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Isayeva U, Manchia M, Collu R, Primavera D, Deriu L, Caboni E, Iaselli NM, Sundas D, Tusconi M, Pinna F, Paribello P, Scherma M, Pisanu C, Meloni A, Zai CC, Congiu D, Squassina A, Fratta W, Fadda P, Carpiniello B. Symptomatic remission and recovery in major psychosis: Is there a role for BDNF? A secondary analysis of the LABSP cohort data. Schizophr Res 2024; 266:197-204. [PMID: 38422890 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Remission, relapse prevention, and clinical recovery are crucial areas of interest in schizophrenia (SCZ) research. Although SCZ is a chronic disorder with poor overall outcomes, years of research demonstrated that recovery is possible. There are considerable data linking brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to SCZ, however, evidence on the role of BDNF in remission in SCZ is scarce. This secondary analysis of the Longitudinal Assessment of BDNF in Sardinian patients (LABSP) data aimed to investigate the relationship between serum BDNF levels and symptomatic remission, simultaneous clinical and functional remission, and recovery in patients with SCZ. A total of 105 patients with SCZ or schizoaffective disorder were recruited for a longitudinal assessment of BDNF levels over 24 months. Longitudinal data were analyzed using mixed-effects linear regression models. The study found significant associations between use of long acting injectables (χ2 = 7.075, df = 1, p = 0.008), baseline serum BDNF levels (U = 701, z = -2.543, p = 0.011), and "childhood" (U = 475, z = -2.124, p = 0.034) and "general" (U = 55, z = -2.014, p = 0.044) subscales of the Premorbid Adjustment Scale (PAS) with patients maintaining remission and recovery. The diagnosis of SCZ was significantly associated with lower BDNF levels for patients with simultaneous clinical and functional remission (Z = 2.035, p = 0.0419) and recovery (Z = 2.009, p = 0.0445) compared to those without. There were no significant associations between remission in the entire sample and longitudinal serum BDNF levels or genetic variants within the BDNF gene. These findings provide further insight into the complex relationship between BDNF and SCZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulker Isayeva
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mirko Manchia
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
| | - Roberto Collu
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Diego Primavera
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luca Deriu
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Edoardo Caboni
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Novella Maria Iaselli
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Davide Sundas
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Massimo Tusconi
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federica Pinna
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pasquale Paribello
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Scherma
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Claudia Pisanu
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Anna Meloni
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Clement C Zai
- Tanenbaum Centre for Pharmacogenetics, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Medical Science, Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Donatella Congiu
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessio Squassina
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Walter Fratta
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Dependence", University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paola Fadda
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Dependence", University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Bernardo Carpiniello
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Scherma M, Palmas MF, Pisanu A, Masia P, Dedoni S, Camoglio C, Fratta W, Carta AR, Fadda P. Induction of Activity-Regulated Cytoskeleton-Associated Protein and c-Fos Expression in an Animal Model of Anorexia Nervosa. Nutrients 2023; 15:3830. [PMID: 37686862 PMCID: PMC10490422 DOI: 10.3390/nu15173830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex eating disorder characterized by reduced caloric intake to achieve body-weight loss. Furthermore, over-exercise is commonly reported. In recent years, animal models of AN have provided evidence for neuroplasticity changes in specific brain areas of the mesocorticolimbic circuit, which controls a multitude of functions including reward, emotion, motivation, and cognition. The activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc) is an immediate early gene that modulates several forms of synaptic plasticity and has been linked to neuropsychiatric illness. Since the role of Arc in AN has never been investigated, in this study we evaluated whether the anorexic-like phenotype reproduced by the activity-based anorexia (ABA) model may impact its expression in selected brain regions that belong to the mesocorticolimbic circuit (i.e., prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and hippocampus). The marker of neuronal activation c-Fos was also assessed. We found that the expression of both markers increased in all the analyzed brain areas of ABA rats in comparison to the control groups. Moreover, a negative correlation between the density of Arc-positive cells and body-weight loss was found. Together, our findings suggest the importance of Arc and neuroplasticity changes within the brain circuits involved in dysfunctional behaviors associated with AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Scherma
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.F.P.); (S.D.); (C.C.); (W.F.); (A.R.C.); (P.F.)
| | - Maria Francesca Palmas
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.F.P.); (S.D.); (C.C.); (W.F.); (A.R.C.); (P.F.)
| | - Augusta Pisanu
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council (CNR), 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Paolo Masia
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.F.P.); (S.D.); (C.C.); (W.F.); (A.R.C.); (P.F.)
| | - Simona Dedoni
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.F.P.); (S.D.); (C.C.); (W.F.); (A.R.C.); (P.F.)
| | - Chiara Camoglio
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.F.P.); (S.D.); (C.C.); (W.F.); (A.R.C.); (P.F.)
| | - Walter Fratta
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.F.P.); (S.D.); (C.C.); (W.F.); (A.R.C.); (P.F.)
| | - Anna R. Carta
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.F.P.); (S.D.); (C.C.); (W.F.); (A.R.C.); (P.F.)
| | - Paola Fadda
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (M.F.P.); (S.D.); (C.C.); (W.F.); (A.R.C.); (P.F.)
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council (CNR), 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
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Dedoni S, Scherma M, Camoglio C, Siddi C, Fratta W, Fadda P. Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Receptor: Possible Involvement in Anorexia Nervosa. Nutrients 2023; 15:2205. [PMID: 37432348 DOI: 10.3390/nu15092205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of Anorexia Nervosa (AN) has not been fully elucidated. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) receptor is a protein-tyrosine kinase mainly known as a key oncogenic driver. Recently, a genetic deletion of ALK in mice has been found to increase energy expenditure and confers resistance to obesity in these animals, suggesting its role in the regulation of thinness. Here, we investigated the expression of ALK and the downstream intracellular pathways in female rats subjected to the activity-based anorexia (ABA) model, which reproduces important features of human AN. In the hypothalamic lysates of ABA rats, we found a reduction in ALK receptor expression, a downregulation of Akt phosphorylation, and no change in the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation. After the recovery from body weight loss, ALK receptor expression returned to the control baseline values, while it was again suppressed during a second cycle of ABA induction. Overall, this evidence suggests a possible involvement of the ALK receptor in the pathophysiology of AN, that may be implicated in its stabilization, resistance, and/or its exacerbation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Dedoni
- Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Scherma
- Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Chiara Camoglio
- Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Carlotta Siddi
- Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Walter Fratta
- Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paola Fadda
- Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 09042 Cagliari, Italy
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Giunti E, Collu R, Dedoni S, Castelli MP, Fratta W, Scherma M, Fadda P. Food restriction and hyperactivity induce changes in corticolimbic brain dopamine and serotonin levels in female rats. Behav Brain Res 2023; 444:114374. [PMID: 36863461 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Compelling data support altered dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) signaling in anorexia nervosa (AN). However, their exact role in the etiopathogenesis of AN has yet to be elucidated. Here, we evaluated the corticolimbic brain levels of DA and 5-HT in the induction and recovery phases of the activity-based anorexia (ABA) model of AN. We exposed female rats to the ABA paradigm and measured the levels of DA, 5-HT, the metabolites 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), and the dopaminergic type 2 (D2) receptors density in feeding- and reward-implicated brain regions (i.e., cerebral cortex, Cx; prefrontal cortex, PFC; caudate putamen, CPu; nucleus accumbens, NAcc; amygdala, Amy; hypothalamus, Hyp; hippocampus, Hipp). DA levels were significantly increased in the Cx, PFC and NAcc, while 5-HT was significantly enhanced in the NAcc and Hipp of ABA rats. Following recovery, DA was still elevated in the NAcc, while 5-HT was increased in the Hyp of recovered ABA rats. DA and 5-HT turnover were impaired at both ABA induction and recovery. D2 receptors density was increased in the NAcc shell. These results provide further proof of the impairment of the dopaminergic and serotoninergic systems in the brain of ABA rats and support the knowledge of the involvement of these two important neurotransmitter systems in the development and progression of AN. Thus, providing new insights on the corticolimbic regions involved in the monoamine dysregulations in the ABA model of AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Giunti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Collu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Simona Dedoni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - M Paola Castelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Maria Scherma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Paola Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Cagliari, National Research Council, Cagliari, Italy
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Dedoni S, Avdoshina V, Camoglio C, Siddi C, Fratta W, Scherma M, Fadda P. K18- and CAG-hACE2 Transgenic Mouse Models and SARS-CoV-2: Implications for Neurodegeneration Research. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134142. [PMID: 35807384 PMCID: PMC9268291 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a global pandemic that might lead to very serious consequences. Notably, mental status change, brain confusion, and smell and taste disorders along with neurological complaints have been reported in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, human brain tissue autopsies from COVID-19 patients show the presence of SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasion, which correlates with the manifestation of meningitis, encephalitis, leukocyte infiltration, and neuronal damage. The olfactory mucosa has been suggested as a way of entry into the brain. SARS-CoV-2 infection is also known to provoke a hyper-inflammatory reaction with an exponential increase in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines leading to systemic responses, even in the absence of direct infection of brain cells. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the entry receptor of SARS-CoV-2, has been extensively demonstrated to be present in the periphery, neurons, and glial cells in different brain regions. To dissect the details of neurological complications and develop therapies helping COVID-19 survivors regain pre-infection quality of life, the development of robust clinical models is highly warranted. Several human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) transgenic mouse models have been developed and used for antiviral drug screening and vaccine development, as well as for better understanding of the molecular pathogenetic mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this review, we summarize recent results from the studies involving two such mouse models, namely K18- and CAG-hACE2 transgenics, to evaluate the direct and indirect impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Dedoni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Sardinia, Italy; (C.C.); (C.S.); (W.F.); (P.F.)
- Correspondence: (S.D.); (M.S.)
| | - Valeria Avdoshina
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA;
| | - Chiara Camoglio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Sardinia, Italy; (C.C.); (C.S.); (W.F.); (P.F.)
| | - Carlotta Siddi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Sardinia, Italy; (C.C.); (C.S.); (W.F.); (P.F.)
| | - Walter Fratta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Sardinia, Italy; (C.C.); (C.S.); (W.F.); (P.F.)
| | - Maria Scherma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Sardinia, Italy; (C.C.); (C.S.); (W.F.); (P.F.)
- Correspondence: (S.D.); (M.S.)
| | - Paola Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Sardinia, Italy; (C.C.); (C.S.); (W.F.); (P.F.)
- Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Isayeva U, Manchia M, Primavera D, Deriu L, Caboni E, Iaselli N, Sundas D, Tusconi M, Collu R, Scherma M, Squassina A, Congiu D, Fratta W, Fadda P, Carpiniello B. Exploring the association between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and longitudinal psychopathological and cognitive changes in Sardinian psychotic patients. Eur Psychiatry 2022. [PMCID: PMC9564365 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2022.414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Schizophrenia spectrum disorders are among the most debilitating mental disorders and evidence on its pathophysiological underpinnings is scant. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) appears to be involved in the pathophysiology of these complex psychiatric disorders. Objectives The present study investigates the longitudinal variation of serum BDNF levels in a 24-month observational cohort study of Sardinian psychotic patients (LABSP). This study assessed the variation in BDNF serum levels and its relationship with psychopathological and cognitive changes. Further, we also examined if genetic variations within the BDNF gene could moderate these relationships. Methods Every six months 105 LABSP patients were assessed for their BDNF serum levels, as well as for a series of psychopathological, cognitive, and drug-related measures. Four tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the BDNF gene were selected and analyzed using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Longitudinal data were analyzed using mixed-effects linear regression models (MLRM). Results Analysis showed significantly lower peripheral BDNF levels in psychotic patients with depressive and negative symptoms. BDNF levels were also decreased in patients scoring lower in cognitive measures such as symbol coding and semantic fluency. In addition, Val66Met polymorphism within the BDNF gene significantly moderated the relationship between the severity of negative symptoms and BDNF levels. Conclusions Our findings are consistent with previous literature suggesting that peripheral BDNF levels are associated with some cognitive domains and mood disruption in major psychosis. The results also suggest the lack of association between most BDNF genetic variants, except Val66Met polymorphism, with the severity of negative symptoms. Disclosure No significant relationships.
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Isayeva U, Manchia M, Collu R, Primavera D, Deriu L, Caboni E, Iaselli N, Sundas D, Tusconi M, Pinna F, Paribello P, Scherma M, Pisanu C, Meloni A, Zai CC, Congiu D, Squassina A, Fratta W, Fadda P, Carpiniello B. Exploring the association between brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and longitudinal psychopathological and cognitive changes in Sardinian psychotic patients. Eur Psychiatry 2022; 65:e71. [DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2022.2333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background and hypothesis
Schizophrenia spectrum disorders are among the most debilitating mental disorders and has complex pathophysiological underpinnings. There is growing evidence that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) can play a role in its pathogenesis. The present study investigated the longitudinal variation of serum BDNF levels in a 24-month observational prospective cohort study of Sardinian psychotic patients and its relationship with psychopathological and cognitive changes. Furthermore, we examined whether genetic variation within the BDNF gene could moderate these relationships.
Study design
Every 6 months, 105 patients were assessed for their BDNF serum levels, as well as for a series of psychopathological, cognitive, and social measures. We performed a targeted analysis of four tag single nucleotide polymorphisms within the BDNF gene that were selected and analyzed using polymerase chain reaction. Longitudinal data were analyzed using mixed-effects linear regression models.
Study results
We observed a declining longitudinal trajectory of BDNF levels in psychotic patients in general, and in relation to the severity of depressive and negative symptoms. BDNF serum levels also declined in patients scoring lower in cognitive measures such as attention and speed of information processing and verbal fluency. The rs7934165 polymorphism moderated the significant association between verbal fluency and BDNF levels.
Conclusions
These findings in patients from real-world settings suggest a plausible role of peripheral BDNF levels as a marker of illness burden in schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
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Abstract
Mental disorders represent a significant public health burden worldwide due to their high prevalence, chronically disabling nature, and substantial impact on quality of life. Despite growing knowledge of the pathological mechanisms that underlie the development of these disorders, a high percentage of patients do not respond to first-line clinical treatments; thus, there is a strong need for alternative therapeutic approaches. During the past half-century, after the identification of the endocannabinoid system and its role in multiple physiological processes, both natural and synthetic cannabinoids have attracted considerable interest as putative medications in pathological conditions such as, but not exclusive to, mental disorders. Here, we provide a summary of cannabinoid effects in support of possible therapeutic applications for major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia. Considering this evidence, highlighted benefits and risks of cannabinoid use in the management of these illnesses require further experimental study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Scherma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Anna Lisa Muntoni
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gernot Riedel
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Walter Fratta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paola Fadda
- Author affiliations: Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy; Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Cagliari, Italy; Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom (Gernot Riedel); National Neuroscience Institute, Pisa, Italy
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Collu R, Post JM, Scherma M, Giunti E, Fratta W, Lutz B, Fadda P, Bindila L. Altered brain levels of arachidonic acid-derived inflammatory eicosanoids in a rodent model of anorexia nervosa. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2019; 1865:158578. [PMID: 31778792 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2019.158578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence underline the role of inflammation in the behavioral, emotional and cognitive dysregulations displayed in anorexia nervosa (AN). Among the inflammatory mediators acting at both peripheral and central levels, growing attention receives a class of lipids derived from arachidonic acid (AA), called eicosanoids (eiCs), which exert a complex, multifaceted role in a wide range of neuroinflammatory processes, peripheral inflammation, and generally in immune system function. To date, little is known about their possible involvement in the neurobiological underpinnings of AN. The present study evaluated whether the activity-based model of AN (ABA) may alter AA-metabolic pathways by changing the levels of AA-derived eiCs in specific brain areas implicated in the development of the typical anorexic-like phenotype, i.e. in prefrontal cortex, cerebral cortex, nucleus accumbens, caudate putamen, amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus and cerebellum. Our results point to brain region-specific alterations of the cyclooxygenase (COX), lipoxygenase (LOX) and cytochrome P450 epoxygenase (CYP) metabolic pathways rendering altered levels of AA-derived eiCs (i.e. prostaglandins, thromboxanes and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids) in response to induction of and recovery from the ABA condition. These changes, supported by altered messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of genes coding for enzymes involved in eiCs-related methabolic pathways (i.e., PLA2, COX-2, 5-LOX and 15-LOX), underlie a widespread brain dysregulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory eiC-mediated processes in the ABA model of AN. These data suggest the importance of eiCs signaling within corticolimbic areas in regulating key neurobehavioral functions and highlight eiCs as biomarker candidates for monitoring the onset and development of AN, and/or as possible targets for pharmacological management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Collu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Julia Maria Post
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Maria Scherma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elisa Giunti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Walter Fratta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Addiction", University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Beat Lutz
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Paola Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Addiction", University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; CNR Institute of Neuroscience - Cagliari, National Research Council, Cagliari, Italy; National Neuroscience Institute, Italy.
| | - Laura Bindila
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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10
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Collu R, Scherma M, Piscitelli F, Giunti E, Satta V, Castelli MP, Verde R, Fratta W, Bisogno T, Fadda P. Impaired brain endocannabinoid tone in the activity-based model of anorexia nervosa. Int J Eat Disord 2019; 52:1251-1262. [PMID: 31456239 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite the growing knowledge on the functional relationship between an altered endocannabinoid (eCB) system and development of anorexia nervosa (AN), to date no studies have investigated the central eCB tone in the activity-based anorexia (ABA) model that reproduces key aspects of human AN. METHOD We measured levels of two major eCBs, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), those of two eCB-related lipids, oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), and the cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1R) density in the brain of female ABA rats, focusing on areas involved in homeostatic and rewarding-related regulation of feeding behavior (i.e., prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, caudato putamen, amygdala, hippocampus and hypothalamus). Analysis was carried out also at the end of recovery from the ABA condition. RESULTS At the end of the ABA induction phase, 2-AG was significantly decreased in ABA rats in different brain areas but not in the caudato putamen. No changes were detected in AEA levels in any region, whereas the levels of OEA and PEA were decreased exclusively in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. Furthermore, CB1R density was decreased in the dentate gyrus of hippocampus and in the lateral hypothalamus. After recovery, both 2-AG levels and CB1R density were partially normalized in some areas. In contrast, AEA levels became markedly reduced in all the analyzed areas. DISCUSSION These data demonstrate an altered brain eCB tone in ABA rats, further supporting the involvement of an impaired eCB system in AN pathophysiology that may contribute to the maintenance of some symptomatic aspects of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Collu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Scherma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Elisa Giunti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valentina Satta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - M Paola Castelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberta Verde
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Walter Fratta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy.,Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Addiction", University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bisogno
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Traslational Pharmacology, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy.,Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Addiction", University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,CNR Institute of Neuroscience - Cagliari, National Research Council, Cagliari.,National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), Turin, Italy
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11
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Scherma M, Masia P, Satta V, Fratta W, Fadda P, Tanda G. Brain activity of anandamide: a rewarding bliss? Acta Pharmacol Sin 2019; 40:309-323. [PMID: 30050084 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-018-0075-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Anandamide is a lipid mediator that acts as an endogenous ligand of CB1 receptors. These receptors are also the primary molecular target responsible for the pharmacological effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive ingredient in Cannabis sativa. Several studies demonstrate that anandamide exerts an overall modulatory effect on the brain reward circuitry. Several reports suggest its involvement in the addiction-producing actions of other abused drugs, and it can also act as a behavioral reinforcer in animal models of drug abuse. Importantly, all these effects of anandamide appear to be potentiated by pharmacological inhibition of its metabolic degradation. Enhanced brain levels of anandamide after treatment with inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase, the main enzyme responsible for its degradation, seem to affect the rewarding and reinforcing actions of many drugs of abuse. In this review, we will provide an overview from a preclinical perspective of the current state of knowledge regarding the behavioral pharmacology of anandamide, with a particular emphasis on its motivational/reinforcing properties. We will also discuss how modulation of anandamide levels through inhibition of enzymatic metabolic pathways could provide a basis for developing new pharmaco-therapeutic tools for the treatment of substance use disorders.
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12
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Ruda-Kucerova J, Zanda MT, Amchova P, Fratta W, Fattore L. Sex and Feeding Status Differently Affect Natural Reward Seeking Behavior in Olfactory Bulbectomized Rats. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:255. [PMID: 30425627 PMCID: PMC6218565 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Substance abuse and depression are common psychiatric disorders with a high rate of comorbidity. Both conditions affect differently men and women and preclinical research has showed many sex differences in drug addiction and depression. The most common approach for modeling depression-addiction comorbidity is the combination of the intravenous drug self-administration and the olfactory bulbectomy (OBX) models in rats. Such a combination has revealed enhanced drug-taking and drug-seeking behaviors in OBX rats, but no study has investigated so far potential sex differences in operant responding and motivation for natural reinforcers in OBX rats. This study investigated for the first time operant self-administration of palatable food pellets in male and female OBX rats under different feeding status, i.e., ad libitum vs. restricted food, and schedules of reinforcement, i.e., a continuous ratio schedule fixed ratio 1 (FR1) vs. a complex (FR5(x)) second order schedule of reinforcement. In the FR1 experiment, OBX rats of both sexes exhibited lower operant responding and intake of palatable food pellets than sham-operated controls, with food restriction leading to increased operant responding in both OBX and SHAM groups. Female rats showed higher responding than males but this effect was abolished by the OBX lesion. Similarly, in the (FR5(x)) second order schedule of reinforcement both male and female OBX rats showed lower responding and food intake, with SHAM and OBX females showing higher operant responding than corresponding male groups. Overall, our findings showed that: (i) responding for food was lower in OBX than in SHAM rats under both FR1 and (FR5(x)) schedules of reinforcement; (ii) sex and food restriction affect operant responding for palatable food; and (iii) the suppressing effect of OBX lesion on food intake was consistently present in both sexes and represents the most robust factor in the analysis. This may represent anhedonia which is associated with depressive-like phenotype and palatable food self-administration may serve as a robust behavioral index of anhedonia in the OBX model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Ruda-Kucerova
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Mary Tresa Zanda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Petra Amchova
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Walter Fratta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy.,Center of Excellence "Neurobiology of Addiction", University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Liana Fattore
- Center of Excellence "Neurobiology of Addiction", University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy.,CNR Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
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13
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Scherma M, Masia P, Deidda M, Fratta W, Tanda G, Fadda P. New Perspectives on the Use of Cannabis in the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders. Medicines (Basel) 2018; 5:E107. [PMID: 30279403 PMCID: PMC6313625 DOI: 10.3390/medicines5040107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Following the discovery of the endocannabinoid system and its potential as a therapeutic target for various pathological conditions, growing interest led researchers to investigate the role of cannabis and its derivatives for medical purposes. The compounds Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol are the most abundant phytocannabinoids found in cannabis extracts, as well as the most studied. The present review aims to provide an overview of the current evidence for their beneficial effects in treating psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, anxiety, and depression. Nevertheless, further investigations are required to clarify many pending issues, especially those relative to the assessment of benefits and risks when using cannabis for therapeutic purposes, thereby also helping national and federal jurisdictions to remain updated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Scherma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy.
| | - Paolo Masia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy.
| | - Matteo Deidda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy.
| | - Walter Fratta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy.
| | - Gianluigi Tanda
- Medication Development program, NIDA-IRP, NIH/DHHS, NIDA suite 3301, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | - Paola Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy.
- Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Dependence", University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy.
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience ⁻ Cagliari, National Research Council, 09042 Monserrato, Italy.
- National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy.
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14
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Antinori S, Fattore L, Saba P, Fratta W, Gessa GL, Devoto P. Levodopa prevents the reinstatement of cocaine self-administration in rats via potentiation of dopamine release in the medial prefrontal cortex. Addict Biol 2018; 23:556-568. [PMID: 28429835 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Dopamine agonists have been proposed as therapeutic tools for cocaine addiction. We have recently demonstrated that indirect dopamine agonists, including levodopa (L-DOPA), markedly increase cocaine-induced dopamine release in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of rats leading to the suppression of cocaine-seeking behavior. This study was aimed to understand the behavioral and neurochemical effects of L-DOPA on cocaine-taking and cocaine-seeking in rats. After reaching a stable pattern of intravenous cocaine self-administration under a continuous fixed ratio (FR-1) schedule of reinforcement, male rats were treated with L-DOPA at different steps of the self-administration protocol. We found that L-DOPA reduced cocaine self-administration under FR-1 schedule of reinforcement and decreased the breaking points and the amount of cocaine self-administered under the progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement. Levodopa also decreased cocaine-seeking behavior both in a saline substitution test and in the cue priming-induced reinstatement test, without affecting general motor activity. Importantly, L-DOPA greatly potentiated cocaine-induced dopamine release in the mPFC of self-administering rats while reducing their cocaine intake. In the same brain area, L-DOPA also increased dopamine levels during cue priming-induced reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behavior. The potentiating effect was also evident in the mPFC but not nucleus accumbens core of drug-naïve rats passively administered with cocaine. Altogether, these findings demonstrate that L-DOPA efficaciously reduces the reinforcing and motivational effects of cocaine likely potentiating dopamine transmission in the mPFC. Its ability to prevent cue priming-induced reinstatement of cocaine-seeking suggests that it might be effective in reducing the risk to relapse to cocaine in abstinent patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Antinori
- Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Cagliari; Italy
| | - Liana Fattore
- Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari; National Research Council (CNR); Italy
- Center of Excellence ‘Neurobiology of Addiction’; University of Cagliari; Italy
| | - Pierluigi Saba
- Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Cagliari; Italy
| | - Walter Fratta
- Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Cagliari; Italy
- Center of Excellence ‘Neurobiology of Addiction’; University of Cagliari; Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Gessa
- Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Cagliari; Italy
- Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari; National Research Council (CNR); Italy
- ‘Guy Everett Laboratory’; University of Cagliari; Italy
| | - Paola Devoto
- Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Cagliari; Italy
- Center of Excellence ‘Neurobiology of Addiction’; University of Cagliari; Italy
- ‘Guy Everett Laboratory’; University of Cagliari; Italy
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15
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Melas PA, Qvist JS, Deidda M, Upreti C, Wei YB, Sanna F, Fratta W, Scherma M, Fadda P, Kandel DB, Kandel ER. Cannabinoid Modulation of Eukaryotic Initiation Factors (eIF2α and eIF2B1) and Behavioral Cross-Sensitization to Cocaine in Adolescent Rats. Cell Rep 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.02.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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16
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Satta V, Scherma M, Piscitelli F, Usai P, Castelli MP, Bisogno T, Fratta W, Fadda P. Limited Access to a High Fat Diet Alters Endocannabinoid Tone in Female Rats. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:40. [PMID: 29456490 PMCID: PMC5801427 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggest an impaired endocannabinoid activity in the pathophysiology of binge eating disorder (BED). Herein, we investigated whether endocannabinoid tone could be modified as a consequence of dietary-induced binge eating in female rats. For this purpose, brain levels of the endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), as well as two endocannabinoid-like lipids, oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), were assessed in different brain areas involved in the hedonic feeding (i.e., prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus). The brain density of cannabinoid type-1 receptors (CB1) was also evaluated. Furthermore, we determined plasma levels of leptin, ghrelin, and corticosterone hormones, which are well-known to control the levels of endocannabioids and/or CB1 receptors in the brain. To induce binge eating behavior, rats were subject to an intermittent and limited access to a high fat diet (HFD) (margarine). Three experimental groups were used, all with ad libitum access to chow: control (CTRL), with no access to margarine; low restriction (LR), with 2 h margarine access 7 days/week; high restriction (HR), with 2 h margarine access 3 days/week. Bingeing was established when margarine intake in the HR group exceeded that of the LR group. Our results show that, compared to CTRL, AEA significantly decreased in the caudate putamen, amygdala, and hippocampus of HR group. In contrast, 2-AG significantly increased in the hippocampus while OEA decreased in the hypothalamus. Similar to the HR group, AEA and OEA decreased respectively in the amygdala and hypothalamus and 2-AG increased in the hippocampus of LR group. Moreover, LR group also had AEA decreased in the prefrontal cortex and increased in the nucleus accumbens. In both groups we found the same reduction of CB1 receptor density in the prefrontal cortex compared to CTRL. Also, LR and HR groups showed alterations in both ghrelin and corticosterone levels, while leptin remained unaltered. In conclusion, our findings show a modified endocannabinoid tone due to margarine exposure, in several brain areas that are known to influence the hedonic aspect of food. Even if not uniquely specific to binge eating, margarine-induced changes in endocannabinoid tone could contributes to the development and maintenance of this behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Satta
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Scherma
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Paolo Usai
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - M Paola Castelli
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bisogno
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Research Council, Pozzuoli, Italy.,Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Walter Fratta
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paola Fadda
- Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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17
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Zanda MT, Fadda P, Antinori S, Di Chio M, Fratta W, Chiamulera C, Fattore L. Methoxetamine affects brain processing involved in emotional response in rats. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:3333-3345. [PMID: 28718892 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Methoxetamine (MXE) is a novel psychoactive substance that is emerging on the Internet and induces dissociative effects and acute toxicity. Its pharmacological effects have not yet been adequately investigated. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We examined a range of behavioural effects induced by acute administration of MXE (0.5-5 mg·kg-1 ; i.p.) in rats and whether it causes rapid neuroadaptive molecular changes. KEY RESULTS MXE (0.5-5 mg·kg-1 ) affected motor activity in a dose- and time-dependent manner, inducing hypermotility and hypomotility at low and high doses respectively. At low and intermediate doses (0.5 and 1 mg·kg-1 ), MXE induced anxious and/or obsessive-compulsive traits (marble burying test), did not significantly increase sociability (social interaction test) or induce spatial anxiety (elevated plus maze test). At a high dose (5 mg·kg-1 ), MXE induced transient analgesia (tail-flick and hot-plate test), decreased social interaction time (social interaction test) and reduced immobility time while increasing swimming activity (forced swim test), suggesting an antidepressant effect. Acute MXE administration did not affect self-grooming behaviour at any dose tested. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that behaviourally active doses of MXE (1 and 5 mg·kg-1 ) increased phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 in the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS MXE differentially affected motor activity, behaviour and emotional states in rats, depending on the dose tested. As reported for ketamine, phosphorylation of the ribosomal protein S6 was increased in MXE-treated animals, thus providing a 'molecular snapshot' of rapid neuroadaptive molecular changes induced by behaviourally active doses of MXE.
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Affiliation(s)
- M T Zanda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - P Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - S Antinori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - M Di Chio
- Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, Section of Pharmacology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - W Fratta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - C Chiamulera
- Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, Section of Pharmacology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - L Fattore
- Institute of Neuroscience (IN-CNR), National Research Council of Italy, Cagliari, Italy
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18
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Scherma M, Satta V, Collu R, Boi MF, Usai P, Fratta W, Fadda P. Cannabinoid CB 1 /CB 2 receptor agonists attenuate hyperactivity and body weight loss in a rat model of activity-based anorexia. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:2682-2695. [PMID: 28561272 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious psychiatric condition characterized by excessive body weight loss and disturbed perceptions of body shape and size, often associated with excessive physical activity. There is currently no effective drug-related therapy of this disease and this leads to high relapse rate. Clinical data suggest that a promising therapy to treat and reduce reoccurrence of AN may be based on the use of drugs that target the endocannabinoid (EC) system, which appears dysregulated in AN patients. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The activity-based anorexia (ABA) rodent model mimics the severe body weight loss and increased physical activity, as well as the neuroendocrine disturbances (i.e. hypoleptinaemia and hypercortisolaemia) in AN. This study investigated whether cannabinoid agonists can effectively modify anorexic-like behaviours and neuroendocrine changes in rats subjected to a repeated ABA regime that mimics the human condition in which patients repeatedly undergo a recovery and illness cycle. KEY RESULTS Our data show that subchronic treatment with both the natural CB1 /CB2 receptor agonist Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol and the synthetic CB1 /CB2 receptor agonist CP-55,940 significantly reduced body weight loss and running wheel activity in ABA rats. These behavioural effects were accompanied by an increase in leptin signalling and a decrease in plasma levels of corticosterone. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Taken together, our results further demonstrate the involvement of the EC system in AN pathophysiology and that strategies which modulate EC signalling are useful to treat this disorder, specifically in patients where physical hyperactivity plays a central role in its progression and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Scherma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valentina Satta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Collu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Usai
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Walter Fratta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Dependence", University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paola Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Dependence", University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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19
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Primavera D, Manchia M, Deriu L, Tusconi M, Collu R, Scherma M, Fadda P, Fratta W, Carpiniello B. Longitudinal assessment of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in Sardinian psychotic patients (LABSP): a protocol for a prospective observational study. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e014938. [PMID: 28550022 PMCID: PMC5729982 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a crucial role in neurodevelopment, synaptic plasticity and neuronal function and survival. Serum and plasma BDNF levels are moderately, but consistently, decreased in patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) compared with healthy controls. There is a lack of knowledge, however, on the temporal manifestation of this decline. Clinical, illness course and treatment factors might influence the variation of BDNF serum levels in patients with psychosis. In this context, we propose a longitudinal study of a cohort of SCZ and schizophrenic and schizoaffective disorder (SAD) Sardinian patients with the aim of disentangling the relationship between peripheral BDNF serum levels and changes of psychopathology, cognition and drug treatments. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Longitudinal assessment of BDNF in Sardinian psychotic patients (LABSP) is a 24-month observational prospective cohort study. Patients with SAD will be recruited at the Psychiatry Research Unit of the Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari and University of Cagliari Health Agency, Cagliari, Italy. We will collect BDNF serum levels as well as sociodemographic, psychopathological and neurocognitive measures. Structured, semistructured and self-rating assessment tools, such as the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale for psychopathological measures and the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia for cognitive function, will be used. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study protocol was approved by the University of Cagliari Health Agency Ethics Committee (NP2016/5491). The study will be conducted in accordance with the principles of good clinical practice, in the Declaration of Helsinki in compliance with the regulations. Participation will be voluntary and written informed consent will be obtained for each participant upon entry into the study. We plan to disseminate the results of our study through conference presentations and publication in international peer-reviewed journals. Access to raw data will be available in anonymised form upon request to the corresponding author.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Primavera
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mirko Manchia
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Luca Deriu
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Massimo Tusconi
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Collu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Scherma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paola Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Centre of Excellence 'Neurobiology of Dependence', University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Walter Fratta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Centre of Excellence 'Neurobiology of Dependence', University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Bernardo Carpiniello
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Struik D, Fadda P, Zara T, Zamberletti E, Rubino T, Parolaro D, Fratta W, Fattore L. The anabolic steroid nandrolone alters cannabinoid self-administration and brain CB 1 receptor density and function. Pharmacol Res 2016; 115:209-217. [PMID: 27890818 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Clinical and pre-clinical observations indicate that anabolic-androgenic steroids can induce neurobiological changes that alter the rewarding effects of drugs of abuse. In this study, we investigated the effect of the anabolic steroid nandrolone on the rewarding properties of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 (WIN) in rats. Lister Hooded male rats were treated intramuscularly with nandrolone (15mg/kg) or vehicle for 14 consecutive days, and then allowed to self-administer WIN (12.5μg/kg/infusion) intravenously. After reaching stable drug intake, self-administration behavior was extinguished to examine drug- and cue-induced reinstatement of cannabinoid-seeking behavior. Other behavioral parameters presumed to influence drug-taking and drug-seeking behaviors were examined to gain more insight into the behavioral specificity of nandrolone treatment. Finally, animals were sacrificed for analysis of CB1 receptor density and function in selected brain areas. We found that nandrolone-treated rats self-administered up to 2 times more cannabinoid than vehicle-treated rats, but behaved similarly to control rats when tested for drug- and cue-induced reinstatement of cannabinoid-seeking behavior. Enhanced cannabinoid intake by nandrolone-treated rats was not accompanied by changes in locomotor activity, sensorimotor gating, or memory function. However, our molecular data show that after chronic WIN self-administration nandrolone-treated rats display altered CB1 receptor density and function in selected brain areas. We hypothesize that increased cannabinoid self-administration in nandrolone-treated rats results from a nandrolone-induced decrease in reward function, which rats seem to compensate by voluntarily increasing their cannabinoid intake. Altogether, our findings corroborate the hypothesis that chronic exposure to anabolic-androgenic steroids induces dysfunction of the reward pathway in rats and might represent a potential risk factor for abuse of cannabis and other drugs in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dicky Struik
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9713ZG, the Netherlands
| | - Paola Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS 554Km 4,500, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy; Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Dependence", University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS 554 Km 4,500, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Tamara Zara
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS 554Km 4,500, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Erica Zamberletti
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, and Neuroscience Center University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, VA, Italy
| | - Tiziana Rubino
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, and Neuroscience Center University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, VA, Italy
| | - Daniela Parolaro
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, and Neuroscience Center University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, VA, Italy; Zardi Gori Foundation, Via Curtatone 25, Milano, Italy
| | - Walter Fratta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS 554Km 4,500, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy; Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Dependence", University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS 554 Km 4,500, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Liana Fattore
- Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Dependence", University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS 554 Km 4,500, 09042 Monserrato, CA, Italy; CNR Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council, Italy.
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Satta V, Scherma M, Giunti E, Collu R, Fattore L, Fratta W, Fadda P. Emotional profile of female rats showing binge eating behavior. Physiol Behav 2016; 163:136-143. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Scherma M, Muntoni AL, Melis M, Fattore L, Fadda P, Fratta W, Pistis M. Interactions between the endocannabinoid and nicotinic cholinergic systems: preclinical evidence and therapeutic perspectives. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:1765-77. [PMID: 26728894 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-4196-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Several lines of evidence suggest that endocannabinoid and nicotinic cholinergic systems are implicated in the regulation of different physiological processes, including reward, and in the neuropathological mechanisms of psychiatric diseases, such as addiction. A crosstalk between these two systems is substantiated by the overlapping distribution of cannabinoid and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in many brain structures. OBJECTIVE We will review recent preclinical data showing how the endocannabinoid and nicotinic cholinergic systems interact bidirectionally at the level of the brain reward pathways, and how this interaction plays a key role in modulating nicotine and cannabinoid intake and dependence. RESULTS Many behavioral and neurochemical effects of nicotine that are related to its addictive potential are reduced by pharmacological blockade or genetic deletion of type-1 cannabinoid receptors, inhibition of endocannabinoid uptake or metabolic degradation, and activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated-receptor-α. On the other hand, cholinergic antagonists at α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors as well as endogenous negative allosteric modulators of these receptors are effective in blocking dependence-related effects of cannabinoids. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacological manipulation of the endocannabinoid system and endocannabinoid-like neuromodulators shows promise in the treatment of nicotine dependence and in relapse prevention. Likewise, drugs acting at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors might prove useful in the therapy of cannabinoid dependence. Research by Steven R. Goldberg has significantly contributed to the progress in this research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Scherma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato (CA), 09042, Italy
| | - Anna Lisa Muntoni
- Neuroscience Institute, section of Cagliari, National Research Council, Cagliari, Italy
- Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Dependence", University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Miriam Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato (CA), 09042, Italy
| | - Liana Fattore
- Neuroscience Institute, section of Cagliari, National Research Council, Cagliari, Italy
- Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Dependence", University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paola Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato (CA), 09042, Italy
- Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Dependence", University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Walter Fratta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato (CA), 09042, Italy
- Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Dependence", University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Pistis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato (CA), 09042, Italy.
- Neuroscience Institute, section of Cagliari, National Research Council, Cagliari, Italy.
- Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Dependence", University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Devoto P, Fattore L, Antinori S, Saba P, Frau R, Fratta W, Gessa GL. Elevated dopamine in the medial prefrontal cortex suppresses cocaine seeking via D1 receptor overstimulation. Addict Biol 2016; 21:61-71. [PMID: 25135633 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Previous investigations indicate that the dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH) inhibitors disulfiram and nepicastat suppress cocaine-primed reinstatement of cocaine self-administration behaviour. Moreover, both inhibitors increase dopamine release in the rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and markedly potentiate cocaine-induced dopamine release in this region. This study was aimed to clarify if the suppressant effect of DBH inhibitors on cocaine reinstatement was mediated by the high extracellular dopamine in the rat mPFC leading to a supra-maximal stimulation of D1 receptors in the dorsal division of mPFC, an area critical for reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behaviour. In line with previous microdialysis studies in drug-naïve animals, both DBH inhibitors potentiated cocaine-induced dopamine release in the mPFC, in the same animals in which they also suppressed reinstatement of cocaine seeking. Similar to the DBH inhibitors, L-DOPA potentiated cocaine-induced dopamine release in the mPFC and suppressed cocaine-induced reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behaviour. The bilateral microinfusion of the D1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390 into the dorsal mPFC not only prevented cocaine-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking but also reverted both disulfiram- and L-DOPA-induced suppression of reinstatement. Moreover, the bilateral microinfusion of the D1 receptor agonist chloro-APB (SKF 82958) into the dorsal mPFC markedly attenuated cocaine-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking. These results suggest that stimulation of D1 receptors in the dorsal mPFC plays a crucial role in cocaine-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking, whereas the suppressant effect of DBH inhibitors and L-DOPA on drug-induced reinstatement is mediated by a supra-maximal stimulation of D1 receptors leading to their inactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Devoto
- Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology; Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Cagliari; Italy
- ‘Guy Everett Laboratory’; University of Cagliari; Italy
- Center of Excellence ‘Neurobiology of Addiction’; University of Cagliari; Italy
| | - Liana Fattore
- Center of Excellence ‘Neurobiology of Addiction’; University of Cagliari; Italy
- Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari; National Research Council (CNR); Italy
| | - Silvia Antinori
- Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology; Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Cagliari; Italy
| | - Pierluigi Saba
- Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology; Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Cagliari; Italy
| | - Roberto Frau
- Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology; Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Cagliari; Italy
- ‘Guy Everett Laboratory’; University of Cagliari; Italy
| | - Walter Fratta
- Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology; Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Cagliari; Italy
- Center of Excellence ‘Neurobiology of Addiction’; University of Cagliari; Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Gessa
- Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology; Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Cagliari; Italy
- ‘Guy Everett Laboratory’; University of Cagliari; Italy
- Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari; National Research Council (CNR); Italy
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Abstract
Opioid abuse in humans is characterized by discontinuous periods of drug use and abstinence. With time, the probability of falling into renewed drug consumption becomes particularly high and constitutes a considerable problem in the management of heroin addicts. The major problem in the treatment of opioid dependence still remains the occurrence of relapse, to which stressful life events, renewed use of heroin, and exposure to drug-associated environmental cues are all positively correlated. To study the neurobiology of relapse, many research groups currently use the reinstatement animal model, which greatly contributed to disentangle the mechanisms underlying relapse to drug-seeking in laboratory animals. The use of this model is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, and new versions have been recently developed to better appreciate the differential contribution of each opioid receptor subtype to the relapse phenomenon. In this chapter we review the state of the art of our knowledge on the specific role of the opioid receptors as unrevealed by the reinstatement animal model of opioid-seeking behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana Fattore
- CNR National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Scherma M, Fattore L, Satta V, Businco F, Pigliacampo B, Goldberg SR, Dessi C, Fratta W, Fadda P. Pharmacological modulation of the endocannabinoid signalling alters binge-type eating behaviour in female rats. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 169:820-33. [PMID: 23072421 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2012] [Revised: 09/03/2012] [Accepted: 09/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by excessive food intake during short periods of time. Recent evidence suggests that alterations in the endocannabinoid signalling could be involved in the pathophysiology of BED. In this study, we investigated whether pharmacological manipulation of endocannabinoid transmission may be effective in modulating the aberrant eating behaviour present in a validated rat model of BED. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Binge-type eating was induced in female rats by providing limited access to an optional source of dietary fat (margarine). Rats were divided into three groups, all with ad libitum access to chow and water: control (C), with no access to margarine; low restriction (LR), with 2 h margarine access 7 days a week; high restriction (HR), with 2 h margarine access 3 days a week. KEY RESULTS Compared with the LR group, the HR group consumed more margarine and this was accompanied by an increase in body weight. The cannabinoid CB₁/CB₂ receptor agonist Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol significantly increased margarine intake selectively in LR rats, while the fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597 showed no effect. The CB₁ receptor inverse agonist/antagonist rimonabant dose-dependently reduced margarine intake in HR rats. Notably, in HR rats, chronic treatment with a low dose of rimonabant induced a selective long-lasting reduction in margarine intake that did not develop tolerance, and a significant and persistent reduction in body weight. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Chronic pharmacological blockade of CB₁ receptors reduces binge eating behaviour in female rats and may prove effective in treating BED, with an associated significant reduction in body weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Scherma
- Department of Biomedical Science, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy
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Abstract
Gender-dependent differences in the rate of initiation and frequency of misuse of addicting drugs have been widely described. Yet, men and women also differ in their propensity to become addicted to other rewarding stimuli (e.g., sex, food) or activities (e.g., gambling, exercising). The goal of the present review is to summarize current evidence for gender differences not only in drug addiction, but also in other forms of addictive behaviours. Thus, we first reviewed studies showing gender-dependent differences in drug addiction, food addiction, compulsive sexual activity, pathological gambling, Internet addiction and physical exercise addiction. Potential risk factors and underlying brain mechanisms are also examined, with particular emphasis given to the role of sex hormones in modulating addictive behaviours. Investigations on factors allowing the pursuit of non-drug rewards to become pathological in men and women are crucial for designing gender-appropriate treatments of both substance and non-substance addictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana Fattore
- Institute of Neuroscience - Cagliari National Research Council of Italy, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Italy; Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Dependence", University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy.
| | - Miriam Melis
- Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Dependence", University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Paola Fadda
- Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Dependence", University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy; National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Walter Fratta
- Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Dependence", University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy; National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari, Italy
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Amchova P, Kucerova J, Giugliano V, Babinska Z, Zanda MT, Scherma M, Dusek L, Fadda P, Micale V, Sulcova A, Fratta W, Fattore L. Enhanced self-administration of the CB1 receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 in olfactory bulbectomized rats: evaluation of possible serotonergic and dopaminergic underlying mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2014; 5:44. [PMID: 24688470 PMCID: PMC3960502 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2014.00044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression has been associated with drug consumption, including heavy or problematic cannabis use. According to an animal model of depression and substance use disorder comorbidity, we combined the olfactory bulbectomy (OBX) model of depression with intravenous drug self-administration procedure to verify whether depressive-like rats displayed altered voluntary intake of the CB1 receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 (WIN, 12.5 μg/kg/infusion). To this aim, olfactory-bulbectomized (OBX) and sham-operated (SHAM) Lister Hooded rats were allowed to self-administer WIN by lever-pressing under a continuous [fixed ratio 1 (FR-1)] schedule of reinforcement in 2 h daily sessions. Data showed that both OBX and SHAM rats developed stable WIN intake; yet, responses in OBX were constantly higher than in SHAM rats soon after the first week of training. In addition, OBX rats took significantly longer to extinguish the drug-seeking behavior after vehicle substitution. Acute pre-treatment with serotonin 5HT1B receptor agonist, CGS-12066B (2.5-10 mg/kg), did not significantly modify WIN intake in OBX and SHAM Lister Hooded rats. Furthermore, acute pre-treatment with CGS-12066B (10 and 15 mg/kg) did not alter responses in parallel groups of OBX and SHAM Sprague Dawley rats self-administering methamphetamine under higher (FR-2) reinforcement schedule with nose-poking as operandum. Finally, dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of OBX rats did not increase in response to a WIN challenge, as in SHAM rats, indicating a dopaminergic dysfunction in bulbectomized rats. Altogether, our findings suggest that a depressive-like state may alter cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist-induced brain reward function and that a dopaminergic rather than a 5-HT1B mechanism is likely to underlie enhanced WIN self-administration in OBX rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Amchova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University Brno, Czech Republic ; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Kucerova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University Brno, Czech Republic ; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Valentina Giugliano
- Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari Monserrato, Italy
| | - Zuzana Babinska
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University Brno, Czech Republic ; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Mary T Zanda
- Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari Monserrato, Italy
| | - Maria Scherma
- Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari Monserrato, Italy
| | - Ladislav Dusek
- Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses of Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Paola Fadda
- Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari Monserrato, Italy ; Center of Excellence "Neurobiology of Addiction," University of Cagliari Monserrato, Italy ; National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari Monserrato, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Micale
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Alexandra Sulcova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Walter Fratta
- Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari Monserrato, Italy ; Center of Excellence "Neurobiology of Addiction," University of Cagliari Monserrato, Italy ; National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari Monserrato, Italy
| | - Liana Fattore
- Center of Excellence "Neurobiology of Addiction," University of Cagliari Monserrato, Italy ; CNR Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council-Italy Monserrato, Italy
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Justinova Z, Mascia P, Wu HQ, Secci ME, Redhi GH, Panlilio LV, Scherma M, Barnes C, Parashos A, Zara T, Fratta W, Solinas M, Pistis M, Bergman J, Kangas BD, Ferré S, Tanda G, Schwarcz R, Goldberg SR. Reducing cannabinoid abuse and preventing relapse by enhancing endogenous brain levels of kynurenic acid. Nat Neurosci 2013; 16:1652-61. [PMID: 24121737 PMCID: PMC3835353 DOI: 10.1038/nn.3540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In the reward circuitry of the brain, α-7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChRs) modulate effects of Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), marijuana's main psychoactive ingredient. Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is an endogenous negative allosteric modulator of α7nAChRs. Here we report that the kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO) inhibitor Ro 61-8048 increases brain KYNA levels and attenuates cannabinoid-induced increases in extracellular dopamine in reward-related brain areas. In the self-administration model of drug abuse, Ro 61-8048 reduced the rewarding effects of THC and the synthetic cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2 in squirrel monkeys and rats, respectively, and it also prevented relapse to drug-seeking induced by reexposure to cannabinoids or cannabinoid-associated cues. The effects of enhancing endogenous KYNA levels with Ro 61-8048 were prevented by positive allosteric modulators of α7nAChRs. Despite a clear need, there are no medications approved for treatment of marijuana dependence. Modulation of KYNA offers a pharmacological strategy for achieving abstinence from marijuana and preventing relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Justinova
- 1] Preclinical Pharmacology Section, Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. [2] Department of Psychiatry, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. [3]
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Scherma M, Fattore L, Castelli MP, Fratta W, Fadda P. The role of the endocannabinoid system in eating disorders: neurochemical and behavioural preclinical evidence. Curr Pharm Des 2013; 20:2089-99. [PMID: 23829365 DOI: 10.2174/13816128113199990429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system has long been known as a modulator of several physiological functions, among which the homeostatic and hedonic aspects of eating. CB1 receptors are widely expressed in brain regions that control food intake, reward and energy balance. Animal and human studies indicate that CB1 receptor agonists possess orexigenic effects enhancing appetite and increasing the rewarding value of food. Conversely, CB1 antagonists have been shown to inhibit the intake of food. Eating disorders include a range of chronic and disabling related pathological illnesses that are characterized by aberrant patterns of feeding behaviour and weight regulation, and by abnormal attitudes and perceptions toward body shape image. The psychological and biological factors underlying eating disorders are complex and not yet completely understood. However in the last decades, converging evidence have led to hypothesise a link between defects in the endocannabinoid system and eating disorders, including obesity. Here we review the neurochemical and behavioural preclinical evidence supporting the role of the endocannabinoid system in eating disorders to offer the reader an update regarding the state of the art. Despite the recent withdrawal from the market of rimonabant for treating obesity and overweight individuals with metabolic complications due to its psychiatric side effects, preclinical findings support the rationale for the clinical development of drug which modulate the endocannabinoid system in the treatment of eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Paola Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy.
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Castelli MP, Fadda P, Casu A, Spano MS, Casti A, Fratta W, Fattore L. Male and female rats differ in brain cannabinoid CB1 receptor density and function and in behavioural traits predisposing to drug addiction: effect of ovarian hormones. Curr Pharm Des 2013; 20:2100-13. [PMID: 23829370 DOI: 10.2174/13816128113199990430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Sex-dependent differences are frequently observed in the biological and behavioural effects of substances of abuse, including cannabis. We recently demonstrated a modulating effect of sex and oestrous cycle on cannabinoid-taking and seeking behaviours. Here, we investigated the influence of sex and oestrogen in the regulation of cannabinoid CB1 receptor density and function, measured by [(3)H]CP55940 and CP55940-stimulated [(35)S]GTPγS binding autoradiography, respectively, in the prefrontal cortex (Cg1 and Cg3), caudate- putamen, nucleus accumbens, amygdala and hippocampus of male and cycling female rats, as well as ovariectomised (OVX) rats and OVX rats primed with oestradiol (10 µg/rat) (OVX+E). CB1 receptor density was significantly lower in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala of cycling females than in males and in OVX females, a difference that appeared to be oestradiol-dependent, because it was no more evident in the OVX+E group. CP55940-stimulated [(35)S]GTPγS binding was significantly higher in the Cg3 of OVX rats relative to cycling and OVX+E rats. No difference was observed in CB1 receptor density or function in any of the other brain areas analysed. Finally, sex and oestradiol were also found to affect motor activity, social behaviour and sensorimotor gating in rats tested in locomotor activity boxes, social interaction and prepulse inhibition tasks, respectively. Our findings provide biochemical evidence for sex- and hormone- dependent differences in the density and function of CB1 receptors in selected brain regions, and in behaviours associated with greater vulnerability to drug addiction, revealing a more vulnerable behavioural phenotype in female than in male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Liana Fattore
- CNR National Research Council of Italy, Neuroscience Institute - Cagliari, @ Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, 09042 Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy.
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Gamaleddin I, Guranda M, Scherma M, Fratta W, Makriyannis A, Vadivel SK, Goldberg SR, Le Foll B. AM404 attenuates reinstatement of nicotine seeking induced by nicotine-associated cues and nicotine priming but does not affect nicotine- and food-taking. J Psychopharmacol 2013; 27:564-71. [PMID: 23427192 PMCID: PMC4058760 DOI: 10.1177/0269881113477710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Multiple studies suggest a pivotal role of the endocannabinoid system in the regulation of the reinforcing effects of various substances of abuse. Different approaches have been used to modulate endocannabinoid neurotransmission including the use of endogenous cannabinoid anandamide reuptake inhibitors. Previously, the effects of one of them, N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-arachidonamide (AM404), have been explored in rodents trained to self-administer ethanol and heroin, producing some promising results. Moreover, AM404 attenuated the development and reinstatement of nicotine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP). In this study, we used the nicotine intravenous self-administration procedure to assess the effects of intraperitoneal administration of 0, 1, 3 and 10 mg/kg AM404 on nicotine-taking and food-taking behaviors under fixed-ratio and progressive-ratio schedules of reinforcement, as well as on reinstatement of nicotine-seeking induced by nicotine priming and by presentation of nicotine-associated cues. The ability of AM404 to produce place preference was also evaluated. AM404 did not produce CPP and did not modify nicotine-taking and food-taking behaviors. In contrast, AM404 dose-dependently attenuated reinstatement of nicotine-seeking behavior induced by both nicotine-associated cues and nicotine priming. Our results indicate that AM404 could be a potential promising therapeutic option for the prevention of relapse to nicotine-seeking in abstinent smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islam Gamaleddin
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Mihail Guranda
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Maria Scherma
- Preclinical Pharmacology Section, National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), Baltimore, USA,Department of Biomedical Science, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Walter Fratta
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | | | - Steven R. Goldberg
- Preclinical Pharmacology Section, National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), Baltimore, USA
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada,Addiction Program, Ambulatory Care and Structured Treatments, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada,Departments of Family and Community Medicine, Psychiatry, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Zamberletti E, Piscitelli F, Cadeddu F, Rubino T, Fratta W, Fadda P, Di Marzo V, Parolaro D. Chronic blockade of CB(1) receptors reverses startle gating deficits and associated neurochemical alterations in rats reared in isolation. Br J Pharmacol 2013; 167:1652-64. [PMID: 22762735 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.02095.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Pharmacological interventions aimed at restoring the endocannabinoid system functionality have been proposed as potential tools in the treatment of schizophrenia. Based on our previous results suggesting a potential antipsychotic-like profile of the CB(1) receptor inverse agonist/antagonist, AM251, here we further investigated the effect of chronic AM251 administration on the alteration of the sensorimotor gating functions and endocannabinoid levels induced by isolation rearing in rats. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Using the post-weaning social isolation rearing model, we studied its influence on sensorimotor gating functions through the PPI paradigm. The presence of alterations in the endocannabinoid levels as well as in dopamine and glutamate receptor densities was explored in specific brain regions following isolation rearing. The effect of chronic AM251 administration on PPI response and the associated biochemical alterations was assessed. KEY RESULTS The disrupted PPI response in isolation-reared rats was paralleled by significant alterations in 2-AG content and dopamine and glutamate receptor densities in specific brain regions. Chronic AM251 completely restored normal PPI response in isolated rats. This behavioural recovery was paralleled by the normalization of 2-AG levels in all the brain areas analysed. Furthermore, AM251 partially antagonized isolation-induced changes in dopamine and glutamate receptors. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results demonstrate the efficacy of chronic AM251 treatment in the recovery of isolation-induced disruption of PPI. Moreover, AM251 counteracted the imbalances in the endocannabinoid content, specifically 2-AG levels, and partially reversed the alterations in dopamine and glutamate systems associated with the disrupted behaviour. Together, these findings support the potential antipsychotic-like activity of CB(1) receptor blockade. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.167.issue-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Zamberletti
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Biomedical Division and Center of Neuroscience, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio (VA), Italy
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Scherma M, Justinová Z, Zanettini C, Panlilio LV, Mascia P, Fadda P, Fratta W, Makriyannis A, Vadivel SK, Gamaleddin I, Le Foll B, Goldberg SR. The anandamide transport inhibitor AM404 reduces the rewarding effects of nicotine and nicotine-induced dopamine elevations in the nucleus accumbens shell in rats. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 165:2539-48. [PMID: 21557729 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01467.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597 can reverse the abuse-related behavioural and neurochemical effects of nicotine in rats. Fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitors block the degradation (and thereby magnify and prolong the actions) of the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA), and also the non-cannabinoid fatty acid ethanolamides oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA). OEA and PEA are endogenous ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors alpha (PPAR-α). Since recent evidence indicates that PPAR-α can modulate nicotine reward, it is unclear whether AEA plays a role in the effects of URB597 on nicotine reward. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH A way to selectively increase endogenous levels of AEA without altering OEA or PEA levels is to inhibit AEA uptake into cells by administering the AEA transport inhibitor N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-arachidonamide (AM404). To clarify AEA's role in nicotine reward, we investigated the effect of AM404 on conditioned place preference (CPP), reinstatement of abolished CPP, locomotor suppression and anxiolysis in an open field, and dopamine elevations in the nucleus accumbens shell induced by nicotine in Sprague-Dawley rats. KEY RESULTS AM404 prevented the development of nicotine-induced CPP and impeded nicotine-induced reinstatement of the abolished CPP. Furthermore, AM404 reduced nicotine-induced increases in dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens shell, the terminal area of the brain's mesolimbic reward system. AM404 did not alter the locomotor suppressive or anxiolytic effect of nicotine. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These findings suggest that AEA transport inhibition can counteract the addictive effects of nicotine and that AEA transport may serve as a new target for development of medications for treatment of tobacco dependence. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.165.issue-8. To view Part I of Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.163.issue-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Scherma
- Preclinical Pharmacology Section, Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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Fattore L, Spano M, Melis V, Fadda P, Fratta W. Differential effect of opioid and cannabinoid receptor blockade on heroin-seeking reinstatement and cannabinoid substitution in heroin-abstinent rats. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 163:1550-62. [PMID: 21518339 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01459.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Opioids and cannabinoids interact in drug addiction and relapse. We investigated the effect of the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone and/or the cannabinoid CB(1) receptor antagonist rimonabant on cannabinoid-induced reinstatement of heroin seeking and on cannabinoid substitution in heroin-abstinent rats. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Rats were trained to self-administer heroin (30 µg·kg(-1) per infusion) under a fixed-ratio 1 reinforcement schedule. After extinction of self-administration (SA) behaviour, we confirmed the effect of naloxone (0.1-1 mg·kg(-1)) and rimonabant (0.3-3 mg·kg(-1)) on the reinstatement of heroin seeking induced by priming with the CB(1) receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 (WIN, 0.15-0.3 mg·kg(-1)). Then, in a parallel set of heroin-trained rats, we evaluated whether WIN (12.5 µg·kg(-1) per infusion) SA substituted for heroin SA after different periods of extinction. In groups of rats in which substitution occurred, we studied the effect of both antagonists on cannabinoid intake. KEY RESULTS Cannabinoid-induced reinstatement of heroin seeking was significantly attenuated by naloxone (1 mg·kg(-1)) and rimonabant (3 mg·kg(-1)) and fully blocked by co-administration of sub-threshold doses of the two antagonists. Moreover, contrary to immediate (1 day) or delayed (90 days) drug substitution, rats readily self-administered WIN when access was given after 7, 14 or 21 days of extinction from heroin, and showed a response rate that was positively correlated with the extinction period. In these animals, cannabinoid intake was increased by naloxone (1 mg·kg(-1)) and decreased by rimonabant (3 mg·kg(-1)). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our findings extend previous research on the crosstalk between cannabinoid and opioid receptors in relapse mechanisms, which suggests a differential role in heroin-seeking reinstatement and cannabinoid substitution in heroin-abstinent rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Fattore
- Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, CNR National Research Council of Italy, Cagliari, Italy.
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Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoids are functionally similar to delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive principle of cannabis, and bind to the same cannabinoid receptors in the brain and peripheral organs. From 2008, synthetic cannabinoids were detected in herbal smoking mixtures sold on websites and in "head shops" under the brand name of Spice Gold, Yucatan Fire, Aroma, and others. Although these products (also known as "Spice drugs" or "legal highs") do not contain tobacco or cannabis, when smoked they produce effects similar to THC. Intoxication, withdrawal, psychosis, and death have been recently reported after consumption, posing difficult social, political, and health challenges. More than 140 different Spice products have been identified to date. The ability to induce strong cannabis-like psychoactive effects, along with the fact that they are readily available on the Internet, still legal in many countries, marketed as natural safe substances, and undetectable by conventional drug screening tests, has rendered these drugs very popular and particularly appealing to young and drug-naïve individuals seeking new experiences. An escalating number of compounds with cannabinoid receptor activity are currently being found as ingredients of Spice, of which almost nothing is known in terms of pharmacology, toxicology, and safety. Since legislation started to control the synthetic cannabinoids identified in these herbal mixtures, many new analogs have appeared on the market. New cannabimimetic compounds are likely to be synthesized in the near future to replace banned synthetic cannabinoids, leading to a "dog chasing its tail" situation. Spice smokers are exposed to drugs that are extremely variable in composition and potency, and are at risk of serious, if not lethal, outcomes. Social and health professionals should maintain a high degree of alertness for Spice use and its possible psychiatric effects in vulnerable people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana Fattore
- Institute of Neuroscience – Cagliari National Research Council of Italy, @ Department of Neuroscience, Cittadella Universitaria di MonserratoCagliari, Italy
- Centre of Excellence “Neurobiology of Dependence,” Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, University of CagliariMonserrato, Italy
| | - Walter Fratta
- Centre of Excellence “Neurobiology of Dependence,” Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, University of CagliariMonserrato, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, University of CagliariMonserrato, Italy
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Mascia P, Pistis M, Justinova Z, Panlilio LV, Luchicchi A, Lecca S, Scherma M, Fratta W, Fadda P, Barnes C, Redhi GH, Yasar S, Le Foll B, Tanda G, Piomelli D, Goldberg SR. Blockade of nicotine reward and reinstatement by activation of alpha-type peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. Biol Psychiatry 2011; 69:633-41. [PMID: 20801430 PMCID: PMC2994947 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2010.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2010] [Revised: 07/08/2010] [Accepted: 07/09/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent findings indicate that inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) counteract the rewarding effects of nicotine in rats. Inhibition of FAAH increases levels of several endogenous substances in the brain, including the endocannabinoid anandamide and the noncannabinoid fatty acid ethanolamides oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide, which are ligands for alpha-type peroxisome proliferator-activated nuclear receptors (PPAR-α). Here, we evaluated whether directly acting PPAR-α agonists can modulate reward-related effects of nicotine. METHODS We combined behavioral, neurochemical, and electrophysiological approaches to evaluate effects of the PPAR-α agonists [[4-Chloro-6-[(2,3-dimethylphenyl)amino]-2-pyrimidinyl]thio]acetic acid (WY14643) and methyl oleoylethanolamide (methOEA; a long-lasting form of OEA) on 1) nicotine self-administration in rats and squirrel monkeys; 2) reinstatement of nicotine-seeking behavior in rats and monkeys; 3) nicotine discrimination in rats; 4) nicotine-induced electrophysiological activity of ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons in anesthetized rats; and 5) nicotine-induced elevation of dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens shell of freely moving rats. RESULTS The PPAR-α agonists dose-dependently decreased nicotine self-administration and nicotine-induced reinstatement in rats and monkeys but did not alter food- or cocaine-reinforced operant behavior or the interoceptive effects of nicotine. The PPAR-α agonists also dose-dependently decreased nicotine-induced excitation of dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area and nicotine-induced elevations of dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens shell of rats. The ability of WY14643 and methOEA to counteract the behavioral, electrophysiological, and neurochemical effects of nicotine was reversed by the PPAR-α antagonist 1-[(4-Chlorophenyl)methyl]-3-[(1,1-dimethylethyl)thio]-a,a-dimethyl-5-(1-methylethyl)-1H-Indole-2-propanoic acid (MK886). CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that PPAR-α might provide a valuable new target for antismoking medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Mascia
- Preclinical Pharmacology Section, Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, Medications Discovery Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, USA
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Fattore L, Spano MS, Altea S, Fadda P, Fratta W. Drug- and cue-induced reinstatement of cannabinoid-seeking behaviour in male and female rats: influence of ovarian hormones. Br J Pharmacol 2010; 160:724-35. [PMID: 20590575 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00734.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Animal and human studies have shown that sex and hormones are key factors in modulating addiction. Previously, we have demonstrated that self-administration of the cannabinoid CB(1) receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 (WIN; 12.5 microg.kg(-1) per infusion) is dependent on sex, intact female rats being more sensitive than males to the reinforcing properties of cannabinoids, and on the oestrous cycle, ovariectomized (OVX) females being less responsive than intact females. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH This follow-up study investigated whether sex and ovarian function also affect reinstatement of cannabinoid-seeking in rats after exposure to drug or cue priming. KEY RESULTS After priming with 0.15 or 0.3 mg.kg(-1) WIN, intact female rats exhibited stronger reinstatement than males and OVX females. Responses of intact female rats were higher than those of male and OVX rats even after priming with a drug-associated visual (Light) or auditory (Tone) cue, or a WIN + Light combination. However, latency to the first response did not differ between intact and OVX female rats, and males showed the longest latency to initiate lever-pressing activity. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our study provides compelling evidence for a pivotal role of sex and the oestrous cycle in modulating cannabinoid-seeking, with ovariectomy diminishing drug and cue-induced reinstatement. However, it is possible that sex differences during self-administration training are responsible for sex differences in reinstatement. Finding that not only drug primings but also acute exposure to drug-associated cues can reinstate responding in rats could have significant implications for the development of pharmacological and behavioural treatments of abstinent female and male marijuana smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Fattore
- CNR Neuroscience Institute - Cagliari, Italy.
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Abstract
In humans as in animals, males and females are dissimilar in their genetic and hormonally driven behaviour; they process information differently, perceive experience and emotions in different ways, display diverse attitudes, language and social skills, and show sex-related differences in the brain anatomy and organization. Drug addiction is a widespread relapsing illness that affects both men and women. Sex-dependent differences have been frequently observed in the biological and behavioural effects of substances of abuse, including cannabis. Beside sex differences observed in the cannabinoid-induced effects related to cannabis abuse and dependence, cannabinoids have been shown to exert sex-dependent effects also in other physiological and behavioural aspects, such as food intake and energy balance (more evident in males), or anxiety and depression (more evident in females). Research has just begun to identify factors which could provide a neurobiological basis for gender-based differences in cannabinoid effects, among which, gonadal hormones seem to play a crucial role. Yet, cannabinoid pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic may also be important, as sex differences in cannabinoid effects might be due, at least in part, to differences in muscle mass and fat tissue distribution between males and females. Here, we will review both clinical and laboratory-based research evidence revealing important sex-related differences in cannabinoid effects, and put forward some suggestions for future studies to fill the gap in our knowledge of gender-specific bias in cannabinoid pharmacology.
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Melis M, Carta S, Fattore L, Tolu S, Yasar S, Goldberg SR, Fratta W, Maskos U, Pistis M. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-alpha modulate dopamine cell activity through nicotinic receptors. Biol Psychiatry 2010; 68:256-64. [PMID: 20570248 PMCID: PMC2907468 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2010.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2010] [Revised: 04/14/2010] [Accepted: 04/14/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Modulation of midbrain dopamine neurons by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) plays an important role in behavior, cognition, motivation, and reward. Specifically, nAChRs containing beta2 subunits (beta2-nAChRs) switch dopamine cells from a resting to an excited state. However, how beta2-nAChRs can be modulated and thereby how dopamine firing activity is affected remains elusive. Because changes in dopamine cell activity are reflected in the dynamics of microcircuits generating altered responses to stimuli and inputs, factors regulating their state are fundamental. Among these, endogenous ligands to the nuclear receptor-transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors type-alpha (PPARalpha) have been recently found to suppress nicotine-induced responses of dopamine neurons. METHODS We used both in vitro and in vivo electrophysiological techniques together with behavioral analysis to investigate on the effects of modulation of PPARalpha in Sprague-Dawley rat and C57BLJ/6 mouse dopamine neurons and their interactions with beta2-nAChRs. To this aim, we took advantage of a selective reexpression of beta2-nAChR exclusively in dopamine cells by stereotaxically injecting a lentiviral vector in the mouse ventral tegmental area. RESULTS We found that activation of PPARalpha decreases in vitro both dopamine cell activity and ventral tegmental area net output through negative modulation of beta2-nAChRs. Additionally, PPARalpha activation in vivo reduces both the number of spontaneously active dopamine neurons and nicotine-induced increased locomotion. CONCLUSIONS Our combined findings suggest PPARalpha ligands as important negative modulators of beta2-nAChRs on dopamine neurons. Thus, PPARalpha ligands might prove beneficial in treating disorders in which dopamine dysfunction plays a prominent role, such as schizophrenia and nicotine addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Melis
- B.B. Brodie Department of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy.
| | - Stefano Carta
- B.B. Brodie Department of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Tolu
- Unité Neurobiologie intégrative des systèmes cholinergiques, CNRS URA 2182, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France
| | - Sevil Yasar
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Steven R. Goldberg
- Preclinical Pharmacology Section, Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Walter Fratta
- B.B. Brodie Department of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy,CNR, Neuroscience Institute, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Uwe Maskos
- Unité Neurobiologie intégrative des systèmes cholinergiques, CNRS URA 2182, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France
| | - Marco Pistis
- B.B. Brodie Department of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
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Spano M, Fadda P, Fratta W, Fattore L. Cannabinoid-Opioid Interactions in Drug Discrimination and Self-Administration: Effect of Maternal, Postnatal, Adolescent and Adult Exposure to the Drugs. Curr Drug Targets 2010; 11:450-61. [DOI: 10.2174/138945010790980295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2009] [Accepted: 05/18/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Abstract
Rewarding behaviours such as sexual activity, eating, nursing, parenting, social interactions, and play activity are conserved strongly in evolution, and they are essential for development and survival. All of these behaviours are enjoyable and represent pleasant experiences with a high reward value. Remarkably, rewarding behaviours activate the same brain circuits that mediate the positive reinforcing effects of drugs of abuse and of other forms of addiction, such as gambling and food addiction. Given the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in a variety of physiological functions of the nervous system, it is not surprising that it takes part in the complex machinery that regulates gratification and perception of pleasure. In this review, we focus first on the role of the endocannabinoid system in the modulation of neural activity and synaptic functions in brain regions that are involved in natural and nonnatural rewards (namely, the ventral tegmental area, striatum, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex). Then, we examine the role of the endocannabinoid system in modulating behaviours that directly or indirectly activate these brain reward pathways. More specifically, current knowledge of the effects of the pharmacological manipulation of the endocannabinoid system on natural (eating, sexual behaviour, parenting, and social play) and pathological (gambling) rewarding behaviours is summarised and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana Fattore
- CNR Neuroscience Institute - Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Italy
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Spano MS, Fadda P, Frau R, Fattore L, Fratta W. Cannabinoid self-administration attenuates PCP-induced schizophrenia-like symptoms in adult rats. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2010; 20:25-36. [PMID: 19854030 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2009.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2009] [Revised: 08/24/2009] [Accepted: 09/28/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Although considerable attention has been paid to the relationship between Cannabis use and schizophrenia, there is a significant uncertainty regarding the role of Cannabis consumption in the pathoetiology of the disorder. We investigated the correlation between voluntary cannabinoid consumption and behavioral traits in an animal model of schizophrenia. Male rats were trained to intravenously self-administer the cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 (WIN; 12.5 microg/kg/infusion) or vehicle; they subsequently received acute or chronic-intermittent intraperitoneal administration of the non-competitive N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist phencyclidine (PCP; 2.5mg/kg) or saline. We report that WIN self-administration attenuates PCP-induced deficits in (i) prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle reflex, (ii) cognitive skills, and (iii) sociability, suggesting that cannabinoid consumption can ameliorate the schizophrenia-like behavioral alterations caused by PCP. A parallel study performed in animals receiving WIN on a non-voluntary basis (experimenter-given) confirmed an ameliorating effect of cannabinoid administration on the symptoms of schizophrenia induced by PCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sabrina Spano
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria of Monserrato, Italy
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Fattore L, Spano MS, Cossu G, Scherma M, Fratta W, Fadda P. Baclofen prevents drug-induced reinstatement of extinguished nicotine-seeking behaviour and nicotine place preference in rodents. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2009; 19:487-98. [PMID: 19250803 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2009.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2008] [Revised: 12/11/2008] [Accepted: 01/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA)-B receptor agonist baclofen is known to reduce drug intake in both animals and humans and to prevent reinstatement of cocaine-, opioid-, and alcohol-seeking in rats after a period of extinction, but its effect on nicotine reinstatement is unknown. This study investigated the effect of baclofen on nicotine-seeking reinstatement both using the extinction/reinstatement model of nicotine self-administration and conditioned place preference (CPP). Results showed that in rats previously trained to intravenously self-administer nicotine (30 microg/kg/inf) under a FR-1 schedule of reinforcement, acute nicotine (0.15 mg/kg) priming effectively reinstates nicotine-seeking behaviour following extinction. At doses used in this study (up to 2.5 mg/kg) baclofen alone did not affect locomotor activity and did not reinstate responding. However, baclofen dose-dependently attenuated drug-induced reinstatement of nicotine-seeking in rats. Moreover, baclofen (1.25 mg/kg) completely blocked nicotine-induced reinstatement of extinguished nicotine (0.3 mg/kg) CPP in mice. Altogether, our results showed that baclofen is able to antagonise reinstatement of nicotine-seeking and CPP triggered by nicotine primings, suggesting its potential clinical utility as an anti-relapse agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana Fattore
- Institute of Neuroscience, Section of Cagliari, National Research Council CNR, c/o Department of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria of Monserrato, Italy.
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Abstract
Addiction research has historically neglected research on women, and most studies have been conducted on men only, with the concluding results generalized to the female population. The role of sex differences in vulnerability to drug abuse, their repercussions on prevention and treatment strategies all require detailed studies, as does the progression from recreational drug use to dependence. This review synthesizes evidence of gender differences in drug addiction, with particular emphasis on women's health and implications. We first reviewed behavioral studies showing sex differences in the preference for and self-administration of licit (i.e., alcohol and nicotine) and illicit (i.e., cocaine, amphetamine, heroin and cannabis) substances as revealed by animal models of addiction. Clinical studies demonstrating differences between men and women in craving, drug use, abstinence and relapse will then be examined. For both animal and human studies, the effects of hormones and estrous/menstrual cycle will be reviewed. Finally, neurobiological factors underlying gender differences in vulnerability to drug addiction (i.e., brain morphology and neurotransmission) and need for gender-specific detoxification treatments will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana Fattore
- National Research Council and Centre of Excellence "Neurobiology of Dependence", Cagliari, Italy
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Scherma M, Panlilio LV, Fadda P, Fattore L, Gamaleddin I, Le Foll B, Justinová Z, Mikics E, Haller J, Medalie J, Stroik J, Barnes C, Yasar S, Tanda G, Piomelli D, Fratta W, Goldberg SR. Inhibition of anandamide hydrolysis by cyclohexyl carbamic acid 3'-carbamoyl-3-yl ester (URB597) reverses abuse-related behavioral and neurochemical effects of nicotine in rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2008; 327:482-90. [PMID: 18725543 PMCID: PMC2663803 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.108.142224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that the rewarding, abuse-related effects of nicotine are modulated by the endocannabinoid system of the brain. For example, pharmacological blockade or genetic deletion of cannabinoid CB(1) receptors can reduce or eliminate many abuse-related behavioral and neurochemical effects of nicotine. Furthermore, doses of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol and nicotine that are ineffective when given alone can induce conditioned place preference when given together. These previous studies have used systemically administered CB(1) receptor agonists and antagonists and gene deletion techniques, which affect cannabinoid CB(1) receptors throughout the brain. A more functionally selective way to alter endocannabinoid activity is to inhibit fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), thereby magnifying and prolonging the effects of the endocannabinoid anandamide only when and where it is synthesized and released on demand. Here, we combined behavioral and neurochemical approaches to evaluate whether the FAAH inhibitor URB597 (cyclohexyl carbamic acid 3'-carbamoyl-3-yl ester) could alter the abuse-related effects of nicotine in rats. We found that URB597, at a dose (0.3 mg/kg) that had no behavioral effects by itself, prevented development of nicotine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) and acquisition of nicotine self-administration. URB597 also reduced nicotine-induced reinstatement in both CPP and self-administration models of relapse. Furthermore, in vivo microdialysis showed that URB597 reduced nicotine-induced dopamine elevations in the nucleus accumbens shell, the terminal area of the brain's mesolimbic reward system. These findings suggest that FAAH inhibition can counteract the addictive properties of nicotine and that FAAH may serve as a new target for development of medications for treatment of tobacco dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Scherma
- Preclinical Pharmacology Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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Scherma M, Fadda P, Le Foll B, Forget B, Fratta W, Goldberg SR, Tanda G. The endocannabinoid system: a new molecular target for the treatment of tobacco addiction. CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets 2008; 7:468-81. [PMID: 19128204 PMCID: PMC3821699 DOI: 10.2174/187152708786927859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Tobacco addiction is one of the leading preventable causes of mortality in the world and nicotine appears to be the main critical psychoactive component in establishing and maintaining tobacco dependence. Several lines of evidence suggest that the rewarding effects of nicotine, which underlie its abuse potential, can be modulated by manipulating the endocannabinoid system. For example, pharmacological blockade or genetic deletion of cannabinoid CB(1) receptors reduces or eliminates many behavioral and neurochemical effects of nicotine that are related to its addictive potential. This review will focus on the recently published literature about the role of the endocannabinoid system in nicotine addiction and on the endocannabinoid system as a novel molecular target for the discovery of medications for tobacco dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Scherma
- Preclinical Pharmacology Section, Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Baltimore, MD, USA
- B.B. Brodie Department of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paola Fadda
- B.B. Brodie Department of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Benoit Forget
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Walter Fratta
- B.B. Brodie Department of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Steven R. Goldberg
- Preclinical Pharmacology Section, Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gianluigi Tanda
- Psychobiology Section, Medications Discovery Research Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Fattore L, Fadda P, Spano MS, Pistis M, Fratta W. Neurobiological mechanisms of cannabinoid addiction. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2008; 286:S97-S107. [PMID: 18372102 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2008.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2008] [Revised: 02/12/2008] [Accepted: 02/12/2008] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is implicated in the regulation of a variety of physiological processes, among which conditioning, motivation, habit forming, memory, learning, and cognition play pivotal roles in drug reinforcement and reward. In this article we will give a synopsis of last developments in research on cannabinoid actions on brain reward circuits coming from behavioral, neurochemical and electrophysiological studies. Central cannabinoid-induced effects as measured by animal models of addiction, in vivo cerebral microdialysis, in vitro and in vivo electrophysiological recording techniques, will be reviewed. Brain sites that have been implicated in the mediation of addictive cannabinoid properties include primarily the ventral tegmental area, the nucleus accumbens, and the medial prefrontal cortex, although the amygdala, the substantia nigra, the globus pallidus, and the hippocampus have also been shown to be critical structures mediating motivational and reinforcing effects of cannabinoids. Putative neurobiological mechanisms underlying these effects will be delineated.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Fattore
- Institute of Neuroscience CNR, National Research Council, Section of Cagliari, Italy
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48
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Braida D, Limonta V, Capurro V, Fadda P, Rubino T, Mascia P, Zani A, Gori E, Fratta W, Parolaro D, Sala M. Involvement of kappa-opioid and endocannabinoid system on Salvinorin A-induced reward. Biol Psychiatry 2008; 63:286-92. [PMID: 17920565 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2007.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2006] [Revised: 07/26/2007] [Accepted: 07/26/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recreational drug, Salvinorin A, derived from the plant of Salvia divinorum, is a potent and selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist. The abuse of selective k-agonists is a novel phenomenon, the mechanism of which is not fully understood. METHODS We investigated salvinorin A given SC on the conditioned place preference (.05-160 microg/kg) and intracerebroventricular (ICV) self-administration (.01-1 microg/infusion) paradigms, in Wistar rats. RESULTS The present results demonstrate the rewarding effects of Salvinorin A in a range of doses between .1 and 40 microg/kg SC for conditioned place preference test and .1-.5 microg/infusion for ICV self-administration. Highest doses (160 microg/kg for conditioned place preference test and 1 microg/infusion for ICV self-administration) were aversive. The rewarding effect was antagonized by intraperitoneal (IP) pretreatment with the cannabinoid CB(1) receptor antagonist, rimonabant [N-piperidino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)1-(2,4-dichloro phenyl)-4 methyl pyrazole 3-carboxamide] (1 mg/kg), and the kappa-opioid receptor antagonist, nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI) (10 mg/kg). In the shell of nucleus accumbens, dopamine extracellular levels were increased after administration of salvinorin A (40 microg/kg SC), reaching a maximum value of about 150%. CONCLUSIONS These data provide the demonstration of the rewarding effects of Salvinorin A through an interaction between kappa-opioid and (endo)cannabinoid system in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Braida
- Department of Pharmacology, Chemotherapy and Medical Toxicology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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49
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Serra G, Fratta W. A possible role for the endocannabinoid system in the neurobiology of depression. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2007; 3:25. [PMID: 18021439 PMCID: PMC2169225 DOI: 10.1186/1745-0179-3-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2007] [Accepted: 11/19/2007] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The present review synthetically describes the currently advanced hypotheses for a neurobiological basis of depression, ranging from the classical monoaminergic to the more recent neurotrophic hypothesis. Moreover, the Authors review the available preclinical and clinical evidence suggesting a possible role for the endocannabinoid system in the physiopathology of depression. Indeed, in spite of the reporting of conflicting results, the pharmacological enhancement of endocannabinoid activity at the CB1 cannabinoid receptor level appears to exert an antidepressant-like effect in some animal models of depression. On the contrary, a reduced activity of the endogenous cannabinoid system seems to be associated with the animal model of depression, namely the chronic mild stress model. Moreover, a few studies have reported an interaction of antidepressants with the endocannabinoid system. With regard to clinical studies, several authors have reported an alteration of endocannabinoid serum levels in depression, while post mortem studies have demonstrated increased levels of endocannabinoids associated to a concomitant hyperactivity of CB1 receptor in the prefrontal cortex of suicide victims. No clinical trials carried out using cannabinoids in the treatment of affective disorders have been published to date, although anecdotal reports have described both antidepressant and antimanic properties of cannabis as well as the ability of cannabis to induce mania that has also been documented. These findings are discussed, leading us to conclude that, although data available are sufficient to suggest a possible involvement of the endogenous cannabinoid system in the neurobiology of depression, additional studies should be performed in order to better elucidate the role of this system in the physiopathology of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gino Serra
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze " B B Brodie " Università di Cagliari Cittadella Universitaria 09042 Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy.
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50
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Fattore L, Spano MS, Altea S, Angius F, Fadda P, Fratta W. Cannabinoid self-administration in rats: sex differences and the influence of ovarian function. Br J Pharmacol 2007; 152:795-804. [PMID: 17891164 PMCID: PMC2190022 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0707465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We recently demonstrated the existence of strain differences in self-administration of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonist WIN55,212-2 (WIN) by Long Evans (LE) and Lister Hooded (LH) but not Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats. This follow-up study is aimed at verifying whether sex and ovarian hormones might also be critical factors in the initiation, retention and extinction of WIN self-administration. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH LE, LH and SD male and female rats, the latter either intact or bilaterally ovariectomized (OVX), were trained to self-administer WIN (12.5 microg kg(-1) per infusion) under a FR1 reinforcement schedule, using lever-pressing. KEY RESULTS Data showed that contrary to the findings in SD rats, LE and LH rats developed robust cannabinoid intake, with rates of responding for WIN being constantly higher in intact females than in males (+45 and +42% for LE and LH strains, respectively). In comparison with intact females, OVX females of both strains acquired self-administration at lower rates, displaying slower acquisition, lower drug intake (-42 and -52% for LE and LH, respectively) and longer extinction. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These findings provide the first evidence of significant sex differences in cannabinoid self-administration, females acquiring stable WIN intake at higher rates and more rapidly than males. Moreover, when compared to intact females, a lower percentage of LE and LH OVX rats acquired and maintained stable drug intake, suggesting that ovarian hormones might represent a critical factor in modulating the reinforcing effect of cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Fattore
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, c/o Department of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Italy.
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