1
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Kim K, Picciotto MR. Nicotine addiction: More than just dopamine. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2023; 83:102797. [PMID: 37832393 PMCID: PMC10842238 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2023.102797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite decades of research and anti-tobacco messaging, nicotine addiction remains an important public health problem leading to hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. While fundamental studies have identified molecular, circuit-level and behavioral mechanisms important for nicotine reinforcement and withdrawal, recent studies have identified additional pathways that are important for both nicotine seeking and aversion. In particular, although dopaminergic mechanisms are necessary for nicotine-dependent reward and drug-seeking, novel glutamate and GABA signaling mechanisms in the mesolimbic system have been identified for their contributions to reward-related behaviors. An additional area of active investigation for nicotine addiction focuses on molecular mechanisms in the habenula-interpeduncular pathway driving nicotine aversion and withdrawal. Across all these domains, sex differences in the molecular basis of nicotine-induced behaviors have emerged that identify important new directions for future research. Recent studies reviewed here highlight additional pathways that could provide therapeutic targets for smoking cessation and problematic nicotine vaping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06508, USA; Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06508, USA. https://twitter.com/kristenkim415
| | - Marina R Picciotto
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06508, USA; Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06508, USA.
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2
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Chen YC, Rindner DJ, Fowler JP, Lallai V, Mogul A, Demuro A, Lur G, Fowler CD. Extracellular ATP Neurotransmission and Nicotine Sex-Specifically Modulate Habenular Neuronal Activity in Adolescence. J Neurosci 2023; 43:8259-8270. [PMID: 37821229 PMCID: PMC10697394 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1290-23.2023] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent increase in the use of nicotine products by teenagers has revealed an urgent need to better understand the impact of nicotine on the adolescent brain. Here, we sought to examine the actions of extracellular ATP as a neurotransmitter and to investigate whether ATP and nicotinic signaling interact during adolescence. With the GRABATP (G-protein-coupled receptor activation-based ATP sensor), we first demonstrated that nicotine induces extracellular ATP release in the medial habenula, a brain region involved in nicotine aversion and withdrawal. Using patch-clamp electrophysiology, we then demonstrated that activation of the ATP receptors P2X or P2Y1 increases the neuronal firing of cholinergic neurons. Surprisingly, contrasting interactive effects were observed with nicotine exposure. For the P2X receptor, activation had no observable effect on acute nicotine-mediated activity, but during abstinence after 10 d of nicotine exposure, coexposure to nicotine and the P2X agonist potentiated neuronal activity in female, but not male, neurons. For P2Y1 signaling, a potentiated effect of the agonist and nicotine was observed with acute exposure, but not following extended nicotine exposure. These data reveal a complex interactive effect between nicotinic and ATP signaling in the adolescent brain and provide mechanistic insights into extracellular ATP signaling with sex-specific alterations of neuronal responses based on prior drug exposure.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In these studies, it was discovered that nicotine induces extracellular ATP release in the medial habenula and subsequent activation of the ATP purinergic receptors increases habenular cholinergic neuronal firing in the adolescent brain. Interestingly, following extended nicotine exposure, nicotine was found to alter the interplay between purinergic and nicotinic signaling in a sex-specific manner. Together, these studies provide a novel understanding for the role of extracellular ATP in mediating habenular activity and reveal how nicotine exposure during adolescence alters these signaling mechanisms, which has important implications given the high incidence of e-cigarette/vape use by youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Chu Chen
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Daniel Jun Rindner
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
| | - James P Fowler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Valeria Lallai
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Allison Mogul
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Angelo Demuro
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Gyorgy Lur
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Christie D Fowler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
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3
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Antunes GF, Campos ACP, Martins DDO, Gouveia FV, Rangel Junior MJ, Pagano RL, Martinez RCR. Unravelling the Role of Habenula Subnuclei on Avoidance Response: Focus on Activation and Neuroinflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10693. [PMID: 37445871 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310693] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms responsible for anxiety disorders is a major challenge. Avoidance behavior is an essential feature of anxiety disorders. The two-way avoidance test is a preclinical model with two distinct subpopulations-the good and poor performers-based on the number of avoidance responses presented during testing. It is believed that the habenula subnuclei could be important for the elaboration of avoidance response with a distinct pattern of activation and neuroinflammation. The present study aimed to shed light on the habenula subnuclei signature in avoidance behavior, evaluating the pattern of neuronal activation using FOS expression and astrocyte density using GFAP immunoreactivity, and comparing control, good and poor performers. Our results showed that good performers had a decrease in FOS immunoreactivity (IR) in the superior part of the medial division of habenula (MHbS) and an increase in the marginal part of the lateral subdivision of lateral habenula (LHbLMg). Poor performers showed an increase in FOS in the basal part of the lateral subdivision of lateral habenula (LHbLB). Considering the astroglial immunoreactivity, the poor performers showed an increase in GFAP-IR in the inferior portion of the medial complex (MHbl), while the good performers showed a decrease in the oval part of the lateral part of the lateral complex (LHbLO) in comparison with the other groups. Taken together, our data suggest that specific subdivisions of the MHb and LHb have different activation patterns and astroglial immunoreactivity in good and poor performers. This study could contribute to understanding the neurobiological mechanisms responsible for anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Flavia Venetucci Gouveia
- Division of Neuroscience, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Sao Paulo 01308-060, Brazil
- Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Miguel José Rangel Junior
- Centro Universitário de Santa Fé do Sul, Santa Fé do Sul 15775-000, Brazil
- Medical School, Universidade Brasil, Fernandópolis 15600-000, Brazil
| | - Rosana Lima Pagano
- Division of Neuroscience, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Sao Paulo 01308-060, Brazil
| | - Raquel Chacon Ruiz Martinez
- Division of Neuroscience, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Sao Paulo 01308-060, Brazil
- Laboratorios de Investigação Médica-LIM/23, Institute of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-900, Brazil
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4
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Liu C, Tose AJ, Verharen JPH, Zhu Y, Tang LW, de Jong JW, Du JX, Beier KT, Lammel S. An inhibitory brainstem input to dopamine neurons encodes nicotine aversion. Neuron 2022; 110:3018-3035.e7. [PMID: 35921846 PMCID: PMC9509462 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Nicotine stimulates the dopamine (DA) system, which is essential for its rewarding effect. Nicotine is also aversive at high doses; yet, our knowledge about nicotine's dose-dependent effects on DA circuits remains limited. Here, we demonstrate that high doses of nicotine, which induce aversion-related behavior in mice, cause biphasic inhibitory and excitatory responses in VTA DA neurons that can be dissociated by distinct projections to lateral and medial nucleus accumben subregions, respectively. Guided by computational modeling, we performed a pharmacological investigation to establish that inhibitory effects of aversive nicotine involve desensitization of α4β2 and activation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. We identify α7-dependent activation of upstream GABA neurons in the laterodorsal tegmentum (LDT) as a key regulator of heterogeneous DA release following aversive nicotine. Finally, inhibition of LDT GABA terminals in VTA prevents nicotine aversion. Together, our findings provide a mechanistic circuit-level understanding of nicotine's dose-dependent effects on reward and aversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Liu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Amanda J Tose
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jeroen P H Verharen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Yichen Zhu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Lilly W Tang
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Johannes W de Jong
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jessica X Du
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Kevin T Beier
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, 825 Health Sciences Road, Med Sci D320, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Stephan Lammel
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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5
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Quijano Cardé NA, Shaw J, Carter C, Kim S, Stitzel JA, Venkatesh SK, Ramchandani VA, De Biasi M. Mutation of the α5 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit increases ethanol and nicotine consumption in adolescence and impacts adult drug consumption. Neuropharmacology 2022; 216:109170. [PMID: 35752273 PMCID: PMC9308728 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109170] [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: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol and nicotine are commonly used during adolescence, establishing long-lasting neuroplastic alterations that influence subsequent drug use and abuse. Drinking- and smoking-related traits have been extensively associated with variation in CHRNA5 - the gene that encodes the α5 subunit of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs16969968 in CHRNA5 encodes an amino acid substitution (D398N) that alters the function and pharmacokinetics of α5-containing nAChR. When expressed in rodents, this variant results in increased ethanol and nicotine operant self-administration. How disruption of α5-containing nAChRs influences adolescent ethanol and nicotine intake, and how it modulates interactions between these drugs has not been previously explored. In the present study, we examined volitional ethanol and nicotine consumption in adolescent mice (post-natal day 30-43) of both sexes with mutated (SNP) or lacking (KO) the α5 nAChR subunit. The effect of adolescent alcohol or nicotine exposure on home cage consumption of the opposite drug in adulthood and its modulation by Chrna5 mutation and sex were examined. During adolescence, we found that α5 nAChR disruption increases nicotine intake in mice of both sexes, but the effect on alcohol intake was only observed in females. The sex-specific increase in alcohol consumption in α5 SNP and KO was replicated in adulthood. The effect of adolescent alcohol or nicotine exposure on subsequent intake of the opposite drug in adulthood is modulated by sex and Chrna5 mutation. These observations suggest sex differences in the genetic architecture of alcohol dependence, and modulators of alcohol and nicotine interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia A Quijano Cardé
- Pharmacology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jessica Shaw
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christina Carter
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Seung Kim
- Neuroscience Program, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jerry A Stitzel
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Shyamala K Venkatesh
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Laboratory of Human Psychopharmacology, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Vijay A Ramchandani
- Laboratory of Human Psychopharmacology, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mariella De Biasi
- Pharmacology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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6
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Sylwestrak EL, Jo Y, Vesuna S, Wang X, Holcomb B, Tien RH, Kim DK, Fenno L, Ramakrishnan C, Allen WE, Chen R, Shenoy KV, Sussillo D, Deisseroth K. Cell-type-specific population dynamics of diverse reward computations. Cell 2022; 185:3568-3587.e27. [PMID: 36113428 PMCID: PMC10387374 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Computational analysis of cellular activity has developed largely independently of modern transcriptomic cell typology, but integrating these approaches may be essential for full insight into cellular-level mechanisms underlying brain function and dysfunction. Applying this approach to the habenula (a structure with diverse, intermingled molecular, anatomical, and computational features), we identified encoding of reward-predictive cues and reward outcomes in distinct genetically defined neural populations, including TH+ cells and Tac1+ cells. Data from genetically targeted recordings were used to train an optimized nonlinear dynamical systems model and revealed activity dynamics consistent with a line attractor. High-density, cell-type-specific electrophysiological recordings and optogenetic perturbation provided supporting evidence for this model. Reverse-engineering predicted how Tac1+ cells might integrate reward history, which was complemented by in vivo experimentation. This integrated approach describes a process by which data-driven computational models of population activity can generate and frame actionable hypotheses for cell-type-specific investigation in biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Sylwestrak
- Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA.
| | - YoungJu Jo
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sam Vesuna
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Blake Holcomb
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Rebecca H Tien
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Doo Kyung Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Lief Fenno
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Charu Ramakrishnan
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - William E Allen
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Neurosciences Interdepartmental Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94303, USA
| | - Ritchie Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Krishna V Shenoy
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94303, USA; Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - David Sussillo
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Karl Deisseroth
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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7
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Tapia MA, Jin XT, Tucker BR, Thomas LN, Walker NB, Kim VJ, Albertson SE, Damuka N, Krizan I, Edassery S, Savas JN, Sai KKS, Jones SR, Drenan RM. Relapse-like behavior and nAChR sensitization following intermittent access nicotine self-administration. Neuropharmacology 2022; 212:109066. [PMID: 35461879 PMCID: PMC9527938 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Many tobacco smokers consume nicotine intermittently, but the underlying mechanisms and neurobiological changes associated with intermittent nicotine intake are unclear. Understanding intermittent nicotine intake is a high priority, as it could promote therapeutic strategies to attenuate tobacco consumption. We examined nicotine intake behavior and neurobiological changes in male rats that were trained to self-administer nicotine during brief (5 min) trials interspersed with longer (15 min) drug-free periods. Rats readily adapted to intermittent access (IntA) SA following acquisition on a continuous access (ContA) schedule. Probabilistic analysis of IntA nicotine SA suggested reduced nicotine loading behavior compared to ContA, and nicotine pharmacokinetic modeling revealed that rats taking nicotine intermittently may have increased intake to maintain blood levels of nicotine that are comparable to ContA SA. After IntA nicotine SA, rats exhibited an increase in unreinforced responses for nicotine-associated cues (incubation of craving) and specific alterations in the striatal proteome after 7 days without nicotine. IntA nicotine SA also induced nAChR functional upregulation in the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN), and it enhanced nicotine binding in the brain as determined via [11C]nicotine positron emission tomography. Reducing the saliency of the cue conditions during the 5 min access periods attenuated nicotine intake, but incubation of craving was preserved. Together, these results indicate that IntA conditions promote nicotine SA and nicotine seeking after a nicotine-free period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A. Tapia
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Xiao-Tao Jin
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Brenton R. Tucker
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Leanne N. Thomas
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Noah B. Walker
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Veronica J. Kim
- Department of Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Steven E. Albertson
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Naresh Damuka
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Ivan Krizan
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Seby Edassery
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jeffrey N. Savas
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Sara R. Jones
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Ryan M. Drenan
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA,Corresponding author. (R.M. Drenan)
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8
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Stria medullaris innervation follows the transcriptomic division of the habenula. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10118. [PMID: 35710872 PMCID: PMC9203815 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14328-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The habenula is a complex neuronal population integrated in a pivotal functional position into the vertebrate limbic system. Its main afference is the stria medullaris and its main efference the fasciculus retroflexus. This neuronal complex is composed by two main components, the medial and lateral habenula. Transcriptomic and single cell RNAseq studies have unveiled the morphological complexity of both components. The aim of our work was to analyze the relation between the origin of the axonal fibers and their final distribution in the habenula. We analyzed 754 tracing experiments from Mouse Brain Connectivity Atlas, Allen Brain Map databases, and selected 12 neuronal populations projecting into the habenular territory. Our analysis demonstrated that the projections into the medial habenula discriminate between the different subnuclei and are generally originated in the septal territory. The innervation of the lateral habenula displayed instead a less restricted distribution from preoptic, terminal hypothalamic and peduncular nuclei. Only the lateral oval subnucleus of the lateral habenula presented a specific innervation from the dorsal entopeduncular nucleus. Our results unveiled the necessity of novel sorts of behavioral experiments to dissect the different functions associated with the habenular complex and their correlation with the distinct neuronal populations that generate them.
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9
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Jin XT, Drenan RM. Functional α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in GABAergic neurons of the interpeduncular nucleus. Neuropharmacology 2022; 208:108987. [PMID: 35167902 PMCID: PMC8885883 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.108987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) plays a key role in nicotine dependence and is involved in regulation of fear responses, affective states, and novelty processing. IPN neurons express nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) and receive strong cholinergic innervation from the ventral medial habenula. Dorsal medial habenula neurons are primarily peptidergic, releasing substance P (SP) mainly onto IPN neurons in the lateral subnucleus (IPL). IPL neurons are sensitive to SP, but it is not known if they are involved in cholinergic transmission like other IPN neurons. We examined nAChR subunit gene expression in IPL neurons, revealing that Chrna7 (α7 nAChR subunit) is expressed in a subset of GABAergic IPL neurons. In patch-clamp recordings from IPL neurons, ACh-evoked inward currents were attenuated by methyllycaconitine (α7 nAChR antagonist) and potentiated by NS1738 (α7 Type I positive allosteric modulator). We confirmed α7 functional expression in IPL neurons by also showing that ACh-evoked currents were potentiated by PNU-120596 (Type II positive allosteric modulator). Additional pharmacological experiments show that IPN neurons expressing α7 nAChRs also express α3β4 nAChRs. Finally, we used 2-photon laser scanning microscopy and nicotine uncaging to directly examine the morphology of IPL neurons that express α7 nAChRs. These results highlight a novel aspect of α7 nAChR neurobiology, adding to the complexity of cholinergic modulation by nAChRs in the IPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Tao Jin
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Ryan M Drenan
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
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10
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Young CJ, Lyons D, Piggins HD. Circadian Influences on the Habenula and Their Potential Contribution to Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 15:815700. [PMID: 35153695 PMCID: PMC8831701 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.815700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The neural circadian system consists of the master circadian clock in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) communicating time of day cues to the rest of the body including other brain areas that also rhythmically express circadian clock genes. Over the past 16 years, evidence has emerged to indicate that the habenula of the epithalamus is a candidate extra-SCN circadian oscillator. When isolated from the SCN, the habenula sustains rhythms in clock gene expression and neuronal activity, with the lateral habenula expressing more robust rhythms than the adjacent medial habenula. The lateral habenula is responsive to putative SCN output factors as well as light information conveyed to the perihabenula area. Neuronal activity in the lateral habenula is altered in depression and intriguingly disruptions in circadian rhythms can elevate risk of developing mental health disorders including depression. In this review, we will principally focus on how circadian and light signals affect the lateral habenula and evaluate the possibility that alteration in these influences contribute to mental health disorders.
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11
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Wills L, Ables JL, Braunscheidel KM, Caligiuri SPB, Elayouby KS, Fillinger C, Ishikawa M, Moen JK, Kenny PJ. Neurobiological Mechanisms of Nicotine Reward and Aversion. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:271-310. [PMID: 35017179 PMCID: PMC11060337 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) regulate the rewarding actions of nicotine contained in tobacco that establish and maintain the smoking habit. nAChRs also regulate the aversive properties of nicotine, sensitivity to which decreases tobacco use and protects against tobacco use disorder. These opposing behavioral actions of nicotine reflect nAChR expression in brain reward and aversion circuits. nAChRs containing α4 and β2 subunits are responsible for the high-affinity nicotine binding sites in the brain and are densely expressed by reward-relevant neurons, most notably dopaminergic, GABAergic, and glutamatergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area. High-affinity nAChRs can incorporate additional subunits, including β3, α6, or α5 subunits, with the resulting nAChR subtypes playing discrete and dissociable roles in the stimulatory actions of nicotine on brain dopamine transmission. nAChRs in brain dopamine circuits also participate in aversive reactions to nicotine and the negative affective state experienced during nicotine withdrawal. nAChRs containing α3 and β4 subunits are responsible for the low-affinity nicotine binding sites in the brain and are enriched in brain sites involved in aversion, including the medial habenula, interpeduncular nucleus, and nucleus of the solitary tract, brain sites in which α5 nAChR subunits are also expressed. These aversion-related brain sites regulate nicotine avoidance behaviors, and genetic variation that modifies the function of nAChRs in these sites increases vulnerability to tobacco dependence and smoking-related diseases. Here, we review the molecular, cellular, and circuit-level mechanisms through which nicotine elicits reward and aversion and the adaptations in these processes that drive the development of nicotine dependence. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Tobacco use disorder in the form of habitual cigarette smoking or regular use of other tobacco-related products is a major cause of death and disease worldwide. This article reviews the actions of nicotine in the brain that contribute to tobacco use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Wills
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Jessica L Ables
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Kevin M Braunscheidel
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Stephanie P B Caligiuri
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Karim S Elayouby
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Clementine Fillinger
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Masago Ishikawa
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Janna K Moen
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
| | - Paul J Kenny
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, New York
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12
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Abstract
Nectins are immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecules constituting a family with four members, nectin-1, nectin-2, nectin-3, and nectin-4. In the brain, nectin-2 as well as nectin-1 and nectin-3 are expressed whereas nectin-4 is hardly expressed. In the nervous system, physiological functions of nectin-1 and nectin-3, such as synapse formation, mossy fiber trajectory regulation, interneurite affinity, contextual fear memory formation, and stress-related mental disorders, have been revealed. Nectin-2 is ubiquitously expressed in non-neuronal tissues and various nectin-2 functions in non-nervous systems have been extensively investigated, but nectin-2 functions in the brain have not been revealed until recently. Recent findings have revealed that nectin-2 is expressed in the specific areas of the brain and plays important roles, such as homeostasis of astrocytes and neurons and the formation of synapses. Moreover, a single nucleotide polymorphism in the human NECTIN2 gene is associated with Alzheimer's disease. We here summarize recent progress in our understanding of nectin-2 functions in the brain.
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13
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Hauser SR, Rodd ZA, Deehan GA, Liang T, Rahman S, Bell RL. Effects of adolescent substance use disorders on central cholinergic function. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2021; 160:175-221. [PMID: 34696873 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2021.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Adolescence is a transitional period between childhood and adulthood, in which the individual undergoes significant cognitive, behavioral, physical, emotional, and social developmental changes. During this period, adolescents engage in experimentation and risky behaviors such as licit and illicit drug use. Adolescents' high vulnerability to abuse drugs and natural reinforcers leads to greater risk for developing substance use disorders (SUDs) during adulthood. Accumulating evidence indicates that the use and abuse of licit and illicit drugs during adolescence and emerging adulthood can disrupt the cholinergic system and its processes. This review will focus on the effects of peri-adolescent nicotine and/or alcohol use, or exposure, on the cholinergic system during adulthood from preclinical and clinical studies. This review further explores potential cholinergic agents and pharmacological manipulations to counteract peri-adolescent nicotine and/or alcohol abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- S R Hauser
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.
| | - Z A Rodd
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - G A Deehan
- Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
| | - T Liang
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Shafiqur Rahman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, United States
| | - Richard L Bell
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.
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14
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Regulation of habenular G-protein gamma 8 on learning and memory via modulation of the central acetylcholine system. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:3737-3750. [PMID: 32989244 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-00893-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Guanine nucleotide binding protein (G protein) gamma 8 (Gng8) is a subunit of G proteins and expressed in the medial habenula (MHb) and interpeduncular nucleus (IPN). Recent studies have demonstrated that Gng8 is involved in brain development; however, the roles of Gng8 on cognitive function have not yet been addressed. In the present study, we investigated the expression of Gng8 in the brain and found that Gng8 was predominantly expressed in the MHb-IPN circuit of the mouse brain. We generated Gng8 knockout (KO) mice by CRISPR/Cas9 system in order to assess the role of Gng8 on cognitive function. Gng8 KO mice exhibited deficiency in learning and memory in passive avoidance and Morris water maze tests. In addition, Gng8 KO mice significantly reduced long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus compared to that of wild-type (WT) mice. Furthermore, we observed that levels of acetylcholine (ACh) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in the MHb and IPN of Gng8 KO mice were significantly decreased, compared to WT mice. The administration of nAChR α4β2 agonist A85380 rescued memory impairment in the Gng8 KO mice, suggesting that Gng8 regulates cognitive function via modulation of cholinergic activity. Taken together, Gng8 is a potential therapeutic target for memory-related diseases and/or neurodevelopmental diseases.
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15
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Genetically Targeted Connectivity Tracing Excludes Dopaminergic Inputs to the Interpeduncular Nucleus from the Ventral Tegmentum and Substantia Nigra. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0127-21.2021. [PMID: 34088738 PMCID: PMC8223495 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0127-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The “habenulopeduncular system” consists of the medial habenula (MHb) and its principal target of innervation, the interpeduncular nucleus (IP). Neurons in the ventral MHb (MHbV) express acetylcholine along with glutamate, and both the MHb and IP are rich in nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Much of the work on this system has focused on nicotinic mechanisms and their clinical implications for nicotine use, particularly because the IP expresses the α5 nicotinic receptor subunit, encoded by the CHRNA5 gene, which is genetically linked to smoking risk. A working model has emerged in which nicotine use may be determined by the balance of reinforcement mediated in part by nicotine effects on dopamine reward pathways, and an aversive “brake” on nicotine consumption encoded in the MHb-IP pathway. However, recent work has proposed that the IP also receives direct dopaminergic input from the ventral tegmental area (VTA). If correct, this would significantly impact the prevailing model of IP function. Here, we have used Chrna5Cre mice to perform rabies virus-mediated retrograde tracing of global inputs to the IP. We have also used Cre-dependent adeno-associated virus (AAV) anterograde tracing using Slc6a3Cre (DATCre) mice to map VTA dopaminergic efferents, and we have examined tract-tracing data using other transgenic models for dopaminergic neurons available in a public database. Consistent with the existing literature using non-genetic tracing methods, none of these experiments show a significant anatomic connection from the VTA or substantia nigra (SN) to the IP, and thus do not support a model of direct dopaminergic input to the habenulopeduncular system.
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16
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Brynildsen JK, Blendy JA. Linking the CHRNA5 SNP to drug abuse liability: From circuitry to cellular mechanisms. Neuropharmacology 2021; 186:108480. [PMID: 33539855 PMCID: PMC7958463 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Genetics are known to be a significant risk factor for drug abuse. In human populations, the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) D398N in the gene CHRNA5 has been associated with addiction to nicotine, opioids, cocaine, and alcohol. In this paper, we review findings from studies in humans, rodent models, and cell lines and provide evidence that collectively suggests that the Chrna5 SNP broadly influences the response to drugs of abuse in a manner that is not substance-specific. This finding has important implications for our understanding of the role of the cholinergic system in reward and addiction vulnerability. This article is part of the special issue on 'Vulnerabilities to Substance Abuse.'
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia K Brynildsen
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Julie A Blendy
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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17
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García-Guillén IM, Alonso A, Puelles L, Marín F, Aroca P. Multiple Regionalized Genes and Their Putative Networks in the Interpeduncular Nucleus Suggest Complex Mechanisms of Neuron Development and Axon Guidance. Front Neuroanat 2021; 15:643320. [PMID: 33664652 PMCID: PMC7921722 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2021.643320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) is a highly conserved limbic structure in the vertebrate brain, located in the isthmus and rhombomere 1. It is formed by various populations that migrate from different sites to the distinct domains within the IPN: the prodromal, rostral interpeduncular, and caudal interpeduncular nuclei. The aim here was to identify genes that are differentially expressed across these domains, characterizing their putative functional roles and interactions. To this end, we screened the 2,038 genes in the Allen Developing Mouse Brain Atlas database expressed at E18.5 and we identified 135 genes expressed within the IPN. The functional analysis of these genes highlighted an overrepresentation of gene families related to neuron development, cell morphogenesis and axon guidance. The interactome analysis within each IPN domain yielded specific networks that mainly involve members of the ephrin/Eph and Cadherin families, transcription factors and molecules related to synaptic neurotransmission. These results bring to light specific mechanisms that might participate in the formation, molecular regionalization, axon guidance and connectivity of the different IPN domains. This genoarchitectonic model of the IPN enables data on gene expression and interactions to be integrated and interpreted, providing a basis for the further study of the connectivity and function of this poorly understood nuclear complex under both normal and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel M García-Guillén
- Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia and IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonia Alonso
- Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia and IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Luis Puelles
- Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia and IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Faustino Marín
- Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia and IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pilar Aroca
- Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia and IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
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18
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Yoo H, Yang SH, Kim JY, Yang E, Park HS, Lee SJ, Rhyu IJ, Turecki G, Lee HW, Kim H. Down-regulation of habenular calcium-dependent secretion activator 2 induces despair-like behavior. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3700. [PMID: 33580180 PMCID: PMC7881199 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83310-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium-dependent secretion activator 2 (CAPS2) regulates the trafficking and exocytosis of neuropeptide-containing dense-core vesicles (DCVs). CAPS2 is prominently expressed in the medial habenula (MHb), which is related to depressive behavior; however, how MHb neurons cause depressive symptoms and the role of CAPS2 remains unclear. We hypothesized that dysfunction of MHb CAPS neurons might cause defects in neuropeptide secretion and the activity of monoaminergic centers, resulting in depressive-like behaviors. In this study, we examined (1) CAPS2 expression in the habenula of depression animal models and major depressive disorder patients and (2) the effects of down-regulation of MHb CAPS2 on the animal behaviors, synaptic transmission in the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN), and neuronal activity of monoamine centers. Habenular CAPS2 expression was decreased in the rat chronic restraint stress model, mouse learned helplessness model, and showed tendency to decrease in depression patients who died by suicide. Knockdown of CAPS2 in the mouse habenula evoked despair-like behavior and a reduction of the release of DCVs in the IPN. Neuronal activity of IPN and monoaminergic centers was also reduced. These results implicate MHb CAPS2 as playing a pivotal role in depressive behavior through the regulation of neuropeptide secretion of the MHb-IPN pathway and the activity of monoaminergic centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeijung Yoo
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Brain Korea 21 FOUR, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Soo Hyun Yang
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Brain Korea 21 FOUR, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Jin Yong Kim
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Esther Yang
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Brain Korea 21 FOUR, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Hyung Sun Park
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Se Jeong Lee
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Im Joo Rhyu
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Brain Korea 21 FOUR, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Douglas, Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Hyun Woo Lee
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Brain Korea 21 FOUR, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea.
| | - Hyun Kim
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Brain Korea 21 FOUR, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea.
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19
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Scholze P, Huck S. The α5 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Subunit Differentially Modulates α4β2 * and α3β4 * Receptors. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2020; 12:607959. [PMID: 33343327 PMCID: PMC7744819 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2020.607959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotine, the principal reinforcing compound in tobacco, acts in the brain by activating neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). This review summarizes our current knowledge regarding how the α5 accessory nAChR subunit, encoded by the CHRNA5 gene, differentially modulates α4β2* and α3β4* receptors at the cellular level. Genome-wide association studies have linked a gene cluster in chromosomal region 15q25 to increased susceptibility to nicotine addiction, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and peripheral arterial disease. Interestingly, this gene cluster contains a non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the human CHRNA5 gene, causing an aspartic acid (D) to asparagine (N) substitution at amino acid position 398 in the α5 nAChR subunit. Although other SNPs have been associated with tobacco smoking behavior, efforts have focused predominantly on the D398 and N398 variants in the α5 subunit. In recent years, significant progress has been made toward understanding the role that the α5 nAChR subunit—and the role of the D398 and N398 variants—plays on nAChR function at the cellular level. These insights stem primarily from a wide range of experimental models, including receptors expressed heterologously in Xenopus oocytes, various cell lines, and neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), as well as endogenous receptors in genetically engineered mice and—more recently—rats. Despite providing a wealth of available data, however, these studies have yielded conflicting results, and our understanding of the modulatory role that the α5 subunit plays remains incomplete. Here, we review these reports and the various techniques used for expression and analysis in order to examine how the α5 subunit modulates key functions in α4β2* and α3β4* receptors, including receptor trafficking, sensitivity, efficacy, and desensitization. In addition, we highlight the strikingly different role that the α5 subunit plays in Ca2+ signaling between α4β2* and α3β4* receptors, and we discuss whether the N398 α5 subunit variant can partially replace the D398 variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Scholze
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sigismund Huck
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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20
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London E, Wester JC, Bloyd M, Bettencourt S, McBain CJ, Stratakis CA. Loss of habenular Prkar2a reduces hedonic eating and increases exercise motivation. JCI Insight 2020; 5:141670. [PMID: 33141766 PMCID: PMC7714411 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.141670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The habenula (Hb) is a bilateral, evolutionarily conserved epithalamic structure connecting forebrain and midbrain structures that has gained attention for its roles in depression, addiction, rewards processing, and motivation. Of its 2 major subdivisions, the medial Hb (MHb) and lateral Hb (LHb), MHb circuitry and function are poorly understood relative to those of the LHb. Prkar2a codes for cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) regulatory subunit IIα (RIIα), a component of the PKA holoenzyme at the center of one of the major cell-signaling pathways conserved across systems and species. Type 2 regulatory subunits (RIIα, RIIβ) determine the subcellular localization of PKA, and unlike other PKA subunits, Prkar2a has minimal brain expression except in the MHb. We previously showed that RIIα-knockout (RIIα-KO) mice resist diet-induced obesity. In the present study, we report that RIIα-KO mice have decreased consumption of palatable, “rewarding” foods and increased motivation for voluntary exercise. Prkar2a deficiency led to decreased habenular PKA enzymatic activity and impaired dendritic localization of PKA catalytic subunits in MHb neurons. Reexpression of Prkar2a in the Hb rescued this phenotype, confirming differential roles for Prkar2a in regulating the drives for palatable foods and voluntary exercise. Our findings show that in the MHb decreased PKA signaling and dendritic PKA activity decrease motivation for palatable foods, while enhancing the motivation for exercise, a desirable combination of behaviors. Decreased habenular PKA signaling and altered localization of PKA catalytic subunits in medial habenula dendrites caused by Prkar2a deletion led to increased voluntary running and decreased sucrose solution intake in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason C Wester
- Section on Cellular and Synaptic Physiology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Chris J McBain
- Section on Cellular and Synaptic Physiology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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21
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Jin XT, Tucker BR, Drenan RM. Nicotine Self-Administration Induces Plastic Changes to Nicotinic Receptors in Medial Habenula. eNeuro 2020; 7:ENEURO.0197-20.2020. [PMID: 32675176 PMCID: PMC7405075 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0197-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic nicotine upregulates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) throughout the brain, and reducing their activity may promote somatic and affective states that lead to nicotine seeking. nAChRs are functionally upregulated in animal models using passive nicotine administration, but whether/how it occurs in response to volitional nicotine intake is unknown. The distinction is critical, as drug self-administration (SA) can induce neurotransmission and cellular excitability changes that passive drug administration does not. In this study, we probed the question of whether medial habenula (MHb) nAChRs are functionally augmented by nicotine SA. Male rats were implanted with an indwelling jugular catheter and trained to nose poke for nicotine infusions. A saline SA group controlled for non-specific responding and nicotine-associated visual cues. Using patch-clamp whole-cell recordings and local application of acetylcholine, we observed robust functional enhancement of nAChRs in MHb neurons from rats with a history of nicotine SA. To determine whether upregulated receptors are generally enhanced or directed to specific cellular compartments, we imaged neurons during recordings using two-photon laser scanning microscopy (2PLSM). nAChR activity at the cell soma and on proximal and distal dendrites was examined by local nicotine uncaging using a photoactivatable nicotine (PA-Nic) probe and focal laser flash photolysis. Results from this experiment revealed strong nAChR enhancement at all examined cellular locations. Our study demonstrates nAChR functional enhancement by nicotine SA, confirming that volitional nicotine intake sensitizes cholinergic systems in the brain. This may be a critical plasticity change supporting nicotine addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Tao Jin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
| | - Brenton R Tucker
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
| | - Ryan M Drenan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
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22
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Icick R, Forget B, Cloëz-Tayarani I, Pons S, Maskos U, Besson M. Genetic susceptibility to nicotine addiction: Advances and shortcomings in our understanding of the CHRNA5/A3/B4 gene cluster contribution. Neuropharmacology 2020; 177:108234. [PMID: 32738310 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decade, robust human genetic findings have been instrumental in elucidating the heritable basis of nicotine addiction (NA). They highlight coding and synonymous polymorphisms in a cluster on chromosome 15, encompassing the CHRNA5, CHRNA3 and CHRNB4 genes, coding for three subunits of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). They have inspired an important number of preclinical studies, and will hopefully lead to the definition of novel drug targets for treating NA. Here, we review these candidate gene and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and their direct implication in human brain function and NA-related phenotypes. We continue with a description of preclinical work in transgenic rodents that has led to a mechanistic understanding of several of the genetic hits. We also highlight important issues with regards to CHRNA3 and CHRNB4 where we are still lacking a dissection of their role in NA, including even in preclinical models. We further emphasize the use of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived models for the analysis of synonymous and intronic variants on a human genomic background. Finally, we indicate potential avenues to further our understanding of the role of this human genetic variation. This article is part of the special issue on 'Contemporary Advances in Nicotine Neuropharmacology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Icick
- Neurobiologie Intégrative des Systèmes Cholinergiques, CNRS UMR3571, Institut Pasteur, 25 Rue du Dr Roux, 75724, Paris Cedex 15, France; Département de Psychiatrie et de Médecine Addictologique, Groupe Hospitalier Saint-Louis, Lariboisière, Fernand Widal, Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, F-75010, France; INSERM UMR-S1144, Paris, F-75006, France; FHU "NOR-SUD", Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, F-75001, France
| | - Benoît Forget
- Neurobiologie Intégrative des Systèmes Cholinergiques, CNRS UMR3571, Institut Pasteur, 25 Rue du Dr Roux, 75724, Paris Cedex 15, France; Génétique Humaine et Fonctions Cognitives, CNRS UMR3571, Institut Pasteur, 25 Rue du Dr Roux, 75724, Paris Cedex 15, France
| | - Isabelle Cloëz-Tayarani
- Neurobiologie Intégrative des Systèmes Cholinergiques, CNRS UMR3571, Institut Pasteur, 25 Rue du Dr Roux, 75724, Paris Cedex 15, France; FHU "NOR-SUD", Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, F-75001, France
| | - Stéphanie Pons
- Neurobiologie Intégrative des Systèmes Cholinergiques, CNRS UMR3571, Institut Pasteur, 25 Rue du Dr Roux, 75724, Paris Cedex 15, France; FHU "NOR-SUD", Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, F-75001, France
| | - Uwe Maskos
- Neurobiologie Intégrative des Systèmes Cholinergiques, CNRS UMR3571, Institut Pasteur, 25 Rue du Dr Roux, 75724, Paris Cedex 15, France; FHU "NOR-SUD", Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, F-75001, France
| | - Morgane Besson
- Neurobiologie Intégrative des Systèmes Cholinergiques, CNRS UMR3571, Institut Pasteur, 25 Rue du Dr Roux, 75724, Paris Cedex 15, France; FHU "NOR-SUD", Assistance-Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, F-75001, France.
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23
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Miller CN, Kamens HM. The role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in alcohol-related behaviors. Brain Res Bull 2020; 163:135-142. [PMID: 32707263 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2020.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) causes an alarming economic and health burden in the United States. Unfortunately, this disease does not exist in isolation; AUD is highly comorbid with nicotine use. Results from both human and animal models demonstrate a genetic correlation between alcohol and nicotine behaviors. These data support the idea of shared genetic and neural mechanisms underlying these behaviors. Nicotine acts directly at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) to have its pharmacological effect. Interestingly, alcohol also acts both directly and indirectly at these receptors. Research utilizing genetically engineered rodents and pharmacological manipulations suggest a role for nAChR in several ethanol behaviors. The current manuscript collates this literature and discusses findings that implicate specific nAChR subunits in ethanol phenotypes. These data suggest future directions for targeting nAChR as novel therapeutics for AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- C N Miller
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, United States
| | - H M Kamens
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, United States.
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Shiotani H, Miyata M, Kameyama T, Mandai K, Yamasaki M, Watanabe M, Mizutani K, Takai Y. Nectin‐2α is localized at cholinergic neuron dendrites and regulates synapse formation in the medial habenula. J Comp Neurol 2020; 529:450-477. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.24958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hajime Shiotani
- Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine Kobe Japan
| | - Muneaki Miyata
- Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine Kobe Japan
| | - Takeshi Kameyama
- Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine Kobe Japan
| | - Kenji Mandai
- Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine Kobe Japan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology Kitasato University Graduate School of Medical Sciences Sagamihara Japan
- Department of Biochemistry Kitasato University School of Medicine Sagamihara Japan
| | - Miwako Yamasaki
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Hokkaido University Sapporo Japan
| | - Masahiko Watanabe
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Hokkaido University Sapporo Japan
| | - Kiyohito Mizutani
- Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine Kobe Japan
| | - Yoshimi Takai
- Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine Kobe Japan
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β4-Nicotinic Receptors Are Critically Involved in Reward-Related Behaviors and Self-Regulation of Nicotine Reinforcement. J Neurosci 2020; 40:3465-3477. [PMID: 32184221 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0356-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotine addiction, through smoking, is the principal cause of preventable mortality worldwide. Human genome-wide association studies have linked polymorphisms in the CHRNA5-CHRNA3-CHRNB4 gene cluster, coding for the α5, α3, and β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits, to nicotine addiction. β4*nAChRs have been implicated in nicotine withdrawal, aversion, and reinforcement. Here we show that β4*nAChRs also are involved in non-nicotine-mediated responses that may predispose to addiction-related behaviors. β4 knock-out (KO) male mice show increased novelty-induced locomotor activity, lower baseline anxiety, and motivational deficits in operant conditioning for palatable food rewards and in reward-based Go/No-go tasks. To further explore reward deficits we used intracranial self-administration (ICSA) by directly injecting nicotine into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in mice. We found that, at low nicotine doses, β4KO self-administer less than wild-type (WT) mice. Conversely, at high nicotine doses, this was reversed and β4KO self-administered more than WT mice, whereas β4-overexpressing mice avoided nicotine injections. Viral expression of β4 subunits in medial habenula (MHb), interpeduncular nucleus (IPN), and VTA of β4KO mice revealed dose- and region-dependent differences: β4*nAChRs in the VTA potentiated nicotine-mediated rewarding effects at all doses, whereas β4*nAChRs in the MHb-IPN pathway, limited VTA-ICSA at high nicotine doses. Together, our findings indicate that the lack of functional β4*nAChRs result in deficits in reward sensitivity including increased ICSA at high doses of nicotine that is restored by re-expression of β4*nAChRs in the MHb-IPN. These data indicate that β4 is a critical modulator of reward-related behaviors.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Human genetic studies have provided strong evidence for a relationship between variants in the CHRNA5-CHRNA3-CHRNB4 gene cluster and nicotine addiction. Yet, little is known about the role of β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunit encoded by this cluster. We investigated the implication of β4*nAChRs in anxiety-, food reward- and nicotine reward-related behaviors. Deletion of the β4 subunit gene resulted in an addiction-related phenotype characterized by low anxiety, high novelty-induced response, lack of sensitivity to palatable food rewards and increased intracranial nicotine self-administration at high doses. Lentiviral vector-induced re-expression of the β4 subunit into either the MHb or IPN restored a "stop" signal on nicotine self-administration. These results suggest that β4*nAChRs provide a promising novel drug target for smoking cessation.
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Nasirova N, Quina LA, Agosto-Marlin IM, Ramirez JM, Lambe EK, Turner EE. Dual recombinase fate mapping reveals a transient cholinergic phenotype in multiple populations of developing glutamatergic neurons. J Comp Neurol 2020; 528:283-307. [PMID: 31396962 PMCID: PMC6889053 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Cholinergic transmission shapes the maturation of glutamatergic circuits, yet the developmental sources of acetylcholine have not been systematically explored. Here, we have used Cre-recombinase-mediated genetic labeling to identify and map both mature and developing CNS neurons that express choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). Correction of a significant problem with a widely used ChatCre transgenic line ensures that this map does not contain expression artifacts. ChatCre marks all known cholinergic systems in the adult brain, but also identifies several brain areas not usually regarded as cholinergic, including specific thalamic and hypothalamic neurons, the subiculum, the lateral parabrachial nucleus, the cuneate/gracilis nuclei, and the pontocerebellar system. This ChatCre fate map suggests transient developmental expression of a cholinergic phenotype in areas important for cognition, motor control, and respiration. We therefore examined expression of ChAT and the vesicular acetylcholine transporter in the embryonic and early postnatal brain to determine the developmental timing of this transient cholinergic phenotype, and found that it mirrored the establishment of relevant glutamatergic projection pathways. We then used an intersectional genetic strategy combining ChatCre with Vglut2Flp to show that these neurons adopt a glutamatergic fate in the adult brain. The transient cholinergic phenotype of these glutamatergic neurons suggests a homosynaptic source of acetylcholine for the maturation of developing glutamatergic synapses. These findings thus define critical windows during which specific glutamatergic circuits may be vulnerable to disruption by nicotine in utero, and suggest new mechanisms for pediatric disorders associated with maternal smoking, such as sudden infant death syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nailyam Nasirova
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute
| | - Lely A. Quina
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute
| | | | - Jan-Marino Ramirez
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute
| | - Evelyn K. Lambe
- Departments of Physiology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Eric E. Turner
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle WA, 98101
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Khatami L, Safari V, Motamedi F. Temporary inactivation of interpeduncular nucleus impairs long but not short term plasticity in the perforant-path dentate gyrus synapses in rats. Behav Brain Res 2020; 377:112212. [PMID: 31505188 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112212] [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: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The interconnectivity of the hippocampus, interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) and several brain structures which are involved in modulating hippocampal theta rhythm activity makes a complicated dynamic network of interconnected regions and highlights the role of IPN in the hippocampal dependent learning and memory. In the present study we aimed to address whether IPN is involved in the perforant path-dentate gyrus (PPDG) short term and long term synaptic plasticity in rats. To silent IPN transiently, lidocaine was injected through the implanted cannula above the IPN. To evaluate short term plasticity, paired pulses stimulation of PPDG synapses were used upon IPN temporary inactivation. Furthermore, long term plasticity was investigated by measuring the induction and maintenance of PPDG synapses long term potentiation (LTP) after high frequency stimulation (HFS) of the mentioned pathway following to IPN inactivation. The results showed that IPN reversible inactivation had no effect on short term plasticity of PPDG synapses. However, IPN inactivation before the PPDG high frequency stimulation could significantly suppress both the population spike (PS) and fEPSP-LTP induction compared to the saline group. Conversely, IPN inactivation had no significant effect on maintenance of both PS-LTP and fEPSP-LTP. All together our study suggests the contribution of IPN in the PPDG synaptic plasticity and excitability of DG granule cells which could be through direct and/or indirect pathways from IPN to the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Khatami
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical sciences, P.O. Box 19615-1178, Tehran, Iran; School of Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), P.O. Box 1954851167, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Vajihe Safari
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical sciences, P.O. Box 19615-1178, Tehran, Iran; School of Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), P.O. Box 1954851167, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Fereshteh Motamedi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical sciences, P.O. Box 19615-1178, Tehran, Iran; School of Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), P.O. Box 1954851167, Tehran, Iran.
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Metzger M, Souza R, Lima LB, Bueno D, Gonçalves L, Sego C, Donato J, Shammah-Lagnado SJ. Habenular connections with the dopaminergic and serotonergic system and their role in stress-related psychiatric disorders. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 53:65-88. [PMID: 31833616 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The habenula (Hb) is a phylogenetically old epithalamic structure differentiated into two nuclear complexes, the medial (MHb) and lateral habenula (LHb). After decades of search for a great unifying function, interest in the Hb resurged when it was demonstrated that LHb plays a major role in the encoding of aversive stimuli ranging from noxious stimuli to the loss of predicted rewards. Consistent with a role as an anti-reward center, aberrant LHb activity has now been identified as a key factor in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder. Moreover, both MHb and LHb emerged as new players in the reward circuitry by primarily mediating the aversive properties of distinct drugs of abuse. Anatomically, the Hb serves as a bridge that links basal forebrain structures with monoaminergic nuclei in the mid- and hindbrain. So far, research on Hb has focused on the role of the LHb in regulating midbrain dopamine release. However, LHb/MHb are also interconnected with the dorsal (DR) and median (MnR) raphe nucleus. Hence, it is conceivable that some of the habenular functions are at least partly mediated by the complex network that links MHb/LHb with pontomesencephalic monoaminergic nuclei. Here, we summarize research about the topography and transmitter phenotype of the reciprocal connections between the LHb and ventral tegmental area-nigra complex, as well as those between the LHb and DR/MnR. Indirect MHb outputs via interpeduncular nucleus to state-setting neuromodulatory networks will also be commented. Finally, we discuss the role of specific LHb-VTA and LHb/MHb-raphe circuits in anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Metzger
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rudieri Souza
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leandro B Lima
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Debora Bueno
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciano Gonçalves
- Department of Human Anatomy, Federal University of the Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Chemutai Sego
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jose Donato
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sara J Shammah-Lagnado
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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β2* nAChRs on VTA dopamine and GABA neurons separately mediate nicotine aversion and reward. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:25968-25973. [PMID: 31776253 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1908724116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence shows that the neurotransmitter dopamine mediates the rewarding effects of nicotine and other drugs of abuse, while nondopaminergic neural substrates mediate the negative motivational effects. β2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) are necessary and sufficient for the experience of both nicotine reward and aversion in an intra-VTA (ventral tegmental area) self-administration paradigm. We selectively reexpressed β2* nAChRs in VTA dopamine or VTA γ-amino-butyric acid (GABA) neurons in β2-/- mice to double-dissociate the aversive and rewarding conditioned responses to nicotine in nondependent mice, revealing that β2* nAChRs on VTA dopamine neurons mediate nicotine's conditioned aversive effects, while β2* nAChRs on VTA GABA neurons mediate the conditioned rewarding effects in place-conditioning paradigms. These results stand in contrast to a purely dopaminergic reward theory, leading to a better understanding of the neurobiology of nicotine motivation and possibly to improved therapeutic treatments for smoking cessation.
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Hauser SR, Knight CP, Truitt WA, Waeiss RA, Holt IS, Carvajal GB, Bell RL, Rodd ZA. Adolescent Intermittent Ethanol Increases the Sensitivity to the Reinforcing Properties of Ethanol and the Expression of Select Cholinergic and Dopaminergic Genes within the Posterior Ventral Tegmental Area. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2019; 43:1937-1948. [DOI: 10.1111/acer.14150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sheketha R. Hauser
- Department of Psychiatry Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis Indiana
| | | | - William A. Truitt
- Department of Psychiatry Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis Indiana
| | - Robert Aaron Waeiss
- Program in Medical Neuroscience Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis Indiana
| | - Ian S. Holt
- Department of Psychiatry Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis Indiana
| | - Gustavo B. Carvajal
- Department of Psychiatry Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis Indiana
| | - Richard L. Bell
- Department of Psychiatry Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis Indiana
| | - Zachary A. Rodd
- Department of Psychiatry Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis Indiana
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Correa VL, Flores RJ, Carcoba LM, Arreguin MC, O'Dell LE. Sex differences in cholinergic systems in the interpeduncular nucleus following nicotine exposure and withdrawal. Neuropharmacology 2019; 158:107714. [PMID: 31325431 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The medial habenula-interpeduncular nucleus (MHb-IPN) pathway modulates negative affective states produced by nicotine withdrawal. Sex differences in the contribution of acetylcholine (ACh) systems in this pathway have not been explored. Thus, this study assessed ACh levels and gene expression of α- and β-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits in the IPN of female and male rats following nicotine treatment and withdrawal. Rats were prepared with a pump that delivered nicotine for 14 days, and naïve controls received a sham surgery. In Study 1, rats were prepared with a probe in the IPN, and ACh levels were measured following saline and then mecamylamine administration. In Study 2, separate groups of naïve control or nicotine-treated rats received saline or mecamylamine and physical signs and anxiety-like behavior were assessed using elevated plus maze (EPM) procedures. The IPN was then dissected and mRNA levels were assessed using RT-qPCR methods. Nicotine treatment increased ACh levels to a larger extent in females than males. Nicotine withdrawal produced a similar increase in physical signs; however, females displayed greater anxiety-like behavior than males. In females, gene expression of α5 increased following nicotine treatment and withdrawal. In males, α7 increased following nicotine treatment and α2 and α3 increased during nicotine withdrawal. Both females and males displayed an increase in β3 and β4 during nicotine withdrawal. In females, anxiety-like behavior was correlated with α4, α5, and β2 gene expression in the IPN. These results suggest that sex differences in withdrawal are modulated via cholinergic systems in the IPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor L Correa
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Rodolfo J Flores
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Luis M Carcoba
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Montserrat C Arreguin
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Laura E O'Dell
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX, USA.
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Otsu Y, Lecca S, Pietrajtis K, Rousseau CV, Marcaggi P, Dugué GP, Mailhes-Hamon C, Mameli M, Diana MA. Functional Principles of Posterior Septal Inputs to the Medial Habenula. Cell Rep 2019; 22:693-705. [PMID: 29346767 PMCID: PMC5792424 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.12.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The medial habenula (MHb) is an epithalamic hub contributing to expression and extinction of aversive states by bridging forebrain areas and midbrain monoaminergic centers. Although contradictory information exists regarding their synaptic properties, the physiology of the excitatory inputs to the MHb from the posterior septum remains elusive. Here, combining optogenetics-based mapping with ex vivo and in vivo physiology, we examine the synaptic properties of posterior septal afferents to the MHb and how they influence behavior. We demonstrate that MHb cells receive sparse inputs producing purely glutamatergic responses via calcium-permeable α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), heterotrimeric GluN2A-GluN2B-GluN1 N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, and inhibitory group II metabotropic glutamate receptors. We describe the complex integration dynamics of these components by MHb cells. Finally, we combine ex vivo data with realistic afferent firing patterns recorded in vivo to demonstrate that efficient optogenetic septal stimulation in the MHb induces anxiolysis and promotes locomotion, contributing long-awaited evidence in favor of the importance of this septo-habenular pathway. Medial habenular (MHb) neurons receive sparse inputs from the posterior septum (PS) PS afferents to the MHb function in a purely glutamatergic mode Excitatory ionotropic and inhibitory metabotropic receptors convey PS inputs in the MHb PS activation in the MHb increases locomotion and induces anxiolysis
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Affiliation(s)
- Yo Otsu
- Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure, INSERM U1024, CNRS UMR8197, École Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Salvatore Lecca
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, INSERM-UPMC UMR-S 839, Paris, France
| | - Katarzyna Pietrajtis
- Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure, INSERM U1024, CNRS UMR8197, École Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Charly Vincent Rousseau
- Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure, INSERM U1024, CNRS UMR8197, École Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Païkan Marcaggi
- Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure, INSERM U1024, CNRS UMR8197, École Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Pierre Dugué
- Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure, INSERM U1024, CNRS UMR8197, École Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Mailhes-Hamon
- Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure, INSERM U1024, CNRS UMR8197, École Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Manuel Mameli
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, INSERM-UPMC UMR-S 839, Paris, France
| | - Marco Alberto Diana
- Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure, INSERM U1024, CNRS UMR8197, École Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University, Paris, France.
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Bueno D, Lima LB, Souza R, Gonçalves L, Leite F, Souza S, Furigo IC, Donato J, Metzger M. Connections of the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus with the habenular‐interpeduncular‐raphe system. J Comp Neurol 2019; 527:3046-3072. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.24729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Debora Bueno
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
| | - Leandro B. Lima
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
| | - Rudieri Souza
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
| | - Luciano Gonçalves
- Department of Human AnatomyFederal University of the Triângulo Mineiro Uberaba Brazil
| | - Fernanda Leite
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
| | - Stefani Souza
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
| | - Isadora C. Furigo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
| | - Jose Donato
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
| | - Martin Metzger
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo São Paulo Brazil
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Arvin MC, Jin XT, Yan Y, Wang Y, Ramsey MD, Kim VJ, Beckley NA, Henry BA, Drenan RM. Chronic Nicotine Exposure Alters the Neurophysiology of Habenulo-Interpeduncular Circuitry. J Neurosci 2019; 39:4268-4281. [PMID: 30867261 PMCID: PMC6538858 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2816-18.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Antagonism of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the medial habenula (MHb) or interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) triggers withdrawal-like behaviors in mice chronically exposed to nicotine, implying that nicotine dependence involves the sensitization of nicotinic signaling. Identification of receptor and/or neurophysiological mechanisms underlying this sensitization is important, as it could promote novel therapeutic strategies to reduce tobacco use. Using an approach involving photoactivatable nicotine, we previously demonstrated that chronic nicotine (cNIC) potently enhances nAChR function in dendrites of MHb neurons. However, whether cNIC modulates downstream components of the habenulo-interpeduncular (Hb-IP) circuit is unknown. In this study, cNIC-mediated changes to Hb-IP nAChR function were examined in mouse (male and female) brain slices using molecular, electrophysiological, and optical techniques. cNIC enhanced action potential firing and modified spike waveform characteristics in MHb neurons. Nicotine uncaging revealed nAChR functional enhancement by cNIC on proximal axonal membranes. Similarly, nAChR-driven glutamate release from MHb axons was enhanced by cNIC. In IPN, the target structure of MHb axons, neuronal morphology, and nAChR expression is complex, with stronger nAChR function in the rostral subnucleus [rostral IPN (IPR)]. As in MHb, cNIC induced strong upregulation of nAChR function in IPN neurons. This, coupled with cNIC-enhanced nicotine-stimulated glutamate release, was associated with stronger depolarization responses to brief (1 ms) nicotine uncaging adjacent to IPR neurons. Together, these results indicate that chronic exposure to nicotine dramatically alters nicotinic cholinergic signaling and cell excitability in Hb-IP circuits, a key pathway involved in nicotine dependence.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This study uncovers several neuropharmacological alterations following chronic exposure to nicotine in a key brain circuit involved in nicotine dependence. These results suggest that smokers or regular users of electronic nicotine delivery systems (i.e., "e-cigarettes") likely undergo sensitization of cholinergic circuitry in the Hb-IP system. Reducing the activity of Hb-IP nAChRs, either volitionally during smoking cessation or inadvertently via receptor desensitization during nicotine intake, may be a key trigger of withdrawal in nicotine dependence. Escalation of nicotine intake in smokers, or tolerance, may involve stimulation of these sensitized cholinergic pathways. Smoking cessation therapeutics are only marginally effective, and by identifying cellular/receptor mechanisms of nicotine dependence, our results take a step toward improved therapeutic approaches for this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Arvin
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - Xiao-Tao Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - Yijin Yan
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - Matthew D Ramsey
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - Veronica J Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - Nicole A Beckley
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - Brittany A Henry
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - Ryan M Drenan
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611
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Clarifying the Role of the Rostral Interpeduncular Nucleus in Aversion to Nicotine. J Neurosci 2019; 39:783-785. [PMID: 30700525 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2282-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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36
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Lee HW, Yang SH, Kim JY, Kim H. The Role of the Medial Habenula Cholinergic System in Addiction and Emotion-Associated Behaviors. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:100. [PMID: 30873055 PMCID: PMC6404551 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The habenula is a complex nucleus composed of lateral and medial subnuclei, which connect between the limbic forebrain and midbrain. Over the past few years, the lateral habenula has received considerable attention because of its potential roles in cognition and in the pathogenesis of various psychiatric disorders. Unlike extensively studied lateral habenula, anatomically and histologically distinct medial habenula remains largely understudied. The medial habenula can be further subdivided into a dorsal region containing excitatory neurons that express the tachykinin neuropeptide substance P and a ventral region containing dense cholinergic neurons. Although the medial habenula is the source of one of the major cholinergic pathways in the brain, relatively few studies have been conducted to understand its roles. Recently, however, the medial habenula cholinergic system has attracted more attention because of its potential to provide therapeutic targets for the treatment of nicotine withdrawal symptoms, drug addiction, and various mood disorders. Here, we discuss the role of the medial habenula cholinergic system in brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Woo Lee
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Soo Hyun Yang
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jin Yong Kim
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyun Kim
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
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37
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Lee C, Lee S, Woo C, Kang SJ, Kim Kwon Y, Shin KS. Differential regulation of neuronal excitability by nicotine and substance P in subdivisions of the medial habenula. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2018; 22:165-171. [PMID: 30460094 PMCID: PMC6138320 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2018.1456485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The medial habenula (MHb) plays an important role in nicotine-related behaviors, such as aversion and withdrawal. The MHb is composed of distinct subregions with unique neurotransmitter expression and neuronal connectivity. Here, we showed that nicotine and substance P (SP) differentially regulate neuronal excitability in subdivisions of the MHb (ventrolateral division, MHbVL; dorsal division; MHbD and superior division: MHbS). Nicotine remarkably increased spontaneous neuronal firing in the MHbVL and MHbD, but not in the MHbS, which was consistent with different magnitudes of whole-cell inward currents evoked by nicotine in each subdivision. Meanwhile, SP enhanced neuronal excitability in the MHbVL and MHbS. Although the MHbD is composed of SP-expressing neurons, they did not respond to SP. Neurons in the MHbVL increased their firing in response to bath-applied nicotine, which was attenuated by neurokinin receptor antagonists. Furthermore, nicotine addiction and withdrawal attenuated and augmented excitatory SP effects in the MHbVL, respectively. On the whole, we suggest that MHb-involving nicotine-related behaviors might be associated with SP signaling in MHb subdivisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changwoo Lee
- Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soonje Lee
- Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Changsu Woo
- Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Shin Jung Kang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Sejong University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunhee Kim Kwon
- Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Soon Shin
- Department of Biology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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38
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Morel C, Montgomery S, Han MH. Nicotine and alcohol: the role of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in drug reinforcement. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 50:2180-2200. [PMID: 30251377 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Nicotine and alcohol addiction are leading causes of preventable death worldwide and continue to constitute a huge socio-economic burden. Both nicotine and alcohol perturb the brain's mesocorticolimbic system. Dopamine (DA) neurons projecting from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to multiple downstream structures, including the nucleus accumbens, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala, are highly involved in the maintenance of healthy brain function. VTA DA neurons play a crucial role in associative learning and reinforcement. Nicotine and alcohol usurp these functions, promoting reinforcement of drug taking behaviors. In this review, we will first describe how nicotine and alcohol individually affect VTA DA neurons by examining how drug exposure alters the heterogeneous VTA microcircuit and network-wide projections. We will also examine how coadministration or previous exposure to nicotine or alcohol may augment the reinforcing effects of the other. Additionally, this review briefly summarizes the role of VTA DA neurons in nicotine, alcohol, and their synergistic effects in reinforcement and also addresses the remaining questions related to the circuit-function specificity of the dopaminergic system in mediating nicotine/alcohol reinforcement and comorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Morel
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Icahn Building Floor 12 Room 12-75B, 1425 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA.,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.,Center for Affective Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah Montgomery
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Icahn Building Floor 12 Room 12-75B, 1425 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA.,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.,Center for Affective Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ming-Hu Han
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Icahn Building Floor 12 Room 12-75B, 1425 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA.,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.,Center for Affective Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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A Human Polymorphism in CHRNA5 Is Linked to Relapse to Nicotine Seeking in Transgenic Rats. Curr Biol 2018; 28:3244-3253.e7. [PMID: 30293722 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2018.08.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Tobacco addiction is a chronic and relapsing disorder with an important genetic component that represents a major public health issue. Meta-analysis of large-scale human genome-wide association studies (GWASs) identified a frequent non-synonymous SNP in the gene coding for the α5 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α5SNP), which significantly increases the risk for tobacco dependence and delays smoking cessation. To dissect the neuronal mechanisms underlying the vulnerability to nicotine addiction in carriers of the α5SNP, we created rats expressing this polymorphism using zinc finger nuclease technology and evaluated their behavior under the intravenous nicotine-self-administration paradigm. The electrophysiological responses of their neurons to nicotine were also evaluated. α5SNP rats self-administered more nicotine at high doses and exhibited higher nicotine-induced reinstatement of nicotine seeking than wild-type rats. Higher reinstatement was associated with altered neuronal activity in several discrete areas that are interconnected, including in the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN), a GABAergic structure that strongly expresses α5-containing nicotinic receptors. The altered reactivity of IPN neurons of α5SNP rats to nicotine was confirmed electrophysiologically. In conclusion, the α5SNP polymorphism is a major risk factor for nicotine intake at high doses and for relapse to nicotine seeking in rats, a dual effect that reflects the human condition. Our results also suggest an important role for the IPN in the higher relapse to nicotine seeking observed in α5SNP rats.
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Morton G, Nasirova N, Sparks DW, Brodsky M, Sivakumaran S, Lambe EK, Turner EE. Chrna5-Expressing Neurons in the Interpeduncular Nucleus Mediate Aversion Primed by Prior Stimulation or Nicotine Exposure. J Neurosci 2018; 38:6900-6920. [PMID: 29954848 PMCID: PMC6070661 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0023-18.2018] [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: 01/04/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic studies have shown an association between smoking and variation at the CHRNA5/A3/B4 gene locus encoding the α5, α3, and β4 nicotinic receptor subunits. The α5 receptor has been specifically implicated because smoking-associated haplotypes contain a coding variant in the CHRNA5 gene. The Chrna5/a3/b4 locus is conserved in rodents and the restricted expression of these subunits suggests neural pathways through which the reinforcing and aversive properties of nicotine may be mediated. Here, we show that, in the interpeduncular nucleus (IP), the site of the highest Chrna5 mRNA expression in rodents, electrophysiological responses to nicotinic acetylcholine receptor stimulation are markedly reduced in α5-null mice. IP neurons differ markedly from their upstream ventral medial habenula cholinergic partners, which appear unaltered by loss of α5. To probe the functional role of α5-containing IP neurons, we used BAC recombineering to generate transgenic mice expressing Cre-recombinase from the Chrna5 locus. Reporter expression driven by Chrna5Cre demonstrates that transcription of Chrna5 is regulated independently from the Chrna3/b4 genes transcribed on the opposite strand. Chrna5-expressing IP neurons are GABAergic and project to distant targets in the mesopontine raphe and tegmentum rather than forming local circuits. Optogenetic stimulation of Chrna5-expressing IP neurons failed to elicit physical manifestations of withdrawal. However, after recent prior stimulation or exposure to nicotine, IP stimulation becomes aversive. These results using mice of both sexes support the idea that the risk allele of CHRNA5 may increase the drive to smoke via loss of IP-mediated nicotine aversion.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Understanding the receptors and neural pathways underlying the reinforcing and aversive effects of nicotine may suggest new treatments for tobacco addiction. Part of the individual variability in smoking is associated with specific forms of the α5 nicotinic receptor subunit gene. Here, we show that deletion of the α5 subunit in mice markedly reduces the cellular response to nicotine and acetylcholine in the interpeduncular nucleus (IP). Stimulation of α5-expressing IP neurons using optogenetics is aversive, but this effect requires priming by recent prior stimulation or exposure to nicotine. These results support the idea that the smoking-associated variant of the α5 gene may increase the drive to smoke via loss of IP-mediated nicotine aversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn Morton
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute
| | - Nailyam Nasirova
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute
| | | | - Matthew Brodsky
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute
| | | | - Evelyn K Lambe
- Department of Physiology
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Eric E Turner
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute,
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98101
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41
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Nicotine aversion is mediated by GABAergic interpeduncular nucleus inputs to laterodorsal tegmentum. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2710. [PMID: 30006624 PMCID: PMC6045623 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04654-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotine use can lead to dependence through complex processes that are regulated by both its rewarding and aversive effects. Recent studies show that aversive nicotine doses activate excitatory inputs to the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) from the medial habenula (MHb), but the downstream targets of the IPN that mediate aversion are unknown. Here we show that IPN projections to the laterodorsal tegmentum (LDTg) are GABAergic using optogenetics in tissue slices from mouse brain. Selective stimulation of these IPN axon terminals in LDTg in vivo elicits avoidance behavior, suggesting that these projections contribute to aversion. Nicotine modulates these synapses in a concentration-dependent manner, with strong enhancement only seen at higher concentrations that elicit aversive responses in behavioral tests. Optogenetic inhibition of the IPN–LDTg connection blocks nicotine conditioned place aversion, suggesting that the IPN–LDTg connection is a critical part of the circuitry that mediates the aversive effects of nicotine. Despite its known effects in brain reward centers, nicotine can be aversive in high doses. Here, the authors show that nicotine aversion depends on low-affinity nicotinic acetylcholine receptors expressed on projections from the interpeduncular nucleus to the laterodorsal tegmentum.
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42
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Khatami L, Khodagholi F, Motamedi F. Reversible inactivation of interpeduncular nucleus impairs memory consolidation and retrieval but not learning in rats: A behavioral and molecular study. Behav Brain Res 2018; 342:79-88. [PMID: 29355671 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The Interpedundular nucleus (IPN) is a small midbrain structure located deeply between the two cerebral peduncles. The strategic placement of this nucleus makes it a possible relay between structures involved in the modulation of hippocampal theta rhythm activity. In this study we aimed to investigate how reversible inactivation of IPN could affect the acquisition, consolidation and retrieval phases of memory in passive avoidance (PA) and Morris water maze (MWM) tasks. To support our data, molecular studies were performed in order to detect possible changes in the expression of proteins related to learning and memory in the hippocampus. To address this issue rats' IPN was reversibly inactivated by microinjection of lidocaine hydrochloride (4%). After the behavioral studies, the phosphorylation of CREB and P70, and c-fos expression levels in the hippocampus were determined using western blotting and immunohistochemistry respectively. Our results in the PA and MWM tasks showed that IPN reversible inactivation could impair immediate post training consolidation and retrieval while it had no effect on the acquisition phase. In addition, there was a deficit in the retention of the MWM working memory. Our data showed the ratio of pCREB/CREB, pP70/P70 and c-fos expression in the hippocampus significantly decreased after IPN reversible inactivation. Collectively, the results show that behaviorally defined changes could be due to what happens molecularly in the hippocampus after IPN reversible inactivation. It is concluded that IPN not only makes part of a network involved in the modulation of hippocampal theta rhythm activity, but also is actively engaged in hippocampal memory formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Khatami
- School of Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), P.O. Box 1954851167, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Fariba Khodagholi
- Neurobiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 19615-1178, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Fereshteh Motamedi
- School of Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), P.O. Box 1954851167, Tehran, Iran; Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 19615-1178, Tehran, Iran.
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43
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A little rein on addiction. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 78:120-129. [PMID: 28986065 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Rewarding and aversive experiences influence emotions, motivate specific behaviors, and modify future action in animals. Multiple conserved vertebrate neural circuits have been discovered that act in a species-specific manner to reinforce behaviors that are rewarding, while attenuating those with an adverse outcome. A growing body of research now suggests that malfunction of the same circuits is an underlying cause for many human disorders and mental ailments. The habenula (Latin for "little rein") complex, an epithalamic structure that regulates midbrain monoaminergic activity has emerged in recent years as one such region in the vertebrate brain that modulates behavior. Its dysfunction, on the other hand, is implicated in a spectrum of psychiatric disorders in humans such as schizophrenia, depression and addiction. Here, I review the progress in identification of potential mechanisms involving the habenula in addiction.
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44
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Grieder TE, George O, Yee M, Bergamini MA, Chwalek M, Maal-Bared G, Vargas-Perez H, van der Kooy D. Deletion of α5 nicotine receptor subunits abolishes nicotinic aversive motivational effects in a manner that phenocopies dopamine receptor antagonism. Eur J Neurosci 2017; 46:1673-1681. [PMID: 28498560 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Nicotine addiction is a worldwide epidemic that claims millions of lives each year. Genetic deletion of α5 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits has been associated with increased nicotine intake, however, it remains unclear whether acute nicotine is less aversive or more rewarding, and whether mice lacking the α5 nAChR subunit can experience withdrawal from chronic nicotine. We used place conditioning and conditioned taste avoidance paradigms to examine the effect of α5 subunit-containing nAChR deletion (α5 -/-) on conditioned approach and avoidance behaviour in nondependent and nicotine-dependent and -withdrawn mice, and compared these motivational effects with those elicited after dopamine receptor antagonism. We show that nondependent α5 -/- mice find low, non-motivational doses of nicotine rewarding, and do not show an aversive conditioned response or taste avoidance to higher aversive doses of nicotine. Furthermore, nicotine-dependent α5 -/- mice do not show a conditioned aversive motivational response to withdrawal from chronic nicotine, although they continue to exhibit a somatic withdrawal syndrome. These effects phenocopy those observed after dopamine receptor antagonism, but are not additive, suggesting that α5 nAChR subunits act in the same pathway as dopamine and are critical for the experience of nicotine's aversive, but not rewarding motivational effects in both a nondependent and nicotine-dependent and -withdrawn motivational state. Genetic deletion of α5 nAChR subunits leads to a behavioural phenotype that exactly matches that observed after antagonizing dopamine receptors, thus we suggest that modulation of nicotinic receptors containing α5 subunits may modify dopaminergic signalling, suggesting novel therapeutic treatments for smoking cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taryn E Grieder
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1110-160 College St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Center for the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Olivier George
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mandy Yee
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1110-160 College St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Michael A Bergamini
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1110-160 College St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Michal Chwalek
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Geith Maal-Bared
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1110-160 College St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Hector Vargas-Perez
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Derek van der Kooy
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1110-160 College St, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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45
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Quina LA, Harris J, Zeng H, Turner EE. Specific connections of the interpeduncular subnuclei reveal distinct components of the habenulopeduncular pathway. J Comp Neurol 2017; 525:2632-2656. [PMID: 28387937 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The habenulopeduncular pathway consists of the medial habenula (MHb), its output tract, the fasciculus retroflexus, and its principal target, the interpeduncular nucleus (IP). Several IP subnuclei have been described, but their specific projections and relationship to habenula inputs are not well understood. Here we have used viral, transgenic, and conventional anterograde and retrograde tract-tracing methods to better define the relationship between the dorsal and ventral MHb, the IP, and the secondary efferent targets of this system. Although prior studies have reported that the IP has ascending projections to ventral forebrain structures, we find that these projections originate almost entirely in the apical subnucleus, which may be more appropriately described as part of the median raphe system. The laterodorsal tegmental nucleus receives inhibitory inputs from the contralateral dorsolateral IP, and mainly excitatory inputs from the ipsilateral rostrolateral IP subnucleus. The midline central gray of the pons and nucleus incertus receive input from the rostral IP, which contains a mix of inhibitory and excitatory neurons, and the dorsomedial IP, which is exclusively inhibitory. The lateral central gray of the pons receives bilateral input from the lateral IP, which in turn receives bilateral input from the dorsal MHb. Taken together with prior studies of IP projections to the raphe, these results form an emerging map of the habenulopeduncular system that has significant implications for the proposed function of the IP in a variety of behaviors, including models of mood disorders and behavioral responses to nicotine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lely A Quina
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, 98101
| | - Julie Harris
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, Washington, 98103
| | - Hongkui Zeng
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, Washington, 98103
| | - Eric E Turner
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, 98101.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98101
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46
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Lima LB, Bueno D, Leite F, Souza S, Gonçalves L, Furigo IC, Donato J, Metzger M. Afferent and efferent connections of the interpeduncular nucleus with special reference to circuits involving the habenula and raphe nuclei. J Comp Neurol 2017; 525:2411-2442. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.24217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Leandro B. Lima
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Debora Bueno
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Fernanda Leite
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Stefani Souza
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Luciano Gonçalves
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Isadora C. Furigo
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Jose Donato
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Martin Metzger
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
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47
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Down-regulation of cholinergic signaling in the habenula induces anhedonia-like behavior. Sci Rep 2017; 7:900. [PMID: 28420875 PMCID: PMC5429859 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-01088-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of cholinergic signaling in the brain has long been believed to be associated with depressive disorders. However, the functional impact of habenular cholinergic signaling on the specified depressive behaviors is not well understood. Here, we demonstrated that the expression levels of cholinergic signaling genes (CHAT, VACHT, CHT, CHRNA3, CHRNB3 and CHRNB4) were down-regulated in a chronic restraint stress (CRS) rat model of depression, in which rats display depression-like behaviors such as anhedonia and mood despair. Moreover, knockdown of CHAT in the rat habenula was sufficient to evoke anhedonia-like behavior. The anhedonia-like behavior induced by CHAT knockdown was not reversed by chronic administration of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine. To determine whether habenular cholinergic signaling is associated with regulation of dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and serotonin neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), we used CHAT::cre transgenic mice expressing the Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADD). Pharmacogenetic activation of habenular cholinergic neurons induces the excitation of dopamine neurons in the VTA and reduces the immunoreactivity of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the DRN. Habenular cholinergic gene down-regulation was recapitulated in the postmortem habenula of suicide victims diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD).
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48
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Boulos LJ, Darcq E, Kieffer BL. Translating the Habenula-From Rodents to Humans. Biol Psychiatry 2017; 81:296-305. [PMID: 27527822 PMCID: PMC5143215 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Revised: 05/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The habenula (Hb) is a central structure connecting forebrain to midbrain regions. This microstructure regulates monoaminergic systems, notably dopamine and serotonin, and integrates cognitive with emotional and sensory processing. Early preclinical data have described Hb as a brain nucleus activated in anticipation of aversive outcomes. Evidence has now accumulated to show that the Hb encodes both rewarding and aversive aspects of external stimuli, thus driving motivated behaviors and decision making. Human Hb research is still nascent but develops rapidly, alongside with the growth of neuroimaging and deep brain stimulation techniques. Not surprisingly, Hb dysfunction has been associated with psychiatric disorders, and studies in patients have established evidence for Hb involvement in major depression, addiction, and schizophrenia, as well as in pain and analgesia. Here, we summarize current knowledge from animal research and overview the existing human literature on anatomy and function of the Hb. We also discuss challenges and future directions in targeting this small brain structure in both rodents and humans. By combining animal data and human experimental studies, this review addresses the translational potential of preclinical Hb research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura-Joy Boulos
- Douglas Hospital Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Emmanuel Darcq
- Douglas Hospital Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Brigitte Lina Kieffer
- Douglas Hospital Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Besson M, Guiducci S, Granon S, Guilloux JP, Guiard B, Repérant C, Faure P, Pons S, Cannazza G, Zoli M, Gardier AM, Maskos U. Alterations in alpha5* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors result in midbrain- and hippocampus-dependent behavioural and neural impairments. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:3297-314. [PMID: 27385416 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4362-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Evidence links alterations in α5-containing nicotinic receptors (α5*-nAChRs) to nicotine addiction. Notably, the rs16969968 polymorphism in the α5 gene (α5SNP) increases the risk for heavy smoking and impairs nicotine-rewarding properties in mice. Additional work is needed to understand how native and polymorphic α5*-nAChRs contribute to processes associated with the risk for nicotine addiction. OBJECTIVES We aimed at understanding the contribution of α5*-nAChRs to endophenotypes like increased responses to novelty and anxiety, known to promote vulnerability to addiction, and to the response of the dopamine and serotonin systems to nicotine. METHODS Behavioural phenotypes were investigated in mice lacking the α5 gene (α5(-/-)). Nicotine injections were performed to test the consequences of nicotine exposure on the phenotypes identified. Dopamine and serotonin signalling were assessed using in vivo microdialysis and electrophysiology. We used lentiviral vectors to compare the consequences of re-expressing either the α5 wild-type allele or the α5SNP in specific brain areas of α5(-/-) mice. RESULTS α5(-/-) mice did not exhibit high responses to novelty but showed decreased novelty-induced rearing behaviour together with high anxiety. Exposure to high doses of nicotine rescued these phenotypes. We identified altered spontaneous and nicotine-elicited serotonin and dopamine activity in α5(-/-) mice. Re-expression of α5 in the ventral tegmental area and hippocampus rescued rearing and anxiety levels in α5(-/-) mice, respectively. When expressing the α5SNP instead, this resulted in a knockout-like phenotype for both behaviours. CONCLUSIONS We propose that altered α5*-nAChR cholinergic signalling contributes to emotional/behavioural impairments that may be alleviated by nicotine consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Besson
- Neurobiologie Intégrative des Systèmes Cholinergiques, Département de Neuroscience, CNRS UMR 3571, Institut Pasteur, Paris, 75724 cedex15, France.
| | - Stefania Guiducci
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Physiology and Neurosciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41121, Italy
| | - Sylvie Granon
- Neurobiologie de la Prise de Décision, Neuro-PSI, CNRS UMR 9197, Orsay, 91405, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Guilloux
- Neuropharmacologie des troubles anxieux-dépressifs et neurogénèse, Université Paris-Sud XI, Chatenay-Malabry, 91290, France
| | - Bruno Guiard
- Neuropharmacologie des troubles anxieux-dépressifs et neurogénèse, Université Paris-Sud XI, Chatenay-Malabry, 91290, France
| | - Christelle Repérant
- Neuropharmacologie des troubles anxieux-dépressifs et neurogénèse, Université Paris-Sud XI, Chatenay-Malabry, 91290, France
| | - Philippe Faure
- Neurobiologie des processus adaptatifs, Neurophysiologie et Comportement, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Stéphanie Pons
- Neurobiologie Intégrative des Systèmes Cholinergiques, Département de Neuroscience, CNRS UMR 3571, Institut Pasteur, Paris, 75724 cedex15, France
| | - Giuseppe Cannazza
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41121, Italy
| | - Michele Zoli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Physiology and Neurosciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, 41121, Italy
| | - Alain M Gardier
- Neuropharmacologie des troubles anxieux-dépressifs et neurogénèse, Université Paris-Sud XI, Chatenay-Malabry, 91290, France
| | - Uwe Maskos
- Neurobiologie Intégrative des Systèmes Cholinergiques, Département de Neuroscience, CNRS UMR 3571, Institut Pasteur, Paris, 75724 cedex15, France
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Chung BYT, Bignell W, Jacklin DL, Winters BD, Bailey CDC. Postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors facilitate excitation of developing CA1 pyramidal neurons. J Neurophysiol 2016; 116:2043-2055. [PMID: 27489367 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00370.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus plays a key role in learning and memory. The normal development and mature function of hippocampal networks supporting these cognitive functions depends on afferent cholinergic neurotransmission mediated by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Whereas it is well-established that nicotinic receptors are present on GABAergic interneurons and on glutamatergic presynaptic terminals within the hippocampus, the ability of these receptors to mediate postsynaptic signaling in pyramidal neurons is not well understood. We use whole cell electrophysiology to show that heteromeric nicotinic receptors mediate direct inward currents, depolarization from rest and enhanced excitability in hippocampus CA1 pyramidal neurons of male mice. Measurements made throughout postnatal development provide a thorough developmental profile for these heteromeric nicotinic responses, which are greatest during the first 2 wk of postnatal life and decrease to low adult levels shortly thereafter. Pharmacological experiments show that responses are blocked by a competitive antagonist of α4β2* nicotinic receptors and augmented by a positive allosteric modulator of α5 subunit-containing receptors, which is consistent with expression studies suggesting the presence of α4β2 and α4β2α5 nicotinic receptors within the developing CA1 pyramidal cell layer. These findings demonstrate that functional heteromeric nicotinic receptors are present on CA1 pyramidal neurons during a period of major hippocampal development, placing these receptors in a prime position to play an important role in the establishment of hippocampal cognitive networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beryl Y T Chung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; and
| | - Warren Bignell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; and
| | - Derek L Jacklin
- Department of Psychology, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Boyer D Winters
- Department of Psychology, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Craig D C Bailey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; and
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