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Meshkat S, Kwan ATH, Le GH, Wong S, Rhee TG, Ho R, Teopiz KM, Cao B, McIntyre RS. The role of KCNQ channel activators in management of major depressive disorder. J Affect Disord 2024; 359:364-372. [PMID: 38772507 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.05.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Depression, a complex disorder with significant treatment challenges, necessitates innovative therapeutic approaches to address its multifaceted nature and enhance treatment outcomes. The modulation of KCNQ potassium (K+) channels, pivotal regulators of neuronal excitability and neurotransmitter release, is a promising innovative therapeutic target in psychiatry. Widely expressed across various tissues, including the nervous and cardiovascular systems, KCNQ channels play a crucial role in modulating membrane potential and regulating neuronal activity. Recent preclinical evidence suggests that KCNQ channels, particularly KCNQ3, contribute to the regulation of neuronal excitability within the reward circuitry, offering a potential target for alleviating depressive symptoms, notably anhedonia. Studies using animal models demonstrate that interventions targeting KCNQ channels can restore dopaminergic firing balance and mitigate depressive symptoms. Human studies investigating the effects of KCNQ channel activators, such as ezogabine, have shown promising results in alleviating depressive symptoms and anhedonia. The aforementioned observations underscore the therapeutic potential of KCNQ channel modulation in depression management and highlight the need and justification for phase 2 and phase 3 dose-finding studies as well as studies prespecifying symptomatic targets in depression including anhedonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakila Meshkat
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Angela T H Kwan
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Gia Han Le
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Sabrina Wong
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Taeho Greg Rhee
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Public Health Sciences, Farmington, CT, USA.
| | - Roger Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Kayla M Teopiz
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Bing Cao
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Faculty of Psychology, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China.
| | - Roger S McIntyre
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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2
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Xia M, Anderson TL, Prantzalos ER, Hawkinson TR, Clarke HA, Keohane SB, Sun RC, Turner JR, Ortinski PI. Voltage-gated potassium channels control extended access cocaine seeking: a role for nucleus accumbens astrocytes. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:551-560. [PMID: 37660129 PMCID: PMC10789875 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01718-w] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Dopaminergic signaling in the nucleus accumbens shell (NAc) regulates neuronal activity relevant to reward-related learning, including cocaine-associated behaviors. Although astrocytes respond to dopamine and cocaine with structural changes, the impact of dopamine and cocaine on astrocyte functional plasticity has not been widely studied. Specifically, behavioral implications of voltage-gated channel activity in the canonically non-excitable astrocytes are not known. We characterized potassium channel function in NAc astrocytes following exposure to exogenous dopamine or cocaine self-administration training under short (2 h/day) and extended (6 h/day) access schedules. Electrophysiological, Ca2+ imaging, mRNA, and mass spectrometry tools were used for molecular characterization. Behavioral effects were examined after NAc-targeted microinjections of channel antagonists and astroglial toxins. Exogenous dopamine increased activity of currents mediated by voltage-gated (Kv7) channels in NAc astrocytes. This was associated with a ~5-fold increase in expression of Kcnq2 transcript level in homogenized NAc micropunches. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry revealed increased NAc dopamine levels in extended access, relative to short access, rats. Kv7 inhibition selectively increased frequency and amplitude of astrocyte intracellular Ca2+ transients in NAc of extended access rats. Inhibition of Kv7 channels in the NAc attenuated cocaine-seeking in extended access rats only, an effect that was occluded by microinjection of the astrocyte metabolic poison, fluorocitrate. These results suggest that voltage-gated K+ channel signaling in NAc astrocytes is behaviorally relevant, support Kv7-mediated regulation of astrocyte Ca2+ signals, and propose novel mechanisms of neuroglial interactions relevant to drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengfan Xia
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Tanner L Anderson
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Emily R Prantzalos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Tara R Hawkinson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Harrison A Clarke
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Shannon B Keohane
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ramon C Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Center for Advanced Spatial Biomolecule Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jill R Turner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Pavel I Ortinski
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
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3
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Barber KR, Vizcarra VS, Zilch A, Majuta L, Diezel CC, Culver OP, Hughes BW, Taniguchi M, Streicher JM, Vanderah TW, Riegel AC. The Role of Ryanodine Receptor 2 in Drug-Associated Learning. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.03.560743. [PMID: 37873212 PMCID: PMC10592901 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.03.560743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Type-2 ryanodine receptor (RyR2) ion channels facilitate the release of Ca 2+ from stores and serve an important function in neuroplasticity. The role for RyR2 in hippocampal-dependent learning and memory is well established and chronic hyperphosphorylation of RyR2 (RyR2P) is associated with pathological calcium leakage and cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. By comparison, little is known about the role of RyR2 in the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) circuitry important for working memory, decision making, and reward seeking. Here, we evaluated the basal expression and localization of RyR2 and RyR2P in the vmPFC. Next, we employed an operant model of sucrose, cocaine, or morphine self-administration (SA) followed by a (reward-free) recall test, to reengage vmPFC neurons and reactivate reward-seeking and re-evaluated the expression and localization of RyR2 and RyR2P in vmPFC. Under basal conditions, RyR2 was expressed in pyramidal cells but not regularly detected in PV/SST interneurons. On the contrary, RyR2P was rarely observed in PFC somata and was restricted to a different subcompartment of the same neuron - the apical dendrites of layer-5 pyramidal cells. Chronic SA of drug (cocaine or morphine) and nondrug (sucrose) rewards produced comparable increases in RyR2 protein expression. However, recalling either drug reward impaired the usual localization of RyR2P in dendrites and markedly increased its expression in somata immunoreactive for Fos, a marker of highly activated neurons. These effects could not be explained by chronic stress or drug withdrawal and instead appeared to require a recall experience associated with prior drug SA. In addition to showing the differential distribution of RyR2/RyR2P and affirming the general role of vmPFC in reward learning, this study provides information on the propensity of addictive drugs to redistribute RyR2P ion channels in a neuronal population engaged in drug-seeking. Hence, focusing on the early impact of addictive drugs on RyR2 function may serve as a promising approach to finding a treatment for substance use disorders.
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4
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Vilca S, Wahlestedt C, Izenwasser S, Gainetdinov RR, Pardo M. Dopamine Transporter Knockout Rats Display Epigenetic Alterations in Response to Cocaine Exposure. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1107. [PMID: 37509143 PMCID: PMC10377455 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: There is an urgent need for effective treatments for cocaine use disorder (CUD), and new pharmacological approaches targeting epigenetic mechanisms appear to be promising options for the treatment of this disease. Dopamine Transporter (DAT) transgenic rats recently have been proposed as a new animal model for studying susceptibility to CUD. (2) Methods: DAT transgenic rats were treated chronically with cocaine (10 mg/kg) for 8 days, and the expression of epigenetic modulators, Lysine Demethylase 6B (KDM6B) and Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), was examined in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). (3) Results: We show that only full knockout (KO) of DAT impacts basal levels of KDM6B in females. Additionally, cocaine altered the expression of both epigenetic markers in a sex- and genotype-dependent manner. In response to chronic cocaine, KDM6B expression was decreased in male rats with partial DAT mutation (HET), while no changes were observed in wild-type (WT) or KO rats. Indeed, while HET male rats have reduced KDM6B and BRD4 expression, HET female rats showed increased KDM6B and BRD4 expression levels, highlighting the impact of sex on epigenetic mechanisms in response to cocaine. Finally, both male and female KO rats showed increased expression of BRD4, but only KO females exhibited significantly increased KDM6B expression in response to cocaine. Additionally, the magnitude of these effects was bigger in females when compared to males for both epigenetic enzymes. (4) Conclusions: This preliminary study provides additional support that targeting KDM6B and/or BRD4 may potentially be therapeutic in treating addiction-related behaviors in a sex-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samara Vilca
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.V.); (C.W.); (S.I.)
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Claes Wahlestedt
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.V.); (C.W.); (S.I.)
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Sari Izenwasser
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (S.V.); (C.W.); (S.I.)
| | - Raul R. Gainetdinov
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg University Hospital, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya Emb. 7-9, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Marta Pardo
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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5
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Urena ES, Diezel CC, Serna M, Hala'ufia G, Majuta L, Barber KR, Vanderah TW, Riegel AC. K v 7 Channel Opener Retigabine Reduces Self-Administration of Cocaine but Not Sucrose in Rats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.18.541208. [PMID: 37292619 PMCID: PMC10245780 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.18.541208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The increasing rates of drug misuse highlight the urgency of identifying improved therapeutics for treatment. Most drug-seeking behaviors that can be modeled in rodents utilize the repeated intravenous self-administration (SA) of drugs. Recent studies examining the mesolimbic pathway suggest that K v 7/KCNQ channels may contribute in the transition from recreational to chronic drug use. However, to date, all such studies used noncontingent, experimenter-delivered drug model systems, and the extent to which this effect generalizes to rats trained to self-administer drug is not known. Here, we tested the ability of retigabine (ezogabine), a K v 7 channel opener, to regulate instrumental behavior in male Sprague Dawley rats. We first validated the ability of retigabine to target experimenter-delivered cocaine in a CPP assay and found that retigabine reduced the acquisition of place preference. Next, we trained rats for cocaine-SA under a fixed-ratio or progressive-ratio reinforcement schedule and found that retigabine-pretreatment attenuated the self-administration of low to moderate doses of cocaine. This was not observed in parallel experiments, with rats self-administering sucrose, a natural reward. Compared to sucrose-SA, cocaine-SA was associated with reductions in the expression of the K v 7.5 subunit in the nucleus accumbens, without alterations in K v 7.2 and K v 7.3. Therefore, these studies reveal a reward specific reduction in SA behavior considered relevant for the study of long-term compulsive-like behavior and supports the notion that K v 7 is a potential therapeutic target for human psychiatric diseases with dysfunctional reward circuitry.
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Chao YS, Parrilla-Carrero J, Eid M, Culver OP, Jackson TB, Lipat R, Taniguchi M, Jhou TC. Innate cocaine-seeking vulnerability arising from loss of serotonin-mediated aversive effects of cocaine in rats. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112404. [PMID: 37083325 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112404] [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: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cocaine blocks dopamine reuptake, thereby producing rewarding effects that are widely studied. However, cocaine also blocks serotonin uptake, which we show drives, in rats, individually variable aversive effects that depend on serotonin 2C receptors (5-HT2CRs) in the rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg), a major GABAergic afferent to midbrain dopamine neurons. 5-HT2CRs produce depolarizing effects in RMTg neurons that are particularly strong in some rats, leading to aversive effects that reduce acquisition of and relapse to cocaine seeking. In contrast, 5-HT2CR signaling is largely lost after cocaine exposure in other rats, leading to reduced aversive effects and increased cocaine seeking. These results suggest a serotonergic biological marker of cocaine-seeking vulnerability that can be targeted to modulate drug seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying S Chao
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | | | - Maya Eid
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Oliver P Culver
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Tyler B Jackson
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Rachel Lipat
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Makoto Taniguchi
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Thomas C Jhou
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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7
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Vizcarra VS, Barber KR, Franca-Solomon G, Majuta L, Smith A, Langlais PR, Largent-Milnes TM, Vanderah TW, Riegel AC. Targeting 5-HT 2A receptors and Kv7 channels in PFC to attenuate chronic neuropathic pain in rats using a spared nerve injury model. Neurosci Lett 2022; 789:136864. [PMID: 36063980 PMCID: PMC10088904 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain remains a disabling disease with limited therapeutic options. Pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) express excitatory Gq-coupled 5-HT2A receptors (5-HT2AR) and their effector system, the inhibitory Kv7 ion channel. While recent publications show these cells innervate brainstem regions important for regulating pain, the cellular mechanisms underlying the transition to chronic pain are not well understood. The present study examined whether local blockade of 5-HT2AR or enhanced Kv7 ion channel activity in the PFC would attenuate mechanical allodynia associated with spared nerve injury (SNI) in rats. Following SNI, we show that inhibition of PFC 5-HT2ARs with M100907 or opening of PFC Kv7 channels with retigabine reduced mechanical allodynia. Parallel proteomic and RNAScope experiments evaluated 5-HT2AR/Kv7 channel protein and mRNA. Our results support the role of 5-HT2ARs and Kv7 channels in the PFC in the maintenance of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Velia S Vizcarra
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA; Translational Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box URNI, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Kara R Barber
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA
| | - Gabriela Franca-Solomon
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA
| | - Lisa Majuta
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA
| | - Angela Smith
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA; Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Iowa, 52242, USA
| | - Paul R Langlais
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA
| | - Tally M Largent-Milnes
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA; Comprehensive Pain and Addiction-Center (CPA-C), University of Arizona Health Sciences, 85721, USA; The Center of Excellence in Addiction Studies (CEAS), University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA
| | - Todd W Vanderah
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA; Comprehensive Pain and Addiction-Center (CPA-C), University of Arizona Health Sciences, 85721, USA; The Center of Excellence in Addiction Studies (CEAS), University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA
| | - Arthur C Riegel
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA; Comprehensive Pain and Addiction-Center (CPA-C), University of Arizona Health Sciences, 85721, USA; The Center of Excellence in Addiction Studies (CEAS), University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA; Department of Neuroscience, College of Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA; James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences, the University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, 85721, USA.
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8
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Costi S, Han MH, Murrough JW. The Potential of KCNQ Potassium Channel Openers as Novel Antidepressants. CNS Drugs 2022; 36:207-216. [PMID: 35258812 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-021-00885-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide and less than one-third of patients with MDD achieve stable remission of symptoms, despite currently available treatments. Although MDD represents a serious health problem, a complete understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying this condition continues to be elusive. Accumulating evidence from preclinical and animal studies provides support for the antidepressant potential of modulators of KCNQ voltage-gated potassium (K+) channels. KCNQ K+ channels, through regulation of neuronal excitability and activity, contribute to neurophysiological mechanisms underlying stress resilience, and represent potential targets of drug discovery for depression. The present article focuses on the pharmacology and efficacy of KCNQ2/3 K+ channel openers as novel therapeutic agents for depressive disorders from initial studies conducted on animal models showing depressive-like behaviors to recent work in humans that examines the potential for KCNQ2/3 channel modulators as novel antidepressants. Data from preclinical work suggest that KCNQ-type K+ channels are an active mediator of stress resilience and KCNQ2/3 K+ channel openers show antidepressant efficacy. Similarly, evidence from clinical trials conducted in patients with MDD using the KCNQ2/3 channel opener ezogabine (retigabine) showed significant improvements in depressive symptoms and anhedonia. Overall, KCNQ channel openers appear a promising target for the development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of psychiatric disorders and specifically for MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Costi
- Depression and Anxiety Center for Discovery and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1230, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Ming-Hu Han
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Center for Affective Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Mental Health and Public Health, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - James W Murrough
- Depression and Anxiety Center for Discovery and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1230, New York, NY, 10029, USA. .,Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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9
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Zinsmaier AK, Dong Y, Huang YH. Cocaine-induced projection-specific and cell type-specific adaptations in the nucleus accumbens. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:669-686. [PMID: 33963288 PMCID: PMC8691189 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01112-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cocaine craving, seeking, and relapse are mediated, in part, by cocaine-induced adaptive changes in the brain reward circuits. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) integrates and prioritizes different emotional and motivational inputs to the reward system by processing convergent glutamatergic projections from the medial prefrontal cortex, basolateral amygdala, ventral hippocampus, and other limbic and paralimbic brain regions. Medium spiny neurons (MSNs) are the principal projection neurons in the NAc, which can be divided into two major subpopulations, namely dopamine receptor D1- versus D2-expressing MSNs, with complementing roles in reward-associated behaviors. After cocaine experience, NAc MSNs exhibit complex and differential adaptations dependent on cocaine regimen, withdrawal time, cell type, location (NAc core versus shell), and related input and output projections, or any combination of these factors. Detailed characterization of these cellular adaptations has been greatly facilitated by the recent development of optogenetic/chemogenetic techniques combined with transgenic tools. In this review, we discuss such cell type- and projection-specific adaptations induced by cocaine experience. Specifically, (1) D1 and D2 NAc MSNs frequently exhibit differential adaptations in spinogenesis, glutamatergic receptor trafficking, and intrinsic membrane excitability, (2) cocaine experience differentially changes the synaptic transmission at different afferent projections onto NAc MSNs, (3) cocaine-induced NAc adaptations exhibit output specificity, e.g., being different at NAc-ventral pallidum versus NAc-ventral tegmental area synapses, and (4) the input, output, subregion, and D1/D2 cell type may together determine cocaine-induced circuit plasticity in the NAc. In light of the projection- and cell-type specificity, we also briefly discuss ensemble and circuit mechanisms contributing to cocaine craving and relapse after drug withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yan Dong
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219,Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
| | - Yanhua H. Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
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10
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Nall RW, Heinsbroek JA, Nentwig TB, Kalivas PW, Bobadilla AC. Circuit selectivity in drug versus natural reward seeking behaviors. J Neurochem 2021; 157:1450-1472. [PMID: 33420731 PMCID: PMC8178159 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Substance use disorder (SUD) is characterized, in part by behavior biased toward drug use and away from natural sources of reward (e.g., social interaction, food, sex). The neurobiological underpinnings of SUDs reveal distinct brain regions where neuronal activity is necessary for the manifestation of SUD-characteristic behaviors. Studies that specifically examine how these regions are involved in behaviors motivated by drug versus natural reward allow determinations of which regions are necessary for regulating seeking of both reward types, and appraisals of novel SUD therapies for off-target effects on behaviors motivated by natural reward. Here, we evaluate studies directly comparing regulatory roles for specific brain regions in drug versus natural reward. While it is clear that many regions drive behaviors motivated by all reward types, based on the literature reviewed we propose a set of interconnected regions that become necessary for behaviors motivated by drug, but not natural rewards. The circuitry is selectively necessary for drug seeking includes an Action/Reward subcircuit, comprising nucleus accumbens, ventral pallidum, and ventral tegmental area, a Prefrontal subcircuit comprising prelimbic, infralimbic, and insular cortices, a Stress subcircuit comprising the central nucleus of the amygdala and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and a Diencephalon circuit including lateral hypothalamus. Evidence was mixed for nucleus accumbens shell, insular cortex, and ventral pallidum. Studies for all other brain nuclei reviewed supported a necessary role in regulating both drug and natural reward seeking. Finally, we discuss emerging strategies to further disambiguate the necessity of brain regions in drug- versus natural reward-associated behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rusty W. Nall
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jasper A. Heinsbroek
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Todd B. Nentwig
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Peter W. Kalivas
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
- These authors share senior authorship
| | - Ana-Clara Bobadilla
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
- These authors share senior authorship
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11
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Izumi S, Domoto M, Esaki H, Sasase H, Nishitani N, Deyama S, Kaneda K. Nicotine Enhances Firing Activity of Layer 5 Pyramidal Neurons in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex through Inhibition of Kv7 Channels. Biol Pharm Bull 2021; 44:724-731. [PMID: 33952828 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b21-00137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Nicotine enhances attention, working memory and recognition. One of the brain regions associated with these effects of nicotine is the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). However, cellular mechanisms that induce the enhancing effects of nicotine remain unclear. To address this issue, we performed whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from mPFC layer 5 pyramidal neurons in slices of C57BL/6J mice. Shortly (approx. 2 min) after bath application of nicotine, the number of action potentials, which were elicited by depolarizing current injection, was increased, and this increase persisted for over 5 min. The effect of nicotine was blocked by the α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonist dihydro-β-erythroidine, α7 nAChR antagonist methyllycaconitine, or intracellular perfusion with the Ca2+ chelator 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA). Additionally, the voltage-dependent potassium 7 (Kv7) channel blocker, 10,10-bis(4-pyridinylmethyl)-9(10H)-anthracenone dihydrochloride (XE-991), as well as nicotine, shortened the spike threshold latency and increased the spike numbers. By contrast, the Kv7 channel opener, retigabine reduced the number of firings, and the addition of nicotine did not increase the spike numbers. These results indicate that nicotine induces long-lasting enhancement of firing activity in mPFC layer 5 pyramidal neurons, which is mediated by the stimulation of the α4β2 and α7 nAChRs and subsequent increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels followed by the suppression of the Kv7 channels. The novel effect of nicotine might underlie the nicotine-induced enhancement of attention, working memory and recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoma Izumi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University
| | - Masaki Domoto
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University
| | - Hirohito Esaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University
| | - Hitoki Sasase
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University
| | - Naoya Nishitani
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University
| | - Satoshi Deyama
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University
| | - Katsuyuki Kaneda
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University
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Abstract
Kv7.1-Kv7.5 (KCNQ1-5) K+ channels are voltage-gated K+ channels with major roles in neurons, muscle cells and epithelia where they underlie physiologically important K+ currents, such as neuronal M current and cardiac IKs. Specific biophysical properties of Kv7 channels make them particularly well placed to control the activity of excitable cells. Indeed, these channels often work as 'excitability breaks' and are targeted by various hormones and modulators to regulate cellular activity outputs. Genetic deficiencies in all five KCNQ genes result in human excitability disorders, including epilepsy, arrhythmias, deafness and some others. Not surprisingly, this channel family attracts considerable attention as potential drug targets. Here we will review biophysical properties and tissue expression profile of Kv7 channels, discuss recent advances in the understanding of their structure as well as their role in various neurological, cardiovascular and other diseases and pathologies. We will also consider a scope for therapeutic targeting of Kv7 channels for treatment of the above health conditions.
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13
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Vigil FA, Carver CM, Shapiro MS. Pharmacological Manipulation of K v 7 Channels as a New Therapeutic Tool for Multiple Brain Disorders. Front Physiol 2020; 11:688. [PMID: 32636759 PMCID: PMC7317068 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
K v 7 ("M-type," KCNQ) K+ currents, play dominant roles in controlling neuronal excitability. They act as a "brake" against hyperexcitable states in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Pharmacological augmentation of M current has been developed for controlling epileptic seizures, although current pharmacological tools are uneven in practical usefulness. Lately, however, M-current "opener" compounds have been suggested to be efficacious in preventing brain damage after multiple types of insults/diseases, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, drug addiction and mood disorders. In this review, we will discuss what is known to date on these efforts and identify gaps in our knowledge regarding the link between M current and therapeutic potential for these disorders. We will outline the preclinical experiments that are yet to be performed to demonstrate the likelihood of success of this approach in human trials. Finally, we also address multiple pharmacological tools available to manipulate different K v 7 subunits and the relevant evidence for translational application in the clinical use for disorders of the central nervous system and multiple types of brain insults. We feel there to be great potential for manipulation of K v 7 channels as a novel therapeutic mode of intervention in the clinic, and that the paucity of existing therapies obligates us to perform further research, so that patients can soon benefit from such therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio A Vigil
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Chase M Carver
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Mark S Shapiro
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
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Buchta WC, Moutal A, Hines B, Garcia-Keller C, Smith ACW, Kalivas P, Khanna R, Riegel AC. Dynamic CRMP2 Regulation of CaV2.2 in the Prefrontal Cortex Contributes to the Reinstatement of Cocaine Seeking. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 57:346-357. [PMID: 31359322 PMCID: PMC6980501 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01711-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cocaine addiction remains a major health concern with limited effective treatment options. A better understanding of mechanisms underlying relapse may help inform the development of new pharmacotherapies. Emerging evidence suggests that collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) regulates presynaptic excitatory neurotransmission and contributes to pathological changes during diseases, such as neuropathic pain and substance use disorders. We examined the role of CRMP2 and its interactions with a known binding partner, CaV2.2, in cocaine-seeking behavior. We employed the rodent self-administration model of relapse to drug seeking and focused on the prefrontal cortex (PFC) for its well-established role in reinstatement behaviors. Our results indicated that repeated cocaine self-administration resulted in a dynamic and persistent alteration in the PFC expression of CRMP2 and its binding partner, the CaV2.2 (N-type) voltage-gated calcium channel. Following cocaine self-administration and extinction training, the expression of both CRMP2 and CaV2.2 was reduced relative to yoked saline controls. By contrast, cued reinstatement potentiated CRMP2 expression and increased CaV2.2 expression above extinction levels. Lastly, we utilized the recently developed peptide myr-TAT-CBD3 to disrupt the interaction between CRMP2 and CaV2.2 in vivo. We assessed the reinstatement behavior after infusing this peptide directly into the medial PFC and found that it decreased cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking. Taken together, these data suggest that neuroadaptations in the CRMP2/CaV2.2 signaling cascade in the PFC can facilitate drug-seeking behavior. Targeting such interactions has implications for the treatment of cocaine relapse behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- William C Buchta
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), 410C Basic Sciences Building, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Neurobiology of Addiction Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Aubin Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Bethany Hines
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), 410C Basic Sciences Building, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Neurobiology of Addiction Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Constanza Garcia-Keller
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), 410C Basic Sciences Building, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Neurobiology of Addiction Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Alexander C W Smith
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), 410C Basic Sciences Building, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Neurobiology of Addiction Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Peter Kalivas
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), 410C Basic Sciences Building, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Neurobiology of Addiction Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
- The Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Arthur C Riegel
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), 410C Basic Sciences Building, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
- Neurobiology of Addiction Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.
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15
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Perturbed Ca2+-dependent signaling of DYT2 hippocalcin mutant as mechanism of autosomal recessive dystonia. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 132:104529. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Porter JT, Sepulveda-Orengo MT. Learning-induced intrinsic and synaptic plasticity in the rodent medial prefrontal cortex. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2019; 169:107117. [PMID: 31765801 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2019.107117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In rodents, the anterior cingulate (ACC), prelimbic (PL), and infralimbic cortex (IL) comprise the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Through extensive connections with cortical and subcortical structures, the mPFC plays a key modulatory role in the neuronal circuits underlying associative fear and reward learning. In this article, we have compiled the evidence that associative learning induces plasticity in both the intrinsic and synaptic excitability of mPFC neurons to modulate conditioned fear and cocaine seeking behavior. The literature highlights the accumulating evidence that plasticity in the intrinsic excitability of mPFC neurons represents a major cellular mechanism that interacts with synaptic changes to alter the impact of the mPFC on fear and reward circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- James T Porter
- Dept of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR 00732, United States.
| | - Marian T Sepulveda-Orengo
- Dept of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR 00732, United States
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Lamotrigine attenuates the motivation to self-administer ketamine and prevents cue- and prime-induced reinstatement of ketamine-seeking behavior in rats. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 194:257-263. [PMID: 30469096 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lamotrigine is an anticonvulsant drug used in the treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder. A case report has demonstrated that a ketamine addict experienced a significant reduction in craving and ketamine use after taking lamotrigine. The present study determined whether lamotrigine can reduce the motivation for ketamine and prevent the relapse to ketamine seeking behavior in rats. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to respond for intravenous ketamine (0.5 mg/kg/infusion) self-administration or food pellets. The effects of lamotrigine on the motivation for ketamine or food were assessed using breakpoint test under a progressive ratio (PR) paradigm. Furthermore, the effects of lamotrigine on reinstatement of ketamine-seeking and food-seeking behaviors were examined after extinction. RESULTS Lamotrigine significantly decreased the breakpoint for ketamine and prevented cue- and ketamine priming-induced reinstatement of ketamine seeking behavior. However, lamotrigine did not affect the breakpoint for food reinforcement, cue-induced reinstatement of food-seeking behavior, or spontaneous locomotor activity. CONCLUSIONS Our data reveal that lamotrigine is capable of attenuating the reinforcing efficacy of ketamine and reducing ketamine craving and relapse risk, which lays the foundation for conducting clinical trials in patients with ketamine use disorder.
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Biphasic effect of abstinence duration following cocaine self-administration on spine morphology and plasticity-related proteins in prelimbic cortical neurons projecting to the nucleus accumbens core. Brain Struct Funct 2018; 224:741-758. [PMID: 30498893 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-018-1805-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine self-administration (SA) in rats dysregulates glutamatergic signaling in the prelimbic (PrL) cortex and glutamate release in the nucleus accumbens (NA) core, promoting cocaine seeking. PrL adaptations that affect relapse to drug seeking emerge during the first week of abstinence, switching from an early (2 h) hypoglutamatergic state to a later (7 days) hyperglutamatergic state. Different interventions that normalize glutamatergic signaling in PrL cortex at each timepoint are necessary to suppress relapse. We hypothesized that plasticity-related proteins that regulate glutamatergic neurotransmission as well as dendritic spine morphology would be biphasically regulated during these two phases of abstinence in PrL cortical neurons projecting to the NA core (PrL-NA core). A combinatorial viral approach was used to selectively label PrL-NA core neurons with an mCherry fluorescent reporter. Male rats underwent 2 weeks of cocaine SA or received yoked-saline infusions and were perfused either 2 h or 7 days after the final SA session. Confocal microscopy and 3D reconstruction analyses were performed for Fos and pCREB immunoreactivity (IR) in the nucleus of layer V PrL-NA core neurons and GluA1-IR and GluA2-IR in apical dendritic spines of the same neurons. Here, we show that cocaine SA decreased PrL-NA core spine head diameter, nuclear Fos-IR and pCREB-IR, and GluA1-IR and GluA2-IR in putative mushroom-type spines 2 h after the end of cocaine SA, whereas the opposite occurred following 1 week of abstinence. Our findings reveal biphasic, abstinence duration-dependent alterations in structural plasticity and relapse-related proteins in the PrL-NA core pathway after cocaine SA.
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Zhang YX, Akumuo RC, España RA, Yan CX, Gao WJ, Li YC. The histone demethylase KDM6B in the medial prefrontal cortex epigenetically regulates cocaine reward memory. Neuropharmacology 2018; 141:113-125. [PMID: 30165076 PMCID: PMC6170674 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic remodeling contributes to synaptic plasticity via modification of gene expression, which underlies cocaine-induced long-term memory. A prevailing hypothesis in drug addiction is that drugs of abuse rejuvenate developmental machinery to render reward circuitry highly plastic and thus engender drug memories to be highly stable. Identification and reversal of these pathological pathways are therefore critical for cocaine abuse treatment. Previous studies revealed an interesting finding in which the mRNA of histone lysine demethylase, KDM6B, is upregulated in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) during early cocaine withdrawal. However, whether and how it contributes to drug-seeking behavior remain unknown. Here we used a conditioned place preference paradigm to investigate the potential role of KDM6B in drug-associated memory. We found that KDM6B protein levels selectively increased in the mPFC during cocaine withdrawal. Notably, systemic injection of KDM6B inhibitor, GSK-J4, disrupted both reconsolidation of cocaine-conditioned memory and cocaine-primed reinstatement, suggesting dual effects of KDM6B in cocaine reward memory. In addition, we found that NMDAR expression and function were both enhanced during early cocaine withdrawal in mPFC. Injection of GSK-J4 selectively reversed this cocaine-induced increase of NR2A expression and synaptic function, suggesting that mal-adaptation of cocaine-induced synaptic plasticity in mPFC largely underlies KDM6B-mediated cocaine-associated memory. Altogether, these data suggest that KDM6B plays an essential role in cocaine-associated memory, which mainly acts through enhancing cocaine-induced synaptic plasticity in the mPFC. Our findings revealed a novel role of KDM6B in cocaine-associated memory and inhibition of KDM6B is a potential strategy to alleviate drug-seeking behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xiang Zhang
- College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China; Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA
| | - Rita C Akumuo
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA
| | - Rodrigo A España
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA
| | - Chun-Xia Yan
- College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
| | - Wen-Jun Gao
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA.
| | - Yan-Chun Li
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA.
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