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Weinstein JJ, Moeller SJ, Perlman G, Gil R, Van Snellenberg JX, Wengler K, Meng J, Slifstein M, Abi-Dargham A. Imaging the Vesicular Acetylcholine Transporter in Schizophrenia: A Positron Emission Tomography Study Using [ 18F]-VAT. Biol Psychiatry 2024:S0006-3223(24)00062-3. [PMID: 38309322 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite longstanding interest in the central cholinergic system in schizophrenia (SCZ), cholinergic imaging studies with patients have been limited to receptors. Here, we conducted a proof-of-concept positron emission tomography study using [18F]-VAT, a new radiotracer that targets the vesicular acetylcholine transporter as a proxy measure of acetylcholine transmission capacity, in patients with SCZ and explored relationships of vesicular acetylcholine transporter with clinical symptoms and cognition. METHODS A total of 18 adult patients with SCZ or schizoaffective disorder (the SCZ group) and 14 healthy control participants underwent a positron emission tomography scan with [18F]-VAT. Distribution volume (VT) for [18F]-VAT was derived for each region of interest, and group differences in VT were assessed with 2-sample t tests. Functional significance was explored through correlations between VT and scores on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and a computerized neurocognitive battery (PennCNB). RESULTS No group differences in [18F]-VAT VT were observed. However, within the SCZ group, psychosis symptom severity was positively associated with VT in multiple regions of interest, with the strongest effects in the hippocampus, thalamus, midbrain, cerebellum, and cortex. In addition, in the SCZ group, working memory performance was negatively associated with VT in the substantia innominata and several cortical regions of interest including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. CONCLUSIONS In this initial study, the severity of 2 important features of SCZ-psychosis and working memory deficit-was strongly associated with [18F]-VAT VT in several cortical and subcortical regions. These correlations provide preliminary evidence of cholinergic activity involvement in SCZ and, if replicated in larger samples, could lead to a more complete mechanistic understanding of psychosis and cognitive deficits in SCZ and the development of therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi J Weinstein
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos School of Medicine and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York.
| | - Scott J Moeller
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Greg Perlman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Roberto Gil
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Jared X Van Snellenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York; Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Kenneth Wengler
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos School of Medicine and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York; Department of Radiology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Jiayan Meng
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Mark Slifstein
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Anissa Abi-Dargham
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos School of Medicine and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York
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2
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Zhang JJ, Fu H, Lin R, Zhou J, Haider A, Fang W, Elghazawy NH, Rong J, Chen J, Li Y, Ran C, Collier TL, Chen Z, Liang SH. Imaging Cholinergic Receptors in the Brain by Positron Emission Tomography. J Med Chem 2023; 66:10889-10916. [PMID: 37583063 PMCID: PMC10461233 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00573] [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: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Cholinergic receptors represent a promising class of diagnostic and therapeutic targets due to their significant involvement in cognitive decline associated with neurological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases as well as cardiovascular impairment. Positron emission tomography (PET) is a noninvasive molecular imaging tool that has helped to shed light on the roles these receptors play in disease development and their diverse functions throughout the central nervous system (CNS). In recent years, there has been a notable advancement in the development of PET probes targeting cholinergic receptors. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent progress in the development of these PET probes for cholinergic receptors with a specific focus on ligand structure, radiochemistry, and pharmacology as well as in vivo performance and applications in neuroimaging. The review covers the structural design, pharmacological properties, radiosynthesis approaches, and preclinical and clinical evaluations of current state-of-the-art PET probes for cholinergic receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Jing Zhang
- Jiangsu
Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest
Resources, Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for the Chemistry and Utilization
of Agro-Forest Biomass, Jiangsu Key Lab of Biomass-Based Green Fuels
and Chemicals, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals
and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Hualong Fu
- Division
of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital
& Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical
School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
- Key
Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, College
of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Ruofan Lin
- Jiangsu
Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest
Resources, Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for the Chemistry and Utilization
of Agro-Forest Biomass, Jiangsu Key Lab of Biomass-Based Green Fuels
and Chemicals, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals
and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Jingyin Zhou
- Key
Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals, Ministry of Education, College
of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Ahmed Haider
- Division
of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital
& Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical
School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
- Department
of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory
University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Weiwei Fang
- Jiangsu
Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest
Resources, Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for the Chemistry and Utilization
of Agro-Forest Biomass, Jiangsu Key Lab of Biomass-Based Green Fuels
and Chemicals, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals
and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Nehal H. Elghazawy
- Department
of Pharmaceutical, Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, German University in Cairo, 11835 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Jian Rong
- Division
of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital
& Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical
School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
- Department
of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory
University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Jiahui Chen
- Division
of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital
& Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical
School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
- Department
of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory
University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Yinlong Li
- Division
of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital
& Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical
School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
- Department
of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory
University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Chongzhao Ran
- Athinoula
A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Thomas L. Collier
- Division
of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital
& Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical
School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
- Department
of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory
University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Zhen Chen
- Jiangsu
Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest
Resources, Jiangsu Provincial Key Lab for the Chemistry and Utilization
of Agro-Forest Biomass, Jiangsu Key Lab of Biomass-Based Green Fuels
and Chemicals, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals
and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
- Division
of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital
& Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical
School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Steven H. Liang
- Division
of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital
& Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical
School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
- Department
of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory
University, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
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3
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Wang X, Wang T, Fan X, Zhang Z, Wang Y, Li Z. A Molecular Toolbox of Positron Emission Tomography Tracers for General Anesthesia Mechanism Research. J Med Chem 2023; 66:6463-6497. [PMID: 37145921 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
With appropriate radiotracers, positron emission tomography (PET) allows direct or indirect monitoring of the spatial and temporal distribution of anesthetics, neurotransmitters, and biomarkers, making it an indispensable tool for studying the general anesthesia mechanism. In this Perspective, PET tracers that have been recruited in general anesthesia research are introduced in the following order: 1) 11C/18F-labeled anesthetics, i.e., PET tracers made from inhaled and intravenous anesthetics; 2) PET tracers targeting anesthesia-related receptors, e.g., neurotransmitters and voltage-gated ion channels; and 3) PET tracers for studying anesthesia-related neurophysiological effects and neurotoxicity. The radiosynthesis, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of the above PET tracers are mainly discussed to provide a practical molecular toolbox for radiochemists, anesthesiologists, and those who are interested in general anesthesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Wang
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Xiaowei Fan
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Yingwei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Zijing Li
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
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4
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Mineur YS, Soares AR, Etherington IM, Abdulla ZI, Picciotto MR. Pathophysiology of nAChRs: limbic circuits and related disorders. Pharmacol Res 2023; 191:106745. [PMID: 37011774 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Human epidemiological studies have identified links between nicotine intake and stress disorders, including anxiety, depression and PTSD. Here we review the clinical evidence for activation and desensitization of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) relevant to affective disorders. We go on to describe clinical and preclinical pharmacological studies suggesting that nAChR function may be involved in the etiology of anxiety and depressive disorders, may be relevant targets for medication development, and may contribute to the antidepressant efficacy of non-nicotinic therapeutics. We then review what is known about nAChR function in a subset of limbic system areas (amygdala, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex), and how this contributes to stress-relevant behaviors in preclinical models that may be relevant to human affective disorders. Taken together, the preclinical and clinical literature point to a clear role for ACh signaling through nAChRs in regulation of behavioral responses to stress. Disruption of nAChR homeostasis is likely to contribute to the psychopathology observed in anxiety and depressive disorders. Targeting specific nAChRs may therefore be a strategy for medication development to treat these disorders or to augment the efficacy of current therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexa R Soares
- Department of Psychiatry, USA; Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School of Medicine, 34 Park Street, 3rd Floor Research, New Haven, CT 06508, USA
| | - Ian M Etherington
- Department of Psychiatry, USA; Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School of Medicine, 34 Park Street, 3rd Floor Research, New Haven, CT 06508, USA
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5
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Calakos KC, Hillmer AT, Anderson JM, LeVasseur B, Baldassarri SR, Angarita GA, Matuskey D, Kapinos M, Zheng MQ, Huang Y, Cosgrove KP. Cholinergic system adaptations are associated with cognitive function in people recently abstinent from smoking: a (-)-[ 18F]flubatine PET study. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:683-689. [PMID: 36681758 PMCID: PMC9938267 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01535-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The cholinergic system is a critical mediator of cognition in animals. People who smoke cigarettes exhibit cognitive deficits, especially during quit attempts. Few studies jointly examine the cholinergic system and cognition in people while trying to quit smoking. We used positron emission tomography (PET) brain imaging with the β2-subunit containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (β2*-nAChR) partial agonist radioligand (-)-[18F]flubatine and the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine to jointly examine the cholinergic system, smoking status, and cognition. (-)-[18F]Flubatine scans and cognitive data were acquired from twenty people who recently stopped smoking cigarettes (aged 38 ± 11 years; 6 female, 14 male; abstinent 7 ± 1 days) and 27 people who never smoked cigarettes (aged 29 ± 8 years; 11 female, 16 male). A subset of fifteen recently abstinent smokers and 21 never smokers received a mid-scan physostigmine challenge to increase acetylcholine levels. Regional volume of distribution (VT) was estimated with equilibrium analysis at "baseline" and post-physostigmine. Participants completed a cognitive battery prior to (-)-[18F]flubatine injection and physostigmine administration assessing executive function (Groton Maze Learning test), verbal learning (International Shopping List test), and working memory (One Back test). Physostigmine significantly decreased cortical (-)-[18F]flubatine VT, consistent with increased cortical acetylcholine levels reducing the number of β2*-nAChR sites available for (-)-[18F]flubatine binding, at comparable magnitudes across groups (p values < 0.05). A larger magnitude of physostigmine-induced decrease in (-)-[18F]flubatine VT was significantly associated with worse executive function in people who recently stopped smoking (p values < 0.05). These findings underscore the role of the cholinergic system in early smoking cessation and highlight the importance of neuroscience-informed treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katina C Calakos
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ansel T Hillmer
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale PET Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Brittany LeVasseur
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Stephen R Baldassarri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, & Sleep Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - David Matuskey
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale PET Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Neurology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Ming-Qiang Zheng
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yiyun Huang
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale PET Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kelly P Cosgrove
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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6
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Neurobiology and Mechanisms of Nicotine Addiction. Respir Med 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-24914-3_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
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7
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Lor CS, Haugg A, Zhang M, Schneider L, Herdener M, Quednow BB, Golestani N, Scharnowski F. Thalamic volume and functional connectivity are associated with nicotine dependence severity and craving. Addict Biol 2023; 28:e13261. [PMID: 36577730 PMCID: PMC10078543 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Tobacco smoking is associated with deleterious health outcomes. Most smokers want to quit smoking, yet relapse rates are high. Understanding neural differences associated with tobacco use may help generate novel treatment options. Several animal studies have recently highlighted the central role of the thalamus in substance use disorders, but this research focus has been understudied in human smokers. Here, we investigated associations between structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging measures of the thalamus and its subnuclei to distinct smoking characteristics. We acquired anatomical scans of 32 smokers as well as functional resting-state scans before and after a cue-reactivity task. Thalamic functional connectivity was associated with craving and dependence severity, whereas the volume of the thalamus was associated with dependence severity only. Craving, which fluctuates rapidly, was best characterized by differences in brain function, whereas the rather persistent syndrome of dependence severity was associated with both brain structural differences and function. Our study supports the notion that functional versus structural measures tend to be associated with behavioural measures that evolve at faster versus slower temporal scales, respectively. It confirms the importance of the thalamus to understand mechanisms of addiction and highlights it as a potential target for brain-based interventions to support smoking cessation, such as brain stimulation and neurofeedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Sumaly Lor
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics
- Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Amelie Haugg
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
- Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Mengfan Zhang
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics
- Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Letitia Schneider
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marcus Herdener
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics
- Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics
- Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Narly Golestani
- Brain and Language Lab
- Cognitive Science Hub, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Psychology
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Frank Scharnowski
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics
- Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
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8
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Tiepolt S, Meyer PM, Patt M, Deuther-Conrad W, Hesse S, Barthel H, Sabri O. PET Imaging of Cholinergic Neurotransmission in Neurodegenerative Disorders. J Nucl Med 2022; 63:33S-44S. [PMID: 35649648 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.121.263198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As a neuromodulator, the neurotransmitter acetylcholine plays an important role in cognitive, mood, locomotor, sleep/wake, and olfactory functions. In the pathophysiology of most neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer disease (AD) or Lewy body disorder (LBD), cholinergic receptors, transporters, or enzymes are involved and relevant as imaging targets. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge on PET imaging of cholinergic neurotransmission in neurodegenerative diseases. For PET imaging of presynaptic vesicular acetylcholine transporters (VAChT), (-)-18F-fluoroethoxybenzovesamicol (18F-FEOBV) was the first PET ligand that could be successfully translated to clinical application. Since then, the number of 18F-FEOBV PET investigations on patients with AD or LBD has grown rapidly and provided novel, important findings concerning the pathophysiology of AD and LBD. Regarding the α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), various second-generation PET ligands, such as 18F-nifene, 18F-AZAN, 18F-XTRA, (-)-18F-flubatine, and (+)-18F-flubatine, were developed and successfully translated to human application. In neurodegenerative diseases such as AD and LBD, PET imaging of α4β2 nAChRs is of special value for monitoring disease progression and drugs directed to α4β2 nAChRs. For PET of α7 nAChR, 18F-ASEM and 11C-MeQAA were successfully applied in mild cognitive impairment and AD, respectively. The highest potential for α7 nAChR PET is seen in staging, in evaluating disease progression, and in therapy monitoring. PET of selective muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) is still in an early stage, as the development of subtype-selective radioligands is complicated. Promising radioligands to image mAChR subtypes M1 (11C-LSN3172176), M2 (18F-FP-TZTP), and M4 (11C-MK-6884) were developed and successfully translated to humans. PET imaging of mAChRs is relevant for the assessment and monitoring of therapies in AD and LBD. PET of acetylcholine esterase activity has been investigated since the 1990s. Many PET studies with 11C-PMP and 11C-MP4A demonstrated cortical cholinergic dysfunction in dementia associated with AD and LBD. Recent studies indicated a solid relationship between subcortical and cortical cholinergic dysfunction and noncognitive dysfunctions such as balance and gait in LBD. Taken together, PET of distinct components of cholinergic neurotransmission is of great interest for diagnosis, disease monitoring, and therapy monitoring and to gain insight into the pathophysiology of different neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solveig Tiepolt
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; and
| | - Philipp M Meyer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; and
| | - Marianne Patt
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; and
| | | | - Swen Hesse
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; and
| | - Henryk Barthel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; and
| | - Osama Sabri
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; and
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9
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Wills L, Kenny PJ. Addiction-related neuroadaptations following chronic nicotine exposure. J Neurochem 2021; 157:1652-1673. [PMID: 33742685 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The addiction-relevant molecular, cellular, and behavioral actions of nicotine are derived from its stimulatory effects on neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the central nervous system. nAChRs expressed by dopamine-containing neurons in the ventral midbrain, most notably in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), contribute to the reward-enhancing properties of nicotine that motivate the use of tobacco products. nAChRs are also expressed by neurons in brain circuits that regulate aversion. In particular, nAChRs expressed by neurons in the medial habenula (mHb) and the interpeduncular nucleus (IPn) to which the mHb almost exclusively projects regulate the "set-point" for nicotine aversion and control nicotine intake. Different nAChR subtypes are expressed in brain reward and aversion circuits and nicotine intake is titrated to maximally engage reward-enhancing nAChRs while minimizing the recruitment of aversion-promoting nAChRs. With repeated exposure to nicotine, reward- and aversion-related nAChRs and the brain circuits in which they are expressed undergo adaptations that influence whether tobacco use will transition from occasional to habitual. Genetic variation that influences the sensitivity of addiction-relevant brain circuits to the actions of nicotine also influence the propensity to develop habitual tobacco use. Here, we review some of the key advances in our understanding of the mechanisms by which nicotine acts on brain reward and aversion circuits and the adaptations that occur in these circuits that may drive addiction to nicotine-containing tobacco products.
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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, NY, USA
| | - Paul J Kenny
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, USA
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10
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Fisher ML, Pauly JR, Froeliger B, Turner JR. Translational Research in Nicotine Addiction. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2021; 11:cshperspect.a039776. [PMID: 32513669 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a039776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
While commendable strides have been made in reducing smoking initiation and improving smoking cessation rates, current available smoking cessation treatment options are still only mildly efficacious and show substantial interindividual variability in their therapeutic responses. Therefore, the primary goal of preclinical research has been to further the understanding of the neural substrates and genetic influences involved in nicotine's effects and reassess potential drug targets. Pronounced advances have been made by investing in new translational approaches and placing more emphasis on bridging the gap between human and rodent models of dependence. Functional neuroimaging studies have identified key brain structures involved with nicotine-dependence phenotypes such as craving, impulsivity, withdrawal symptoms, and smoking cessation outcomes. Following up with these findings, rodent-modeling techniques have made it possible to dissect the neural circuits involved in these motivated behaviors and ascertain mechanisms underlying nicotine's interactive effects on brain structure and function. Likewise, translational studies investigating single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the cholinergic, dopaminergic, and opioid systems have found high levels of involvement of these neurotransmitter systems in regulating the reinforcing aspects of nicotine in both humans and mouse models. These findings and coordinated efforts between human and rodent studies pave the way for future work determining gene by drug interactions and tailoring treatment options to each individual smoker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda L Fisher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0596, USA
| | - James R Pauly
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0596, USA
| | - Brett Froeliger
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA
| | - Jill R Turner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0596, USA
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11
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Balayssac D. [Relation between tobacco smoking and pain: A narrative review of the scientific literature]. Rev Mal Respir 2021; 38:269-277. [PMID: 33648775 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tobacco smoking and pain have an intimate, complex, two-way interaction. The purpose of this narrative review of the literature is to present what is currently understood about the relationship. STATE OF KNOWLEDGE Tobacco smoking (and the associated chronic exposure to nicotine) has been defined as a risk factor for chronic pain, involving nociceptive sensitisation. For people who smoke, pain will be both a motivational factor for tobacco consumption and a barrier to tobacco use cessation. Conversely, nicotine (acute exposure) has clearly demonstrated analgesic properties, mediated in particular by activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. PERSPECTIVES The management of pain in people who smoke is still largely unaddressed, and further studies will be needed to develop effective strategies for tobacco use cessation in this context. Nicotine and modulators of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors represent innovative strategies for the discovery of new analgesics. CONCLUSIONS The effects of smoking on pain, chronic nociceptive sensitisation and acute analgesia, serve to maintain tobacco consumption via negative reinforcement. A holistic therapeutic strategy is necessary to maximise the likelihood of successful smoking cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Balayssac
- Université Clermont Auvergne, Inserm U1107 Neuro-Dol, Laboratoire de toxicologie, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Direction de la recherche clinique et de l'innovation, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
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12
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Bittner N, Jockwitz C, Franke K, Gaser C, Moebus S, Bayen UJ, Amunts K, Caspers S. When your brain looks older than expected: combined lifestyle risk and BrainAGE. Brain Struct Funct 2021; 226:621-645. [PMID: 33423086 PMCID: PMC7981332 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02184-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Lifestyle may be one source of unexplained variance in the great interindividual variability of the brain in age-related structural differences. While physical and social activity may protect against structural decline, other lifestyle behaviors may be accelerating factors. We examined whether riskier lifestyle correlates with accelerated brain aging using the BrainAGE score in 622 older adults from the 1000BRAINS cohort. Lifestyle was measured using a combined lifestyle risk score, composed of risk (smoking, alcohol intake) and protective variables (social integration and physical activity). We estimated individual BrainAGE from T1-weighted MRI data indicating accelerated brain atrophy by higher values. Then, the effect of combined lifestyle risk and individual lifestyle variables was regressed against BrainAGE. One unit increase in combined lifestyle risk predicted 5.04 months of additional BrainAGE. This prediction was driven by smoking (0.6 additional months of BrainAGE per pack-year) and physical activity (0.55 less months in BrainAGE per metabolic equivalent). Stratification by sex revealed a stronger association between physical activity and BrainAGE in males than females. Overall, our observations may be helpful with regard to lifestyle-related tailored prevention measures that slow changes in brain structure in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Bittner
- Institute for Anatomy I, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätstr. 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Centre Jülich, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Christiane Jockwitz
- Institute for Anatomy I, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätstr. 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Centre Jülich, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Katja Franke
- Structural Brain Mapping Group, University Hospital Jena, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Gaser
- Structural Brain Mapping Group, University Hospital Jena, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Susanne Moebus
- Institute of Urban Public Health, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122, Essen, Germany
| | - Ute J Bayen
- Mathematical and Cognitive Psychology, Institute for Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Katrin Amunts
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Centre Jülich, 52425, Jülich, Germany.,Cecile and Oskar Vogt Institute for Brain Research, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.,JARA-BRAIN, Juelich-Aachen Research Alliance, 52425, Jülich, Germany
| | - Svenja Caspers
- Institute for Anatomy I, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätstr. 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany. .,Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Centre Jülich, 52425, Jülich, Germany. .,JARA-BRAIN, Juelich-Aachen Research Alliance, 52425, Jülich, Germany.
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13
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Jao NC, Tan MM, Matthews PA, Simon MA, Schnoll R, Hitsman B. Menthol Cigarettes, Tobacco Dependence, and Smoking Persistence: The Need to Examine Enhanced Cognitive Functioning as a Neuropsychological Mechanism. Nicotine Tob Res 2020; 22:466-472. [PMID: 30551213 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/nty264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the overall decline in the prevalence of cigarette use in the United States, menthol cigarette use among smokers is rising, and evidence shows that it may lead to more detrimental effects on public health than regular cigarette use. One of the mechanisms by which nicotine sustains tobacco use and dependence is due to its cognitive enhancing properties, and basic science literature suggests that menthol may also enhance nicotine's acute effect on cognition. AIMS AND METHODS The purpose of this review is to suggest that the cognitive enhancing effects of menthol may be a potentially important neuropsychological mechanism that has yet to be examined. In this narrative review, we provide an overview of basic science studies examining neurobiological and cognitive effects of menthol and menthol cigarette smoking. We also review studies examining menthol essential oils among humans that indicate menthol alone has acute cognitive enhancing properties. Finally, we present factors influencing the rising prevalence of menthol cigarette use among smokers and the importance of this gap in the literature to improve public health and smoking cessation treatment. CONCLUSIONS Despite the compelling evidence for menthol's acute cognitive enhancing and reinforcing effects, this mechanism for sustaining tobacco dependence and cigarette use has yet to be examined and validated among humans. On the basis of the basic science evidence for menthol's neurobiological effects on nicotinic receptors and neurotransmitters, perhaps clarifying menthol's effect on cognitive performance can help to elucidate the complicated literature examining menthol and tobacco dependence. IMPLICATIONS Menthol cigarette use has continued to be a topic of debate among researchers and policy makers, because of its implications for understanding menthol's contribution to nicotine dependence and smoking persistence, as well as its continued use as a prevalent flavoring in tobacco and nicotine products in the United States and internationally. As international tobacco regulation policies have begun to target menthol cigarettes, research studies need to examine how flavoring additives, specifically menthol, may acutely influence neurobiological and cognitive functioning as a potential mechanism of sustained smoking behavior to develop more effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy C Jao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Marcia M Tan
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Phoenix A Matthews
- Department of Health Systems Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Melissa A Simon
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.,Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Robert Schnoll
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Brian Hitsman
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
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14
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Cooper SY, Henderson BJ. The Impact of Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) Flavors on Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors and Nicotine Addiction-Related Behaviors. Molecules 2020; 25:E4223. [PMID: 32942576 PMCID: PMC7571084 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25184223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades, combustible cigarette smoking has slowly declined by nearly 11% in America; however, the use of electronic cigarettes has increased tremendously, including among adolescents. While nicotine is the main addictive component of tobacco products and a primary concern in electronic cigarettes, this is not the only constituent of concern. There is a growing market of flavored products and a growing use of zero-nicotine e-liquids among electronic cigarette users. Accordingly, there are few studies that examine the impact of flavors on health and behavior. Menthol has been studied most extensively due to its lone exception in combustible cigarettes. Thus, there is a broad understanding of the neurobiological effects that menthol plus nicotine has on the brain including enhancing nicotine reward, altering nicotinic acetylcholine receptor number and function, and altering midbrain neuron excitability. Although flavors other than menthol were banned from combustible cigarettes, over 15,000 flavorants are available for use in electronic cigarettes. This review seeks to summarize the current knowledge on nicotine addiction and the various brain regions and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes involved, as well as describe the most recent findings regarding menthol and green apple flavorants, and their roles in nicotine addiction and vaping-related behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brandon J. Henderson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25703, USA;
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15
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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: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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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16
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McCaul ME, Wand GS, Kuwabara H, Dannals RF, Wong D, Xu X. The Relationship of Varenicline Agonism of α4β2 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors and Nicotine-Induced Dopamine Release in Nicotine-Dependent Humans. Nicotine Tob Res 2020; 22:892-899. [PMID: 31096265 PMCID: PMC7529151 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntz080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cigarette smoking continues to be one of the most important behavioral causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. Varenicline, an α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) partial agonist, has been shown to increase smoking quit rates compared with nicotine-based products. This human laboratory, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined varenicline and placebo effects on α4β2-nAChRs occupancy, nicotine-induced change in [11C]raclopride non-displaceable binding potential (BPND), and behavioral measures of cigarette smoking, nicotine craving, and withdrawal. METHODS Current nicotine dependent daily smokers (N = 17) were randomized to varenicline 1 mg twice daily or placebo for 13 days. Using positron emission tomography), we characterized α4β2-nAChRs occupancy using [18F]AZAN and dopamine receptor binding using [11C]raclopride as well as behavioral measures of cigarettes smoked, craving, and nicotine withdrawal. RESULTS Varenicline compared with placebo resulted in significant reductions in [18F]AZAN BPND in multiple brain regions including thalamus, midbrain, putamen, and ventral striatum. Following administration of a controlled-dose nicotine cigarette, dopamine release was significantly suppressed in the ventral striatum in the varenicline-treated compared with the placebo group. There was a significant relationship between α4β2-nAChRs BPND measured in thalamus during the [18F]AZAN scan and nicotine-induced change in raclopride BPND in the ventral striatum. CONCLUSION This is the first human study to demonstrate a direct relationship between the extent of varenicline occupancy of α4β2-nAChRs and the magnitude of dopamine release following nicotine use. IMPLICATIONS It has remained unclear how nicotinic receptor blockade through partial agonist medications such as varenicline promotes smoking cessation. One hypothesized mechanism is downstream dampening of the mesolimbic reward dopamine system. For the first time in human smokers, we observed a direct relationship between the extent of varenicline blockade of α4β2-nACh nicotinic receptors and the magnitude of dopamine release following smoking. This has mechanistic and therapeutic implications for improving smoking cessation interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E McCaul
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Gary S Wand
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Hiroto Kuwabara
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Robert F Dannals
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Dean Wong
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Xiaoqiang Xu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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17
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Shahoei R, Tajkhorshid E. Menthol Binding to the Human α4β2 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Facilitated by Its Strong Partitioning in the Membrane. J Phys Chem B 2020; 124:1866-1880. [PMID: 32048843 PMCID: PMC7094167 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b10092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
We utilize various computational methodologies to study menthol's interaction with multiple organic phases, a lipid bilayer, and the human α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), the most abundant nAChR in the brain. First, force field parameters developed for menthol are validated in alchemical free energy perturbation simulations to calculate solvation free energies of menthol in water, dodecane, and octanol and compare the results against experimental data. Next, umbrella sampling is used to construct the free energy profile of menthol permeation across a 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) bilayer. The results from a flooding simulation designed to study the water-membrane partitioning of menthol in a POPC lipid bilayer are used to determine the penetration depth and the preferred orientation of menthol in the bilayer. Finally, employing both docking and flooding simulations, menthol is shown to bind to different sites on the human α4β2 nAChR. The most likely binding mode of menthol to a desensitized membrane-embedded α4β2 nAChR is identified to be via a membrane-mediated pathway in which menthol binds to the sites at the lipid-protein interface after partitioning in the membrane. A rare but distinct binding mode in which menthol binds to the extracellular opening of receptor's ion permeation pore is also reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rezvan Shahoei
- Department of Physics, NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Emad Tajkhorshid
- Department of Biochemistry, NIH Center for Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, and Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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18
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Avelar AJ, Akers AT, Baumgard ZJ, Cooper SY, Casinelli GP, Henderson BJ. Why flavored vape products may be attractive: Green apple tobacco flavor elicits reward-related behavior, upregulates nAChRs on VTA dopamine neurons, and alters midbrain dopamine and GABA neuron function. Neuropharmacology 2019; 158:107729. [PMID: 31369741 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
While nicotine is the primary addictive component in tobacco products, additional flavors have become a concern with the growing popularity of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). For this reason, we have begun to investigate popular tobacco and ENDS flavors. Here, we examined farnesol, a chemical flavorant used in green apple and fruit flavors in ENDS e-liquids, for its ability to produce reward-related behavior. Using male and female 3-6 month old C57BL/6 J mice and farnesol doses of 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/kg we identified a sex-dependent effect in a conditioned place preference assay: farnesol-alone produces reward-related behavior in only male mice. Despite this sex-dependent effect, 1.0 mg/kg farnesol enhances locomotor activity in both male and female mice. To understand farnesol's effect on reward-related behavior, we used whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology and confocal microscopy to investigate changes in putative dopamine and GABA neurons. For these approaches, we utilized genetically modified mice that contain fluorescent nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Our electrophysiological assays with male mice revealed that farnesol treatment increases ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neuron firing frequency and this may be due to a decrease in inhibitory tone from GABA neurons. Our microscopy assays revealed that farnesol treatment produces a significant upregulation of α6* nAChRs in male mice but not female mice. This was supported by an observed increase in α6* nAChR function in additional electrophysiology assays. These data provide evidence that popular tobacco flavorants may alter smoking-related behavior and promote the need to examine additional ENDS flavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia J Avelar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall University, Joan C Edwards School of Medicine, Huntington, WV, USA
| | - Austin T Akers
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall University, Joan C Edwards School of Medicine, Huntington, WV, USA
| | - Zachary J Baumgard
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall University, Joan C Edwards School of Medicine, Huntington, WV, USA
| | - Skylar Y Cooper
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall University, Joan C Edwards School of Medicine, Huntington, WV, USA
| | - Gabriella P Casinelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall University, Joan C Edwards School of Medicine, Huntington, WV, USA
| | - Brandon J Henderson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marshall University, Joan C Edwards School of Medicine, Huntington, WV, USA.
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19
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Shen Z, Huang P, Wang C, Qian W, Yang Y, Zhang M. Cerebellar Gray Matter Reductions Associate With Decreased Functional Connectivity in Nicotine-Dependent Individuals. Nicotine Tob Res 2019; 20:440-447. [PMID: 29065207 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntx168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Nicotine dependence (ND) is a chronic, relapsing mental disorder characterized by compulsive cigarette seeking and smoking. Although the cerebellum plays an increasingly implicated role in ND, the exact cerebellar alterations in ND remain unclear. Identifying the localization of these cerebellar abnormalities in ND may help to further understand the role of the cerebellum in ND. Thus, we investigated the structural and functional alterations in the cerebellum in a large sample of smokers using the spatially unbiased infratentorial template (SUIT). Methods High-resolution structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were acquired from 85 smokers and 41 nonsmokers. We applied voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and the SUIT cerebellar atlas to compare the cerebellar gray matter (GM) volume between smokers and nonsmokers. Using resting-state functional MRI data, we also performed seed-based functional connectivity (FC) analysis to examine the functional correlates of the GM volume changes. Results Both VBM and lobular analyses revealed smaller GM volume in the bilateral Crus I in smokers. The GM volume of the left Crus I was inversely correlated with the severity of nicotine dependence as assessed by Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (r = -.268, p = .013). We also found reduced FC between the bilateral Crus I and brain regions involved in the default mode network and motor system, as well as the frontal and temporal cortex in smokers. Conclusions Our results indicate that decreased cerebellar GM volume and corticocerebellar FC are associated with ND, and these may underlie the core ND phenotypes, including automatized smoking behavior, cognitive, and emotional deficits. Implications As smoking remains a worldwide public health problem, identifying the related neural alterations may help to understand the pathophysiology of ND. Based on previous findings in the cerebellum, we investigated the localization of the GM differences and related FC changes in ND subjects. Our findings highlight altered corticocerebellar circuits in ND, suggesting an association between the cerebellum and the phenotypes of ND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhujing Shen
- Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peiyu Huang
- Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Qian
- Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yihong Yang
- Neuroimaging Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Minming Zhang
- Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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20
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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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21
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Oboshi Y, Kikuchi M, Terada T, Yoshikawa E, Bunai T, Ouchi Y. Alterations in Phase-Related Prefrontal Activation During Cognitive Tasks and Nicotinic α4β2 Receptor Availability in Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2018; 53:817-30. [PMID: 27258412 DOI: 10.3233/jad-151165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence shows that the cholinergic system plays an important role in regulating working memory and that working memory-related prefrontal activation decreases with age and neuronal degeneration, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the relation between attention-related α4β2 nicotinic cholinergic function and task-induced prefrontal activation especially time course-related activation remains to be explored. OBJECTIVE We aimed to elucidate the relationship between changes in task-induced oxy-hemoglobin concentration (cerebral blood flow, CBF) in the prefrontal cortex and the availability of α4β2 nicotinic receptors in the brain of AD patients in light of their task performance. METHODS Eleven mild-to-moderate AD patients and eleven normal elderly subjects underwent the near-infrared spectroscopy during easy and difficult working memory tasks for estimating prefrontal CBF changes and positron emission tomography with the α4β2 tracer [18F]2FA-85380 ([18F]2FA) for measuring the α4β2 nicotinic receptor binding. RESULTS Significant correlations between mean oxy-hemoglobin concentration in the channels with significant [group] main effects and prefrontal [18F]2FA binding were observed during the early easy task period in the normal group and during the late difficult task in the AD group. In addition, those prefrontal CBF responses were significantly correlated with not correct performance but the execution time to spend. CONCLUSION The α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the prefrontal cortex play an important role in increasing prefrontal activation when attending to novel stimuli, irrespective of the accuracy of the outcome. A delay in the cholinergic-induced increase in prefrontal activation in AD patients might explain their delayed responses in the cognitive task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumi Oboshi
- Department of Biofunctional Imaging, Preeminent Medical Photonics Education & Research Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Kikuchi
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiro Terada
- Department of Biofunctional Imaging, Preeminent Medical Photonics Education & Research Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,Department of Neurology, Shizuoka Institute of Epilepsy and Neurological Disorders, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Etsuji Yoshikawa
- Central Research Laboratory, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Tomoyasu Bunai
- Department of Biofunctional Imaging, Preeminent Medical Photonics Education & Research Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Yasuomi Ouchi
- Department of Biofunctional Imaging, Preeminent Medical Photonics Education & Research Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
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22
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Fox-Loe AM, Moonschi FH, Richards CI. Organelle-specific single-molecule imaging of α4β2 nicotinic receptors reveals the effect of nicotine on receptor assembly and cell-surface trafficking. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:21159-21169. [PMID: 29074617 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.801431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) assemble in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and traffic to the cell surface as pentamers composed of α and β subunits. Many nAChR subtypes can assemble with varying subunit ratios, giving rise to multiple stoichiometries exhibiting different subcellular localization and functional properties. In addition to the endogenous neurotransmitter acetylcholine, nicotine also binds and activates nAChRs and influences their trafficking and expression on the cell surface. Currently, no available technique can specifically elucidate the stoichiometry of nAChRs in the ER versus those in the plasma membrane. Here, we report a method involving single-molecule fluorescence measurements to determine the structural properties of these membrane proteins after isolation in nanoscale vesicles derived from specific organelles. These cell-derived nanovesicles allowed us to separate single membrane receptors while maintaining them in their physiological environment. Sorting the vesicles according to the organelle of origin enabled us to determine localized differences in receptor structural properties, structural influence on transport between organelles, and changes in receptor assembly within intracellular organelles. These organelle-specific nanovesicles revealed that one structural isoform of the α4β2 nAChR was preferentially trafficked to the cell surface. Moreover, nicotine altered nAChR assembly in the ER, resulting in increased production of the receptor isoform that traffics more efficiently to the cell surface. We conclude that the combined effects of the increased assembly of one nAChR stoichiometry and its preferential trafficking likely drive the up-regulation of nAChRs on the cell surface upon nicotine exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Fox-Loe
- From the Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
| | - Faruk H Moonschi
- From the Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
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23
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Bhatt S, Hillmer AT, Nabulsi N, Matuskey D, Lim K, Lin SF, Esterlis I, Carson RE, Huang Y, Cosgrove KP. Evaluation of (-)-[ 18 F]Flubatine-specific binding: Implications for reference region approaches. Synapse 2017; 72. [PMID: 29105121 DOI: 10.1002/syn.22016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to characterize changes in binding of (-)-[18 F]Flubatine to α4 β2 *-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α4 β2 *-nAChRs) during a tobacco cigarette smoking challenge. Displacement of (-)-[18 F]Flubatine throughout the brain was quantified as change in (-)-[18 F]Flubatine distribution volume (VT ), with particular emphasis on regions with low VT . Three tobacco smokers were imaged with positron emission tomography (PET) during a 210 min bolus-plus-constant infusion of (-)-[18 F]Flubatine. A tobacco cigarette was smoked in the PET scanner ∼125 min after the start of (-)-[18 F]Flubatine injection. Equilibrium analysis was used to estimate VT at baseline (90-120 min) and after cigarette challenge (180-210 min), at the time of greatest receptor occupancy by nicotine. Smoking reduced VT by 21 ± 9% (average ±SD) in corpus callosum, 17 ± 9% in frontal cortex, 36 ± 11% in cerebellum, and 22 ± 10% in putamen. The finding of displaceable (-)-[18 F]Flubatine binding throughout the brain is an important consideration for reference region-based quantification approaches with this tracer. We observed displacement of (-)-[18 F]Flubatine binding to α4 β2 *-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in corpus callosum by a tobacco cigarette challenge. We conclude that reference region approaches utilizing corpus callosum should first perform careful characterization of displaceable (-)-[18 F]Flubatine binding and nondisplaceable kinetics in this putative reference region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Bhatt
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Yale PET Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Ansel T Hillmer
- Yale PET Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Nabeel Nabulsi
- Yale PET Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - David Matuskey
- Yale PET Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Keunpoong Lim
- Yale PET Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Shu-Fei Lin
- Yale PET Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Irina Esterlis
- Yale PET Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,West Haven VA Hospital, National Center for PTSD, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - Richard E Carson
- Yale PET Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Yiyun Huang
- Yale PET Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Kelly P Cosgrove
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Yale PET Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,West Haven VA Hospital, National Center for PTSD, West Haven, Connecticut
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24
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Smucny J, Wylie KP, Kronberg E, Legget KT, Tregellas JR. Nicotinic modulation of salience network connectivity and centrality in schizophrenia. J Psychiatr Res 2017; 89:85-96. [PMID: 28193583 PMCID: PMC5373996 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2017.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Although functional abnormalities of the salience network are associated with schizophrenia, the acute effects of nicotine on its function and network dynamics during the resting state in patients are poorly understood. In this study, the effects of a 7 mg nicotine patch (vs. placebo) on salience network connectivity were examined in 17 patients with schizophrenia and 19 healthy subjects. We hypothesized abnormal connectivity between the salience network and other major networks (e.g. executive network) in patients under placebo administration and amelioration of this difference after nicotine. We also examined effects of nicotine on betweenness centrality (a measure of the influence of a region on information transfer throughout the brain) and local efficiency (a measure of local information transfer) of the network. A hybrid independent component analysis (ICA)/seed-based connectivity approach was implemented in which the salience network was extracted by ICA and cortical network peaks (anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), left and right insula) were used as seeds for whole-brain seed-to-voxel connectivity analysis. Significant drug X diagnosis interactions were observed between the ACC seed and superior parietal lobule and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex. A significant interaction effect was also observed between the left insula seed and middle cingulate cortex. During placebo conditions, abnormal connectivity predicted negative symptom severity and lower global functioning in patients. A significant drug X diagnosis interaction was also observed for betweenness centrality of the ACC. These results suggest that nicotine may target abnormalities in functional connectivity between salience and executive network areas in schizophrenia as well as affect the ability of the salience network to act as an integrator of global signaling in the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Smucny
- Neuroscience Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Korey P. Wylie
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora CO USA
| | - Eugene Kronberg
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora CO USA
| | - Kristina T. Legget
- Neuroscience Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora CO USA,Research Service, Denver VA Medical Center, Denver, CO USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora CO USA
| | - Jason R. Tregellas
- Neuroscience Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora CO USA,Research Service, Denver VA Medical Center, Denver, CO USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora CO USA
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25
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Shen Z, Huang P, Wang C, Qian W, Yang Y, Zhang M. Increased network centrality as markers of relapse risk in nicotine-dependent individuals treated with varenicline. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2017; 75:142-147. [PMID: 28185963 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Identifying smokers at high risk of relapse could improve the effectiveness of cessation therapies. Although altered regional brain function in smokers has been reported, whether the whole-brain functional organization differs smokers with relapse vulnerability from others remains unclear. Thus, the goal of this study is to investigate the baseline functional connectivity differences between relapsers and quitters. Using resting-state fMRI, we acquired images from 57 smokers prior to quitting attempts. After 12-week treatment with varenicline, smokers were divided into relapsers (n=36) and quitters (n=21) (quitter: continuously abstinent for weeks 9-12). The smoking cessation outcomes were cross-validated by self-reports and expired carbon monoxide. We then used eigenvector centrality (EC) mapping to identify the functional connectivity differences between relapsers and quitters. When compared to quitters, increased EC in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), left middle temporal gyrus (MTG) and cerebellum anterior lobe was observed in relapsers. In addition, a logistic regression analysis of EC data (with DLPFC, MTG and cerebellum included) predicted relapse with 80.7% accuracy. These findings suggest that the DLPFC, MTG and cerebellum may be important substrates of smoking relapse vulnerability. The data also suggest that relapse-vulnerable smokers can be identified before quit attempts, which could enable personalized treatment and improve smoking cessation outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhujing Shen
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peiyu Huang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Qian
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yihong Yang
- Neuroimaging Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Minming Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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26
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Fasoli F, Moretti M, Zoli M, Pistillo F, Crespi A, Clementi F, Mc Clure-Begley T, Marks M, Gotti C. In vivo chronic nicotine exposure differentially and reversibly affects upregulation and stoichiometry of α4β2 nicotinic receptors in cortex and thalamus. Neuropharmacology 2016; 108:324-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.04.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2016] [Revised: 04/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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27
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Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor availability in cigarette smokers: effect of heavy caffeine or marijuana use. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:3249-57. [PMID: 27370018 PMCID: PMC4982797 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4367-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Upregulation of α4β2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) is one of the most well-established effects of chronic cigarette smoking on the brain. Prior research by our group gave a preliminary indication that cigarette smokers with concomitant use of caffeine or marijuana have altered nAChR availability. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine if smokers with heavy caffeine or marijuana use have different levels of α4β2* nAChRs than smokers without these drug usages. METHODS One hundred and one positron emission tomography (PET) scans, using the radiotracer 2-FA (a ligand for β2*-containing nAChRs), were obtained from four groups of males: non-smokers without heavy caffeine or marijuana use, smokers without heavy caffeine or marijuana use, smokers with heavy caffeine use (mean four coffee cups per day), and smokers with heavy marijuana use (mean 22 days of use per month). Total distribution volume (Vt/fp) was determined for the brainstem, prefrontal cortex, and thalamus, as a measure of nAChR availability. RESULTS A significant between-group effect was found, resulting from the heavy caffeine and marijuana groups having the highest Vt/fp values (especially for the brainstem and prefrontal cortex), followed by smokers without such use, followed by non-smokers. Direct between-group comparisons revealed significant differences for Vt/fp values between the smoker groups with and without heavy caffeine or marijuana use. CONCLUSIONS Smokers with heavy caffeine or marijuana use have higher α4β2* nAChR availability than smokers without these drug usages. These findings are likely due to increased nicotine exposure but could also be due to an interaction on a cellular/molecular level.
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28
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Menthol Alone Upregulates Midbrain nAChRs, Alters nAChR Subtype Stoichiometry, Alters Dopamine Neuron Firing Frequency, and Prevents Nicotine Reward. J Neurosci 2016; 36:2957-74. [PMID: 26961950 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4194-15.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Upregulation of β2 subunit-containing (β2*) nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) is implicated in several aspects of nicotine addiction, and menthol cigarette smokers tend to upregulate β2* nAChRs more than nonmenthol cigarette smokers. We investigated the effect of long-term menthol alone on midbrain neurons containing nAChRs. In midbrain dopaminergic (DA) neurons from mice containing fluorescent nAChR subunits, menthol alone increased the number of α4 and α6 nAChR subunits, but this upregulation did not occur in midbrain GABAergic neurons. Thus, chronic menthol produces a cell-type-selective upregulation of α4* nAChRs, complementing that of chronic nicotine alone, which upregulates α4 subunit-containing (α4*) nAChRs in GABAergic but not DA neurons. In mouse brain slices and cultured midbrain neurons, menthol reduced DA neuron firing frequency and altered DA neuron excitability following nAChR activation. Furthermore, menthol exposure before nicotine abolished nicotine reward-related behavior in mice. In neuroblastoma cells transfected with fluorescent nAChR subunits, exposure to 500 nm menthol alone also increased nAChR number and favored the formation of (α4)3(β2)2 nAChRs; this contrasts with the action of nicotine itself, which favors (α4)2(β2)3 nAChRs. Menthol alone also increases the number of α6β2 receptors that exclude the β3 subunit. Thus, menthol stabilizes lower-sensitivity α4* and α6 subunit-containing nAChRs, possibly by acting as a chemical chaperone. The abolition of nicotine reward-related behavior may be mediated through menthol's ability to stabilize lower-sensitivity nAChRs and alter DA neuron excitability. We conclude that menthol is more than a tobacco flavorant: administered alone chronically, it alters midbrain DA neurons of the nicotine reward-related pathway.
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29
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Weng PH, Chen JH, Chen TF, Sun Y, Wen LL, Yip PK, Chu YM, Chen YC. CHRNA7 Polymorphisms and Dementia Risk: Interactions with Apolipoprotein ε4 and Cigarette Smoking. Sci Rep 2016; 6:27231. [PMID: 27249957 PMCID: PMC4890170 DOI: 10.1038/srep27231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR, encoded by CHRNA7) is involved in dementia pathogenesis through cholinergic neurotransmission, neuroprotection and interactions with amyloid-β. Smoking promotes atherosclerosis and increases dementia risk, but nicotine exerts neuroprotective effect via α7nAChR in preclinical studies. No studies explored the gene-gene, gene-environment interactions between CHRNA7 polymorphism, apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 status and smoking on dementia risk. This case-control study recruited 254 late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) and 115 vascular dementia (VaD) cases (age ≥65) from the neurology clinics of three teaching hospitals in Taiwan during 2007–2010. Controls (N = 435) were recruited from health checkup programs and volunteers during the same period. Nine CHRNA7 haplotype-tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms representative for Taiwanese were genotyped. Among APOE ε4 non-carriers, CHRNA7 rs7179008 variant carriers had significantly decreased LOAD risk after correction for multiple tests (GG + AG vs. AA: adjusted odds ratio = 0.29, 95% confidence interval = 0.13–0.64, P = 0.002). Similar findings were observed for carriers of GT haplotype in CHRNA7 block4. A significant interaction was found between rs7179008, GT haplotype in block4 and APOE ε4 on LOAD risk. rs7179008 variant also reduced the detrimental effect of smoking on LOAD risk. No significant association was found between CHRNA7 and VaD. These findings help to understand dementia pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Hsuan Weng
- Department of Family Medicine, Taiwan Adventist Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Hau Chen
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ta-Fu Chen
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Neurology, En Chu Kong Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Li-Li Wen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, En Chu Kong Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Keung Yip
- School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.,Center of Neurological Medicine, Cardinal Tien Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Min Chu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Cardinal Tien Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ching Chen
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Research Center for Genes, Environment and Human Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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30
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Abstract
During the past years, non-neuronal vascular nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) increasingly have gained interest in cardiovascular research, as they are known to mediate the deleterious effects of nicotine and nitrosamines, components of tobacco smoke, on the vasculature. Because smoking is a major risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis, it is obvious that understanding the pathophysiologic role of nAChRs in the atherosclerotic disease process, as well as in the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic nAChR-related options, has become more important. Accordingly, we briefly summarize the pathophysiologic role of vascular nAChRs in the atherosclerotic disease process. We also provide an overview of currently available nAChR positron emission tomography (PET) tracers and their performance in the noninvasive imaging of vascular nAChRs, as well as potential nAChR PET tracers that might be an option for vascular nAChR PET imaging in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Bauwens
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
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31
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Le Foll B, Chefer SI, Kimes AS, Stein EA, Goldberg SR, Mukhin AG. Impact of short access nicotine self-administration on expression of α4β2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in non-human primates. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:1829-35. [PMID: 26911381 PMCID: PMC4846528 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4250-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Although nicotine exposure upregulates the α4β2* subtype of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), the upregulation of nAChRs in non-human primates voluntarily self-administering nicotine has never been demonstrated. OBJECTIVES The objective of the study is to determine if short access to nicotine in a non-human primate model of nicotine self-administration is sufficient to induce nAChRs upregulation. METHODS We combined a nicotine self-administration paradigm with in vivo measure of α4β2* nAChRs using 2-[(18)F]fluoro-A-85380 (2-FA) and positron emission tomography (PET) in six squirrel monkeys. PET measurement was performed before and after intravenous nicotine self-administration (unit dose 10 μg/kg per injection). Monkeys were trained to self-administer nicotine under a fixed-ratio (FR) schedule of reinforcement. Intermittent access (1 h daily per weekday) to nicotine was allowed for 4 weeks and levels of α4β2* nAChRs were measured 4 days later. RESULTS This intermittent access was sufficient to induce upregulation of α4β2* receptors in the whole brain (31 % upregulation) and in specific brain areas (+36 % in amygdala and +62 % in putamen). CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that intermittent nicotine exposure is sufficient to produce change in nAChRs expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Le Foll
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), 33 Russell Street, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5S 2S1. .,Departments of Family and Community Medicine, Pharmacology, Psychiatry, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. .,Ambulatory Care and Structured Treatment Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada. .,Preclinical Pharmacology Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, DHHS, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
| | - Svetlana I. Chefer
- Neuroimaging Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD 21224,The Integrated Research Facility, Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, NIH, Fort. Detrick, Frederick, MD, 21702
| | - Alane S. Kimes
- Neuroimaging Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD 21224,Office of the Clinical Director (retired), Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD 21224
| | - Elliot A. Stein
- Neuroimaging Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD 21224
| | - Steven R. Goldberg
- Preclinical Pharmacology Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD 21224
| | - Alexey G. Mukhin
- Neuroimaging Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD 21224,Department Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Center for Smoking Cessation, Duke University Medical Center, 2424 Erwin Road, Suite 201, Durham, NC 27705
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32
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Esterlis I, Hillmer AT, Bois F, Pittman B, McGovern E, O'Malley SS, Picciotto MR, Yang BZ, Gelernter J, Cosgrove KP. CHRNA4 and ANKK1 Polymorphisms Influence Smoking-Induced Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Upregulation. Nicotine Tob Res 2016; 18:1845-52. [PMID: 27611310 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntw081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tobacco smoking leads to increased numbers of β2*-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (β2*-nAChRs) throughout the brain, which return to nonsmoker levels over extended abstinence. The goal of the current study was to determine whether the degree of tobacco smoking-induced changes in β2*-nAChR availability is genetically influenced. METHODS In this study, 113 European Americans participated in one or two [(123)I]5-IA-85380 single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) brain scans. Smokers (n = 58) participated in one scan at 7-9 days of abstinence and those who remained abstinent (n = 27) were imaged again at 6-8 weeks of abstinence. Age- and sex-matched nonsmokers (n = 55) participated in one scan. Blood samples were collected for DNA analysis and genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CHRNA4 and ANKK1 gene loci. β2*-nAChR availability was measured in the thalamus, striatum, cortical regions, and cerebellum. RESULTS The CHRNA4 SNP rs2236196 and ANKK1 SNP rs4938015 were associated with significantly higher cerebellar and cortical β2*-nAChR availability in smokers versus nonsmokers for specific genotypes. There were no significant differences by carrier status in the change in β2*-nAChR availability in smokers from 7-9 days to 6-8 weeks of abstinence. CONCLUSION This study provides evidence for genetic regulation of tobacco smoking-induced changes in β2*-nAChR availability and suggests that β2*-nAChR availability could be an endophenotype mediating influences of CHRNA4 variants on nicotine dependence. These results highlight individual differences in the neurochemistry of nicotine dependence and may suggest the need for individualized programs for smoking cessation. IMPLICATIONS This study demonstrates genetic regulation of smoking-induced changes in β2*-nAChRs throughout the brain and highlights the need for personalized programs for smoking cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Esterlis
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Department of Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Ansel T Hillmer
- Department of Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Frederic Bois
- Department of Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Brian Pittman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Erin McGovern
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | | | - Marina R Picciotto
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Bao-Zhu Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Department of Psychiatry, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
| | - Joel Gelernter
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Department of Psychiatry, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
| | - Kelly P Cosgrove
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; Department of Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT;
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Van Skike CE, Maggio SE, Reynolds AR, Casey EM, Bardo MT, Dwoskin LP, Prendergast MA, Nixon K. Critical needs in drug discovery for cessation of alcohol and nicotine polysubstance abuse. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2016; 65:269-87. [PMID: 26582145 PMCID: PMC4679525 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2015.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Polysubstance abuse of alcohol and nicotine has been overlooked in our understanding of the neurobiology of addiction and especially in the development of novel therapeutics for its treatment. Estimates show that as many as 92% of people with alcohol use disorders also smoke tobacco. The health risks associated with both excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking create an urgent biomedical need for the discovery of effective cessation treatments, as opposed to current approaches that attempt to independently treat each abused agent. The lack of treatment approaches for alcohol and nicotine abuse/dependence mirrors a similar lack of research in the neurobiology of polysubstance abuse. This review discusses three critical needs in medications development for alcohol and nicotine co-abuse: (1) the need for a better understanding of the clinical condition (i.e. alcohol and nicotine polysubstance abuse), (2) the need to better understand how these drugs interact in order to identify new targets for therapeutic development and (3) the need for animal models that better mimic this human condition. Current and emerging treatments available for the cessation of each drug and their mechanisms of action are discussed within this context followed by what is known about the pharmacological interactions of alcohol and nicotine. Much has been and will continue to be gained from studying comorbid alcohol and nicotine exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Van Skike
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - S E Maggio
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - A R Reynolds
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - E M Casey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - M T Bardo
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States; Center for Drug Abuse and Research Translation, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States; Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - L P Dwoskin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States; Center for Drug Abuse and Research Translation, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - M A Prendergast
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States; Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States
| | - K Nixon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States; Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States.
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Schneck N, Miller JM, Delorenzo C, Kikuchi T, Sublette ME, Oquendo MA, Mann JJ, Parsey RV. Relationship of the serotonin transporter gene promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) genotype and serotonin transporter binding to neural processing of negative emotional stimuli. J Affect Disord 2016; 190:494-498. [PMID: 26561939 PMCID: PMC5021308 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.10.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Revised: 09/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lower-expressing (S') alleles of the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) are linked to mood and anxiety related psychopathology. However, the specific neural mechanism through which these alleles may influence emotional and cognitive processing remains unknown. We examined the relationship between both 5-HTTLPR genotype and in vivo 5-HTT binding quantified via PET with amygdala reactivity to emotionally negative stimuli. We hypothesized that 5-HTT binding in both raphe nuclei (RN) and amygdala would be inversely correlated with amygdala reactivity, and that number of S' alleles would correlate positively with amygdala reactivity. METHODS In medication-free patients with current major depressive disorder (MDD; N=21), we determined 5-HTTLPR genotype, employed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine amygdala responses to negative emotional stimuli, and used positron emission tomography with [(11)C]DASB to examine 5-HTT binding. RESULTS [(11)C]DASB binding in RN and amygdala was inversely correlated with amygdala response to negative stimuli. 5-HTTLPR S' alleles were not associated with amygdala response to negative emotional stimuli. LIMITATIONS Primary limitations are small sample size and lack of control group. CONCLUSIONS Consistent with findings in healthy volunteers, 5-HTT binding is associated with amygdala reactivity to emotional stimuli in MDD. 5-HTT binding may be a stronger predictor of emotional processing in MDD as compared with 5-HTTLPR genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noam Schneck
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Jeffrey M. Miller
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Christine Delorenzo
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Toshiaki Kikuchi
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - M. Elizabeth Sublette
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Maria A. Oquendo
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - J. John Mann
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ramin V. Parsey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, United States
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Miller JM, Everett BA, Oquendo MA, Ogden RT, Mann JJ, Parsey RV. Positron emission tomography quantification of serotonin transporter binding in medication-free bipolar disorder. Synapse 2016; 70:24-32. [PMID: 26426356 PMCID: PMC4654655 DOI: 10.1002/syn.21868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with abnormalities in the serotonin transporter (5-HTT), but specific in vivo findings have been discrepant. Using positron emission tomography (PET) and [(11)C]DASB, we compared 5-HTT binding between unmedicated depressed BD subjects and healthy volunteers (HVs). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN 5-HTT binding in six brain regions was compared between 17 depressed, unmedicated BD subjects and 31 HVs, using the outcome measure of VT/fP (proportional to the total number of available transporters). Alternative outcome measures were examined as well. 47% of BD were BP I; and 65% reported a prior suicide attempt. PRINCIPAL OBSERVATIONS 5-HTT binding (VT/fP ) did not differ between BD and HV groups considering six brain regions of interest simultaneously (P = 0.24). In contrast, alternative outcome measures (BPF*, BPP*, and BPND*) indicated lower binding in BD compared with HV across these six regions of interest (BPF*: P = 0.047; BPP*: P = 0.032; BPND*: P = 0.031). 5-HTT binding was unrelated to suicide attempt history, depression severity, bipolar subtype, or history of past substance use disorder. CONCLUSIONS Choice of outcome measure strongly affects comparisons of serotonin transporter binding using PET with [(11)C]DASB. We do not find evidence of abnormal 5-HTT binding in bipolar depression using our primary outcome measure, VT /fP . However, we did observe lower 5-HTT binding in BD with alternative outcome measures that are frequently used with [(11)C]DASB. Relative merits and assumptions of different outcome measures are discussed. Evaluation in larger samples and during different mood states, including remission, is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M. Miller
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Benjamin A. Everett
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY
| | - Maria A. Oquendo
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - R. Todd Ogden
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - J. John Mann
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY
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Gunn RN, Slifstein M, Searle GE, Price JC. Quantitative imaging of protein targets in the human brain with PET. Phys Med Biol 2015; 60:R363-411. [DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/60/22/r363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Sabri O, Becker GA, Meyer PM, Hesse S, Wilke S, Graef S, Patt M, Luthardt J, Wagenknecht G, Hoepping A, Smits R, Franke A, Sattler B, Habermann B, Neuhaus P, Fischer S, Tiepolt S, Deuther-Conrad W, Barthel H, Schönknecht P, Brust P. First-in-human PET quantification study of cerebral α4β2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors using the novel specific radioligand (−)-[ 18 F]Flubatine. Neuroimage 2015; 118:199-208. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.05.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Revised: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/24/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Dubroff JG, Doot RK, Falcone M, Schnoll RA, Ray R, Tyndale RF, Brody AL, Hou C, Schmitz A, Lerman C. Decreased Nicotinic Receptor Availability in Smokers with Slow Rates of Nicotine Metabolism. J Nucl Med 2015; 56:1724-9. [PMID: 26272810 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.115.155002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED The nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR), a stable measure of hepatic nicotine metabolism via the CYP2A6 pathway and total nicotine clearance, is a predictive biomarker of response to nicotine replacement therapy, with increased quit rates in slower metabolizers. Nicotine binds directly to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) to exert its psychoactive effects. This study examined the relationship between NMR and nAChR (α4β2* subtype) availability using PET imaging of the radiotracer 2-(18)F-fluoro-3-(2(S)-azetidinylmethoxy)pyridine (2-(18)F-FA-85380, or 2-(18)F-FA). METHODS Twenty-four smokers-12 slow metabolizers (NMR < 0.26) and 12 normal metabolizers (NMR ≥ 0.26)-underwent 2-(18)F-FA-PET brain imaging after overnight nicotine abstinence (18 h before scanning), using a validated bolus-plus-infusion protocol. Availability of nAChRs was compared between NMR groups in a priori volumes of interest, with total distribution volume (VT/fP) being the measure of nAChR availability. Cravings to smoke were assessed before and after the scans. RESULTS Thalamic nAChR α4β2* availability was significantly reduced in slow nicotine metabolizers (P = 0.04). Slow metabolizers exhibited greater reductions in cravings after scanning than normal metabolizers; however, craving was unrelated to nAChR availability. CONCLUSION The rate of nicotine metabolism is associated with thalamic nAChR availability. Additional studies could examine whether altered nAChR availability underlies the differences in treatment response between slow and normal metabolizers of nicotine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob G Dubroff
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Robert K Doot
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mary Falcone
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Robert A Schnoll
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Riju Ray
- Global Medical Affairs, GlaxoSmithKline, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Rachel F Tyndale
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Department of Psychiatry, CAMH, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Arthur L Brody
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California; and Department of Psychiatry, Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
| | - Catherine Hou
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alexander Schmitz
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Caryn Lerman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Friedman JI, Tang CY, de Haas HJ, Changchien L, Goliasch G, Dabas P, Wang V, Fayad ZA, Fuster V, Narula J. Brain imaging changes associated with risk factors for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease in asymptomatic patients. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2015; 7:1039-53. [PMID: 25323165 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2014.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Revised: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Reviews of imaging studies assessing the brain effects of vascular risk factors typically include a substantial number of studies with subjects with a history of symptomatic cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease and/or events, limiting our ability to disentangle the primary brain effects of vascular risk factors from those of resulting brain and cardiac damage. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of brain changes from imaging studies in patients with vascular risk factors but without clinically manifest cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease or events. The 77 studies included in this review demonstrate that in persons without symptomatic cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, or peripheral vascular disease, the vascular risk factors of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and smoking are all independently associated with brain imaging changes before the clinical manifestation of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease. We conclude that the identification of brain changes associated with vascular risk factors, before the manifestation of clinically significant cerebrovascular damage, presents a window of opportunity wherein adequate treatment of these modifiable vascular risk factors may prevent the development of irreversible deleterious brain changes and potentially alter patients' clinical course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph I Friedman
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Clinical Neuroscience Center, Pilgrim Psychiatric Center, West Brentwood, New York.
| | - Cheuk Y Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Hans J de Haas
- Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Lisa Changchien
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Clinical Neuroscience Center, Pilgrim Psychiatric Center, West Brentwood, New York
| | - Georg Goliasch
- Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Puneet Dabas
- Clinical Neuroscience Center, Pilgrim Psychiatric Center, West Brentwood, New York
| | - Victoria Wang
- Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Zahi A Fayad
- Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Department of Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Valentin Fuster
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Department of Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Jagat Narula
- Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Department of Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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Zambrano CA, Short CA, Salamander RM, Grady SR, Marks MJ. Density of α4β2* nAChR on the surface of neurons is modulated by chronic antagonist exposure. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2015; 3:e00111. [PMID: 25729578 PMCID: PMC4324685 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Revised: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression of high-affinity α4β2* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) increases following chronic exposure to nicotinic agonists. While, nAChR antagonists can also produce upregulation, these changes are often less pronounced than achieved with agonists. It is unknown if nAChR agonists and antagonists induce receptor upregulation by the same mechanisms. In this study, primary neuronal cultures prepared from cerebral cortex, hippocampus, diencephalon, and midbrain/hindbrain of C57BL/6J mouse embryos were treated chronically with nicotine (agonist), mecamylamine (noncompetitive antagonist) or dihydro-β-erythroidine (competitive antagonist) or the combination of nicotine with each antagonist. The distribution of intracellular and surface [(125)I]epibatidine-binding sites were subsequently measured. Treatment with 1 μmol/L nicotine upregulated intracellular and cell surface [(125)I]epibatidine binding after 96 h. Chronic dihydro-β-erythroidine (10 μmol/L) treatment also increased [(125)I]epibatidine binding on the cell surface; however, mecamylamine was ineffective in upregulating receptors by itself. The combination of 1 μmol/L nicotine plus 10 μmol/L mecamylamine elicited a significantly higher upregulation than that achieved by treatment with nicotine alone due to an increase of [(125)I]epibatidine binding on the cell surface. This synergistic effect of mecamylamine and nicotine was found in neuronal cultures from all four brain regions. Chronic treatment with nicotine concentrations as low as 10 nmol/L produced upregulation of [(125)I]epibatidine binding. However, the effect of mecamylamine was observed only after coincubation with nicotine concentrations equal to or greater than 100 nmol/L. Vesicular trafficking was required for both nicotine and nicotine plus mecamylamine-induced upregulation. Results presented here support the idea of multiple mechanisms for nAChR upregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caitlin A Short
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado
| | - Rakel M Salamander
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado
| | - Sharon R Grady
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado
| | - Michael J Marks
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado
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Smoking restores impaired LTD-like plasticity in schizophrenia: a transcranial direct current stimulation study. Neuropsychopharmacology 2015; 40:822-30. [PMID: 25308351 PMCID: PMC4330512 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2014.275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2014] [Revised: 09/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Impaired neuroplastic responses following noninvasive brain stimulation have been reported repeatedly in schizophrenia patients. These findings have been associated with deficits in GABAergic, glutamatergic, and cholinergic neurotransmission. Although various neurophysiological studies have indicated a relationship between nicotine and neuroplasticity in healthy individuals, the present study is the first investigation into the impact of nicotine on LTD-like plasticity in patients with schizophrenia. Cortical excitability and cortical plasticity were explored in 30 schizophrenia patients (17 smoker, 13 nonsmoker) and 45 healthy controls (13 smoker, 32 nonsmoker) by using single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) before and following cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied to the left primary motor cortex. Our analysis revealed abolished LTD-like plasticity in nonsmoking schizophrenia patients. However, these plasticity deficits were not present in smoking schizophrenia patients. In healthy controls, significant MEP reductions following cathodal tDCS were observed in nonsmoking individuals, but only trend-level reductions in smokers. In smoking schizophrenia patients, the severity of negative symptoms correlated positively with reduced neuroplasticity, whereas nonsmoking patients displayed the opposite effect. Taken together, the data of our study support the notion of an association between chronic smoking and the restitution of impaired LTD-like plasticity in schizophrenia patients. Although replication and further research are needed to better understand this relationship, our findings indicate that nicotine intake might stabilize the impaired inhibition-facilitation balance in the schizophrenic brain through a complex interaction between cortical plasticity, and GABAergic and cholinergic neurotransmission, and might explain the reduced prevalence of negative symptoms in this population.
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Shorey-Kendrick LE, Ford MM, Allen DC, Kuryatov A, Lindstrom J, Wilhelm L, Grant KA, Spindel ER. Nicotinic receptors in non-human primates: Analysis of genetic and functional conservation with humans. Neuropharmacology 2015; 96:263-73. [PMID: 25661700 PMCID: PMC4486519 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are highly conserved between humans and non-human primates. Conservation exists at the level of genomic structure, protein structure and epigenetics. Overall homology of nAChRs at the protein level is 98% in macaques versus 89% in mice, which is highly relevant for evaluating subtype-specific ligands that have different affinities in humans versus rodents. In addition to conservation at the protein level, there is high conservation of genomic structure in terms of intron and exon size and placement of CpG sites that play a key role in epigenetic regulation. Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) shows that while the majority of SNPs are not conserved between humans and macaques, some functional polymorphisms are. Most significantly, cynomolgus monkeys express a similar α5 nAChR Asp398Asn polymorphism to the human α5 Asp398Asn polymorphism that has been linked to greater nicotine addiction and smoking related disease. Monkeys can be trained to readily self-administer nicotine, and in an initial study we have demonstrated that cynomolgus monkeys bearing the α5 D398N polymorphism show a reduced behavioral sensitivity to oral nicotine and tend to consume it in a different pattern when compared to wild-type monkeys. Thus the combination of highly homologous nAChR, higher cortical functions and capacity for complex training makes non-human primates a unique model to study in vivo functions of nicotinic receptors. In particular, primate studies on nicotine addiction and evaluation of therapies to prevent or overcome nicotine addiction are likely to be highly predictive of treatment outcomes in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsey E Shorey-Kendrick
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health &, Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA.
| | - Matthew M Ford
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health &, Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA.
| | - Daicia C Allen
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health &, Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA.
| | - Alexander Kuryatov
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Jon Lindstrom
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Larry Wilhelm
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health &, Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA.
| | - Kathleen A Grant
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health &, Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA.
| | - Eliot R Spindel
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health &, Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA.
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Henderson BJ, Lester HA. Inside-out neuropharmacology of nicotinic drugs. Neuropharmacology 2015; 96:178-93. [PMID: 25660637 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Upregulation of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) is a venerable result of chronic exposure to nicotine; but it is one of several consequences of pharmacological chaperoning by nicotine and by some other nicotinic ligands, especially agonists. Nicotinic ligands permeate through cell membranes, bind to immature AChR oligomers, elicit incompletely understood conformational reorganizations, increase the interaction between adjacent AChR subunits, and enhance the maturation process toward stable AChR pentamers. These changes and stabilizations in turn lead to increases in both anterograde and retrograde traffic within the early secretory pathway. In addition to the eventual upregulation of AChRs at the plasma membrane, other effects of pharmacological chaperoning include modifications to endoplasmic reticulum stress and to the unfolded protein response. Because these processes depend on pharmacological chaperoning within intracellular organelles, we group them as "inside-out pharmacology". This term contrasts with the better-known, acute, "outside-in" effects of activating and desensitizing plasma membrane AChRs. We review current knowledge concerning the mechanisms and consequences of inside-out pharmacology. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'The Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor: From Molecular Biology to Cognition'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon J Henderson
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Henry A Lester
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
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Cosgrove KP, Esterlis I, Sandiego C, Petrulli R, Morris ED. Imaging Tobacco Smoking with PET and SPECT. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2015; 24:1-17. [PMID: 25638332 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-13482-6_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Receptor imaging, including positron emission computed tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), provides a way to measure chemicals of interest, such as receptors, and neurotransmitter fluctuations, in the living human brain. Imaging the neurochemical mechanisms involved in the maintenance and recovery from tobacco smoking has provided insights into critical smoking related brain adaptations. Nicotine, the primary addictive chemical in tobacco smoke, enters the brain, activates beta2-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (β2*-nAChRs) and, like most drugs of abuse, elicits dopamine (DA) release in the ventral striatum. Both β2*-nAChRs and DA signaling are critical neurosubstrates underlying tobacco smoking behaviors and dependence and have been studied extensively with PET and SPECT brain imaging. We review the imaging literature on these topics and describe how brain imaging has helped inform the treatment of tobacco smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly P Cosgrove
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 2 Church Street South, Suite 511, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA,
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Pistillo F, Clementi F, Zoli M, Gotti C. Nicotinic, glutamatergic and dopaminergic synaptic transmission and plasticity in the mesocorticolimbic system: focus on nicotine effects. Prog Neurobiol 2014; 124:1-27. [PMID: 25447802 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2014.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2014] [Revised: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Cigarette smoking is currently the leading cause of preventable deaths and disability throughout the world, being responsible for about five million premature deaths/year. Unfortunately, fewer than 10% of tobacco users who try to stop smoking actually manage to do so. The main addictive agent delivered by cigarette smoke is nicotine, which induces psychostimulation and reward, and reduces stress and anxiety. The use of new technologies (including optogenetics) and the development of mouse models characterised by cell-specific deletions of receptor subtype genes or the expression of gain-of-function nAChR subunits has greatly increased our understanding of the molecular mechanisms and neural substrates of nicotine addiction first revealed by classic electrophysiological, neurochemical and behavioural approaches. It is now becoming clear that various aspects of nicotine dependence are mediated by close interactions of the glutamatergic, dopaminergic and γ-aminobutyric acidergic systems in the mesocorticolimbic system. This review is divided into two parts. The first provides an updated overview of the circuitry of the ventral tegmental area, ventral striatum and prefrontal cortex, the neurotransmitter receptor subtypes expressed in these areas, and their physiological role in the mesocorticolimbic system. The second will focus on the molecular, functional and behavioural mechanisms involved in the acute and chronic effects of nicotine on the mesocorticolimbic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pistillo
- CNR, Neuroscience Institute-Milano, Biometra University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Clementi
- CNR, Neuroscience Institute-Milano, Biometra University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Zoli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Physiology and Neurosciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
| | - Cecilia Gotti
- CNR, Neuroscience Institute-Milano, Biometra University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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[Effects of smoking on venous cannulation pain: a randomized prospective trial]. Rev Bras Anestesiol 2014; 65:47-50. [PMID: 25497749 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjan.2014.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES It has been demonstrated that smoking increases pain perception; however the effect of smoking on perception of pain during venous cannulation is not known. The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not smoking has an effect on pain perception due to peripheral venous cannulation. METHODS 220 patients scheduled to have elective surgery were enrolled in the study and were divided into two groups (Group S and C, n=110 for each) according to their smoking habits. Numerical rating scale was introduced to the patients and then peripheral venous cannulation at the dorsum of the hand was made with a 20G intracath. Pain perception of the patients was scored by subsequent numerical rating scale questioning. RESULTS The demographic characteristics of the groups were identical. Numerical rating scale scores in Group S and C were 3.31±1.56 and 1.65±1.23, respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Pain perception due to peripheral venous cannulation is higher in smokers. Future studies on pain treatment should consider the smoking habits of patients.
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Gould RW, Duke AN, Nader MA. PET studies in nonhuman primate models of cocaine abuse: translational research related to vulnerability and neuroadaptations. Neuropharmacology 2014; 84:138-51. [PMID: 23458573 PMCID: PMC3692588 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2012] [Revised: 01/07/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The current review highlights the utility of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to study the neurobiological substrates underlying vulnerability to cocaine addiction and subsequent adaptations following chronic cocaine self-administration in nonhuman primate models of cocaine abuse. Environmental (e.g., social rank) and sex-specific influences on dopaminergic function and sensitivity to the reinforcing effects of cocaine are discussed. Cocaine-related cognitive deficits have been hypothesized to contribute to high rates of relapse and are described in nonhuman primate models. Lastly, the long-term consequences of cocaine on neurobiology are discussed. PET imaging and longitudinal, within-subject behavioral studies in nonhuman primates have provided a strong framework for designing pharmacological and behavioral treatment strategies to aid drug-dependent treatment seekers. Non-invasive PET imaging will allow for individualized treatment strategies. Recent advances in radiochemistry of novel PET ligands and other imaging modalities can further advance our understanding of stimulant use on the brain. This article is part of the Special Issue Section entitled 'Neuroimaging in Neuropharmacology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Gould
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Angela N Duke
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1083, USA.
| | - Michael A Nader
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1083, USA.
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Jasinska AJ, Zorick T, Brody AL, Stein EA. Dual role of nicotine in addiction and cognition: a review of neuroimaging studies in humans. Neuropharmacology 2014; 84:111-22. [PMID: 23474015 PMCID: PMC3710300 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Revised: 12/28/2012] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Substantial evidence demonstrates both nicotine's addiction liability and its cognition-enhancing effects. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying nicotine's impact on brain function and behavior remain incompletely understood. Elucidation of these mechanisms is of high clinical importance and may lead to improved therapeutics for smoking cessation as well as for a number of cognitive disorders such as schizophrenia. Neuroimaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which make it possible to study the actions of nicotine in the human brain in vivo, play an increasingly important role in identifying these dual mechanisms of action. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge and discuss outstanding questions and future directions in human neuroimaging research on nicotine and tobacco. This research spans from receptor-level PET and SPECT studies demonstrating nicotine occupancy at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and upregulation of nAChRs induced by chronic smoking; through nicotine's interactions with the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system believed to mediate nicotine's reinforcing effects leading to dependence; to functional activity and connectivity fMRI studies documenting nicotine's complex behavioral and cognitive effects manifest by its actions on large-scale brain networks engaged both during task performance and at rest. This article is part of the Special Issue Section entitled 'Neuroimaging in Neuropharmacology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes J Jasinska
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States.
| | - Todd Zorick
- University of California at Los Angeles, Department of Psychiatry, 300 UCLA Medical Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States; VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, United States
| | - Arthur L Brody
- University of California at Los Angeles, Department of Psychiatry, 300 UCLA Medical Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States; VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, United States.
| | - Elliot A Stein
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States.
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Henderson BJ, Srinivasan R, Nichols WA, Dilworth CN, Gutierrez DF, Mackey EDW, McKinney S, Drenan RM, Richards CI, Lester HA. Nicotine exploits a COPI-mediated process for chaperone-mediated up-regulation of its receptors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 143:51-66. [PMID: 24378908 PMCID: PMC3874574 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201311102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to nicotine up-regulates high sensitivity nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain. This up-regulation partially underlies addiction and may also contribute to protection against Parkinson's disease. nAChRs containing the α6 subunit (α6* nAChRs) are expressed in neurons in several brain regions, but comparatively little is known about the effect of chronic nicotine on these nAChRs. We report here that nicotine up-regulates α6* nAChRs in several mouse brain regions (substantia nigra pars compacta, ventral tegmental area, medial habenula, and superior colliculus) and in neuroblastoma 2a cells. We present evidence that a coat protein complex I (COPI)-mediated process mediates this up-regulation of α6* or α4* nAChRs but does not participate in basal trafficking. We show that α6β2β3 nAChR up-regulation is prevented by mutating a putative COPI-binding motif in the β3 subunit or by inhibiting COPI. Similarly, a COPI-dependent process is required for up-regulation of α4β2 nAChRs by chronic nicotine but not for basal trafficking. Mutation of the putative COPI-binding motif or inhibition of COPI also results in reduced normalized Förster resonance energy transfer between α6β2β3 nAChRs and εCOP subunits. The discovery that nicotine exploits a COPI-dependent process to chaperone high sensitivity nAChRs is novel and suggests that this may be a common mechanism in the up-regulation of nAChRs in response to chronic nicotine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon J Henderson
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
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Brody AL, Mukhin AG, Mamoun MS, Luu T, Neary M, Liang L, Shieh J, Sugar CA, Rose JE, Mandelkern MA. Brain nicotinic acetylcholine receptor availability and response to smoking cessation treatment: a randomized trial. JAMA Psychiatry 2014; 71:797-805. [PMID: 24850280 PMCID: PMC4634637 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Cigarette smoking leads to upregulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the human brain, including the common α4β2* nAChR subtype. While subjective aspects of tobacco dependence have been extensively examined as predictors of quitting smoking with treatment, no studies to our knowledge have yet reported the relationship between the extent of pretreatment upregulation of nAChRs and smoking cessation. OBJECTIVE To determine whether the degree of nAChR upregulation in smokers predicts quitting with a standard course of treatment. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Eighty-one tobacco-dependent cigarette smokers (volunteer sample) underwent positron emission tomographic (PET) scanning of the brain with the radiotracer 2-FA followed by 10 weeks of double-blind, placebo-controlled treatment with nicotine patch (random assignment). Pretreatment specific binding volume of distribution (VS/fP) on PET images (a value that is proportional to α4β2* nAChR availability) was determined for 8 brain regions of interest, and participant-reported ratings of nicotine dependence, craving, and self-efficacy were collected. Relationships between these pretreatment measures, treatment type, and outcome were then determined. The study took place at academic PET and clinical research centers. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Posttreatment quit status after treatment, defined as a participant report of 7 or more days of continuous abstinence and an exhaled carbon monoxide level of 3 ppm or less. RESULTS Smokers with lower pretreatment VS/fP values (a potential marker of less severe nAChR upregulation) across all brain regions studied were more likely to quit smoking (multivariate analysis of covariance, F8,69 = 4.5; P < .001), regardless of treatment group assignment. Furthermore, pretreatment average VS/fP values provided additional predictive power for likelihood of quitting beyond the self-report measures (stepwise binary logistic regression, likelihood ratio χ21 = 19.8; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Smokers with less upregulation of available α4β2* nAChRs have a greater likelihood of quitting with treatment than smokers with more upregulation. In addition, the biological marker studied here provided additional predictive power beyond subjectively rated measures known to be associated with smoking cessation outcome. While the costly, time-consuming PET procedure used here is not likely to be used clinically, simpler methods for examining α4β2* nAChR upregulation could be tested and applied in the future to help determine which smokers need more intensive and/or lengthier treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01526005.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur L. Brody
- Department of Research, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California2Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Alexey G. Mukhin
- Department of Psychiatry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Michael S. Mamoun
- Department of Research, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
| | - Trinh Luu
- Department of Research, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
| | - Meaghan Neary
- Department of Research, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
| | - Lidia Liang
- Department of Research, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jennifer Shieh
- Department of Research, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
| | - Catherine A. Sugar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Los Angeles4Department of Biostatistics, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Jed E. Rose
- Department of Psychiatry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Mark A. Mandelkern
- Department of Research, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California5Department of Physics, University of California, Irvine
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