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De Oliveira Sergio T, Darevsky D, Kellner J, de Paula Soares V, de Cassia Albino M, Maulucci D, Wean S, Hopf FW. Sex- and estrous-related response patterns for alcohol depend critically on the level of compulsion-like challenge. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 133:111008. [PMID: 38641236 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder is a substantial social and economic burden. During the last years, the number of women with drinking problems has been increasing, and one main concern is that they are particularly more vulnerable to negative consequences of alcohol. However, little is known about female-specific response patterns for alcohol, and potential underlying differences in brain mechanisms, including for compulsion-like alcohol drinking (when intake persists despite adverse consequences). We used lickometry to assess behavioral microstructure in adult Wistar male and female rats (n = 28-30) during alcohol-only drinking or moderate- or higher-challenge alcohol compulsion (10 or 60 mg/l quinine in alcohol, respectively). Estrous stages were determined and related to drinking levels and patterns of responding to alcohol, as was ovariectomy. Our findings showed that females (where we didn't determine estrus stage) had similar total licks in a session as males, but significantly longer licking bouts under alcohol-only and moderate-challenge, suggesting greater persistence. Further, greater intake under alcohol-only and moderate-challenge was related to faster licking in males, while female consumption was not related to licking speed. Thus, females could have increased persistence without greater vigor, unlike males. However, under higher-challenge, faster licking did predict higher intake in females, similar to males. To better understand female higher-challenge responding, we examined drinking in relation to phases of the estrous cycle. Higher-challenge had longer bouts only in late diestrus. In addition, ovariectomy led to longer bouts only under higher-challenge, suggesting that conditions with reduced hormone levels could increase female persistence for alcohol under higher-challenge. However, ovariectomy also reduced alcohol-only and moderate-challenge drinking but did not reduce bout length. Thus, intake level and response strategy could be regulated somewhat differently by ovarian hormones. Finally, moderate-challenge licking speed was less variable during early diestrus, and we previously showed more stereotyped responding specifically under moderate-challenge in males. By combining behavioral microstructure and sex- and estrus-related changes in drinking patterns, our results suggest that females have greater persistence for alcohol under lower-challenge drinking, while late diestrus and ovariectomy unmasked greater persistence under higher-challenge. Together, our novel insights could help develop more effective and personalized treatments for problematic alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thatiane De Oliveira Sergio
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSOM), Indianapolis, IN, USA; Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, IUSOM, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - David Darevsky
- University of California at Berkeley-UCSF Graduate Program in Bioengineering, USA; UCSF Medical Scientist Training Program, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jacob Kellner
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSOM), Indianapolis, IN, USA; Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, IUSOM, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Vanessa de Paula Soares
- Laboratory of Psychopharmacology, Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Maryelle de Cassia Albino
- Laboratory of Psychopharmacology, Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Danielle Maulucci
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSOM), Indianapolis, IN, USA; Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, IUSOM, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Sarah Wean
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSOM), Indianapolis, IN, USA; Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, IUSOM, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Frederic W Hopf
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSOM), Indianapolis, IN, USA; Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, IUSOM, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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2
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De Oliveira Sergio T, Jane Smith R, Wean SE, Engleman EA, Hopf FW. Greater inhibition of female rat binge alcohol intake by adrenergic receptor blockers using a novel Two-Shot rat binge drinking model. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14029. [PMID: 38890353 PMCID: PMC11189554 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64565-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Binge drinking (BD) contributes strongly to the harms of alcohol use disorder. Most rodent models do not result in binge-level blood alcohol concentrations (BACs), and to better understand individual and sex differences in neurobiological mechanisms related to BD, the use of outbred rat strains would be valuable. Here, we developed a novel BD model where after 3+ months of intermittent access to 20% alcohol Wistar rats drank, twice a week, with two 5-min intake (what we called Two-shot) separated by a 10-min break. Our findings showed during Two-Shot that most animals reached ≥ 80 mg% BAC levels (when briefly food-restricted). However, when increasing alcohol concentrations from 20 to 30%, 40%, or 50%, rats titrated to similar intake levels, suggesting rapid sensing of alcohol effects even when front-loading. Two-Shot drinking was reduced in both sexes by naltrexone (1 mg/kg), validating intake suppression by a clinical therapeutic agent for human problem drinking. Further, both propranolol (β-adrenergic receptor antagonist) and prazosin (α1-adrenergic receptor antagonist) reduced female but not male BD at the lower dose. Thus, our results provide a novel model for BD in outbred rats and suggest that female binging is more sensitive to adrenergic modulation than males, perhaps providing a novel sex-related therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thatiane De Oliveira Sergio
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, 320 W. 15th Street, NB 300E, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Rebecca Jane Smith
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, 320 W. 15th Street, NB 300E, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Sarah E Wean
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, 320 W. 15th Street, NB 300E, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Eric A Engleman
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, 320 W. 15th Street, NB 300E, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Frederic W Hopf
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, 320 W. 15th Street, NB 300E, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
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Sedhom S, Hammond N, Thanos KZ, Blum K, Elman I, Bowirrat A, Dennen CA, Thanos PK. Potential Link Between Exercise and N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Glutamate Receptors in Alcohol Use Disorder: Implications for Therapeutic Strategies. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2024; 17:2363-2376. [PMID: 38895648 PMCID: PMC11185169 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s462403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a significant risk factor, accounting for approximately 13% of all deaths in the US. AUD not only destroys families but also causes economic losses due to reduced productivity, absenteeism, and healthcare expenses. Statistics revealing the sustained number of individuals affected by AUD over the years underscore the need for further understanding of the underlying pathophysiology to advance novel therapeutic strategies. Previous research has implicated the limbic brain regions N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptors (NMDAR) in the emotional and behavioral effects of AUD. Given that aerobic exercise can modulate NMDAR activity and sensitivity to alcohol, this review presents a summary of clinical and basic science studies on NMDAR levels induced by alcohol consumption, as well as acute and protracted withdrawal, highlighting the potential role of aerobic exercise as an adjunctive therapy for AUD. Based on our findings, the utility of exercise in the modulation of reward-linked receptors and AUD may be mediated by its effects on NMDA signaling. These data support further consideration of the potential of aerobic exercise as a promising adjunctive therapy for AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Sedhom
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Nikki Hammond
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Kyriaki Z Thanos
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Kenneth Blum
- Division of Addiction Research & Education, Center for Sports, Exercise & Global Mental Health, Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Igor Elman
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard School of Medicine, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Abdalla Bowirrat
- Department of Molecular Biology and Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | | | - Panayotis K Thanos
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
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4
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Maddern XJ, Walker LC, Anversa RG, Lawrence AJ, Campbell EJ. Understanding sex differences and the translational value of models of persistent substance use despite negative consequences. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2024; 213:107944. [PMID: 38825163 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2024.107944] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Persistent substance use despite negative consequences is a key facet of substance use disorder. The last decade has seen the preclinical field adopt the use of punishment to model adverse consequences associated with substance use. This has largely involved the pairing of drug use with either electric foot shock or quinine, a bitter tastant. Whilst at face value, these punishers may model aspects of the physical and psychological consequences of substance use, such models are yet to assist the development of approved medications for treatment. This review discusses progress made with animal models of punishment to understand the behavioral consequences of persistent substance use despite negative consequences. We highlight the importance of examining sex differences, especially when the behavioral response to punishment changes following drug exposure. Finally, we critique the translational value these models provide for the substance use disorder field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier J Maddern
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Leigh C Walker
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Roberta G Anversa
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia; Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Erin J Campbell
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Brain Neuromodulation Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
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5
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Sergio TDO, Smith RJ, Wean SE, Engleman EA, Hopf FW. Greater inhibition of female rat binge alcohol intake by adrenergic receptor blockers using a novel Two-Shot rat binge drinking model. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4402198. [PMID: 38853968 PMCID: PMC11160926 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4402198/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Binge drinking (BD) contributes strongly to the harms of alcohol use disorder. Most rodent models do not result in binge-level blood alcohol concentrations (BACs), and to better understand individual and sex differences in neurobiological mechanisms related to BD, the use of outbred rat strains would be valuable. Here, we developed a novel BD model where after 3+ months of intermittent access to 20% alcohol Wistar rats drank, twice a week, with two 5-minute intake (what we called Two-shot) separated by a 10-minute break. Our findings showed during Two-Shot that most animals reached ≥ 80mg% BAC levels (when briefly food-restricted). However, when increasing alcohol concentrations from 20% to 30%, 40%, or 50%, rats titrated to similar intake levels, suggesting rapid sensing of alcohol effects even when front-loading. Two-Shot drinking was reduced in both sexes by naltrexone (1mg/kg), validating intake suppression by a clinical therapeutic agent. Further, both propranolol (β adrenergic receptor antagonist) and prazosin (α1 adrenergic receptor antagonist) reduced female but not male BD at the lower dose. Thus, our results provide a novel model for BD in outbred rats and suggest that female binging is more sensitive to adrenergic modulation than males, perhaps providing a novel sex-related therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca Jane Smith
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Indianapolis IN
| | - Sarah E Wean
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Indianapolis IN
| | - Eric A Engleman
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Indianapolis IN
| | - Frederic W Hopf
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Indianapolis IN
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6
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Zaparte A, Dore E, White S, Paliarin F, Gabriel C, Copenhaver K, Basavanhalli S, Garcia E, Vaddavalli R, Luo M, Taylor CM, Welsh DA, Maiya R. Standard rodent diets differentially impact alcohol consumption, preference, and gut microbiome diversity. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1383181. [PMID: 38803684 PMCID: PMC11129685 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1383181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a complex and widespread disease with limited pharmacotherapies. Preclinical animal models of AUD use a variety of voluntary alcohol consumption procedures to recapitulate different phases of AUD, including binge alcohol consumption and dependence. However, voluntary alcohol consumption in mice is widely variable, making it difficult to reproduce results across labs. Accumulating evidence indicates that different brands of commercially available rodent chow can profoundly influence alcohol intake. In this study, we investigated the effects of three commercially available and widely used rodent diet formulations on alcohol consumption and preference in C57BL/6 J mice using the 24 h intermittent access procedure. The three brands of chow tested were LabDiet 5,001 (LD5001), LabDiet 5,053 (LD5053), and Teklad 2019S (TL2019S) from two companies (Research Diets and Envigo, respectively). Mice fed LD5001 and LD5053 displayed higher levels of alcohol consumption and preference compared to mice fed TL2019S. We also found that alcohol consumption and preference could be rapidly switched by changing the diet 48 h prior to alcohol administration. Sucrose, saccharin, and quinine preferences were not altered, suggesting that the diets did not alter sweet and bitter taste perception. We also found that mice fed LD5001 displayed increased quinine-resistant alcohol intake compared to mice fed TL2019S, suggesting that diets could influence the development of compulsive behaviors such as alcohol consumption. We profiled the gut microbiome of water- and alcohol-drinking mice that were maintained on different diets and found significant differences in bacterial alpha- and beta-diversities, which could impact the gut-brain axis signaling and alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Zaparte
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Evan Dore
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Selby White
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Franciely Paliarin
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Cameron Gabriel
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Katherine Copenhaver
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Samhita Basavanhalli
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Emily Garcia
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Rishith Vaddavalli
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Meng Luo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Christopher M. Taylor
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - David Allen Welsh
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Rajani Maiya
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
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7
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Frasier RM, Starski PA, de Oliveira Sergio T, Grippo AJ, Hopf FW. Sex differences in heart rate variability measures that predict alcohol drinking in rats. Addict Biol 2024; 29:e13387. [PMID: 38502109 PMCID: PMC11061848 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Problem alcohol drinking continues to be a substantial cost and burden. In addition, alcohol consumption in women has increased in recent decades, and women can have greater alcohol problems and comorbidities. Thus, there is a significant need for novel therapeutics to enhance sex-specific, individualized treatment. Heart rate (HR) and HR variability (HRV) are of broad interest because they may be both biomarkers for and drivers of pathological states. HRV reflects the dynamic balance between sympathetic (SNS, 'fight or flight') and parasympathetic (PNS, 'rest and digest') systems. Evidence from human studies suggest PNS predominance in women and SNS in men during autonomic regulation, indicating the possibility of sex differences in risk factors and physiological drivers of problem drinking. To better understand the association between HRV sex differences and alcohol drinking, we examined whether alcohol consumption levels correlated with time domain HRV measures (SDNN and rMSSD) at baseline, at alcohol drinking onset, and across 10 min of drinking, in adult female and male Wistar rats. In particular, we compared both HRV and HR measures under alcohol-only and compulsion-like conditions (alcohol + 10 mg/L quinine), because compulsion can often be a significant barrier to treatment of alcohol misuse. Importantly, previous work supports the possibility that different HRV measures could be interpreted to reflect PNS versus SNS influences. Here, we show that females with higher putative PNS indicators at baseline and at drinking onset had greater alcohol consumption. In contrast, male intake levels related to increased potential SNS measures at drinking onset. Once alcohol was consumed, HR predicted intake level in females, perhaps a pharmacological effect of alcohol. However, HRV changes were greater during compulsion-like intake versus alcohol-only, suggesting HRV changes (reduced SNS in females, reduced PNS and increased HR in males) specifically related to aversion-resistant intake. We find novel and likely clinically relevant autonomic differences associated with biological sex and alcohol drinking, suggesting that different autonomic mechanisms may promote differing aspects of female and male alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raizel M. Frasier
- Department of PsychiatryIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA
- Medical Scientist Training ProgramIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Phillip A. Starski
- Department of PsychiatryIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | | | - Angela J. Grippo
- Department of PsychologyNorthern Illinois UniversityDeKalbIllinoisUSA
| | - F. Woodward Hopf
- Department of PsychiatryIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA
- Stark Neurosciences Research InstituteIndiana UniversityIndianapolisIndianaUSA
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8
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Zaparte A, Dore E, White S, Paliarin F, Gabriel C, Copenhaver K, Basavanhalli S, Garcia E, Vaddavalli R, Luo M, Taylor CM, Welsh D, Maiya R. Standard rodent diets differentially impact alcohol consumption and preference and gut microbiome diversity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.06.579237. [PMID: 38370762 PMCID: PMC10871281 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.06.579237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a complex and widespread disease with limited pharmacotherapies. Preclinical animal models of AUD use a variety of voluntary alcohol consumption procedures to recapitulate different phases of AUD including binge alcohol consumption and dependence. However, voluntary alcohol consumption in mice is widely variable rendering it difficult to reproduce results across labs. Accumulating evidence indicates that different brands of commercially available rodent chow can profoundly influence alcohol intake. In this study, we investigated the effects of three commercially available and widely used rodent diet formulations on alcohol consumption and preference in C57BL/6J mice using the 24h intermittent access procedure. The three brands of chow tested were LabDiet 5001 (LD 5001), LabDiet 5053 (LD 5053), and Teklad 2019S (TL2019S) from two companies (Research Diets and Envigo respectively). Mice fed LD5001 displayed the highest levels of alcohol consumption and preference followed by LD5053 and TL2019S. We also found that alcohol consumption and preference could be rapidly switched by changing the diet 48h prior to alcohol administration. Sucrose, saccharin, and quinine preference were not altered suggesting that the diets did not alter taste perception. We also found that mice fed LD5001 displayed increased quinine-resistant alcohol intake compared to mice fed TL2019S, suggesting that diets could influence the development of "compulsive" like alcohol consumption. We profiled the gut microbiome of water and alcohol drinking mice that were maintained on different diets and found significant differences in bacterial alpha and beta diversity, which could impact gut-brain axis signaling and alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Zaparte
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans
| | - Evan Dore
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans
| | - Selby White
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans
| | - Franciely Paliarin
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans
| | - Cameron Gabriel
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans
| | - Katherine Copenhaver
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans
| | - Samhita Basavanhalli
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans
| | - Emily Garcia
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans
| | - Rishith Vaddavalli
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans
| | - Meng Luo
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans
| | - Christopher M Taylor
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans
| | - David Welsh
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans
| | - Rajani Maiya
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans
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Ortelli OA, Pitcairn SR, Dyson CH, Weiner JL. Sexually dimorphic effects of a modified adolescent social isolation paradigm on behavioral risk factors of alcohol use disorder in Long Evans Rats. ADDICTION NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 9:100134. [PMID: 38188062 PMCID: PMC10768969 DOI: 10.1016/j.addicn.2023.100134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Early life stress (ELS) is a major risk factor for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and comorbid neuropsychiatric conditions. We previously demonstrated that an adolescent social isolation (aSI) model of ELS significantly increased behavioral risk factors for these disorders (e.g. anxiety-like behaviors, alcohol drinking) in male, but not female rats. Since many neurodevelopmental milestones are accelerated in females, we investigated whether an earlier/shorter isolation window (PND 21-38) would yield comparable phenotypes in both sexes. In two experiments, Long Evans rats were socially isolated (SI) or group-housed (GH) on postnatal day (PND) 21 and locomotion was assessed in the open field test (OFT; PND 30). Experiment 1 also assessed behavior on the elevated plus-maze (EPM) (PND 32). In Experiment 2, all rats were single housed on PND 38 to assess home cage alcohol drinking. Experiment 1 revealed that SI females had increased locomotor activity in the OFT but did not differ from GH subjects on the EPM. The OFT results were replicated in both sexes in Experiment 2 and both male and female SI rats had significantly greater ethanol consumption during an eight day continuous access paradigm. In contrast, during subsequent intermittent two-bottle choice drinking, only SI females displayed greater ethanol intake and preference and increased consumption of a quinine-adulterated alcohol solution. These findings demonstrate that early life social isolation can promote AUD vulnerability-related phenotypes in female rats but that there are profound sex differences in the vulnerability window to this early life stressor. Uncovering the neural mechanisms responsible for these sexually dimorphic differences in sensitivity to ELS may shed light on the biological substrates associated with vulnerability to AUD and comorbid disorders of negative emotion in men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia A. Ortelli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Stacy R. Pitcairn
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Christina H. Dyson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Jeffrey L. Weiner
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
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10
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Frasier RM, De Oliveira Sergio T, Starski PA, Grippo AJ, Hopf FW. Heart rate variability measures indicating sex differences in autonomic regulation during anxiety-like behavior in rats. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1244389. [PMID: 38025424 PMCID: PMC10644002 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1244389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mental health conditions remain a substantial and costly challenge to society, especially in women since they have nearly twice the prevalence of anxiety disorders. However, critical mechanisms underlying sex differences remain incompletely understood. Measures of cardiac function, including heart rate (HR) and HR variability (HRV), reflect balance between sympathetic (SNS) and parasympathetic (PNS) systems and are potential biomarkers for pathological states. Methods To better understand sex differences in anxiety-related autonomic mechanisms, we examined HR/HRV telemetry in food-restricted adult rats during novelty suppression of feeding (NSF), with conflict between food under bright light in the arena center. To assess HRV, we calculated the SDNN (reflective of both SNS and PNS contribution) and rMSSD (reflective of PNS contribution) and compared these metrics to behaviors within the anxiety task. Results Females had greater HR and lower SNS indicators at baseline, as in humans. Further, females (but not males) with higher basal HR carried this state into NSF, delaying first approach to center. In contrast, males with lower SNS measures approached and spent more time in the brightly-lit center. Further, females with lower SNS indicators consumed significantly more food. In males, a high-SNS subpopulation consumed no food. Among consumers, males with greater SNS ate more food. Discussion Together, these are congruent with human findings suggesting women engage PNS more, and men SNS more. Our previous behavior-only work also observed female differences from males during initial movement and food intake. Thus, high basal SNS in females reduced behavior early in NSF, while subsequent reduced SNS allowed greater food intake. In males, lower SNS increased engagement with arena center, but greater SNS predicted higher consumption. Our findings show novel and likely clinically relevant sex differences in HRV-behavior relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raizel M. Frasier
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | | | - Phillip A. Starski
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Angela J. Grippo
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, United States
| | - F. Woodward Hopf
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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Timme NM, Ardinger CE, Weir SDC, Zelaya-Escobar R, Kruger R, Lapish CC. Non-Consummatory Behavior Signals Predict Aversion-Resistant Alcohol Drinking in Head-Fixed Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.20.545767. [PMID: 37873153 PMCID: PMC10592797 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.20.545767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
A key facet of alcohol use disorder is continuing to drink alcohol despite negative consequences (so called "aversion-resistant drinking"). In this study, we sought to assess the degree to which head-fixed mice exhibit aversion-resistant drinking and to leverage behavioral analysis techniques available in head-fixture to relate non-consummatory behaviors to aversion-resistant drinking. We assessed aversion-resistant drinking in head-fixed female and male C57BL/6J mice. We adulterated 20% (v/v) alcohol with varying concentrations of the bitter tastant quinine to measure the degree to which mice would continue to drink despite this aversive stimulus. We recorded high-resolution video of the mice during head-fixed drinking, tracked body parts with machine vision tools, and analyzed body movements in relation to consumption. Female and male head-fixed mice exhibited heterogenous levels of aversion-resistant drinking. Additionally, non-consummatory behaviors, such as paw movement and snout movement, were related to the intensity of aversion-resistant drinking. These studies demonstrate that head-fixed mice exhibit aversion-resistant drinking and that non-consummatory behaviors can be used to assess perceived aversiveness in this paradigm. Furthermore, these studies lay the groundwork for future experiments that will utilize advanced electrophysiological techniques to record from large populations of neurons during aversion-resistant drinking to understand the neurocomputational processes that drive this clinically relevant behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M. Timme
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis, 402 N. Blackford St, LD 124, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Cherish E. Ardinger
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis, 402 N. Blackford St, LD 124, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Seth D. C. Weir
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis, 402 N. Blackford St, LD 124, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Rachel Zelaya-Escobar
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis, 402 N. Blackford St, LD 124, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Rachel Kruger
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis, 402 N. Blackford St, LD 124, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Christopher C. Lapish
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, MSB 5035, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Stark Neuroscience Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, 320 W. 15 St, NB 414, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Starski PA, De Oliveira Sergio T, Hopf FW. Using lickometry to infer differential contributions of salience network regions during compulsion-like alcohol drinking. ADDICTION NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 7:100102. [PMID: 38736902 PMCID: PMC11086682 DOI: 10.1016/j.addicn.2023.100102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder extracts substantial personal, social and clinical costs, and continued intake despite negative consequences (compulsion-like consumption) can contribute strongly. Here we discuss lickometry, a simple method where lick times are determined across a session, while analysis across many aspects of licking can offer important insights into underlying psychological and action strategies, including their brain mechanisms. We first describe studies implicating anterior insula (AIC) and dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (dMPF) in compulsion-like responding for alcohol, then review work suggesting that AIC/ventral frontal cortex versus dMPF regulate different aspects of behavior (oral control and overall response strategy, versus moment-to-moment action organization). We then detail our lickometer work comparing alcohol-only drinking (AOD) and compulsion-like drinking under moderate- or higher-challenge (ModChD or HiChD, using quinine-alcohol). Many studies have suggested utilization of one of two main strategies, with higher motivation indicated by more bouts, and greater palatability suggested by longer, faster bouts. Instead, ModChD shows decreased variability in many lick measures, which is unexpected but consistent with the suggested importance of automaticity for addiction. Also surprising is that HiChD retains several behavior changes seen with ModChD, reduced tongue variability and earlier bout start, even though intake is otherwise disrupted. Since AIC-related measures are retained under both moderate- and higher-challenge, we propose a novel hypothesis that AIC sustains overall commitment regardless of challenge level, while disordered licking during HiChD mirrors the effects of dMPF inhibition. Thus, while AIC provides overall drive despite challenge, the ability to act is ultimately determined within the dMPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip A. Starski
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Indianapolis IN, USA
| | | | - Frederic W. Hopf
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Indianapolis IN, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indianapolis IN, USA
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