1
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Wang H, Flores RJ, Yarur HE, Limoges A, Bravo-Rivera H, Casello SM, Loomba N, Enriquez-Traba J, Arenivar M, Wang Q, Ganley R, Ramakrishnan C, Fenno LE, Kim Y, Deisseroth K, Or G, Dong C, Hoon MA, Tian L, Tejeda HA. Prefrontal cortical dynorphin peptidergic transmission constrains threat-driven behavioral and network states. Neuron 2024; 112:2062-2078.e7. [PMID: 38614102 PMCID: PMC11250624 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Prefrontal cortical (PFC) circuits provide top-down control of threat reactivity. This includes ventromedial PFC (vmPFC) circuitry, which plays a role in suppressing fear-related behavioral states. Dynorphin (Dyn) has been implicated in mediating negative affect and maladaptive behaviors induced by severe threats and is expressed in limbic circuits, including the vmPFC. However, there is a critical knowledge gap in our understanding of how vmPFC Dyn-expressing neurons and Dyn transmission detect threats and regulate expression of defensive behaviors. Here, we demonstrate that Dyn cells are broadly activated by threats and release Dyn locally in the vmPFC to limit passive defensive behaviors. We further demonstrate that vmPFC Dyn-mediated signaling promotes a switch of vmPFC networks to a fear-related state. In conclusion, we reveal a previously unknown role of vmPFC Dyn neurons and Dyn neuropeptidergic transmission in suppressing defensive behaviors in response to threats via state-driven changes in vmPFC networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huikun Wang
- Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration Unit, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rodolfo J Flores
- Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration Unit, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hector E Yarur
- Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration Unit, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Aaron Limoges
- Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration Unit, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; Columbia University - NIH Graduate Partnership Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hector Bravo-Rivera
- Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration Unit, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sanne M Casello
- Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration Unit, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Niharika Loomba
- Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration Unit, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Juan Enriquez-Traba
- Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration Unit, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Miguel Arenivar
- Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration Unit, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; Brown University - NIH Graduate Partnership Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Queenie Wang
- Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration Unit, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Robert Ganley
- Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Sensory Biology, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Charu Ramakrishnan
- Departments of Bioengineering and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lief E Fenno
- Departments of Bioengineering and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yoon Kim
- Departments of Bioengineering and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Karl Deisseroth
- Departments of Bioengineering and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Grace Or
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Chunyang Dong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Mark A Hoon
- Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Sensory Biology, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lin Tian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA; Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Hugo A Tejeda
- Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration Unit, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Wang H, Flores RJ, Yarur HE, Limoges A, Bravo-Rivera H, Casello SM, Loomba N, Enriquez-Traba J, Arenivar M, Wang Q, Ganley R, Ramakrishnan C, Fenno LE, Kim Y, Deisseroth K, Or G, Dong C, Hoon MA, Tian L, Tejeda HA. Prefrontal cortical dynorphin peptidergic transmission constrains threat-driven behavioral and network states. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.08.574700. [PMID: 38283686 PMCID: PMC10822088 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.08.574700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Prefrontal cortical (PFC) circuits provide top-down control of threat reactivity. This includes ventromedial PFC (vmPFC) circuitry, which plays a role in suppressing fear-related behavioral states. Dynorphin (Dyn) has been implicated in mediating negative affect and mal-adaptive behaviors induced by severe threats and is expressed in limbic circuits, including the vmPFC. However, there is a critical knowledge gap in our understanding of how vmPFC Dyn-expressing neurons and Dyn transmission detect threats and regulate expression of defensive behaviors. Here, we demonstrate that Dyn cells are broadly activated by threats and release Dyn locally in the vmPFC to limit passive defensive behaviors. We further demonstrate that vmPFC Dyn-mediated signaling promotes a switch of vmPFC networks to a fear-related state. In conclusion, we reveal a previously unknown role of vmPFC Dyn neurons and Dyn neuropeptidergic transmission in suppressing defensive behaviors in response to threats via state-driven changes in vmPFC networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huikun Wang
- Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration Unit, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rodolfo J. Flores
- Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration Unit, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hector E. Yarur
- Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration Unit, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Aaron Limoges
- Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration Unit, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Columbia University - NIH Graduate Partnership Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hector Bravo-Rivera
- Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration Unit, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sanne M. Casello
- Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration Unit, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Niharika Loomba
- Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration Unit, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Juan Enriquez-Traba
- Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration Unit, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Miguel Arenivar
- Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration Unit, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Brown University - NIH Graduate Partnership Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Queenie Wang
- Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration Unit, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Robert Ganley
- Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Sensory Biology, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Charu Ramakrishnan
- Departments of Bioengineering and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lief E Fenno
- Departments of Bioengineering and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Current affiliation: Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, University of Texas, Austin, Dell Medical School, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Yoon Kim
- Departments of Bioengineering and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Karl Deisseroth
- Departments of Bioengineering and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Grace Or
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Chunyang Dong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Mark A. Hoon
- Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Sensory Biology, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lin Tian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Hugo A. Tejeda
- Neuromodulation and Synaptic Integration Unit, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Varastehmoradi B, Smith KL, Müller HK, Elfving B, Sanchez C, Wegener G. Kappa opioid activation changes protein profiles in different regions of the brain relevant to depression. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2023; 72:9-17. [PMID: 37040689 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2023.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Depression is a widespread disorder with a significant burden on individuals and society. There are various available treatments for patients with depression. However, not all patients respond adequately to their treatment. Recently, the opioid system has regained interest in depression studies. Research in animals and humans suggest that blocking the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) may potentially alleviate the symptoms of depression. The mechanism behind this effect is not fully understood. Stress and alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA-axis) activity are thought to play a crucial role in depression. This study aimed to characterize stress hormones and stress-related protein expression following activation of KOR using a selective agonist. The longitudinal effect was investigated 24 h after KOR activation using the selective agonist U50,488 in Sprague Dawley rats. Stress-related hormones and protein expression patterns were explored using multiplex bead-based assays and western blotting. We found that KOR activation caused an increase in both adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) in serum. Regarding protein assays in different brain regions, phosphorylated glucocorticoid receptors also increased significantly in thalamus (THL), hypothalamus (HTH), and striatum (STR). C-Fos increased time-dependently in THL following KOR activation, extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) increased significantly in STR and amygdala (AMG), while phosphorylated ERK1/2 decreased during the first 2 h and then increased again in AMG and prefrontal cortex (PFC). This study shows that KOR activation alters the HPA axis and ERK signaling which may cause to develop mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bardia Varastehmoradi
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Karen L Smith
- Alkermes, Inc., Biology, Waltham, MA, United States of America
| | - Heidi Kaastrup Müller
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Betina Elfving
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Connie Sanchez
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Alkermes, Inc., Biology, Waltham, MA, United States of America
| | - Gregers Wegener
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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4
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Estave PM, Sun H, Peck EG, Holleran KM, Chen R, Jones SR. Cocaine self-administration augments kappa opioid receptor system-mediated inhibition of dopamine activity in the mesolimbic dopamine system. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2023; 14:129-137. [PMID: 36748012 PMCID: PMC9898071 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Prior studies examining the effects of cocaine on the dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor (Dyn/KOR) system primarily focus on non-contingent cocaine exposure, but the effects of self-administration, which more closely reflects human drug-taking behaviors, are not well studied. In this study we characterized the effects of escalated intravenous cocaine self-administration on the functional state of the Dyn/KOR system and its interaction with mesolimbic dopamine signaling. Rats self-administered cocaine in an extended access, limited intake cocaine procedure, in which animals obtained 40 infusions per day (1.5 mg/kg/inf) for 5 consecutive days to ensure comparable consumption levels. Following single day tests of cue reactivity and progressive ratio responding, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure levels of Oprk and Pdyn transcripts in the ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens. Additionally, after self-administration, ex vivo fast-scan cyclic voltammetry in the NAc was used to examine the ability of the KOR agonist U50,488 to inhibit dopamine release. We found that KOR-induced inhibition of dopamine release was enhanced in animals that self-administered cocaine compared to controls, suggesting upregulated Dyn/KOR activity after cocaine self-administration. Furthermore, expression levels of Pdyn in the nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area, and Oprk in the nucleus accumbens, were elevated in cocaine animals compared to controls. Additionally, Pdyn expression in the nucleus accumbens was negatively correlated with progressive ratio breakpoints, a measure of motivation to self-administer cocaine. Overall, these data suggest that cocaine self-administration elevates KOR/Dyn system activity in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Sara R. Jones
- Correspondence to: Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
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5
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Pomrenze MB, Cardozo Pinto DF, Neumann PA, Llorach P, Tucciarone JM, Morishita W, Eshel N, Heifets BD, Malenka RC. Modulation of 5-HT release by dynorphin mediates social deficits during opioid withdrawal. Neuron 2022; 110:4125-4143.e6. [PMID: 36202097 PMCID: PMC9789200 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Social isolation during opioid withdrawal is a major contributor to the current opioid addiction crisis. We find that sociability deficits during protracted opioid withdrawal in mice require activation of kappa opioid receptors (KORs) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) medial shell. Blockade of release from dynorphin (Pdyn)-expressing dorsal raphe neurons (DRPdyn), but not from NAcPdyn neurons, prevents these deficits in prosocial behaviors. Conversely, optogenetic activation of DRPdyn neurons reproduced NAc KOR-dependent decreases in sociability. Deletion of KORs from serotonin (5-HT) neurons, but not from NAc neurons or dopamine (DA) neurons, prevented sociability deficits during withdrawal. Finally, measurements with the genetically encoded GRAB5-HT sensor revealed that during withdrawal KORs block the NAc 5-HT release that normally occurs during social interactions. These results define a neuromodulatory mechanism that is engaged during protracted opioid withdrawal to induce maladaptive deficits in prosocial behaviors, which in humans contribute to relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B Pomrenze
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Daniel F Cardozo Pinto
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Peter A Neumann
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Pierre Llorach
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jason M Tucciarone
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Wade Morishita
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Neir Eshel
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Boris D Heifets
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Robert C Malenka
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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6
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Lowes DC, Harris AZ. Stressed and wired: The effects of stress on the VTA circuits underlying motivated behavior. CURRENT OPINION IN ENDOCRINE AND METABOLIC RESEARCH 2022; 26:100388. [PMID: 36406203 PMCID: PMC9674332 DOI: 10.1016/j.coemr.2022.100388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Stress affects many brain regions, including the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which is critically involved in reward processing. Excessive stress can reduce reward-seeking behaviors but also exacerbate substance use disorders, two seemingly contradictory outcomes. Recent research has revealed that the VTA is a heterogenous structure with diverse populations of efferents and afferents serving different functions. Stress has correspondingly diverse effects on VTA neuron activity, tending to decrease lateral VTA dopamine (DA) neuron activity, while increasing medial VTA DA and GABA neuron activity. Here we review the differential effects of stress on the activity of these distinct VTA neuron populations and how they contribute to decreases in reward-seeking behavior or increases in drug self-administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C. Lowes
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Alexander Z. Harris
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA,Division of Systems Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Bagues A, Girón R, Abalo R, Goicoechea C, Martín-Fontelles MI, Sánchez-Robles EM. SHORT-TERM STRESS SIGNIFICANTLY DECREASES MORPHINE ANALGESIA IN TRIGEMINAL BUT NOT IN SPINAL INNERVATED AREAS IN RATS. Behav Brain Res 2022; 435:114046. [PMID: 35933048 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Plenty information exists regarding the effects of chronic stress, although few data exist on the effects of short-lasting stressors, which would mimic daily challenges. Differences in craniofacial and spinal nociception have been observed, thus those observations obtained in spinally innervated areas cannot be directly applied to the orofacial region. Although, opioids are considered amongst the most effective analgesics, their use is sometimes hampered by the constipation they induce. Thus, our aims were to study if a short-lasting stressor, forced swim stress (FSS), modifies nociception, morphine antinociception and constipation in rats. Animals were submitted to 10-20min of FSS for three days, nociception and gastrointestinal transit were studied 24h after the last swimming session. Nociception and morphine (0.6-5mg/kg) antinociception were evaluated in the formalin and hypertonic saline tests in the orofacial area and limbs. Morphine-induced modifications in the GI transit were studied through radiographic techniques. Naloxone was administered, before each swimming session, to analyse the involvement of the endogenous opioid system on the effect of stress. Overall, stress did not alter nociception, although interestingly it reduced the effect of morphine in the orofacial tests and in the inflammatory phase of the formalin tests. Naloxone antagonized the effect of stress and normalized the effect of morphine. Stress did not modify the constipation induced by morphine. Opioid treatment may be less effective under a stressful situation, whilst adverse effects, such as constipation, are maintained. The prevention of stress may improve the level of opioid analgesia. Keywords.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Bagues
- Área de Farmacología, Nutrición y Bromatología, Dpto. C.C. Básicas de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Unidad Asociada I+D+i al Instituto de Química Médica (CSIC), Alcorcón, Spain; High Performance Research Group in Experimental Pharmacology (PHARMAKOM).
| | - Rocío Girón
- Área de Farmacología, Nutrición y Bromatología, Dpto. C.C. Básicas de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Unidad Asociada I+D+i al Instituto de Química Médica (CSIC), Alcorcón, Spain; High Performance Research Group in Experimental Pharmacology (PHARMAKOM).
| | - Raquel Abalo
- Área de Farmacología, Nutrición y Bromatología, Dpto. C.C. Básicas de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Unidad Asociada I+D+i al Instituto de Química Médica (CSIC), Alcorcón, Spain; High Performance Research Group in Physiopathology and Pharmacology of the Digestive System (NeuGut-URJC); Working Group of Basic Sciences in Pain and Analgesia of the Sociedad Española del Dolor.
| | - Carlos Goicoechea
- Área de Farmacología, Nutrición y Bromatología, Dpto. C.C. Básicas de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Unidad Asociada I+D+i al Instituto de Química Médica (CSIC), Alcorcón, Spain; High Performance Research Group in Experimental Pharmacology (PHARMAKOM); Working Group of Basic Sciences in Pain and Analgesia of the Sociedad Española del Dolor.
| | - Ma Isabel Martín-Fontelles
- Área de Farmacología, Nutrición y Bromatología, Dpto. C.C. Básicas de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Unidad Asociada I+D+i al Instituto de Química Médica (CSIC), Alcorcón, Spain; High Performance Research Group in Experimental Pharmacology (PHARMAKOM); Working Group of Basic Sciences in Pain and Analgesia of the Sociedad Española del Dolor.
| | - Eva Ma Sánchez-Robles
- Área de Farmacología, Nutrición y Bromatología, Dpto. C.C. Básicas de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Unidad Asociada I+D+i al Instituto de Química Médica (CSIC), Alcorcón, Spain; High Performance Research Group in Experimental Pharmacology (PHARMAKOM).
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8
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Leconte C, Mongeau R, Noble F. Traumatic Stress-Induced Vulnerability to Addiction: Critical Role of the Dynorphin/Kappa Opioid Receptor System. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:856672. [PMID: 35571111 PMCID: PMC9091501 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.856672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Substance use disorders (SUD) may emerge from an individual’s attempt to limit negative affective states and symptoms linked to stress. Indeed, SUD is highly comorbid with chronic stress, traumatic stress, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and treatments approved for each pathology individually often failed to have a therapeutic efficiency in such comorbid patients. The kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) and its endogenous ligand dynorphin (DYN), seem to play a key role in the occurrence of this comorbidity. The DYN/KOR function is increased either in traumatic stress or during drug use, dependence acquisition and DYN is released during stress. The behavioural effects of stress related to the DYN/KOR system include anxiety, dissociative and depressive symptoms, as well as increased conditioned fear response. Furthermore, the DYN/KOR system is implicated in negative reinforcement after the euphoric effects of a drug of abuse ends. During chronic drug consumption DYN/KOR functions increase and facilitate tolerance and dependence. The drug-seeking behaviour induced by KOR activation can be retrieved either during the development of an addictive behaviour, or during relapse after withdrawal. DYN is known to be one of the most powerful negative modulators of dopamine signalling, notably in brain structures implicated in both reward and fear circuitries. KOR are also acting as inhibitory heteroreceptors on serotonin neurons. Moreover, the DYN/KOR system cross-regulate with corticotropin-releasing factor in the brain. The sexual dimorphism of the DYN/KOR system could be the cause of the gender differences observed in patients with SUD or/and traumatic stress-related pathologies. This review underlies experimental and clinical results emphasizing the DYN/KOR system as common mechanisms shared by SUD or/and traumatic stress-related pathologies, and suggests KOR antagonist as a new pharmacological strategy to treat this comorbidity.
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9
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Sturaro C, Malfacini D, Argentieri M, Djeujo FM, Marzola E, Albanese V, Ruzza C, Guerrini R, Calo’ G, Molinari P. Pharmacology of Kappa Opioid Receptors: Novel Assays and Ligands. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:873082. [PMID: 35529436 PMCID: PMC9068900 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.873082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the in vitro pharmacology of the human kappa opioid receptor using multiple assays, including calcium mobilization in cells expressing chimeric G proteins, the dynamic mass redistribution (DMR) label-free assay, and a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assay that allows measurement of receptor interaction with G protein and β-arrestin 2. In all assays, dynorphin A, U-69,593, and [D-Pro10]dyn(1-11)-NH2 behaved as full agonists with the following rank order of potency [D-Pro10]dyn(1-11)-NH2 > dynorphin A ≥ U-69,593. [Dmt1,Tic2]dyn(1-11)-NH2 behaved as a moderate potency pure antagonist in the kappa-β-arrestin 2 interaction assay and as low efficacy partial agonist in the other assays. Norbinaltorphimine acted as a highly potent and pure antagonist in all assays except kappa-G protein interaction, where it displayed efficacy as an inverse agonist. The pharmacological actions of novel kappa ligands, namely the dynorphin A tetrameric derivative PWT2-Dyn A and the palmitoylated derivative Dyn A-palmitic, were also investigated. PWT2-Dyn A and Dyn A-palmitic mimicked dynorphin A effects in all assays showing similar maximal effects but 3–10 fold lower potency. In conclusion, in the present study, multiple in vitro assays for the kappa receptor have been set up and pharmacologically validated. In addition, PWT2-Dyn A and Dyn A-palmitic were characterized as potent full agonists; these compounds are worthy of further investigation in vivo for those conditions in which the activation of the kappa opioid receptor elicits beneficial effects e.g. pain and pruritus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Sturaro
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Davide Malfacini,
| | - Michela Argentieri
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francine M. Djeujo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Erika Marzola
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valentina Albanese
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Technopole of Ferrara, LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Technopole of Ferrara, LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo’
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Paola Molinari
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
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10
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Endogenous Opioids and Their Role in Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Rescue. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073819. [PMID: 35409178 PMCID: PMC8998234 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioids are considered the oldest drugs known by humans and have been used for sedation and pain relief for several centuries. Nowadays, endogenous opioid peptides are divided into four families: enkephalins, dynorphins, endorphins, and nociceptin/orphanin FQ. They exert their action through the opioid receptors (ORs), transmembrane proteins belonging to the super-family of G-protein-coupled receptors, and are expressed throughout the body; the receptors are the δ opioid receptor (DOR), μ opioid receptor (MOR), κ opioid receptor (KOR), and nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor (NOP). Endogenous opioids are mainly studied in the central nervous system (CNS), but their role has been investigated in other organs, both in physiological and in pathological conditions. Here, we revise their role in stem cell (SC) biology, since these cells are a subject of great scientific interest due to their peculiar features and their involvement in cell-based therapies in regenerative medicine. In particular, we focus on endogenous opioids’ ability to modulate SC proliferation, stress response (to oxidative stress, starvation, or damage following ischemia–reperfusion), and differentiation towards different lineages, such as neurogenesis, vasculogenesis, and cardiogenesis.
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11
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Abraham AD, Casello SM, Land BB, Chavkin C. Optogenetic stimulation of dynorphinergic neurons within the dorsal raphe activate kappa opioid receptors in the ventral tegmental area and ablation of dorsal raphe prodynorphin or kappa receptors in dopamine neurons blocks stress potentiation of cocaine reward. ADDICTION NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 1. [PMID: 36176476 PMCID: PMC9518814 DOI: 10.1016/j.addicn.2022.100005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Behavioral stress exposure increases the risk of drug-taking in individuals with substance use disorders by mechanisms involving the dynorphins, which are the endogenous neuropeptides for the kappa opioid receptor (KOR). KOR agonists have been shown to encode dysphoria, aversion, and changes in reward valuation, and kappa opioid antagonists are in clinical development for treating substance use disorders. In this study, we confirmed that KORs were expressed in dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of male C57BL6/J mice. Genetic ablation of KORs from dopamine neurons blocked the potentiating effects of repeated forced swim stress on cocaine conditioned place preference (CPP). KOR activation inhibited dopamine neuron GCaMP6m calcium activity in VTA during swim stress and caused a rebound enhancement during the period after stress exposure. Transient optogenetic inhibition of VTA dopamine neurons with AAV5-DIO-SwiChR was acutely aversive in a real time place preference assay and blunted cocaine CPP when inhibition was administered concurrently with cocaine conditioning. However, when inhibition preceded cocaine conditioning by 30 min, cocaine CPP was enhanced. Retrograde tracing with CAV2-DIO-ZsGreen identified a population of prodynorphinCre neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) projecting to the VTA. Optogenetic stimulation of dynorphinergic neurons within the DRN by Channelrhodopsin2 activated KOR in VTA and ablation of prodynorphin blocked stress potentiation of cocaine CPP. Together, these studies demonstrate the presence of a dynorphin/KOR midbrain circuit that projects from the DRN to VTA and is involved in altering the dynamic response of dopamine neuron activity to enhance drug reward learning.
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12
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Estave PM, Spodnick MB, Karkhanis AN. KOR Control over Addiction Processing: An Exploration of the Mesolimbic Dopamine Pathway. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2022; 271:351-377. [PMID: 33301050 PMCID: PMC8192597 DOI: 10.1007/164_2020_421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Drug addiction is a complex, persistent, and chronically relapsing neurological disorder exacerbated by acute and chronic stress. It is well known that the dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system regulates stress perception and responsivity, while the mesolimbic dopamine system plays a role in reward and reinforcement associated with alcohol and substance use disorders. Interestingly, the dopamine and dynorphin/KOR systems are highly integrated in mesolimbic areas, with KOR activation leading to inhibition of dopamine release, further altering the perception of reinforcing and aversive stimuli. Chronic or repeated exposure to stress or drugs potentiates KOR function ultimately contributing to a hypodopaminergic state. This hypodopaminergic state is one of the hallmarks of hyperkatifeia, defined as the hypersensitivity to emotional distress that is exacerbated during drug withdrawal and abstinence. The relationship between stress and drug addiction is bidirectional; repeated/chronic stress promotes pro-addictive behaviors, and repeated cycles of drug exposure and withdrawal, across various drug classes, produces stress. Neuroadaptations driven by this bidirectional relationship ultimately influence the perception of the reinforcing value of rewarding stimuli. In this chapter, we address the involvement of the dopamine and dynorphin/KOR systems and their interactions in shaping reinforcement value processing after drug and stress exposure, as well as a combinatorial impact of both drugs and stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige M Estave
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Mary B Spodnick
- Department of Psychology, Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Center for Developmental and Behavioral Neuroscience, Binghamton University - SUNY, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Anushree N Karkhanis
- Department of Psychology, Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Center for Developmental and Behavioral Neuroscience, Binghamton University - SUNY, Binghamton, NY, USA.
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13
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Khom S, Nguyen JD, Vandewater SA, Grant Y, Roberto M, Taffe MA. Self-Administration of Entactogen Psychostimulants Dysregulates Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) and Kappa Opioid Receptor Signaling in the Central Nucleus of the Amygdala of Female Wistar Rats. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:780500. [PMID: 34975428 PMCID: PMC8716434 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.780500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Male rats escalate intravenous self-administration of entactogen psychostimulants, 3,4-methylenedioxymethcathinone (methylone) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) under extended access conditions, as with typical psychostimulants. Here, we investigated whether female rats escalate self-administration of methylone, 3,4-methylenedioxypentedrone (pentylone), and MDMA and then studied consequences of MDMA and pentylone self-administration on GABAA receptor and kappa opioid receptor (KOR) signaling in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), a brain area critically dysregulated by extended access self-administration of alcohol or cocaine. Adult female Wistar rats were trained to self-administer methylone, pentylone, MDMA (0.5 mg/kg/infusion), or saline-vehicle using a fixed-ratio 1 response contingency in 6-h sessions (long-access: LgA) followed by progressive ratio (PR) dose-response testing. The effects of pentylone-LgA, MDMA-LgA and saline on basal GABAergic transmission (miniature post-synaptic inhibitory currents, mIPSCs) and the modulatory role of KOR at CeA GABAergic synapses were determined in acute brain slices using whole-cell patch-clamp. Methylone-LgA and pentylone-LgA rats similarly escalated their drug intake (both obtained more infusions compared to MDMA-LgA rats), however, pentylone-LgA rats reached higher breakpoints in PR tests. At the cellular level, baseline CeA GABA transmission was markedly elevated in pentylone-LgA and MDMA-LgA rats compared to saline-vehicle. Specifically, pentylone-LgA was associated with increased CeA mIPSC frequency (GABA release) and amplitude (post-synaptic GABAA receptor function), while mIPSC amplitudes (but not frequency) was larger in MDMA-LgA rats compared to saline rats. In addition, pentylone-LgA and MDMA-LgA profoundly disrupted CeA KOR signaling such as both KOR agonism (1 mM U50488) and KOR antagonism (200 nM nor-binaltorphimine) decreased mIPSC frequency suggesting recruitment of non-canonical KOR signaling pathways. This study confirms escalated self-administration of entactogen psychostimulants under LgA conditions in female rats which is accompanied by increased CeA GABAergic inhibition and altered KOR signaling. Collectively, our study suggests that CeA GABA and KOR mechanisms play a critical role in entactogen self-administration like those observed with escalation of alcohol or cocaine self-administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Khom
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jacques D. Nguyen
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Sophia A. Vandewater
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Yanabel Grant
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Marisa Roberto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Michael A. Taffe
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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14
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Kappa opioid receptor modulation of excitatory drive onto nucleus accumbens fast-spiking interneurons. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:2340-2349. [PMID: 34400782 PMCID: PMC8581025 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01146-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system within the nucleus accumbens (NAc) contributes to affective states. Parvalbumin fast-spiking interneurons (PV-FSIs), a key component of feedforward inhibition, participate in integration of excitatory inputs to the NAc by robustly inhibiting select populations of medium spiny output neurons, therefore greatly influencing NAc dependent behavior. How the dynorphin/KOR system regulates feedforward inhibition in the NAc remains unknown. Here, we elucidate the molecular mechanisms of KOR inhibition of excitatory transmission onto NAc PV-FSIs using a combination of whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, optogenetics, pharmacology, and a parvalbumin reporter mouse. We find that postsynaptic KOR stimulation induces long-term depression (LTD) of excitatory synapses onto PV-FSI by stimulating the endocytosis of AMPARs via a PKA and calcineurin-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, KOR regulation of PV-FSI synapses are input specific, inhibiting thalamic but not cortical inputs. Finally, following acute stress, a protocol known to elevate dynorphin/KOR signaling in the NAc, KOR agonists no longer inhibit excitatory transmission onto PV-FSI. In conclusion, we delineate pathway-specific mechanisms mediating KOR control of feedforward inhibitory circuits in the NAc and provide evidence for the recruitment of this system in response to stress.
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15
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Ruigrok S, Kotah J, Kuindersma J, Speijer E, van Irsen A, la Fleur S, Korosi A. Adult food choices depend on sex and exposure to early-life stress: Underlying brain circuitry, adipose tissue adaptations and metabolic responses. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 15:100360. [PMID: 34277896 PMCID: PMC8264217 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to early-life stress (ES) increases the risk to develop obesity later in life, and these effects may be sex-specific, but it is currently unknown what underlies the ES-induced metabolic vulnerability. We have previously shown that ES leads to a leaner phenotype under standard chow diet conditions, but to increased fat accumulation when exposed to an unhealthy obesogenic diet. However these diets were fed without a choice. An important, yet under investigated, element contributing to the development of obesity in humans is the choice of the food. There is initial evidence that ES leads to altered food choices but a thorough testing on how ES affects the choice of both the fat and sugar component, and if this is similar in males and females, is currently missing. We hypothesized that ES increases the choice for unhealthy foods, while it at the same time also affects the response to such a diet. In a mouse model for ES, in which mice are exposed to limited nesting and bedding material from postnatal day (P)2–P9, we investigated if ES exposure affected i) food choice with a free choice high-fat high-sugar diet (fcHFHS), ii) the response to such a diet, iii) the brain circuits that regulate food intake and food reward and iv) if such ES effects are sex-specific. We show that there are sex differences in food choice under basal circumstances, and that ES increases fat intake in females when exposed to a mild acute stressor. Moreover, ES impacts the physiologic response to the fcHFHS and the brain circuits regulating food intake in sex-specific manner. Our data highlight sex-specific effects of ES on metabolic functioning and food choice. Strong sex differences exist in food choice and metabolism in mice. Early-life stress (ES) increases fat intake in females after mild acute stress exposure. The physiological response to the diet is affected by ES in a sex-dependent manner. ES modulates the hedonic feeding circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- S.R. Ruigrok
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J.M. Kotah
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J.E. Kuindersma
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - E. Speijer
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A.A.S. van Irsen
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - S.E. la Fleur
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Laboratory of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical Chemistry & Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Meibergdreef 47, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - A. Korosi
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Corresponding author.
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16
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Cornejo MP, Mustafá ER, Barrile F, Cassano D, De Francesco PN, Raingo J, Perello M. THE INTRIGUING LIGAND-DEPENDENT AND LIGAND-INDEPENDENT ACTIONS OF THE GROWTH HORMONE SECRETAGOGUE RECEPTOR ON REWARD-RELATED BEHAVIORS. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 120:401-416. [PMID: 33157147 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) is a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) highly expressed in the brain, and also in some peripheral tissues. GHSR activity is evoked by the stomach-derived peptide hormone ghrelin and abrogated by the intestine-derived liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2). In vitro, GHSR displays ligand-independent actions, including a high constitutive activity and an allosteric modulation of other GPCRs. Beyond its neuroendocrine and metabolic effects, cumulative evidence shows that GHSR regulates the activity of the mesocorticolimbic pathway and modulates complex reward-related behaviors towards different stimuli. Here, we review current evidence indicating that ligand-dependent and ligand-independent actions of GHSR enhance reward-related behaviors towards appetitive stimuli and drugs of abuse. We discuss putative neuronal networks and molecular mechanisms that GHSR would engage to modulate such reward-related behaviors. Finally, we briefly discuss imaging studies showing that ghrelin would also regulate reward processing in humans. Overall, we conclude that GHSR is a key regulator of the mesocorticolimbic pathway that influences its activity and, consequently, modulates reward-related behaviors via ligand-dependent and ligand-independent actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- María P Cornejo
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA). National University of La Plata], 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Emilio R Mustafá
- Laboratory of Electrophysiology of the IMBICE, 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Franco Barrile
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA). National University of La Plata], 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniela Cassano
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA). National University of La Plata], 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo N De Francesco
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA). National University of La Plata], 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jesica Raingo
- Laboratory of Electrophysiology of the IMBICE, 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mario Perello
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology [IMBICE, Argentine Research Council (CONICET) and Scientific Research Commission, Province of Buenos Aires (CIC-PBA). National University of La Plata], 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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17
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Abstract
This paper is the fortieth consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2017 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonists and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (1), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (2) and humans (3), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (4), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (5), stress and social status (6), learning and memory (7), eating and drinking (8), drug abuse and alcohol (9), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (10), mental illness and mood (11), seizures and neurologic disorders (12), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (13), general activity and locomotion (14), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (15), cardiovascular responses (16), respiration and thermoregulation (17), and immunological responses (18).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, CUNY, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY, 11367, United States.
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18
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Stress-induced plasticity and functioning of ventral tegmental dopamine neurons. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 108:48-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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19
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Bouarab C, Thompson B, Polter AM. VTA GABA Neurons at the Interface of Stress and Reward. Front Neural Circuits 2019; 13:78. [PMID: 31866835 PMCID: PMC6906177 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2019.00078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is best known for its robust dopaminergic projections to forebrain regions and their critical role in regulating reward, motivation, cognition, and aversion. However, the VTA is not only made of dopamine (DA) cells, as approximately 30% of cells in the VTA are GABA neurons. These neurons play a dual role, as VTA GABA neurons provide both local inhibition of VTA DA neurons and long-range inhibition of several distal brain regions. VTA GABA neurons have increasingly been recognized as potent mediators of reward and aversion in their own right, as well as potential targets for the treatment of addiction, depression, and other stress-linked disorders. In this review article, we dissect the circuit architecture, physiology, and behavioral roles of VTA GABA neurons and suggest critical gaps to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Bouarab
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Institute for Neuroscience, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Brittney Thompson
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Institute for Neuroscience, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Abigail M Polter
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Institute for Neuroscience, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
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20
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Dynorphin/kappa-opioid receptor control of dopamine dynamics: Implications for negative affective states and psychiatric disorders. Brain Res 2019; 1713:91-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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21
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Li C, Kash TL. κ-Opioid Receptor Modulation of GABAergic Inputs onto Ventrolateral Periaqueductal Gray Dopamine Neurons. MOLECULAR NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2019; 5:190-199. [PMID: 31768372 DOI: 10.1159/000496974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The κ-opioid receptor (KOR) system has been implicated in the regulation of many behaviors including pain. While there are numerous studies suggesting KOR regulation of pain being mediated spinally, there have been reports of pain-like behaviors regulated by central KOR signaling. In particular, oxytocin-induced analgesia appears to be mediated by KOR receptors within the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG). We recently found that activation of dopamine (DA) neurons within the vlPAG is antinociceptive. In this study, we sought to determine the impact of KOR signaling on -GABAergic inputs onto vlPAG DA neurons, and the mechanism through which KOR impacts these inputs. We found that activation of KOR reduced GABAergic transmission onto vlPAG DA neurons. In addition, our data suggest this effect is mediated presynaptically via the G protein βγ-subunit. They raise the possibility that KOR activation disinhibits -vlPAG DA neurons, which could lead to altered regulation of pain-related behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia Li
- Curriculum in Neurobiology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Thomas L Kash
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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22
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Browne CA, Lucki I. Targeting opioid dysregulation in depression for the development of novel therapeutics. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 201:51-76. [PMID: 31051197 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Since the serendipitous discovery of the first class of modern antidepressants in the 1950's, all pharmacotherapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration for major depressive disorder (MDD) have shared a common mechanism of action, increased monoaminergic neurotransmission. Despite the widespread availability of antidepressants, as many as 50% of depressed patients are resistant to these conventional therapies. The significant length of time required to produce meaningful symptom relief with these medications, 4-6 weeks, indicates that other mechanisms are likely involved in the pathophysiology of depression which may yield more viable targets for drug development. For decades, no viable candidate target with a different mechanism of action to that of conventional therapies proved successful in clinical studies. Now several exciting avenues for drug development are under intense investigation. One of these emerging targets is modulation of endogenous opioid tone. This review will evaluate preclinical and clinical evidence pertaining to opioid dysregulation in depression, focusing on the role of the endogenous ligands endorphin, enkephalin, dynorphin, and nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) and their respective receptors, mu (MOR), delta (DOR), kappa (KOR), and the N/OFQ receptor (NOP) in mediating behaviors relevant to depression and anxiety. Finally, putative opioid based antidepressants that are under investigation in clinical trials, ALKS5461, JNJ-67953964 (formerly LY2456302 and CERC-501) and BTRX-246040 (formerly LY-2940094) will be discussed. This review will illustrate the potential therapeutic value of targeting opioid dysregulation in developing novel therapies for MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A Browne
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States of America
| | - Irwin Lucki
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States of America.
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23
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Golovko AI, Ivanov MB, Golovko ES, Dolgo-Saburov VB, Zatsepin EP. The Neurochemical Mechanisms of the Pharmacological Activities of Inverse Agonists of the Benzodiazepine Binding Site. NEUROCHEM J+ 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s1819712418030042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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24
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Miller JM, Zanderigo F, Purushothaman PD, DeLorenzo C, Rubin-Falcone H, Ogden RT, Keilp J, Oquendo MA, Nabulsi N, Huang YH, Parsey RV, Carson RE, Mann JJ. Kappa opioid receptor binding in major depression: A pilot study. Synapse 2018; 72:e22042. [PMID: 29935119 PMCID: PMC7599086 DOI: 10.1002/syn.22042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous kappa opioids mediate pathological responses to stress in animal models. However, the relationship of the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) to life stress and to psychopathology in humans is not well described. This pilot study sought, for the first time, to quantify KOR in major depressive disorder (MDD) in vivo in humans using positron emission tomography (PET). KOR binding was quantified in vivo by PET imaging with the [11 C]GR103545 radiotracer in 13 healthy volunteers and 10 participants with current MDD. We examined the relationship between regional [11 C]GR103545 total volume of distribution (VT ) and diagnosis, childhood trauma, recent life stress, and, in a subsample, salivary cortisol levels during a modified Trier Social Stress Test (mTSST), amygdala, hippocampus, ventral striatum and raphe nuclei. Whole-brain voxel-wise analyses were also performed. [11 C]GR103545 VT did not differ significantly between MDD participants and healthy volunteers in the four a priori ROIs (p = 0.50). [11 C]GR103545 VT was unrelated to reported childhood adversity (p = 0.17) or recent life stress (p = 0.56). A trend-level inverse correlation was observed between [11 C]GR103545 VT and cortisol area-under-the curve with respect to ground during the mTSST (p = 0.081). No whole-brain voxel-wise contrasts were significant. Regional [11 C]GR103545 VT , a measure of in vivo KOR binding, does not differentiate MDD from healthy volunteers in this pilot sample. Future studies may examine KOR binding in subgroups of depressed individuals at increased risk for KOR abnormalities, including co-occurring mood and substance use disorders, as well as depression with psychotic features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M. Miller
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Francesca Zanderigo
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | | | - Christine DeLorenzo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Stony Brook University School of Medicine
| | - Harry Rubin-Falcone
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - R. Todd Ogden
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - John Keilp
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Maria A. Oquendo
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
| | - Nabeel Nabulsi
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine
| | - Yiyun H. Huang
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine
| | - Ramin V. Parsey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Stony Brook University School of Medicine
| | - Richard E. Carson
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine
| | - J. John Mann
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY
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25
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Kappa-opioid antagonists as stress resilience medications for the treatment of alcohol use disorders. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:1803-1804. [PMID: 29752444 PMCID: PMC6046055 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0046-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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26
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Ironside M, Kumar P, Kang MS, Pizzagalli DA. Brain mechanisms mediating effects of stress on reward sensitivity. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2018; 22:106-113. [PMID: 30349872 PMCID: PMC6195323 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2018.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Acute and chronic stress have dissociable effects on reward sensitivity, and a better understanding of these effects promises to elucidate the pathophysiology of stress-related disorders, particularly depression. Recent preclinical and human findings suggest that stress particularly affects reward anticipation; chronic stress perturbates dopamine signaling in the medial prefrontal cortex and ventral striatum; and such effects are further moderated by early adversities. Additionally, a systems-level approach is uncovering the interplay among striatal, limbic and control networks giving rise to stress-related, blunted reward sensitivity. Together, this cross-species confluence has not only enriched our understanding of stress-reward links but also highlighted the role of neuropeptides and opioid receptors in such effects, and thereby identified novel targets for stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ironside
- McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St, Belmont, MA 02476, USA Telephone: +1 800-333-0338; Fax: +1 617-855-4231
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Poornima Kumar
- McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St, Belmont, MA 02476, USA Telephone: +1 800-333-0338; Fax: +1 617-855-4231
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Min-Su Kang
- McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St, Belmont, MA 02476, USA Telephone: +1 800-333-0338; Fax: +1 617-855-4231
| | - Diego A. Pizzagalli
- McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St, Belmont, MA 02476, USA Telephone: +1 800-333-0338; Fax: +1 617-855-4231
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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27
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Kaneda K. Neuroplasticity in cholinergic neurons of the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus contributes to the development of cocaine addiction. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 50:2239-2246. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katsuyuki Kaneda
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences Kanazawa University Kanazawa 920‐1192 Japan
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28
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A single, extinction-based treatment with a kappa opioid receptor agonist elicits a long-term reduction in cocaine relapse. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:1492-1497. [PMID: 29472645 PMCID: PMC5983548 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-017-0006-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 12/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonists have known anti-addiction properties and can reduce drug seeking. Their potential for clinical use has largely been daunted by their aversive properties mediated through p38 MAPK signaling. Here we examined the therapeutic potential of the KOR agonist U50,488 (U50) to reduce cocaine seeking in a self-administration model. Following cocaine self-administration and 7 days of forced home-cage abstinence, rats were administered a single dose of U50 (5 mg/kg, i.p.) 30 min prior to the first extinction training session, wherein cocaine and the discrete cocaine-paired cues were no longer available. U50 reduced cocaine seeking on this first extinction session, but did not alter extinction training over subsequent days. 2 weeks after U50 treatment, rats underwent a test of cue-induced reinstatement, and rats that had received U50 reinstated less than controls. Central inhibition of p38 MAPK at the time of U50 administration prevented its long-term therapeutic effect on reinstatement, but not its acute reduction in drug seeking on extinction day 1. The long-term therapeutic effect of U50 required operant extinction during U50 exposure, extended to cocaine-primed reinstatement, and was not mimicked by another aversive drug, lithium chloride (LiCl). These data suggest U50 elicits its long-term anti-relapse effects through a KOR-p38 MAPK-specific aversive counterconditioning of the operant cocaine-seeking response. A single, albeit aversive treatment that is able to reduce relapse long-term warrants further consideration of the therapeutic potential of KOR agonists in the treatment of addiction.
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29
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Abstract
Opioids are the most commonly used and effective analgesic treatments for severe pain, but they have recently come under scrutiny owing to epidemic levels of abuse and overdose. These compounds act on the endogenous opioid system, which comprises four G protein-coupled receptors (mu, delta, kappa, and nociceptin) and four major peptide families (β-endorphin, enkephalins, dynorphins, and nociceptin/orphanin FQ). In this review, we first describe the functional organization and pharmacology of the endogenous opioid system. We then summarize current knowledge on the signaling mechanisms by which opioids regulate neuronal function and neurotransmission. Finally, we discuss the loci of opioid analgesic action along peripheral and central pain pathways, emphasizing the pain-relieving properties of opioids against the affective dimension of the pain experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Corder
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94304, USA; .,Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94304, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94304, USA.,Stanford Neurosciences Institute, Palo Alto, California 94304, USA
| | - Daniel C Castro
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA;
| | - Michael R Bruchas
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA; .,Division of Basic Research, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA.,Washington University Pain Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA
| | - Grégory Scherrer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94304, USA; .,Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94304, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94304, USA.,Stanford Neurosciences Institute, Palo Alto, California 94304, USA.,New York Stem Cell Foundation - Robertson Investigator, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94304, USA
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30
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Polter AM, Barcomb K, Tsuda AC, Kauer JA. Synaptic function and plasticity in identified inhibitory inputs onto VTA dopamine neurons. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 47:1208-1218. [PMID: 29480954 PMCID: PMC6487867 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopaminergic neurons are key components of the reward pathway, and their activity is powerfully controlled by a diverse array of inhibitory GABAergic inputs. Two major sources of GABAergic nerve terminals within the VTA are local VTA interneurons and neurons in the rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg). Here, using optogenetics, we compared synaptic properties of GABAergic synapses on VTA dopamine neurons using selective activation of afferents that originate from these two cell populations. We found little evidence of co-release of glutamate from either input, but RMTg-originating synaptic currents were reduced by strychnine, suggesting co-release of glycine and GABA. VTA-originating synapses displayed a lower initial release probability, and at higher frequency stimulation, short-term depression was more marked in VTA- but not RMTg-originating synapses. We previously reported that nitric oxide (NO)-induced potentiation of GABAergic synapses on VTA dopaminergic cells is lost after exposure to drugs of abuse or acute stress; in these experiments, multiple GABAergic afferents were simultaneously activated by electrical stimulation. Here we found that optogenetically-activated VTA-originating synapses on presumptive dopamine neurons also exhibited NO-induced potentiation, whereas RMTg-originating synapses did not. Despite providing a robust inhibitory input to the VTA, RMTg GABAergic synapses are most likely not those previously shown by our work to be persistently altered by addictive drugs and stress. Our work emphasises the idea that dopamine neuron excitability is controlled by diverse inhibitory inputs expected to exert varying degrees of inhibition and to participate differently in a range of behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail M. Polter
- Brown University, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology and Biotechnology Providence, RI 02912
- current address: George Washington University, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Washington, DC 20037
- contributed equally
| | - Kelsey Barcomb
- Brown University, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology and Biotechnology Providence, RI 02912
- contributed equally
| | - Ayumi C. Tsuda
- Brown University, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology and Biotechnology Providence, RI 02912
| | - Julie A. Kauer
- Brown University, Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology and Biotechnology Providence, RI 02912
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31
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Laman-Maharg A, Williams AV, Zufelt MD, Minie VA, Ramos-Maciel S, Hao R, Ordoñes Sanchez E, Copeland T, Silverman JL, Leigh A, Snyder R, Carroll FI, Fennell TR, Trainor BC. Sex Differences in the Effects of a Kappa Opioid Receptor Antagonist in the Forced Swim Test. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:93. [PMID: 29491835 PMCID: PMC5817081 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that kappa opioid receptor (KOR) antagonists could be a useful class of therapeutics for treating depression and anxiety. However, the overwhelming majority of preclinical investigations examining the behavioral effects of KOR antagonists have been in male rodents. Here, we examined the effects of the long-acting KOR antagonist nor-binaltophimine (norBNI) on immobility in the forced swim test in males and females of two different rodent species (C57Bl/6J and California mice). Consistent with previous reports, norBNI (10 mg/kg) decreased immobility in the forced swim test for male C57Bl/6J and California mice. Surprisingly, dose-response studies in female C57Bl/6J and California mice showed that norBNI did not reduce immobility. Pharmacokinetic analyses showed that metabolism and brain concentrations of norBNI were similar in male and female C57Bl/6J. In the nucleus accumbens of male but not female C57Bl/6J, norBNI increased phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (pJNK), a putative mechanism for norBNI action. However, no differences in pJNK were observed in male or female California mice. Together, these results suggest that immobility in the forced swim test is less dependent on endogenous KOR signaling in female rodents and highlight the importance of examining the effects of possible therapeutic agents in both males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Laman-Maharg
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Alexia V Williams
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Mikaela D Zufelt
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Vanessa A Minie
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | | | - Rebecca Hao
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | | | - Tiffany Copeland
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Jill L Silverman
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Angelina Leigh
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Rodney Snyder
- Research Triangle Institute, Durham, NC, United States
| | - F Ivy Carroll
- Research Triangle Institute, Durham, NC, United States
| | | | - Brian C Trainor
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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32
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Fernandez G, Cabral A, Andreoli MF, Labarthe A, M'Kadmi C, Ramos JG, Marie J, Fehrentz JA, Epelbaum J, Tolle V, Perello M. Evidence Supporting a Role for Constitutive Ghrelin Receptor Signaling in Fasting-Induced Hyperphagia in Male Mice. Endocrinology 2018; 159:1021-1034. [PMID: 29300858 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-03101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Ghrelin is a potent orexigenic peptide hormone that acts through the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), a G protein-coupled receptor highly expressed in the hypothalamus. In vitro studies have shown that GHSR displays a high constitutive activity, whose physiological relevance is uncertain. As GHSR gene expression in the hypothalamus is known to increase in fasting conditions, we tested the hypothesis that constitutive GHSR activity at the hypothalamic level drives the fasting-induced hyperphagia. We found that refed wild-type (WT) mice displayed a robust hyperphagia that continued for 5 days after refeeding and changed their food intake daily pattern. Fasted WT mice showed an increase in plasma ghrelin levels, as well as in GHSR expression levels and ghrelin binding sites in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. When fasting-refeeding responses were evaluated in ghrelin- or GHSR-deficient mice, only the latter displayed an ∼15% smaller hyperphagia, compared with WT mice. Finally, fasting-induced hyperphagia of WT mice was significantly smaller in mice centrally treated with the GHSR inverse agonist K-(D-1-Nal)-FwLL-NH2, compared with mice treated with vehicle, whereas it was unaffected in mice centrally treated with the GHSR antagonists D-Lys3-growth hormone-releasing peptide 6 or JMV2959. Taken together, genetic models and pharmacological results support the notion that constitutive GHSR activity modulates the magnitude of the compensatory hyperphagia triggered by fasting. Thus, the hypothalamic GHSR signaling system could affect the set point of daily food intake, independently of plasma ghrelin levels, in situations of negative energy balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gimena Fernandez
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (Argentine Research Council, Scientific Research Commission of the Province of Buenos Aires and National University of La Plata), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustina Cabral
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (Argentine Research Council, Scientific Research Commission of the Province of Buenos Aires and National University of La Plata), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María F Andreoli
- School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences, National University of Litoral and Institute of Environmental Health, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Alexandra Labarthe
- Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences Unité Mixte de Recherche Scientifique_S894 INSERM Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - Céline M'Kadmi
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, Unité Mixte de Recherche Scientifique 5247 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-Université Montpellier-École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Montpellier, Faculté de Pharmacie, Montpellier, France
| | - Jorge G Ramos
- School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences, National University of Litoral and Institute of Environmental Health, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Jacky Marie
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, Unité Mixte de Recherche Scientifique 5247 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-Université Montpellier-École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Montpellier, Faculté de Pharmacie, Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Alain Fehrentz
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, Unité Mixte de Recherche Scientifique 5247 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-Université Montpellier-École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Montpellier, Faculté de Pharmacie, Montpellier, France
| | - Jacques Epelbaum
- Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences Unité Mixte de Recherche Scientifique_S894 INSERM Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris-Cité, Paris, France
- Mécanismes Adaptatifs et Evolution, Unité Mixte de Recherche Scientifique 7179 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle France, Brunoy, France
| | - Virginie Tolle
- Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences Unité Mixte de Recherche Scientifique_S894 INSERM Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - Mario Perello
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of the Multidisciplinary Institute of Cell Biology (Argentine Research Council, Scientific Research Commission of the Province of Buenos Aires and National University of La Plata), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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33
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Abstract
Opioids are among the most effective pain relievers; however, their abuse has been on the rise worldwide evident from an alarming increase in accidental opioid overdoses. This demands for an urgent increase in scientific endeavors for better understanding of main cellular mechanisms and circuits involved in opiate addiction. Preclinical studies strongly suggest that memories associated with positive and negative opioid experiences are critical in promoting compulsive opiate-seeking and opiate-taking behaviors, and relapse. Particular focus on synaptic plasticity as the cellular correlate of learning and memory has rapidly evolved in drug addiction field over the past two decades. Several critical addiction-related brain areas are identified, one of which is the ventral tegmental area (VTA), an area intensively studied as the initial locus for drug reward. Here, we provide an update to our previous review on "Opiates and Plasticity" highlighting the most recent discoveries of synaptic plasticity associated with opiates in the VTA. Electrophysiological studies of plasticity of addiction to date have been invaluable in addressing learning processes and mechanisms that underlie motivated and addictive behaviors, and now with the availability of powerful technologies of transgenic approaches and optogenetics, circuit-based studies hold high promise in fostering synaptic studies of opiate addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovic D. Langlois
- Department of Pharmacology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, United States
| | - Fereshteh S. Nugent
- Department of Pharmacology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, United States
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34
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Karkhanis A, Holleran KM, Jones SR. Dynorphin/Kappa Opioid Receptor Signaling in Preclinical Models of Alcohol, Drug, and Food Addiction. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2017; 136:53-88. [PMID: 29056156 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system is implicated in the "dark side" of addiction, in which stress exacerbates maladaptive responses to drug and alcohol exposure. For example, acute stress and acute ethanol exposure result in an elevation in dynorphin, the KOR endogenous ligand. Activation of KORs results in modulation of several neurotransmitters; however, this chapter will focus on its regulatory effects on dopamine in mesolimbic areas. Specifically, KOR activation has an inhibitory effect on dopamine release, thereby influencing reward processing. Repeated stimulation of KORs, for example, via chronic drug and/or stress exposure, results in increased function of the dynorphin/KOR system. This augmentation in KOR function shifts the homeostatic balance in favor of an overall reduction in dopamine signaling via either by reducing dopamine release or by increasing dopamine transporter function. This chapter examines the effects of chronic ethanol exposure on KOR function and the downstream effects on dopamine transmission. Additionally, the impact of chronic cocaine exposure and its effects on KOR function will be explored. Further, KORs may also be involved in driving excessive consumption of food, contributing to the risk of developing obesity. While some studies have shown that KOR agonists reduce drug intake, other studies have shown that antagonists reduce addiction-like behaviors, demonstrating therapeutic potential. For example, KOR inhibition reduces ethanol intake in dependent animals, motivation to self-administer cocaine in chronic stress-exposed animals, and food consumption in obese animals. This chapter will delve into the mechanisms by which modulation of the dynorphin/KOR system may be therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sara R Jones
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States.
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