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Zhong H, Xing C, Zhou M, Jia Z, Liu S, Zhu S, Li B, Yang H, Ma H, Wang L, Zhu R, Qu Z, Ning G. Alternating current stimulation promotes neurite outgrowth and plasticity in neurons through activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2023; 55:1718-1729. [PMID: 37814815 PMCID: PMC10679878 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
As a commonly used physical intervention, electrical stimulation (ES) has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of central nervous system disorders. Currently, researchers are studying the effects of electrical stimulation on individual neurons and neural networks, which are dependent on factors such as stimulation intensity, duration, location, and neuronal properties. However, the exact mechanism of action of electrical stimulation remains unclear. In some cases, repeated or prolonged electrical stimulation can lead to changes in the morphology or function of the neuron. In this study, immunofluorescence staining and Sholl analysis are used to assess changes in the neurite number and axon length to determine the optimal pattern and stimulation parameters of ES for neurons. Neuronal death and plasticity are detected by TUNEL staining and microelectrode array assays, respectively. mRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis are applied to predict the key targets of the action of ES on neurons, and the identified targets are validated by western blot analysis and qRT-PCR. The effects of alternating current stimulation (ACS) on neurons are more significant than those of direct current stimulation (DCS), and the optimal parameters are 3 μA and 20 min. ACS stimulation significantly increases the number of neurites, the length of axons and the spontaneous electrical activity of neurons, significantly elevates the expression of growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43) without significant changes in the expression of neurotrophic factors. Furthermore, application of PI3K/AKT-specific inhibitors significantly abolishes the beneficial effects of ACS on neurons, confirming that the PI3K/AKT pathway is an important potential signaling pathway in the action of ACS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhong
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord InjuryTianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord InjuryDepartment of OrthopedicsTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjin300052China
| | - Cong Xing
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord InjuryTianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord InjuryDepartment of OrthopedicsTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjin300052China
| | - Mi Zhou
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord InjuryTianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord InjuryDepartment of OrthopedicsTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjin300052China
| | - Zeyu Jia
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord InjuryTianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord InjuryDepartment of OrthopedicsTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjin300052China
| | - Song Liu
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord InjuryTianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord InjuryDepartment of OrthopedicsTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjin300052China
| | - Shibo Zhu
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord InjuryTianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord InjuryDepartment of OrthopedicsTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjin300052China
| | - Bo Li
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord InjuryTianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord InjuryDepartment of OrthopedicsTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjin300052China
| | - Hongjiang Yang
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord InjuryTianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord InjuryDepartment of OrthopedicsTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjin300052China
| | - Hongpeng Ma
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord InjuryTianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord InjuryDepartment of OrthopedicsTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjin300052China
| | - Liyue Wang
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord InjuryTianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord InjuryDepartment of OrthopedicsTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjin300052China
| | - Rusen Zhu
- Department of Spine SurgeryTianjin Union Medical CenterTianjin300121China
| | - Zhigang Qu
- College of Electronic Information and AutomationAdvanced Structural Integrity International Joint Research CenterTianjin University of Science and TechnologyTianjin300222China
| | - Guangzhi Ning
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Spinal Cord InjuryTianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord InjuryDepartment of OrthopedicsTianjin Medical University General HospitalTianjin300052China
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2
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Urban MM, Stingl MR, Meinhardt MW. Mini-review: The neurobiology of treating substance use disorders with classical psychedelics. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1156319. [PMID: 37139521 PMCID: PMC10149865 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1156319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential of psychedelics to persistently treat substance use disorders is known since the 1960s. However, the biological mechanisms responsible for their therapeutic effects have not yet been fully elucidated. While it is known that serotonergic hallucinogens induce changes in gene expression and neuroplasticity, particularly in prefrontal regions, theories on how specifically this counteracts the alterations that occur in neuronal circuitry throughout the course of addiction are largely unknown. This narrative mini-review endeavors to synthesize well-established knowledge from addiction research with findings and theories regarding the neurobiological effects of psychedelics to give an overview of the potential mechanisms that underlie the treatment of substance use disorders with classical hallucinogenic compounds and point out gaps in the current understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin M. Urban
- Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Marvin M. Urban,
| | - Moritz R. Stingl
- Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Marcus W. Meinhardt
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Molecular Neuroimaging, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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3
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Trinoskey-Rice GE, Woon EP, Pitts EG, Gourley SL. Cocaine Elevates Calcium-Dependent Activator Protein for Secretion 2 in the Mouse Orbitofrontal Cortex. Dev Neurosci 2021; 43:376-382. [PMID: 34695821 DOI: 10.1159/000519681] [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: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium-dependent activator protein for secretion 2 (CAPS2; also referred to as CADPS2) is a dense core vesicle-associated protein that promotes the activity-dependent release of neuropeptides including neurotrophins. Addictive drugs appear to prime neurotrophin release in multiple brain regions, but mechanistic factors are still being elucidated. Here, experimenters administered cocaine to adolescent mice at doses that potentiated later cocaine self-administration. Experimenter-administered cocaine elevated the CAPS2 protein content in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC; but not striatum) multiple weeks after drug exposure. Meanwhile, proteins that are sensitive to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) release and binding (phosphorylated protein kinase B and phosphoinositide 3-kinase, and GABAAα1 levels) did not differ between cocaine-exposed and naive mice in the OFC. This pattern is consistent with evidence that CAPS2 primes stimulated release of neurotrophins like BDNF, rather than basal levels. Thus, cocaine administered at behaviorally relevant doses elevates CAPS2 protein content in the OFC, and the effects are detected long after cocaine exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gracy E Trinoskey-Rice
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ellen P Woon
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Graduate Training Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Elizabeth G Pitts
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Graduate Training Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Shannon L Gourley
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Graduate Training Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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4
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Whyte AJ, Trinoskey-Rice G, Davies RA, Woon EP, Foster SL, Shapiro LP, Li DC, Srikanth KD, Gil-Henn H, Gourley SL. Cell Adhesion Factors in the Orbitofrontal Cortex Control Cue-Induced Reinstatement of Cocaine Seeking and Amygdala-Dependent Goal Seeking. J Neurosci 2021; 41:5923-5936. [PMID: 34074735 PMCID: PMC8265806 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0781-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Repeated cocaine exposure causes dendritic spine loss in the orbitofrontal cortex, which might contribute to poor orbitofrontal cortical function following drug exposure. One challenge, however, has been verifying links between neuronal structural plasticity and behavior, if any. Here we report that cocaine self-administration triggers the loss of dendritic spines on excitatory neurons in the orbitofrontal cortex of male and female mice (as has been reported in rats). To understand functional consequences, we locally ablated neuronal β1-integrins, cell adhesion receptors that adhere cells to the extracellular matrix and thus support dendritic spine stability. Degradation of β1-integrin tone: (1) caused dendritic spine loss, (2) exaggerated cocaine-seeking responses in a cue-induced reinstatement test, and (3) impaired the ability of mice to integrate new learning into familiar routines, a key function of the orbitofrontal cortex. Stimulating Abl-related gene kinase, overexpressing Proline-rich tyrosine kinase, and inhibiting Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinase corrected response strategies, uncovering a β1-integrin-mediated signaling axis that controls orbitofrontal cortical function. Finally, use of a combinatorial gene silencing/chemogenetic strategy revealed that β1-integrins support the ability of mice to integrate new information into established behaviors by sustaining orbitofrontal cortical connections with the basolateral amygdala.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Cocaine degenerates dendritic spines in the orbitofrontal cortex, a region of the brain involved in interlacing new information into established behaviors. One challenge has been verifying links between cellular structural stability and behavior, if any. In this second of two related investigations, we study integrin family receptors, which adhere cells to the extracellular matrix and thereby stabilize dendritic spines (see also DePoy et al., 2019). We reveal that β1-integrins in the orbitofrontal cortex control food- and cocaine-seeking behaviors. For instance, β1-integrin loss amplifies cocaine-seeking behavior and impairs the ability of mice to integrate new learning into familiar routines. We identify likely intracellular signaling partners by which β1-integrins support orbitofrontal cortical function and connectivity with the basolateral amygdala.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alonzo J Whyte
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
| | - Gracy Trinoskey-Rice
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
| | - Rachel A Davies
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
| | - Ellen P Woon
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
| | - Stephanie L Foster
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
| | - Lauren P Shapiro
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Systems Pharmacology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
| | - Dan C Li
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
| | | | - Hava Gil-Henn
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Shannon L Gourley
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Systems Pharmacology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia 30329
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5
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Abstract
Stressor exposure causes dendritic remodeling on excitatory neurons in multiple regions of the brain, including the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Additionally, stressor and exogenous stress hormone exposure impair cognitive functions that are dependent on the OFC. For this Special Issue on the OFC, we summarize current literature regarding how stress-prenatal, postnatal, and even inter-generational-affects OFC neuron structure in rodents. We discuss dendrite structure, dendritic spines, and gene expression. We aim to provide a focused resource for those interested in how stressors impact this heterogeneous brain region. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle K. Sequeira
- Graduate Training Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta GA 30329
| | - Shannon L. Gourley
- Graduate Training Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta GA 30329
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6
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Govindan S, Batti L, Osterop SF, Stoppini L, Roux A. Mass Generation, Neuron Labeling, and 3D Imaging of Minibrains. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 8:582650. [PMID: 33598450 PMCID: PMC7883898 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.582650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Minibrain is a 3D brain in vitro spheroid model, composed of a mixed population of neurons and glial cells, generated from human iPSC derived neural stem cells. Despite the advances in human 3D in vitro models such as aggregates, spheroids and organoids, there is a lack of labeling and imaging methodologies to characterize these models. In this study, we present a step-by-step methodology to generate human minibrain nurseries and novel strategies to subsequently label projection neurons, perform immunohistochemistry and 3D imaging of the minibrains at large multiplexable scales. To visualize projection neurons, we adapt viral transduction and to visualize the organization of cell types we implement immunohistochemistry. To facilitate 3D imaging of minibrains, we present here pipelines and accessories for one step mounting and clearing suitable for confocal microscopy. The pipelines are specifically designed in such a way that the assays can be multiplexed with ease for large-scale screenings using minibrains and other organoid models. Using the pipeline, we present (i) dendrite morphometric properties obtained from 3D neuron morphology reconstructions, (ii) diversity in neuron morphology, and (iii) quantified distribution of progenitors and POU3F2 positive neurons in human minibrains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subashika Govindan
- Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Haute école du paysage, d'ingénierie et d'architecture de Genève, Haute école spécialisée de Suisse occidentale (HEPIA HES-SO), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Geneva, Switzerland.,ARIMA Lifesciences PVT Ltd., Chennai, India
| | - Laura Batti
- Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Luc Stoppini
- Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Haute école du paysage, d'ingénierie et d'architecture de Genève, Haute école spécialisée de Suisse occidentale (HEPIA HES-SO), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Geneva, Switzerland.,Swiss Center for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Bern, Switzerland
| | - Adrien Roux
- Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Haute école du paysage, d'ingénierie et d'architecture de Genève, Haute école spécialisée de Suisse occidentale (HEPIA HES-SO), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Geneva, Switzerland.,Swiss Center for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Bern, Switzerland
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7
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Shields CN, Gremel CM. Review of Orbitofrontal Cortex in Alcohol Dependence: A Disrupted Cognitive Map? Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2020; 44:1952-1964. [PMID: 32852095 PMCID: PMC8261866 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Alcoholism is a persistent worldwide problem associated with long-lasting impairments to decision making processes. Some aspects of dysfunction are thought to reflect alcohol-induced changes to relevant brain areas such as the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). In this review, we will examine how chronic alcohol exposure alters OFC function to potentially contribute to maladaptive decision making, and explore experimental behavioral approaches that may be better suited to test whether alcohol dependence disrupts OFC's function. We argue that although past works suggest impairments in aspects of OFC function, more information may be gained by specifically targeting tasks to the broader function of OFC as put forth by the recent hypothesis of OFC as a "cognitive map" of task space. Overall, we suggest that such a focus could provide a better understanding of how OFC function changes in alcohol dependence, and could inform better assessment tools and treatment options for clinicians working with this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe N. Shields
- Department of Psychology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Christina M. Gremel
- Department of Psychology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- The Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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8
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Areal LB, Blakely RD. Neurobehavioral changes arising from early life dopamine signaling perturbations. Neurochem Int 2020; 137:104747. [PMID: 32325191 PMCID: PMC7261509 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) signaling is critical to the modulation of multiple brain functions including locomotion, reinforcement, attention and cognition. The literature provides strong evidence that altered DA availability and actions can impact normal neurodevelopment, with both early and enduring consequences on anatomy, physiology and behavior. An appreciation for the developmental contributions of DA signaling to brain development is needed to guide efforts to preclude and remedy neurobehavioral disorders, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, addiction, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder, each of which exhibits links to DA via genetic, cellular and/or pharmacological findings. In this review, we highlight research pursued in preclinical models that use genetic and pharmacological approaches to manipulate DA signaling at sensitive developmental stages, leading to changes at molecular, circuit and/or behavioral levels. We discuss how these alterations can be aligned with traits displayed by neuropsychiatric diseases. Lastly, we review human studies that evaluate contributions of developmental perturbations of DA systems to increased risk for neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena B Areal
- Department of Biomedical Science, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Randy D Blakely
- Department of Biomedical Science, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA; Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA.
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9
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Caffino L, Mottarlini F, Mingardi J, Zita G, Barbon A, Fumagalli F. Anhedonic-like behavior and BDNF dysregulation following a single injection of cocaine during adolescence. Neuropharmacology 2020; 175:108161. [PMID: 32585251 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that a single exposure to cocaine during adolescence causes several behavioural and neurobiological changes, highlighting the unique vulnerability of this period of life. The purpose of our work was to investigate whether a single exposure to cocaine during brain development is sufficient to shape a negative emotional state in adolescent rats. A single injection of cocaine during adolescence followed by measurement of sucrose consumption, a measure of anhedonia, identifies two separate groups of rats, i.e. anhedonic (AN) and non anhedonic (NON-AN) rats. AN rats show reduced ability to synthesize, traffic and translate the neurotrophin BDNF at synaptic level, reduced activation of hippocampal BDNF signaling, reduced BDNF plasma levels and a steep rise of corticosterone secretion. Conversely, NON-AN rats exhibit reduced trafficking of BDNF while up-regulating hippocampal BDNF synthesis and stabilizing its downstream signaling with no changes of BDNF and corticosterone plasma levels. Adult rats exposed to cocaine showed no signs of anhedonia, an increase of BDNF both in hippocampus and plasma and decreased levels of corticosterone. In conclusion, our findings reveal a complex central and peripheral dysregulation of BDNF-related mechanisms that instead are preserved in NON-AN rats, suggesting that BDNF modulation dictates behavioural vulnerability vs. resiliency to cocaine-induced anhedonia, a profile uniquely restricted to adolescent rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Caffino
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Mottarlini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Jessica Mingardi
- Biology and Genetic Division, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Gianmaria Zita
- Dipartimento di Salute Mentale e Dipendenze, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Barbon
- Biology and Genetic Division, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milano, Italy.
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10
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Woon EP, Sequeira MK, Barbee BR, Gourley SL. Involvement of the rodent prelimbic and medial orbitofrontal cortices in goal-directed action: A brief review. J Neurosci Res 2020; 98:1020-1030. [PMID: 31820488 PMCID: PMC7392403 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Goal-directed action refers to selecting behaviors based on the expectation that they will be reinforced with desirable outcomes. It is typically conceptualized as opposing habit-based behaviors, which are instead supported by stimulus-response associations and insensitive to consequences. The prelimbic prefrontal cortex (PL) is positioned along the medial wall of the rodent prefrontal cortex. It is indispensable for action-outcome-driven (goal-directed) behavior, consolidating action-outcome relationships and linking contextual information with instrumental behavior. In this brief review, we will discuss the growing list of molecular factors involved in PL function. Ventral to the PL is the medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC). We will also summarize emerging evidence from rodents (complementing existing literature describing humans) that it too is involved in action-outcome conditioning. We describe experiments using procedures that quantify responding based on reward value, the likelihood of reinforcement, or effort requirements, touching also on experiments assessing food consumption more generally. We synthesize these findings with the argument that the mOFC is essential to goal-directed action when outcome value information is not immediately observable and must be recalled and inferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen P. Woon
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Translational and Social Neuroscience
| | - Michelle K. Sequeira
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Translational and Social Neuroscience
| | - Britton R. Barbee
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Translational and Social Neuroscience
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Systems Pharmacology Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Shannon L. Gourley
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Translational and Social Neuroscience
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Systems Pharmacology Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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11
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Salmanzadeh H, Ahmadi-Soleimani SM, Pachenari N, Azadi M, Halliwell RF, Rubino T, Azizi H. Adolescent drug exposure: A review of evidence for the development of persistent changes in brain function. Brain Res Bull 2020; 156:105-117. [PMID: 31926303 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2020.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, many studies have indicated that adolescence is a critical period of brain development and maturation. The refinement and maturation of the central nervous system over this prolonged period, however, makes the adolescent brain highly susceptible to perturbations from acute and chronic drug exposure. Here we review the preclinical literature addressing the long-term consequences of adolescent exposure to common recreational drugs and drugs-of-abuse. These studies on adolescent exposure to alcohol, nicotine, opioids, cannabinoids and psychostimulant drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamine, reveal a variety of long-lasting behavioral and neurobiological consequences. These agents can affect development of the prefrontal cortex and mesolimbic dopamine pathways and modify the reward systems, socio-emotional processing and cognition. Other consequences include disruption in working memory, anxiety disorders and an increased risk of subsequent drug abuse in adult life. Although preventive and control policies are a valuable approach to reduce the detrimental effects of drugs-of-abuse on the adolescent brain, a more profound understanding of their neurobiological impact can lead to improved strategies for the treatment and attenuation of the detrimental neuropsychiatric sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Salmanzadeh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran; TJ Long School of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, USA
| | | | - Narges Pachenari
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Azadi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Robert F Halliwell
- TJ Long School of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, USA
| | - Tiziana Rubino
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, VA, Italy
| | - Hossein Azizi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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12
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Pitts EG, Barfield ET, Woon EP, Gourley SL. Action-Outcome Expectancies Require Orbitofrontal Neurotrophin Systems in Naïve and Cocaine-Exposed Mice. Neurotherapeutics 2020; 17:165-177. [PMID: 31218603 PMCID: PMC7007486 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-019-00752-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cocaine use during adolescence decreases the likelihood that individuals will seek treatment for recurrent drug use. In rodents, developmental cocaine exposure weakens action-consequence decision-making, causing a deferral to familiar, habit-like behavioral response strategies. Here, we aimed to improve action-outcome decision-making. We found that acute pharmacological stimulation of the tyrosine/tropomyosin receptor kinase B (trkB) via 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) blocked cocaine-induced habit biases by strengthening memory for action-outcome associations. We believe that MDMA acts by stimulating neurotrophin/trkB systems in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), a region involved in prospectively evaluating the consequences of one's action, because 1) MDMA also increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the OFC, 2) MDMA corrected habit biases due to Bdnf loss in the OFC, and 3) overexpression of a truncated isoform of trkB occluded the memory-enhancing effects of MDMA. Thus, selecting actions based on their consequences requires BDNF-trkB in the OFC, the stimulation of which may improve goal attainment in both drug-naïve and cocaine-exposed individuals. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Cocaine use during adolescence decreases the likelihood that individuals will seek treatment for recurrent drug use, even as adults. Understanding how early-life cocaine exposure impacts goal-oriented action and prospective decision-making in adulthood is thus important. One key aspect of goal-directed decision-making is anticipating the consequences of one's actions, a process that likely involves the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). In rodents, developmental cocaine exposure weakens action-consequence decision-making, causing a deferral to familiar, habit-like behavioral response strategies. Here, we report that we can improve memory for action-consequence relationships by stimulating neurotrophic factors, which support cell survival, development, and plasticity in the brain. With strengthened action-consequence associations, cocaine-exposed mice regain the ability to optimally select actions based on their likely outcomes. Brain region-selective manipulations reveal that neurotrophin systems in the OFC are necessary for stable memory of action-consequence relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G Pitts
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Elizabeth T Barfield
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Ellen P Woon
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Shannon L Gourley
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Systems Pharmacology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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13
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Caffino L, Verheij MM, Que L, Guo C, Homberg JR, Fumagalli F. Increased cocaine self-administration in rats lacking the serotonin transporter: a role for glutamatergic signaling in the habenula. Addict Biol 2019; 24:1167-1178. [PMID: 30144237 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) and the habenula (Hb) contribute to motivational and emotional states such as depression and drug abuse. The dorsal raphe nucleus, where 5-HT neurons originate, and the Hb are anatomically and reciprocally interconnected. Evidence exists that 5-HT influences Hb glutamatergic transmission. Using serotonin transporter knockout (SERT-/- ) rats, which show depression-like behavior and increased cocaine intake, we investigated the effect of SERT reduction on expression of genes involved in glutamate neurotransmission under both baseline conditions as well as after short-access or long-access cocaine (ShA and LgA, respectively) intake. In cocaine-naïve animals, SERT removal led to reduced baseline Hb mRNA levels of critical determinants of glutamate transmission, such as SLC1A2, the main glutamate transporter and N-methyl-D-aspartate (Grin1, Grin2A and Grin2B) as well as α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (Gria1 and Gria2) receptor subunits, with no changes in the scaffolding protein Dlg4. In response to ShA and LgA cocaine intake, SLC1A2 and Grin1 mRNA levels decreased in SERT+/+ rats to levels equal of those of SERT-/- rats. Our data reveal that increased extracellular levels of 5-HT modulate glutamate neurotransmission in the Hb, serving as critical neurobiological substrate for vulnerability to cocaine addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Caffino
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular SciencesUniversità degli Studi di Milano Italy
| | - Michel M.M. Verheij
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, division of Molecular Neurogenetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and BehaviourRadboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular Animal Physiology, Nijmegen Center for Molecular Life SciencesRadboud University Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Lin Que
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, division of Molecular Neurogenetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and BehaviourRadboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre The Netherlands
| | - Chao Guo
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, division of Molecular Neurogenetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and BehaviourRadboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre The Netherlands
| | - Judith R. Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, division of Molecular Neurogenetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and BehaviourRadboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre The Netherlands
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular SciencesUniversità degli Studi di Milano Italy
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14
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Caputi FF, Caffino L, Candeletti S, Fumagalli F, Romualdi P. Short-term withdrawal from repeated exposure to cocaine during adolescence modulates dynorphin mRNA levels and BDNF signaling in the rat nucleus accumbens. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 197:127-133. [PMID: 30818133 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early-life stressful events affect the neurobiological maturation of cerebral circuitries including the endogenous opioid system and the effects elicited by adolescent cocaine exposure on this system have been poorly investigated. Here, we evaluated whether cocaine exposure during adolescence causes short- or long-term alterations in mRNAs codifying for selected elements belonging to the opioid system. Moreover, since brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may undergo simultaneous alterations with the opioid peptide dynorphin, we also evaluated its signaling pathway as well. METHODS Adolescent male rats were exposed to cocaine (20 mg/kg/day) from post-natal day (PND) 28 to PND42, approximately corresponding to human adolescence. After short- (PND45) or long-term (PND90) abstinence, prodynorphin-κ-opioid receptor (pDYN-KOP) and pronociceptin-nociceptin receptor (pN/OFQ-NOP) gene expression were evaluated in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and hippocampus (Hip) together with the analysis of BDNF signaling pathways. RESULTS In the NAc of PND45 rats, pDYN mRNA levels were up-regulated, an effect paralled by increased BDNF signaling. Differently from NAc, pDYN mRNA levels were down-regulated in the Hip of PND45 rats without significant changes of BDNF pathway. At variance from PND45 rats, we did not find any significant alteration of the investigated parameters either in NAc and Hip of PND90 rats. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that the short-term withdrawal from adolescent cocaine exposure is characterized by a parallel pDYN mRNA and BDNF signaling increase in the NAc. Given the depressive-like state experienced during short abstinence in humans, we hypothesize that such changes may contribute to promote the risk of cocaine abuse escalation and relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucia Caffino
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
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Caffino L, Messa G, Fumagalli F. A single cocaine administration alters dendritic spine morphology and impairs glutamate receptor synaptic retention in the medial prefrontal cortex of adolescent rats. Neuropharmacology 2018; 140:209-216. [PMID: 30092246 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The brain is still maturing during adolescence and interfering with such a vulnerable period may lead to structural and functional consequences. We investigated the effect of a single cocaine exposure on dendritic spine structure and glutamate dynamics in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of adolescent rats 7 days after a single cocaine administration. We found a reduced number of dendritic spines, suggesting that cocaine lowers the density of dendritic spines in the mPFC of adolescent rats. Since dendritic spines are postsynaptic glutamatergic protrusions, we investigated the main determinants of glutamate postsynaptic responsiveness. In the postsynaptic density, cocaine reduced the expression of the NMDA receptor subunits GluN1, GluN2A and GluN2B as well as of the AMPA GluA1 and GluA2 subunits. Cocaine also impaired their synaptic stability since the expression of the scaffolding proteins SAP102 and SAP97, critical for the anchoring of such receptors at the postsynaptic membrane, was reduced as well. The expression of PSD-95 and Arc/Arg3.1, which play structural and functional roles in glutamate neurons, was also similarly reduced. Such changes were not found in the whole homogenate, ruling out a translational effect of cocaine and implying, rather, an impaired synaptic retention at the active zones of the synapse. Notably, neither these critical glutamate determinants nor the density and morphology of the dendritic spines were altered in the mPFC of adult animals, suggesting that a single cocaine exposure selectively impairs the developmental trajectory of the glutamate synapse. These results indicate a dynamic impairment of mPFC glutamate homeostasis during a critical developmental window that persists for at least one week after a single cocaine administration. Our results identify dysfunctional glutamate synapse as a major contributor to the mechanisms that distinguish adolescent vs. adult outcomes of a single cocaine exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Caffino
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Messa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milano, Italy.
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16
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Ahmed SH. Individual decision-making in the causal pathway to addiction: contributions and limitations of rodent models. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2018; 164:22-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2017.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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17
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Adolescent cocaine exposure induces prolonged synaptic modifications in medial prefrontal cortex of adult rats. Brain Struct Funct 2017; 223:1829-1838. [PMID: 29247260 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-017-1590-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Substance used during adolescent period increases the risk of psychiatric disorders in later life, but the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. We hypothesize that synaptic remodeling and changes of homeostasis in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) following adolescent cocaine exposure may last for a long time, and these modifications may contribute to behavioral deficiencies in adulthood. To address this hypothesis, rats were exposed to cocaine hydrochloride from postnatal day 28 (P28) to P42. When reared to adulthood, rats were subjected to behavioral tests. On P75 and P76, cocaine-experienced rats exhibited increased locomotive and anxiety-like behaviors, as well as impaired non-selective attention. In the cocaine-experienced rats, both levels of synapse-related proteins (synapsin I and PSD-95) and density of synapse and dendrite spine in mPFC were significantly decreased when compared to controls. Unexpected, the expression of molecules related to oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis showed no significant changes in mPFC following adolescent cocaine exposure. These findings suggested that adolescent exposure to cocaine induce long-term modification on synapses in mPFC, which might contribute to long-term behavioral outcomes in adulthood.
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18
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Barfield ET, Gourley SL. Adolescent Corticosterone and TrkB Pharmaco-Manipulations Sex-Dependently Impact Instrumental Reversal Learning Later in Life. Front Behav Neurosci 2017; 11:237. [PMID: 29270114 PMCID: PMC5725412 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2017.00237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Early-life trauma can increase the risk for, and severity of, several psychiatric illnesses. These include drug use disorders, and some correlations appear to be stronger in women. Understanding the long-term consequences of developmental stressor or stress hormone exposure and possible sex differences is critically important. So-called “reversal learning” tasks are commonly used in rodents to model cognitive deficits in stress- and addiction-related illnesses in humans. Here, we exposed mice to the primary stress hormone corticosterone (CORT) during early adolescence (postnatal days 31–42), then tested behavioral flexibility in adulthood using an instrumental reversal learning task. CORT-exposed female, but not male, mice developed perseverative errors. Despite resilience to subchronic CORT exposure, males developed reversal performance impairments following exposure to physical stressors. Administration of a putative tyrosine kinase receptor B (trkB) agonist, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF), during adolescence blocked CORT-induced errors in females and improved performance in males. Conversely, blockade of trkB by ANA-12 impaired performance. These data suggest that trkB-based interventions could have certain protective benefits in the context of early-life stressor exposure. We consider the implications of our findings in an extended “Discussion” section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth T Barfield
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Shannon L Gourley
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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19
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DePoy LM, Zimmermann KS, Marvar PJ, Gourley SL. Induction and Blockade of Adolescent Cocaine-Induced Habits. Biol Psychiatry 2017; 81:595-605. [PMID: 27871669 PMCID: PMC5359769 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cocaine use during adolescence increases vulnerability to drug dependence and decreases the likelihood that individuals will seek treatment as adults. Understanding how early-life cocaine exposure influences decision-making processes in adulthood is thus critically important. METHODS Adolescent or adult mice were exposed to subchronic cocaine, then behavioral sensitivity to changes in the predictive relationship between actions and their consequences was tested. Dendritic spines on the principal pyramidal neurons of the orbitofrontal prefrontal cortex (oPFC) were also imaged and enumerated. To determine whether cytoskeletal regulatory systems in the oPFC influenced decision-making strategies, we then inhibited the activity of Abl family and Rho kinases as well as NR2B-containing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. We also attempted to block the reinstatement of cocaine seeking in cocaine self-administering mice. RESULTS Adult mice with a history of subchronic cocaine exposure in adolescence engaged habit-based response strategies at the expense of goal-directed decision-making strategies and had fewer dendritic spines in the oPFC. Inhibition of the cytoskeletal regulatory Abl family kinases in the oPFC recapitulated these neurobehavioral deficiencies, whereas Rho kinase inhibition corrected response strategies. Additionally, the NR2B-selective N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists ifenprodil and CP-101,606 blocked cocaine-induced habits; this was dependent on Abl family signaling in the oPFC. Ifenprodil also mitigated cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking in mice self-administering cocaine. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that adolescent cocaine exposure confers a bias toward habit-based behavior in adulthood via long-term cellular structural modifications in the oPFC. Treatments aimed at mitigating the durable consequences of early-life cocaine use may benefit from targeting cytoskeletal regulatory systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. DePoy
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine,Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University
| | - Kelsey S. Zimmermann
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine,Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University
| | - Paul J. Marvar
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, GW Institute for Neuroscience, The George Washington University
| | - Shannon L. Gourley
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine,Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University,Contact: Shannon L. Gourley, PhD, Department of Pediatrics
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta GA 30329, 404-727-2482,
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20
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DePoy LM, Allen AG, Gourley SL. Adolescent cocaine self-administration induces habit behavior in adulthood: sex differences and structural consequences. Transl Psychiatry 2016; 6:e875. [PMID: 27576164 PMCID: PMC5022090 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2016.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Revised: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescent cocaine use increases the likelihood of drug abuse and addiction in adulthood, and etiological factors may include a cocaine-induced bias towards so-called 'reward-seeking' habits. To determine whether adolescent cocaine exposure indeed impacts decision-making strategies in adulthood, we trained adolescent mice to orally self-administer cocaine. In adulthood, males with a history of escalating self-administration developed a bias towards habit-based behaviors. In contrast, escalating females did not develop habit biases; rather, low response rates were associated with later behavioral inflexibility, independent of cocaine dose. We focused the rest of our report on understanding how individual differences in young-adolescent females predicted long-term behavioral outcomes. Low, 'stable' cocaine-reinforced response rates during adolescence were associated with cocaine-conditioned object preference and enlarged dendritic spine head size in the medial (prelimbic) prefrontal cortex in adulthood. Meanwhile, cocaine resilience was associated with enlarged spine heads in deep-layer orbitofrontal cortex. Re-exposure to the cocaine-associated context in adulthood energized responding in 'stable responders', which could then be reduced by the GABAB agonist baclofen and the putative tyrosine receptor kinase B (trkB) agonist, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone. Together, our findings highlight resilience to cocaine-induced habits in females relative to males when intake escalates. However, failures in instrumental conditioning in adolescent females may precipitate reward-seeking behaviors in adulthood, particularly in the context of cocaine exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M DePoy
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - A G Allen
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - S L Gourley
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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21
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Pitts EG, Taylor JR, Gourley SL. Prefrontal cortical BDNF: A regulatory key in cocaine- and food-reinforced behaviors. Neurobiol Dis 2016; 91:326-35. [PMID: 26923993 PMCID: PMC4913044 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 02/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) affects synaptic plasticity and neural structure and plays key roles in learning and memory processes. Recent evidence also points to important, yet complex, roles for BDNF in rodent models of cocaine abuse and addiction. Here we examine the role of prefrontal cortical (PFC) BDNF in reward-related decision making and behavioral sensitivity to, and responding for, cocaine. We focus on BDNF within the medial and orbital PFC, its regulation by cocaine during early postnatal development and in adulthood, and how BDNF in turn influences responding for drug reinforcement, including in reinstatement models. When relevant, we draw comparisons and contrasts with experiments using natural (food) reinforcers. We also summarize findings supporting, or refuting, the possibility that BDNF in the medial and orbital PFC regulate the development and maintenance of stimulus-response habits. Further investigation could assist in the development of novel treatment approaches for cocaine use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G Pitts
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Jane R Taylor
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States; Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Shannon L Gourley
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.
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22
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DePoy LM, Gourley SL. Synaptic Cytoskeletal Plasticity in the Prefrontal Cortex Following Psychostimulant Exposure. Traffic 2015; 16:919-40. [PMID: 25951902 DOI: 10.1111/tra.12295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Revised: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Addiction is characterized by maladaptive decision-making, a loss of control over drug consumption and habit-like drug seeking despite adverse consequences. These cognitive changes may reflect the effects of drugs of abuse on prefrontal cortical neurobiology. Here, we review evidence that amphetamine and cocaine fundamentally remodel the structure of excitatory neurons in the prefrontal cortex. We summarize evidence in particular that these psychostimulants have opposing effects in the medial and orbital prefrontal cortices ('mPFC' and 'oPFC', respectively). For example, amphetamine and cocaine increase dendrite length and spine density in the mPFC, while dendrites are impoverished and dendritic spines are eliminated in the oPFC. We will discuss evidence that certain cytoskeletal regulatory proteins expressed in the oPFC and implicated in postnatal (adolescent) neural development also regulate behavioral sensitivity to cocaine. These findings potentially open a window of opportunity for the identification of novel pharmacotherapeutic targets in the treatment of drug abuse disorders in adults, as well as in drug-vulnerable adolescent populations. Finally, we will discuss the behavioral implications of drug-related dendritic spine elimination in the oPFC, with regard to reversal learning tasks and tasks that assess the development of reward-seeking habits, both used to model aspects of addiction in rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M DePoy
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Shannon L Gourley
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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23
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Olive MF, Gass JT. Editorial: structural plasticity induced by drugs of abuse. Front Pharmacol 2015; 6:88. [PMID: 26029104 PMCID: PMC4432576 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M Foster Olive
- Behavioral Neuroscience Area, Department of Psychology, Arizona State University Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Justin T Gass
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, SC, USA
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