupled receptor family. Antagonists and partial agonists of D2 Rs are used to treat schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, depression, and anxiety. The typical pharmacophore with high D2 R affinity comprises four main areas, namely aromatic moiety, cyclic amine, central linker and aromatic/heteroaromatic lipophilic fragment. From the literature reviewed herein, we can conclude that 4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl), 4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-, 4-(benzo[b]thiophen-4-yl)-1-substituted piperazine, and 4-(6-fluorobenzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl)piperidine moieties are critical for high D2 R affinity. Four to six atoms chains are optimal for D2 R affinity with 4-butoxyl as the most pronounced one. The bicyclic aromatic/heteroaromatic systems are most frequently occurring as lipophilic appendages to retain high D2 R affinity. In this review, we provide a thorough overview of the therapeutic potential of D2 R modulators in the treatment of the aforementioned disorders. In addition, this review summarizes current knowledge about these diseases, with a focus on the dopaminergic pathway underlying these pathologies. Major attention is paid to the structure, function, and pharmacology of novel D2 R ligands, which have been developed in the last decade (2010-2021), and belong to the 1,4-disubstituted aromatic cyclic amine group. Due to the abundance of data, allosteric D2 R ligands and D2 R modulators from patents are not discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radomir Juza
- Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Kamil Musilek
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.,Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Mezeiova
- Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Soukup
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Korabecny
- Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
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7
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Razidlo JA, Fausner SML, Ingebretson AE, Wang LC, Petersen CL, Mirza S, Swank IN, Alvarez VA, Lemos JC. Chronic Loss of Muscarinic M5 Receptor Function Manifests Disparate Impairments in Exploratory Behavior in Male and Female Mice despite Common Dopamine Regulation. J Neurosci 2022; 42:6917-6930. [PMID: 35896424 PMCID: PMC9463982 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1424-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
There are five cloned muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (M1-M5). Of these, the muscarinic type 5 receptor (M5) is the only one localized to dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra. Unlike M1-M4, the M5 receptor has relatively restricted expression in the brain, making it an attractive therapeutic target. Here, we performed an in-depth characterization of M5-dependent potentiation of dopamine transmission in the nucleus accumbens and accompanying exploratory behaviors in male and female mice. We show that M5 receptors potentiate dopamine transmission by acting directly on the terminals within the nucleus accumbens. Using the muscarinic agonist oxotremorine, we revealed a unique concentration-response curve and a sensitivity to repeated forced swim stress or restraint stress exposure. We found that constitutive deletion of M5 receptors reduced exploration of the center of an open field while at the same time impairing normal habituation only in male mice. In addition, M5 deletion reduced exploration of salient stimuli, especially under conditions of high novelty, yet had no effect on hedonia assayed using the sucrose preference test or on stress-coping strategy assayed using the forced swim test. We conclude that M5 receptors are critical for both engaging with the environment and updating behavioral output in response to environment cues, specifically in male mice. A cardinal feature of mood and anxiety disorders is withdrawal from the environment. These data indicate that boosting M5 receptor activity may be a useful therapeutic target for ameliorating these symptoms of depression and anxiety.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The basic physiological and behavioral functions of the muscarinic M5 receptor remain understudied. Furthermore, its presence on dopamine neurons, relatively restricted expression in the brain, and recent crystallization make it an attractive target for therapeutic development. Yet, most preclinical studies of M5 receptor function have primarily focused on substance use disorders in male rodents. Here, we characterized the role of M5 receptors in potentiating dopamine transmission in the nucleus accumbens, finding impaired functioning after stress exposure. Furthermore, we show that M5 receptors can modulate exploratory behavior in a sex-specific manner, without affecting hedonic behavior. These findings further illustrate the therapeutic potential of the M5 receptor, warranting further research in the context of treating mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Razidlo
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Skylar M L Fausner
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Anna E Ingebretson
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Liuchang C Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Christopher L Petersen
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Salahudeen Mirza
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Isabella N Swank
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Veronica A Alvarez
- Laboratory on Neurobiology of Compulsive Behaviors, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-9411
| | - Julia C Lemos
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
- Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
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8
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Kholghi G, Arjmandi-Rad S, Zarrindast MR, Vaseghi S. St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) and depression: what happens to the neurotransmitter systems? NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 395:629-642. [PMID: 35294606 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-022-02229-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a herbaceous plant containing many bioactive molecules including naphthodianthrones, phloroglucinol derivatives, flavonoids, bioflavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and chlorogenic acid. Evidence has shown the therapeutic effects of St. John's wort and especially its two major active components, hyperforin and hypericin, on different psychiatric and mood disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and anxiety disorders. St. John's wort also induces antidepressant effects. In this review study, we aimed to discuss the role of St. John's wort in modulating depression, with respect to the role of different neurotransmitter systems in the brain. We discussed changes in the neurotransmitter levels in depression, and following use of St. John's wort. It was concluded that changes in the function and level of neurotransmitters in depression are complex. Also, St. John's wort can induce inconsistent effects on neurotransmitter levels. We also found that glutamate and acetylcholine may be the most important neurotransmitters to study in future works, because the function of both neurotransmitters in depression is unclear. In addition, St. John's wort induces a dualistic modulation on the activity of cholinergic signaling, which can be an interesting topic for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gita Kholghi
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran
| | - Shirin Arjmandi-Rad
- Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salar Vaseghi
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, P.O. Box: 1419815477, Karaj, Iran.
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9
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Kawahara Y, Ohnishi YN, Ohnishi YH, Kawahara H, Nishi A. Distinct Role of Dopamine in the PFC and NAc During Exposure to Cocaine-Associated Cues. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 24:988-1001. [PMID: 34626116 PMCID: PMC8653875 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyab067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dopamine neurotransmission plays a critical role in reward in drug abuse and drug addiction. However, the role of dopamine in the recognition of drug-associated environmental stimuli, retrieval of drug-associated memory, and drug-seeking behaviors is not fully understood. METHODS Roles of dopamine neurotransmission in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) in the cocaine-conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm were evaluated using in vivo microdialysis. RESULTS In mice that had acquired cocaine CPP, dopamine levels in the PFC, but not in the NAc, increased in response to cocaine-associated cues when mice were placed in the cocaine chamber of an apparatus with 2 separated chambers. The induction of the dopamine response and the development of cocaine CPP were mediated through activation of glutamate NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate)/AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) receptor signaling in the PFC during conditioning. Activation of dopamine D1 or D2 receptor signaling in the PFC was required for cocaine-induced locomotion, but not for the induction of the dopamine response or the development of cocaine CPP. Interestingly, dopamine levels in the NAc increased in response to cocaine-associated cues when mice were placed at the center of an apparatus with 2 connected chambers, which requires motivated exploration associated with cocaine reward. CONCLUSIONS Dopamine neurotransmission in the PFC is activated by the exposure to the cocaine-associated cues, whereas dopamine neurotransmission in the NAc is activated in a process of motivated exploration of cues associated with cocaine reward. Furthermore, the glutamate signaling cascade in the PFC is suggested to be a potential therapeutic target to prevent the progression of drug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukie Kawahara
- Department of Pharmacology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan,Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Tsurumi University School of Dental Medicine, Yokohama, Japan,Correspondence: Yukie Kawahara, DDS, PhD, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan ()
| | - Yoshinori N Ohnishi
- Department of Pharmacology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Yoko H Ohnishi
- Department of Pharmacology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kawahara
- Department of Pharmacology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Akinori Nishi
- Department of Pharmacology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
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10
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Covey DP, Yocky AG. Endocannabinoid Modulation of Nucleus Accumbens Microcircuitry and Terminal Dopamine Release. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2021; 13:734975. [PMID: 34497503 PMCID: PMC8419321 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2021.734975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is located in the ventromedial portion of the striatum and is vital to valence-based predictions and motivated action. The neural architecture of the NAc allows for complex interactions between various cell types that filter incoming and outgoing information. Dopamine (DA) input serves a crucial role in modulating NAc function, but the mechanisms that control terminal DA release and its effect on NAc neurons continues to be elucidated. The endocannabinoid (eCB) system has emerged as an important filter of neural circuitry within the NAc that locally shapes terminal DA release through various cell type- and site-specific actions. Here, we will discuss how eCB signaling modulates terminal DA release by shaping the activity patterns of NAc neurons and their afferent inputs. We then discuss recent technological advancements that are capable of dissecting how distinct cell types, their afferent projections, and local neuromodulators influence valence-based actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan P Covey
- Department of Neuroscience, Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Alyssa G Yocky
- Department of Neuroscience, Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, United States
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11
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Wang S, Leri F, Rizvi SJ. Anhedonia as a central factor in depression: Neural mechanisms revealed from preclinical to clinical evidence. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 110:110289. [PMID: 33631251 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Anhedonia is one of the core symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD), which is often inadequately treated by traditional antidepressants. The modern framework of anhedonia extends the definition from impaired consummatory pleasure or interest in rewards to a broad spectrum of deficits that impact functions such as reward anticipation, approach motivation, effort expenditure, reward valuation, expectation, and reward-cue association learning. Substantial preclinical and clinical research has explored the neural basis of reward deficits in the context of depression, and has implicated mesocorticolimbic reward circuitry comprising the nucleus accumbens, ventral pallidum, ventral tegmental area, amygdala, hippocampus, anterior cingulate, insula, orbitofrontal cortex, and other prefrontal cortex regions. Dopamine modulates several reward facets including anticipation, motivation, effort, and learning. As well, serotonin, norepinephrine, opioids, glutamate, Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), and acetylcholine are also involved in anhedonia, and medications targeting these systems may also potentially normalize reward processing in depression. Unfortunately, whereas reward anticipation and reward outcome are extensively explored by both preclinical and clinical studies, translational gaps remain in reward motivation, effort, valuation, and learning, where clinical neuroimaging studies are in the early stages. This review aims to synthesize the neurobiological mechanisms underlying anhedonia in MDD uncovered by preclinical and clinical research. The translational difficulties in studying the neural basis of reward are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijing Wang
- Arthur Sommer Rotenberg Suicide and Depression Studies Program, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Francesco Leri
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sakina J Rizvi
- Arthur Sommer Rotenberg Suicide and Depression Studies Program, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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12
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Nakamura Y, Longueville S, Nishi A, Hervé D, Girault JA, Nakamura Y. Dopamine D1 receptor-expressing neurons activity is essential for locomotor and sensitizing effects of a single injection of cocaine. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 54:5327-5340. [PMID: 34273137 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine D1 receptors play an important role in the effects of cocaine. Here, we investigated the role of neurons which express these receptors (D1-neurons) in the acute locomotor effects of cocaine and the locomotor sensitization observed after a second injection of this drug, using the previously established two-injection protocol of sensitization. We inhibited D1-neurons using double transgenic mice conditionally expressing the inhibitory Gi-coupled designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs (Gi-DREADD) in D1-neurons. Chemogenetic inhibition of D1-neurons by a low dose of clozapine (0.1 mg/kg) decreased the cocaine-induced expression of Fos in striatal neurons. It diminished the basal locomotor activity and acute hyper-locomotion induced by cocaine (20 mg/kg). Clozapine 0.1 mg/kg had no effect by itself and did not alter cocaine effects in wild-type mice. Inhibition of D1-neurons during the first cocaine administration prevented the sensitization of the locomotor response in response to a second cocaine administration 10 days later. On Day 11, inhibition of D1-neurons by clozapine stimulation of Gi-DREADD blocked cocaine-induced locomotion including in sensitized mice, whereas on Day 12, in the absence of clozapine and D1-neurons inhibition, all mice displayed a sensitized response to cocaine. These results show that chemogenetic inhibition of D1-neurons decreases spontaneous and cocaine-induced locomotor activity. It prevents sensitization induction and blocks sensitized locomotion in a two-injection protocol of sensitization but does not reverse established sensitization. Our study further supports the central role of D1-neurons in mediating the acute locomotor effects of cocaine and its sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukari Nakamura
- INSERM UMR-S 1270, Paris, France.,Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France.,Department of Pharmacology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Sophie Longueville
- INSERM UMR-S 1270, Paris, France.,Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France
| | - Akinori Nishi
- Department of Pharmacology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Denis Hervé
- INSERM UMR-S 1270, Paris, France.,Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Antoine Girault
- INSERM UMR-S 1270, Paris, France.,Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France
| | - Yuki Nakamura
- INSERM UMR-S 1270, Paris, France.,Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France
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13
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Barbosa Méndez S, Salazar-Juárez A. Mirtazapine decreased induction and expression of cocaine + nicotine-induced locomotor sensitisation in rats. World J Biol Psychiatry 2020; 21:595-611. [PMID: 31104538 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2019.1620967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Concurrent abuse of cocaine and nicotine is considered a public health problem. To date, no effective therapy has been known to reduce the reinforcing effects of concurrent use of cocaine and nicotine. Mirtazapine, an antagonist of the α2-adrenoceptor and the 5-HT2A/C and the 5-HT3 receptors has proven effective in reducing the cocaine, nicotine and methamphetamine behavioural effects in humans and animals. Our study evaluated the effect of mirtazapine on enhancing locomotor activity during the induction and expression of locomotor sensitisation induced by a cocaine + nicotine mixture.Methods: Wistar rats were dosed with cocaine, nicotine or cocaine + nicotine combination. Mirtazapine (30 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered during the extinction phase.Results: Mirtazapine decreased cocaine + nicotine-induced locomotor activity and induction and expression of locomotor sensitisation. In addition, we found that co-administration of mecamylamine and mirtazapine significantly enhanced the effect of mirtazapine on cocaine + nicotine-induced locomotor activity during induction and expression of behavioural sensitisation.Conclusions: Our results suggest that mirtazapine demonstrated efficacy in decreasing the psycho-stimulant effects of concurrent use of cocaine and nicotine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Barbosa Méndez
- Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Conductual, Microcirugía, y Terapéutica Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría, Ciudad de México, 14370, México
| | - Alberto Salazar-Juárez
- Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Conductual, Microcirugía, y Terapéutica Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría, Ciudad de México, 14370, México
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14
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Buck SA, Torregrossa MM, Logan RW, Freyberg Z. Roles of dopamine and glutamate co-release in the nucleus accumbens in mediating the actions of drugs of abuse. FEBS J 2020; 288:1462-1474. [PMID: 32702182 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Projections of ventral tegmental area dopamine (DA) neurons to the medial shell of the nucleus accumbens have been increasingly implicated as integral to the behavioral and physiological changes involved in the development of substance use disorders (SUDs). Recently, many of these nucleus accumbens-projecting DA neurons were found to also release the neurotransmitter glutamate. This glutamate co-release from DA neurons is critical in mediating the effect of drugs of abuse on addiction-related behaviors. Potential mechanisms underlying the role(s) of dopamine/glutamate co-release in contributing to SUDs are unclear. Nevertheless, an important clue may relate to glutamate's ability to potentiate loading of DA into synaptic vesicles within terminals in the nucleus accumbens in response to drug-induced elevations in neuronal activity, enabling a more robust release of DA after stimulation. Here, we summarize how drugs of abuse, particularly cocaine, opioids, and alcohol, alter DA release in the nucleus accumbens medial shell, examine the potential role of DA/glutamate co-release in mediating these effects, and discuss future directions for further investigating these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silas A Buck
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Translational Neuroscience Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mary M Torregrossa
- Department of Psychiatry, Translational Neuroscience Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ryan W Logan
- Department of Psychiatry, Translational Neuroscience Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Center for Systems Neurogenetics of Addiction, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
| | - Zachary Freyberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Translational Neuroscience Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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15
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Xu L, Nan J, Lan Y. The Nucleus Accumbens: A Common Target in the Comorbidity of Depression and Addiction. Front Neural Circuits 2020; 14:37. [PMID: 32694984 PMCID: PMC7338554 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2020.00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The comorbidity of depression and addiction has become a serious public health issue, and the relationship between these two disorders and their potential mechanisms has attracted extensive attention. Numerous studies have suggested that depression and addiction share common mechanisms and anatomical pathways. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) has long been considered a key brain region for regulating many behaviors, especially those related to depression and addiction. In this review article, we focus on the association between addiction and depression, highlighting the potential mediating role of the NAc in this comorbidity via the regulation of changes in the neural circuits and molecular signaling. To clarify the mechanisms underlying this association, we summarize evidence from overlapping reward neurocircuitry, the resemblance of cellular and molecular mechanisms, and common treatments. Understanding the interplay between these disorders should help guide clinical comorbidity prevention and the search for a new target for comorbidity treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Xu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Yanbian University School of Medicine, Yanji City, China
| | - Jun Nan
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji City, China
| | - Yan Lan
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Yanbian University School of Medicine, Yanji City, China
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16
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The upside of stress: a mechanism for the positive motivational role of corticotropin releasing factor. Neuropsychopharmacology 2020; 45:219-220. [PMID: 31511617 PMCID: PMC6879522 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-019-0510-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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17
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Galaj E, Kipp BT, Floresco SB, Savage LM. Persistent Alterations of Accumbal Cholinergic Interneurons and Cognitive Dysfunction after Adolescent Intermittent Ethanol Exposure. Neuroscience 2019; 404:153-164. [PMID: 30742967 PMCID: PMC6450752 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.01.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent binge drinking renders young drinkers vulnerable to alcohol use disorders in adulthood; therefore, understanding alcohol-induced brain damage and associated cognitive dysfunctions is of paramount importance. Here we investigated the effects of binge-like adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) exposure on nonspatial working memory, behavioral flexibility and cholinergic alterations in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in male and female rats. On postnatal days P25-57 rats were intubated with water or ethanol (at a dose of 5 g/kg) on a 2-day-on/2-day-off cycle and were then tested in adulthood on social recognition and probabilistic reversal learning tasks. During the social recognition task AIE-treated rats spent similar amounts of time interacting with familiar and novel juveniles, indicating an impaired ability to sustain memory of the familiar juvenile. During probabilistic reversal learning, AIE-treated male and female rats showed behavioral inflexibility as indicated by a higher number of trials needed to complete three reversals within a session, longer response latencies for lever selection, and for males, a higher number of errors as compared to water-treated rats. AIE exposure also reduced the number of cholinergic interneurons in the NAc in males and females. These findings indicate AIE-related pathologies of accumbal cholinergic interneurons and long lasting cognitive-behavioral deficits, which may be associated with cortico-striatal hypofunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Galaj
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University of the State University of New York, New York, USA
| | - B T Kipp
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University of the State University of New York, New York, USA
| | - S B Floresco
- Department of Psychology and Brain Research Center, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - L M Savage
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University of the State University of New York, New York, USA.
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18
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Potential Protein Target to Therapeutically Restore Positive Mood States in Depression. eNeuro 2019; 6:eN-RHL-0105-19. [PMID: 30937359 PMCID: PMC6439205 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0105-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Highlighted Research Paper:Disorders of the Nervous System Highlighted Research Paper: p11 in Cholinergic Interneurons of the Nucleus Accumbens Is Essential for Dopamine Responses to Rewarding Stimuli, by Y. Hanada, Y. Kawahara, Y. N. Ohnishi, T. Shuto, M. Kuroiwa, N. Sotogaku, P. Greengard, Y. Sagi, and A. Nishi.
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