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Söderpalm B, Ericson M. Alcohol and the dopamine system. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 175:21-73. [PMID: 38555117 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The mesolimbic dopamine pathway plays a major role in drug reinforcement and is likely involved also in the development of drug addiction. Ethanol, like most addictive drugs, acutely activates the mesolimbic dopamine system and releases dopamine, and ethanol-associated stimuli also appear to trigger dopamine release. In addition, chronic exposure to ethanol reduces the baseline function of the mesolimbic dopamine system. The molecular mechanisms underlying ethanol´s interaction with this system remain, however, to be unveiled. Here research on the actions of ethanol in the mesolimbic dopamine system, focusing on the involvement of cystein-loop ligand-gated ion channels, opiate receptors, gastric peptides and acetaldehyde is briefly reviewed. In summary, a great complexity as regards ethanol´s mechanism(s) of action along the mesolimbic dopamine system has been revealed. Consequently, several new targets and possibilities for pharmacotherapies for alcohol use disorder have emerged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Söderpalm
- Addiction Biology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Addiction and Dependency, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Mia Ericson
- Addiction Biology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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de Bejczy A, Lidö H, Söderpalm B. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial on the efficacy of varenicline and bupropion in combination and alone for treatment of alcohol use disorder: Protocol for the COMB study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296118. [PMID: 38206930 PMCID: PMC10783749 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a major cause of premature death, disability and suffering. Available treatments are of modest efficacy and under-prescribed so there is a pressing need for a well-tolerated and effective treatment option for AUD. Dopamine is hypothesized to be involved in the development of alcohol dependence. To challenge the low-dopamine hypothesis of addiction, this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 13-week, multicentre clinical trial with four parallel arms is designed to evaluate the efficacy of two substances raising dopamine levels, varenicline and bupropion, alone and in combination vs. placebo on alcohol consumption in AUD. Varenicline, a partial agonist at brain nicotinic acetylcholine receptors increases dopamine release, whereas bupropion is a centrally-acting, norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor. Varenicline is previously shown to reduce alcohol intake in individuals with AUD. We hypothesize that the effect size of a combination of two drugs affecting dopamine levels in the brain will exceed that of approved AUD therapies. METHODS Consenting individuals with AUD will be recruited via media advertisements. Those fulfilling the eligibility criteria (N = 380) will be randomized to one of four interventions (n = 95 per arm). Treatment will comprise one week of titration (varenicline 0.5‒2 mg; bupropion SR 150‒300 mg) plus 12 weeks at steady state. Efficacy will be evaluated using two primary endpoints of alcohol consumption: Heavy Drinking Days and blood levels of phosphatidylethanol. Secondary objectives, exploratory and subgroup analyses will be also performed. The modified Intention-to-Treat and Per Protocol datasets will be evaluated using Analysis of Covariance. Last patient out is estimated to occur in December, 2022. DISCUSSION The COMB Study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of varenicline and bupropion, two drugs affecting dopamine, on alcohol consumption, and to challenge the low-dopamine hypothesis of addiction. Study Code COMB-BO8, EudraCT 2018-000048-24, Version 3.2, Lidö & deBejczy, 2020-06-16; https://clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT04167306.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea de Bejczy
- Addiction Biology Unit, Psychiatry and Neurochemistry Section, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Addiction and Dependency, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Helga Lidö
- Addiction Biology Unit, Psychiatry and Neurochemistry Section, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Addiction and Dependency, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bo Söderpalm
- Addiction Biology Unit, Psychiatry and Neurochemistry Section, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Addiction and Dependency, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Murthy P, Shadakshari D, Mahadevan J, Chand PK. Management of Alcohol Use Disorder in Patients With Alcoholic Liver Disease. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2022; 12:1514-1526. [PMID: 36340303 PMCID: PMC9630026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2022.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a common condition that develops on the background of heavy alcohol use and is characterised by the loss of control over alcohol use and a compulsion to use alcohol, often despite negative consequences. AUD is a leading cause for the resumption of alcohol use in patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) after treatment. Hence it is essential to screen all patients with ALD for the presence of AUD. Screening tools such as alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) and AUDIT-C are used, following which the diagnosis and severity of AUD are determined using DSM-5 criteria. The management of AUD in patients with ALD is best carried out using an integrated approach involving psychiatrists and gastroenterologists/hepatologists. The treatment most often involves a combination of pharmacotherapy and psychosocial interventions which try to achieve and maintain abstinence. Although, there is limited evidence, Baclofen is the first line pharmacological agent for long-term management of AUD in patients with ALD. Intensive psychological interventions such as motivation enhancement therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy are also seen to be beneficial. Treatment retention and follow-up are vital and can positively influence outcomes.
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Key Words
- AA, Alcoholics Anonymous
- ALD, Alcoholic Liver Disease
- AMPA, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid
- AUD, Alcohol Use Disorder
- AUDIT – C, Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test – Consumption
- AUDIT, Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test
- CBT, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- CDT, Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin
- CIWA – Ar, Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol Revised
- DALY, Disability Adjusted Life Years
- EtG, Ethyl glucuronide
- EtS, Ethyl Sulphate
- FAEE, Fatty acid ethyl ester
- FDA, Food and Drug Administration
- GABA, Gamma-Aminobutyric acid
- GGT, Gamma glutamyl transferase
- HCV, Hepatitis C Virus
- HE, Hepatic Encephalopathy
- LT, Liver Transplantation
- MCV, Mean corpuscular volume
- MET, Motivation Enhancement Therapy
- MI, Motivational Interviewing
- NMDA, N-Methyl-d-aspartate
- PEth, Phosphatidylethanol
- RCT, Randomised control trial
- SMS, Short Message Service
- alcohol use disorder
- alcoholic liver disease
- diagnosis
- pharmacotherapy
- psychotherapy
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratima Murthy
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Darshan Shadakshari
- Centre for Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Jayant Mahadevan
- Centre for Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Prabhat Kumar Chand
- Centre for Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
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Staud R. Advances in the management of fibromyalgia: what is the state of the art? Expert Opin Pharmacother 2022; 23:979-989. [PMID: 35509228 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2071606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome associated with fatigue, insomnia, dyscognition, and emotional distress. Critical illness mechanisms include central sensitization to nociceptive and non-nociceptive stimuli often resulting in hypersensitivity to all sensory input. AREAS COVERED The clinical presentation of FM can vary widely and therefore requires therapies tailored to each patient's set of symptoms. This manuscript examines currently prescribed therapeutic approaches supported by empirical evidence as well as promising novel treatments. Although pharmacological therapy until now has been only moderately effective for FM symptoms, it represents a critical component of every treatment plan. EXPERT OPINION Currently approved pharmacological therapies for FM symptoms have limited but proven effectiveness. Novel therapies with cannabinoids and naltrexone appear promising. Recent functional imaging studies of FM have discovered multiple brain network abnormalities that may provide novel targets for mechanism-based therapies. Future treatment approaches, however, need to improve more than clinical pain but also other FM domains like fatigue, insomnia, and distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Staud
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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5
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Bruun KD, Amris K, Vaegter HB, Blichfeldt-Eckhardt MR, Holsgaard-Larsen A, Christensen R, Toft P. Low-dose naltrexone for the treatment of fibromyalgia: protocol for a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Trials 2021; 22:804. [PMID: 34781989 PMCID: PMC8591911 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05776-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) is used widely as an off-label treatment for pain despite limited evidence for its effectiveness. A few small trials with a high risk of bias have investigated the effect of LDN on pain associated with fibromyalgia in women, but larger and more methodologically robust studies are needed. The primary aim of this randomized controlled trial is to investigate if 12 weeks of LDN treatment is superior to placebo in reducing the average pain intensity during the last 7 days in women with fibromyalgia. METHODS A single-center, permuted block randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial will be performed in Denmark. Randomization comprises 100 women aged 18-64 years diagnosed with fibromyalgia who will be treated with either LDN or placebo for 12 weeks including a 4-week titration phase. The primary outcome is change in average pain intensity (during the last 7 days) from baseline to 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes are other fibromyalgia-related symptoms, i.e., tenderness, fatigue, sleep disturbance, stiffness, memory problems, depression, anxiety and measures of global assessment, physical function, impact of fibromyalgia, pain distribution, and health-related quality of life. Intention-to-treat analysis will be performed, and the number of responders with a more than 15%, 30%, and 50% improvement of pain after 12 weeks will be calculated for the LDN and placebo groups. Exploratory outcomes include measures of pain sensitivity, muscle performance, and biomarkers. DISCUSSION This study will contribute with high-level evidence on the efficacy of low-dose naltrexone for the treatment of pain in women with fibromyalgia. Secondary outcomes include both disease-specific and generic components investigating whether LDN influences other symptoms than pain. Explorative outcomes are included to provide greater insight into the mechanism of action of LDN and possibly a better understanding of the underlying pathology in fibromyalgia. TRIAL REGISTRATION EudraCT 2019-000702-30. Registered on 12 July 2019. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04270877. Registered on 17 February 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Due Bruun
- Pain Research Group, Pain Center, Odense University Hospital, Heden 7-9, Indgang 20, DK - 5000, Odense C, Denmark. .,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark. .,The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Kirstine Amris
- The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Rheumatology, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Henrik Bjarke Vaegter
- Pain Research Group, Pain Center, Odense University Hospital, Heden 7-9, Indgang 20, DK - 5000, Odense C, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Morten Rune Blichfeldt-Eckhardt
- Pain Research Group, Pain Center, Odense University Hospital, Heden 7-9, Indgang 20, DK - 5000, Odense C, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anders Holsgaard-Larsen
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Robin Christensen
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Palle Toft
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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Topiramate-chitosan nanoparticles prevent morphine reinstatement with no memory impairment: Dopaminergic and glutamatergic molecular aspects in rats. Neurochem Int 2021; 150:105157. [PMID: 34390773 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Besides their clinical application, chronic misuse of opioids has often been associated to drug addiction due to their addictive properties, underlying neuroadaptations of AMPA glutamate-receptor-dependent synaptic plasticity. Topiramate (TPM), an AMPAR antagonist, has been used to treat psychostimulants addiction, despite its harmful effects on memory. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a novel topiramate nanosystem on molecular changes related to morphine reinstatement. Rats were previously exposed to morphine in conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm and treated with topiramate-chitosan nanoparticles (TPM-CS-NP) or non-encapsulated topiramate in solution (S-TPM) during CPP extinction; following memory performance evaluation, they were re-exposed to morphine reinstatement. While morphine-CPP extinction was comparable among all experimental groups, TPM-CS-NP treatment prevented morphine reinstatement, preserving memory performance, which was impaired by both morphine-conditioning and S-TPM treatment. In the NAc, morphine increased D1R, D2R, D3R, DAT, GluA1 and MOR immunoreactivity. It also increased D1R, DAT, GluA1 and MOR in the dorsal hippocampus. TPM-CS-NP treatment decreased D1R, D3R and GluA1 and increased DAT in the NAc, decreasing GluA1 and increasing D2 and DAT in the dorsal hippocampus. Taken together, we may infer that TPM-CS-NP treatment was able to prevent the morphine reinstatement without memory impairment. Therefore, TPM-CS-NP may be considered an innovative therapeutic tool due to its property to prevent opioid reinstatement because it acts modifying both dopaminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission, which are commonly related to morphine addiction.
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Cunningham JI, Todtenkopf MS, Dean RL, Azar MR, Koob GF, Deaver DR, Eyerman DJ. Samidorphan, an opioid receptor antagonist, attenuates drug-induced increases in extracellular dopamine concentrations and drug self-administration in male Wistar rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 204:173157. [PMID: 33647274 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Opioid receptors modulate neurochemical and behavioral responses to drugs of abuse in nonclinical models. Samidorphan (SAM) is a new molecular entity that binds with high affinity to human mu- (μ), kappa- (κ), and delta- (δ) opioid receptors and functions as a μ-opioid receptor antagonist with partial agonist activity at κ- and δ-opioid receptors. Based on its in vitro profile, we hypothesized that SAM would block key neurobiological effects of drugs of abuse. Therefore, we assessed the effects of SAM on ethanol-, oxycodone-, cocaine-, and amphetamine-induced increases in extracellular dopamine (DAext) in the nucleus accumbens shell (NAc-sh), and ethanol and cocaine self-administration behavior in rats. In microdialysis studies, administration of SAM alone did not result in measurable changes in NAc-sh DAext when given across a large range of doses. However, SAM markedly decreased average and maximal increases in NAc-sh DAext produced by each of the drugs of abuse tested. In behavioral studies, SAM attenuated fixed-ratio ethanol self-administration and progressive ratio cocaine self-administration. These results highlight the potential of SAM to counteract the neurobiological and behavioral effects of several drugs of abuse with differing mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - George F Koob
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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8
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Bruun-Plesner K, Blichfeldt-Eckhardt MR, Vaegter HB, Lauridsen JT, Amris K, Toft P. Low-Dose Naltrexone for the Treatment of Fibromyalgia: Investigation of Dose–Response Relationships. PAIN MEDICINE 2020; 21:2253-2261. [DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnaa001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
This study explores dose–response relationships when treating fibromyalgia with low-dose naltrexone.
Design
A single-blinded clinical trial was carried out using the “up-and-down” method.
Subjects
Subjects included women with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia aged 18–60 years who had been referred to treatment at a public pain clinic at a Danish university hospital.
Methods
The test doses were in the range 0.75–6 mg, and the dosing interval was 0.75 mg. The method was sequential and allowed predicting the dose effective in 50% (ED50) and 95% (ED95) of the subjects when the dose had shifted direction 10 times, and six pairs of “up-and-down” data were available.
Results
A total of 27 subjects were included in the study; two subjects were withdrawn. After inclusion of 25 evaluable subjects, the dose estimates were calculated as 3.88 mg for ED50 and 5.40 mg for ED95. As a secondary outcome, the effects on 10 common fibromyalgia symptoms were evaluated. A high interindividual variation was observed both in the symptom presentation at baseline and in which symptoms were reduced by low-dose naltrexone.
Conclusions
This study is the first to explore dose–response relationships in the treatment of fibromyalgia with low-dose naltrexone. Future placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials are needed, and according to our findings, 4.5 mg, which has previously been used, seems to be a relevant test dose. We recommend that future studies include additional nonpain fibromyalgia symptoms as outcome measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Bruun-Plesner
- Pain Research Group, Pain Centre, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Open Patient Data Explorative Network (OPEN), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Morten Rune Blichfeldt-Eckhardt
- Pain Research Group, Pain Centre, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Henrik Bjarke Vaegter
- Pain Research Group, Pain Centre, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Joergen T Lauridsen
- Department of Business and Economics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Kirstine Amris
- Department of Rheumatology, The Parker Institute, Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Palle Toft
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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Vena AA, Zandy SL, Cofresí RU, Gonzales RA. Behavioral, neurobiological, and neurochemical mechanisms of ethanol self-administration: A translational review. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 212:107573. [PMID: 32437827 PMCID: PMC7580704 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder has multiple characteristics including excessive ethanol consumption, impaired control over drinking behaviors, craving and withdrawal symptoms, compulsive seeking behaviors, and is considered a chronic condition. Relapse is common. Determining the neurobiological targets of ethanol and the adaptations induced by chronic ethanol exposure is critical to understanding the clinical manifestation of alcohol use disorders, the mechanisms underlying the various features of the disorder, and for informing medication development. In the present review, we discuss ethanol's interactions with a variety of neurotransmitter systems, summarizing findings from preclinical and translational studies to highlight recent progress in the field. We then describe animal models of ethanol self-administration, emphasizing the value, limitations, and validity of commonly used models. Lastly, we summarize the behavioral changes induced by chronic ethanol self-administration, with an emphasis on cue-elicited behavior, the role of ethanol-related memories, and the emergence of habitual ethanol seeking behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley A Vena
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, United States of America
| | | | - Roberto U Cofresí
- Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, United States of America
| | - Rueben A Gonzales
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy and Institute for Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, United States of America.
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Ohgi Y. [Alcohol dependence and opioid receptor -Pharmacological profile of nalmefene]. Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi 2020; 155:145-148. [PMID: 32378631 DOI: 10.1254/fpj.19139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol dependence is one of the psychiatric disorders affecting over 1 million people in Japan. Mesolimbic dopamine neuron projecting from ventral tegmental area to nucleus accumbens (Reward system) plays important roles in alcohol dependence including other dependence. Accumulating evidence indicates that the endogenous opioid system regulate this reward system. That is, alcohol stimulates the release of endogenous opioid peptides such as β-endorphin and dynorphin in the brain. β-endorphin activates μ-opioid receptor leading to euphoric mood and positive reinforcement, while dynorphin activates κ-opioid receptor leading to dysphoric mood and negative reinforcement. These euphoric/dysphoric mood and reinforcement effects via endogenous opioid systems are suggested to be implicated in repeated alcohol intake in patients with alcohol dependence. Nalmefene acts as an antagonist at μ- and δ-opioid receptor and a partial agonist at κ-opioid receptor. Preclinical studies have shown that nalmefene reduced the alcohol intake in alcohol preference rats. In clinical trials, as-needed use of nalmefene with psychosocial support reduced the number of heavy-drinking days and total alcohol consumption. These results suggest that nalmefene modulates the alcohol-induced euphoric/dysphoric mood via opioid system and thereby contribute to reduction in alcohol consumption in patients with alcohol dependence. Here, we summarize the implications of opioid system in alcohol dependence and pharmacological profiles of nalmefene in preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Ohgi
- Department of CNS Research, New Drug Research Division, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd
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11
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Shahrier MA, Wada H. Effects of prenatal ethanol exposure on acoustic characteristics of play fighting-induced ultrasonic vocalizations in juvenile rats. Neurotoxicology 2020; 79:25-39. [PMID: 32294486 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Juvenile rats display rough-and-tumble playing with conspecifics (play fighting behavior) and produce 22 and 50 kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs). The 22 kHz USV is considered to reflect negative emotionality such as anxiety, fear, and distress, whereas the 50 kHz USV is considered to reflect positive emotionality such as joy, happiness, and satisfaction. USV is a sensitive tool for measuring emotionality in socially interactive situations. However, effects of prenatal ethanol-exposure on the acoustic characteristics of play fighting-induced USVs have remained unclear. In Experiment I, we recorded USVs produced by prenatally ethanol-exposed rats during play fighting on postnatal days (PNDs) 40-42 and examined the acoustic characteristics of negative and positive emotion-induced USVs. In Experiment II, we examined the anxiety levels through elevated plus maze testing on PNDs 37-39 and frequencies of playful attacks on PNDs 43-45 in ethanol-exposed rats. Ethanol was administered to pregnant rats in three gradually increased concentrations between gestational days (GDs) 8 and 20. From GDs 14 to 20, ethanol-containing tap water at concentrations of 30% and 15% (v/v) was administered to the high- and low-ethanol groups, respectively. Tap water without added ethanol was given to the control group. On PNDs 40-42, three rats from the same sex and same ethanol concentration group but from different litters were placed together into a playing cage for play fighting. The high-ethanol male triads displayed elevations of 20-35 kHz USVs reflecting negative emotionality and reductions of 45-70 kHz USVs reflecting positive emotionality compared with both the low-ethanol and control male triads. The high-ethanol male triads had prominent elevations of 20-35 kHz USVs with durations longer than 200 ms, whereas the control male triads did not produce such 20-35 kHz USVs at all. There was no difference in USV acoustic characteristics among the female triads. In addition, the high-ethanol male rats exhibited greater anxiety levels and less frequencies of play fighting than the control male rats. Altogether, we conclude that prenatal exposure to ethanol enhances negative emotionality such as anxiety and, accordingly, 20-35 kHz USVs reflecting negative emotionality are produced with a marked decrease in play fighting, suggesting difficulties in social interactions with conspecifics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Ashik Shahrier
- Department of Psychology, Graduate School of Letters, Hokkaido University, Japan.
| | - Hiromi Wada
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Human Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 10 Nishi 7 Kita-Ku, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
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12
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Hansson AC, Gründer G, Hirth N, Noori HR, Spanagel R, Sommer WH. Dopamine and opioid systems adaptation in alcoholism revisited: Convergent evidence from positron emission tomography and postmortem studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 106:141-164. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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13
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Wei NL, Quan ZF, Zhao T, Yu XD, Xie Q, Zeng J, Ma FK, Wang F, Tang QS, Wu H, Zhu JH. Chronic stress increases susceptibility to food addiction by increasing the levels of DR2 and MOR in the nucleus accumbens. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2019; 15:1211-1229. [PMID: 31190828 PMCID: PMC6512647 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s204818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Stress-related obesity might be related to the suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary- adrenocortical axis and dysregulation of the metabolic system. Chronic stress also induces the dysregulation of the reward system and increases the risk of food addiction, according to recent clinical findings. However, few studies have tested the effect of chronic stress on food addiction in animal models. Purpose: The objective of this study was to identify whether chronic stress promotes food addiction or not and explore the possible mechanisms. Method: We applied adaily 2 hrsflashing LED irradiation stress to mice fed chow or palatable food to mimic the effect of chronic stress on feeding. After 1 month of chronic stress exposure, we tested their binge eating behaviors, cravings for palatable food, responses for palatable food, and compulsive eating behaviors to evaluate the effect of chronic stress on food addiction-like behaviors. We detected changes in the levels of various genes and proteins in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), ventral tegmental area (VTA) and lateral hypothalamus using qPCR and immunofluorescence staining, respectively. Results: Behaviors results indicated chronic stress obviously increased food addiction score (FAS) in the palatable food feeding mice. Moreover, the FAS had astrong relationship with the extent of the increase in body weight. Chronic stress increased the expression of corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1(CRFR1) was increased in the NAc shell and core but decreased in the VTA of the mice fed with palatable food. Chronic stress also increased expression of both dopamine receptor 2 (DR2) and mu-opioid receptor (MOR) in the NAc. Conclusion: Chronic stress aggravates the FAS and contributed to the development of stress-related obesity. Chronic stress drives the dysregulation of the CRF signaling pathway in the reward system and increases the expression of DR2 and MOR in the nucleus accumbens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nai-Li Wei
- Fudan University Huashan Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory for Medical neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College-Fudan University, Shanghai, 20040, People's Republic of China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Gansu China, 730030, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi-Fang Quan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Neuroscience, Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, People's Republic of China
| | - Tong Zhao
- Fudan University Huashan Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory for Medical neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College-Fudan University, Shanghai, 20040, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu-Dong Yu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Xie
- Fudan University Huashan Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory for Medical neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College-Fudan University, Shanghai, 20040, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Zeng
- Fudan University Huashan Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory for Medical neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College-Fudan University, Shanghai, 20040, People's Republic of China
| | - Fu-Kai Ma
- Fudan University Huashan Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory for Medical neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College-Fudan University, Shanghai, 20040, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Wang
- Fudan University Huashan Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory for Medical neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College-Fudan University, Shanghai, 20040, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi-Sheng Tang
- Fudan University Huashan Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory for Medical neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College-Fudan University, Shanghai, 20040, People's Republic of China
| | - Heng Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Hong Zhu
- Fudan University Huashan Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory for Medical neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College-Fudan University, Shanghai, 20040, People's Republic of China
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Hamida SB, Boulos LJ, McNicholas M, Charbogne P, Kieffer BL. Mu opioid receptors in GABAergic neurons of the forebrain promote alcohol reward and drinking. Addict Biol 2019; 24:28-39. [PMID: 29094432 PMCID: PMC5932272 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Mu opioid receptors (MORs) are widely distributed throughout brain reward circuits and their role in drug and social reward is well established. Substantial evidence has implicated MOR and the endogenous opioid system in alcohol reward, but circuit mechanisms of MOR-mediated alcohol reward and intake behavior remain elusive, and have not been investigated by genetic approaches. We recently created conditional knockout (KO) mice targeting the Oprm1 gene in GABAergic forebrain neurons. These mice (Dlx-MOR KO) show a major MOR deletion in the striatum, whereas receptors in midbrain (including the Ventral Tegmental Area or VTA) and hindbrain are intact. Here, we compared alcohol-drinking behavior and rewarding effects in total (MOR KO) and conditional KO mice. Concordant with our previous work, MOR KO mice drank less alcohol in continuous and intermittent two-bottle choice protocols. Remarkably, Dlx-MOR KO mice showed reduced drinking similar to MOR KO mice, demonstrating that MOR in the forebrain is responsible for the observed phenotype. Further, alcohol-induced conditioned place preference was detected in control but not MOR KO mice, indicating that MOR is essential for alcohol reward and again, Dlx-MOR KO recapitulated the MOR KO phenotype. Taste preference and blood alcohol levels were otherwise unchanged in mutant lines. Together, our data demonstrate that MOR expressed in forebrain GABAergic neurons is essential for alcohol reward-driven behaviors, including drinking and place conditioning. Challenging the prevailing VTA-centric hypothesis, this study reveals another mechanism of MOR-mediated alcohol reward and consumption, which does not necessarily require local VTA MORs but rather engages striatal MOR-dependent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami Ben Hamida
- Département de Médecine Translationnelle et Neurogénétique, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, INSERM U-964, CNRS UMR-7104, Université de Strasbourg, 67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Laura-Joy Boulos
- Département de Médecine Translationnelle et Neurogénétique, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, INSERM U-964, CNRS UMR-7104, Université de Strasbourg, 67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Michael McNicholas
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Pauline Charbogne
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Brigitte Lina Kieffer
- Département de Médecine Translationnelle et Neurogénétique, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, INSERM U-964, CNRS UMR-7104, Université de Strasbourg, 67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, H4H 1R3, Canada
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15
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Shahrier MA, Wada H. Effects of prenatal ethanol exposure on acoustic characteristics of ultrasonic vocalizations in rat pups. Neurotoxicology 2018; 69:29-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2018.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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16
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Morel C, Montgomery S, Han MH. Nicotine and alcohol: the role of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in drug reinforcement. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 50:2180-2200. [PMID: 30251377 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Nicotine and alcohol addiction are leading causes of preventable death worldwide and continue to constitute a huge socio-economic burden. Both nicotine and alcohol perturb the brain's mesocorticolimbic system. Dopamine (DA) neurons projecting from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to multiple downstream structures, including the nucleus accumbens, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala, are highly involved in the maintenance of healthy brain function. VTA DA neurons play a crucial role in associative learning and reinforcement. Nicotine and alcohol usurp these functions, promoting reinforcement of drug taking behaviors. In this review, we will first describe how nicotine and alcohol individually affect VTA DA neurons by examining how drug exposure alters the heterogeneous VTA microcircuit and network-wide projections. We will also examine how coadministration or previous exposure to nicotine or alcohol may augment the reinforcing effects of the other. Additionally, this review briefly summarizes the role of VTA DA neurons in nicotine, alcohol, and their synergistic effects in reinforcement and also addresses the remaining questions related to the circuit-function specificity of the dopaminergic system in mediating nicotine/alcohol reinforcement and comorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Morel
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Icahn Building Floor 12 Room 12-75B, 1425 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Center for Affective Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah Montgomery
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Icahn Building Floor 12 Room 12-75B, 1425 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Center for Affective Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ming-Hu Han
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Icahn Building Floor 12 Room 12-75B, 1425 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Center for Affective Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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17
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Miranda R, Treloar Padovano H, Gray JC, Wemm SE, Blanchard A. Real-time assessment of alcohol craving and naltrexone treatment responsiveness in a randomized clinical trial. Addict Behav 2018; 83:72-78. [PMID: 29395188 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This secondary data analysis examined whether and how the dopamine receptor D4 gene (DRD4) influenced naltrexone treatment responsiveness in a randomized clinical trial. We leveraged intensive experience sampling methods to test the hypothesis that craving recorded at drinking and non-drinking moments would mediate naltrexone effects on the likelihood of heavy drinking, but only among carriers of the DRD4 long (DRD4-L) allele. METHODS Participants (Mage=29.8years, SD=12.1) were non-treatment seeking heavy drinkers (n=104, 54.8% female, 61.5% alcohol dependent) randomized to 3weeks of daily naltrexone (50mg) or placebo. During these 3weeks, participants used handheld electronic devices to complete real-time reports of alcohol use and craving multiple times per day in their natural environments. This approach afforded intensive repeated assessment of focal variables and provided in-the-moment data to test whether craving when not drinking or early in drinking episodes explained naltrexone effects on drinking. RESULTS Moderated-mediation multilevel structural equation models showed that craving during non-drinking moments mediated the treatment effect of naltrexone on heavy drinking but only among carriers of the DRD4-L allele. The same pattern of associations was not shown when evaluating craving while participants were consuming alcoholic beverages. CONCLUSIONS Findings provide the first in vivo evidence that, among carriers of the DRD4-L allele, naltrexone blunts craving in real-world settings, and this effect in turn reduces the likelihood of heavy drinking. This work highlights the utility of EMA methods for elucidating how treatments work and further demonstrates the importance of genetic factors for understanding individual differences in pharmacotherapy responsiveness.
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18
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19
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GABA Uptake Inhibition Reduces In Vivo Extraction Fraction in the Ventral Tegmental Area of Long Evans Rats Measured by Quantitative Microdialysis Under Transient Conditions. Neurochem Res 2017; 43:306-315. [PMID: 29127598 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-017-2424-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 09/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitory signaling in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) is involved in the mechanism of action for many drugs of abuse. Although drugs of abuse have been shown to alter extracellular γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentration in the VTA, knowledge on how uptake mechanisms are regulated in vivo is limited. Quantitative (no-net-flux) microdialysis is commonly used to examine the extracellular concentration and clearance of monoamine neurotransmitters, however it is unclear whether this method is sensitive to changes in clearance for amino acid neurotransmitters such as GABA. The purpose of this study was to determine whether changes in GABA uptake are reflected by in vivo extraction fraction within the VTA. Using quantitative (no-net-flux) microdialysis adapted for transient conditions, we examined the effects of local perfusion with the GABA uptake inhibitor, nipecotic acid, in the VTA of Long Evans rats. Basal extracellular GABA concentration and in vivo extraction fraction were 44.4 ± 1.9 nM (x-intercepts from 4 baseline regressions using a total of 24 rats) and 0.19 ± 0.01 (slopes from 4 baseline regressions using a total of 24 rats), respectively. Nipecotic acid (50 μM) significantly increased extracellular GABA concentration to 170 ± 4 nM and reduced in vivo extraction fraction to 0.112 ± 0.003. Extraction fraction returned to baseline following removal of nipecotic acid from the perfusate. Conventional microdialysis substantially underestimated the increase of extracellular GABA concentration due to nipecotic acid perfusion compared with that obtained from the quantitative analysis. Together, these results show that inhibiting GABA uptake mechanisms within the VTA alters in vivo extraction fraction measured using microdialysis and that in vivo extraction fraction may be an indirect measure of GABA clearance.
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20
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Pfeifer P, Tüscher O, Buchholz HG, Gründer G, Vernaleken I, Paulzen M, Zimmermann US, Maus S, Lieb K, Eggermann T, Fehr C, Schreckenberger M. Acute effect of intravenously applied alcohol in the human striatal and extrastriatal D 2 /D 3 dopamine system. Addict Biol 2017; 22:1449-1458. [PMID: 27396374 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Investigations on the acute effects of alcohol in the human mesolimbic dopamine D2 /D3 receptor system have yielded conflicting results. With respect to the effects of alcohol on extrastriatal D2 /D3 dopamine receptors no investigations have been reported yet. Therefore we applied PET imaging using the postsynaptic dopamine D2 /D3 receptor ligand [18 F]fallypride addressing the question, whether intravenously applied alcohol stimulates the extrastriatal and striatal dopamine system. We measured subjective effects of alcohol and made correlation analyses with the striatal and extrastriatal D2 /D3 binding potential. Twenty-four healthy male μ-opioid receptor (OPRM1)118G allele carriers underwent a standardized intravenous and placebo alcohol administration. The subjective effects of alcohol were measured with a visual analogue scale. For the evaluation of the dopamine response we calculated the binding potential (BPND ) by using the simplified reference tissue model (SRTM). In addition, we calculated distribution volumes (target and reference regions) in 10 subjects for which metabolite corrected arterial samples were available. In the alcohol condition no significant dopamine response in terms of a reduction of BPND was observed in striatal and extrastriatal brain regions. We found a positive correlation for 'liking' alcohol and the BPND in extrastriatal brain regions (Inferior frontal cortex (IFC) (r = 0.533, p = 0.007), orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) (r = 0.416, p = 0.043) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) (r = 0.625, p = 0.001)). The acute alcohol effects on the D2 /D3 dopamine receptor binding potential of the striatal and extrastriatal system in our experiment were insignificant. A positive correlation of the subjective effect of 'liking' alcohol with cortical D2 /D3 receptors may hint at an addiction relevant trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Pfeifer
- Hospital of Psychiatry Muensingen and University Hospital of Psychiatry Bern, University of Bern; Bern 60 Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz; Mainz Germany
| | - Oliver Tüscher
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz; Mainz Germany
| | - Hans Georg Buchholz
- Department of Nuclear Medicine; University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz; Mainz Germany
| | - Gerhard Gründer
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics; RWTH Aachen University and JARA-Translational Brain Medicine Aachen; Aachen Germany
| | - Ingo Vernaleken
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics; RWTH Aachen University and JARA-Translational Brain Medicine Aachen; Aachen Germany
| | - Michael Paulzen
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics; RWTH Aachen University and JARA-Translational Brain Medicine Aachen; Aachen Germany
| | - Ulrich S. Zimmermann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; University Hospital, Technische Universität Dresden; Dresden Germany
| | - Stephan Maus
- Department of Nuclear Medicine; University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz; Mainz Germany
| | - Klaus Lieb
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz; Mainz Germany
| | - Thomas Eggermann
- Institute for Human Genetics; RWTH Aachen University Medical Center; Aachen Germany
| | - Christoph Fehr
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz; Mainz Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics; Agaplesion Markus Hospital; Frankfurt/Main Germany
| | - Mathias Schreckenberger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine; University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz; Mainz Germany
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Lovinger DM, Alvarez VA. Alcohol and basal ganglia circuitry: Animal models. Neuropharmacology 2017; 122:46-55. [PMID: 28341206 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Brain circuits that include the cortex and basal ganglia make up the bulk of the forebrain, and influence behaviors related to almost all aspects of affective, cognitive and sensorimotor functions. The learning of new actions as well as association of existing action repertoires with environmental events are key functions of this circuitry. Unfortunately, the cortico-basal ganglia circuitry is also the target for all drugs of abuse, including alcohol. This makes the circuitry susceptible to the actions of chronic alcohol exposure that impairs circuit function in ways that contribute to cognitive dysfunction and drug use disorders. In the present review, we describe the connectivity and functions of the associative, limbic and sensorimotor cortico-basal ganglia circuits. We then review the effects of acute and chronic alcohol exposure on circuit function. Finally, we review studies examining the roles of the different circuits and circuit elements in alcohol use and abuse. We attempt to synthesize information from a variety of studies in laboratory animals and humans to generate hypotheses about how the three circuits interact with each other and with the other brain circuits during exposure to alcohol and during the development of alcohol use disorders. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled "Alcoholism".
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Lovinger
- Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States.
| | - Veronica A Alvarez
- Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
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22
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Ofogh SN, Rezayof A, Sardari M, Ghasemzadeh Z. Basolateral amygdala CB1 cannabinoid receptors are involved in cross state-dependent memory retrieval between morphine and ethanol. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2016; 148:92-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2016.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Revised: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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23
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Modulation of nucleus accumbens connectivity by alcohol drinking and naltrexone in alcohol-preferring rats: A manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging study. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2016; 26:445-55. [PMID: 26851200 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Revised: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The nonselective opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone is now used for the treatment of alcoholism, yet naltrexone's central mechanism of action remains poorly understood. One line of evidence suggests that opioid antagonists regulate alcohol drinking through interaction with the mesolimbic dopamine system. Hence, our goal here was to examine the role of the nucleus accumbens connectivity in alcohol reinforcement and naltrexone's actions using manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI). Following long-term free-choice drinking of alcohol and water, AA (Alko Alcohol) rats received injections of MnCl2 into the nucleus accumbens for activity-dependent tracing of accumbal connections. Immediately after the accumbal injections, rats were imaged using MEMRI, and then allowed to drink either alcohol or water for the next 24h. Naltrexone was administered prior to the active dark period, and the second MEMRI was performed 24h after the first scan. Comparison of signal intensity at 1 and 24h after accumbal MnCl2 injections revealed an ipsilateral continuum through the ventral pallidum, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, globus pallidus, and lateral hypothalamus to the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area. Activation was also seen in the rostral part of the insular cortex and regions of the prefrontal cortex. Alcohol drinking resulted in enhanced activation of these connections, whereas naltrexone suppressed alcohol-induced activity. These data support the involvement of the accumbal connections in alcohol reinforcement and mediation of naltrexone's suppressive effects on alcohol drinking through their deactivation.
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Fritz BM, Boehm SL. Rodent models and mechanisms of voluntary binge-like ethanol consumption: Examples, opportunities, and strategies for preclinical research. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2016; 65:297-308. [PMID: 26021391 PMCID: PMC4668238 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2015.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Revised: 05/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Binge ethanol consumption has widespread negative consequences for global public health. Rodent models offer exceptional power to explore the neurobiology underlying and affected by binge-like drinking as well as target potential prevention, intervention, and treatment strategies. An important characteristic of these models is their ability to consistently produce pharmacologically-relevant blood ethanol concentration. This review examines the current available rodent models of voluntary, pre-dependent binge-like ethanol consumption and their utility in various research strategies. Studies have demonstrated that a diverse array of neurotransmitters regulate binge-like drinking, resembling some findings from other drinking models. Furthermore, repeated binge-like drinking recruits neuroadaptive mechanisms in mesolimbocortical reward circuitry. New opportunities that these models offer in the current context of mechanistic research are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen L Boehm
- Indiana Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States.
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25
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Thakore N, Reno JM, Gonzales RA, Schallert T, Bell RL, Maddox WT, Duvauchelle CL. Alcohol enhances unprovoked 22-28 kHz USVs and suppresses USV mean frequency in High Alcohol Drinking (HAD-1) male rats. Behav Brain Res 2016; 302:228-36. [PMID: 26802730 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Revised: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Heightened emotional states increase impulsive behaviors such as excessive ethanol consumption in humans. Though positive and negative affective states in rodents can be monitored in real-time through ultrasonic vocalization (USV) emissions, few animal studies have focused on the role of emotional status as a stimulus for initial ethanol drinking. Our laboratory has recently developed reliable, high-speed analysis techniques to compile USV data during multiple-hour drinking sessions. Since High Alcohol Drinking (HAD-1) rats are selectively bred to voluntarily consume intoxicating levels of alcohol, we hypothesized that USVs emitted by HAD-1 rats would reveal unique emotional phenotypes predictive of alcohol intake and sensitive to alcohol experience. In this study, male HAD-1 rats had access to water, 15% and 30% EtOH or water only (i.e., Controls) during 8 weeks of daily 7-h drinking-in-the-dark (DID) sessions. USVs, associated with both positive (i.e., 50-55 kHz frequency-modulated or FM) and negative (i.e., 22-28 kHz) emotional states, emitted during these daily DID sessions were examined. Findings showed basal 22-28 kHz USVs were emitted by both EtOH-Naïve (Control) and EtOH-experienced rats, alcohol experience enhanced 22-28 kHz USV emissions, and USV acoustic parameters (i.e., mean frequency in kHz) of both positive and negative USVs were significantly suppressed by chronic alcohol experience. These data suggest that negative affective status initiates and maintains excessive alcohol intake in selectively bred HAD-1 rats and support the notion that unprovoked emissions of negative affect-associated USVs (i.e., 22-28 kHz) predict vulnerability to excessive alcohol intake in distinct rodent models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Thakore
- The University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 2409 University Avenue, Stop A1915, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway, Stop A4800, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - James M Reno
- The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Psychology, 108 E. Dean Keeton Avenue, Stop A8000, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway, Stop A4800, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Rueben A Gonzales
- The University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 2409 University Avenue, Stop A1915, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway, Stop A4800, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Timothy Schallert
- The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Psychology, 108 E. Dean Keeton Avenue, Stop A8000, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway, Stop A4800, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Richard L Bell
- Institute of Psychiatric Research, Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - W Todd Maddox
- The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Psychology, 108 E. Dean Keeton Avenue, Stop A8000, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Christine L Duvauchelle
- The University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 2409 University Avenue, Stop A1915, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway, Stop A4800, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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Reno JM, Thakore N, Gonzales R, Schallert T, Bell RL, Maddox WT, Duvauchelle CL. Alcohol-preferring P rats emit spontaneous 22-28 kHz ultrasonic vocalizations that are altered by acute and chronic alcohol experience. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2015; 39:843-52. [PMID: 25827842 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emotional states are often thought to drive excessive alcohol intake and influence the development of alcohol use disorders. To gain insight into affective properties associated with excessive alcohol intake, we utilized ultrasonic vocalization (USV) detection and analyses to characterize the emotional phenotype of selectively bred alcohol-preferring (P) rats; an established animal model of excessive alcohol intake. USVs emitted by rodents have been convincingly associated with positive (50-55 kHz frequency-modulated [FM]) and negative (22-28 kHz) affective states. Therefore, we hypothesized that 50-55 and 22-28 kHz USV emission patterns in P rats would reveal a unique emotional phenotype sensitive to alcohol experience. METHODS 50-55 kHz FM and 22-28 kHz USVs elicited from male P rats were assessed during access to water, 15 and 30% EtOH (v/v). Ethanol (EtOH; n = 12) or water only (Control; n = 4) across 8 weeks of daily drinking-in-the-dark (DID) sessions. RESULTS Spontaneous 22-28 kHz USVs are emitted by alcohol-naïve P rats and are enhanced by alcohol experience. During DID sessions when alcohol was not available (e.g., "EtOH OFF" intervals), significantly more 22-28 kHz than 50-55 kHz USVs were elicited, while significantly more 50-55 kHz FM than 22-28 kHz USVs were emitted when alcohol was available (e.g., "EtOH ON" intervals). In addition, USV acoustic property analyses revealed chronic effects of alcohol experience on 22-28 kHz USV mean frequency, indicative of lasting alcohol-mediated alterations to neural substrates underlying emotional response. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that acute and chronic effects of alcohol exposure are reflected in changes in 22-28 and 50-55 kHz FM USV counts and acoustic patterns. These data support the notion that initiation and maintenance of alcohol intake in P rats may be due to a unique, alcohol-responsive emotional phenotype and further suggest that spontaneous 22-28 kHz USVs serve as behavioral markers for excessive drinking vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Reno
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas; Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
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Vena AA, Gonzales RA. Temporal profiles dissociate regional extracellular ethanol versus dopamine concentrations. ACS Chem Neurosci 2015; 6:37-47. [PMID: 25537116 PMCID: PMC4304481 DOI: 10.1021/cn500278b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In vivo monitoring of dopamine via microdialysis has demonstrated that acute, systemic ethanol increases extracellular dopamine in regions innervated by dopaminergic neurons originating in the ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra. Simultaneous measurement of dialysate dopamine and ethanol allows comparison of the time courses of their extracellular concentrations. Early studies demonstrated dissociations between the time courses of brain ethanol concentrations and dopaminergic responses in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) elicited by acute ethanol administration. Both brain ethanol and extracellular dopamine levels peak during the first 5 min following systemic ethanol administration, but the dopamine response returns to baseline while brain ethanol concentrations remain elevated. Post hoc analyses examined ratios of the dopamine response (represented as a percent above baseline) to tissue concentrations of ethanol at different time points within the first 25-30 min in the prefrontal cortex, NAc core and shell, and dorsomedial striatum following a single intravenous infusion of ethanol (1 g/kg). The temporal patterns of these "response ratios" differed across brain regions, possibly due to regional differences in the mechanisms underlying the decline of the dopamine signal associated with acute intravenous ethanol administration and/or to the differential effects of acute ethanol on the properties of subpopulations of midbrain dopamine neurons. This Review draws on neurochemical, physiological, and molecular studies to summarize the effects of acute ethanol administration on dopamine activity in the prefrontal cortex and striatal regions, to explore the potential reasons for the regional differences observed in the decline of ethanol-induced dopamine signals, and to suggest directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley A. Vena
- College
of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacology and
Toxicology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Rueben A. Gonzales
- College
of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacology and
Toxicology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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Abstract
This paper is the thirty-sixth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2013 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior, and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia; stress and social status; tolerance and dependence; learning and memory; eating and drinking; alcohol and drugs of abuse; sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology; mental illness and mood; seizures and neurologic disorders; electrical-related activity and neurophysiology; general activity and locomotion; gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions; cardiovascular responses; respiration and thermoregulation; and immunological responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, United States.
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Verpeut JL, Bello NT. Drug safety evaluation of naltrexone/bupropion for the treatment of obesity. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2014; 13:831-41. [PMID: 24766397 DOI: 10.1517/14740338.2014.909405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Obesity is a known health risk for the development of several preventable diseases. Obesity-related metabolic alterations negatively impact different physiological mechanisms, which supports the rationale for the use of combined drug therapy. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist for the treatment of opioid and alcohol dependency, whereas bupropion is a norepinephrine/dopamine reuptake inhibitor used to treat depression and smoking cessation. Although not effective as individual monotherapies for obesity, naltrexone and bupropion in combination produce weight loss and a metabolic profile beneficial for the potential treatment of obesity. AREAS COVERED This review examines the safety and antiobesity effects of naltrexone and bupropion alone and in combination. It reviews the results of four Phase III clinical trials of a novel fixed dose of sustained-released naltrexone/bupropion. EXPERT OPINION Naltrexone/bupropion has a greater weight loss efficacy than two FDA-approved medications, orlistat and lorcaserin. Although the weight loss produced by phentermine/topiramate is superior to naltrexone/bupropion, the safety profile of naltrexone/bupropion has less severe adverse effects. In addition, naltrexone/bupropion is well tolerated, with nausea being the most reported adverse event. Unlike other centrally acting medications, lorcaserin and phentermine/topiramate, naltrexone/bupropion has no abuse potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Verpeut
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Department of Animal Sciences and Graduate Program in Endocrinology and Animal, Biosciences , 84 Lipman Drive, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 , USA +1 848 932 2966 ; +1 732 932 6996 ;
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Deehan GA, Hauser SR, Wilden JA, Truitt WA, Rodd ZA. Elucidating the biological basis for the reinforcing actions of alcohol in the mesolimbic dopamine system: the role of active metabolites of alcohol. Front Behav Neurosci 2013; 7:104. [PMID: 23986666 PMCID: PMC3750600 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2013.00104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2013] [Accepted: 07/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of successful pharmacotherapeutics for the treatment of alcoholism is predicated upon understanding the biological action of alcohol. A limitation of the alcohol research field has been examining the effects of alcohol only and ignoring the multiple biological active metabolites of alcohol. The concept that alcohol is a "pro-drug" is not new. Alcohol is readily metabolized to acetaldehyde within the brain. Acetaldehyde is a highly reactive compound that forms a number of condensation products, including salsolinol and iso-salsolinol (acetaldehyde and dopamine). Recent experiments have established that numerous metabolites of alcohol have direct CNS action, and could, in part or whole, mediate the reinforcing actions of alcohol within the mesolimbic dopamine system. The mesolimbic dopamine system originates in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and projects to forebrain regions that include the nucleus accumbens (Acb) and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and is thought to be the neurocircuitry governing the rewarding properties of drugs of abuse. Within this neurocircuitry there is convincing evidence that; (1) biologically active metabolites of alcohol can directly or indirectly increase the activity of VTA dopamine neurons, (2) alcohol and alcohol metabolites are reinforcing within the mesolimbic dopamine system, (3) inhibiting the alcohol metabolic pathway inhibits the biological consequences of alcohol exposure, (4) alcohol consumption can be reduced by inhibiting/attenuating the alcohol metabolic pathway in the mesolimbic dopamine system, (5) alcohol metabolites can alter neurochemical levels within the mesolimbic dopamine system, and (6) alcohol interacts with alcohol metabolites to enhance the actions of both compounds. The data indicate that there is a positive relationship between alcohol and alcohol metabolites in regulating the biological consequences of consuming alcohol and the potential of alcohol use escalating to alcoholism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald A Deehan
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University, School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN, USA
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