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Reich N, Mannino M, Kotler S. Using caffeine as a chemical means to induce flow states. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 159:105577. [PMID: 38331128 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Flow is an intrinsically rewarding state characterised by positive affect and total task absorption. Because cognitive and physical performance are optimal in flow, chemical means to facilitate this state are appealing. Caffeine, a non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist, has been emphasized as a potential flow-inducer. Thus, we review the psychological and biological effects of caffeine that, conceptually, enhance flow. Caffeine may facilitate flow through various effects, including: i) upregulation of dopamine D1/D2 receptor affinity in reward-associated brain areas, leading to greater energetic arousal and 'wanting'; ii) protection of dopaminergic neurons; iii) increases in norepinephrine release and alertness, which offset sleep-deprivation and hypoarousal; iv) heightening of parasympathetic high frequency heart rate variability, resulting in improved cortical stress appraisal, v) modification of striatal endocannabinoid-CB1 receptor-signalling, leading to enhanced stress tolerance; and vi) changes in brain network activity in favour of executive function and flow. We also discuss the application of caffeine to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and caveats. We hope to inspire studies assessing the use of caffeine to induce flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Reich
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, Biomedical & Life Sciences Division, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK; The ALBORADA Drug Discovery Institute, University of Cambridge, Island Research Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK.
| | - Michael Mannino
- Flow Research Collective, USA; Miami Dade College, Miami, FL, USA
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Central Nervous System Stimulants Limit Caffeine Transport at the Blood-Cerebrospinal Fluid Barrier. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031862. [PMID: 35163784 PMCID: PMC8836437 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Caffeine, a common ingredient in energy drinks, crosses the blood-brain barrier easily, but the kinetics of caffeine across the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) has not been investigated. Therefore, 127 autopsy cases (Group A, 30 patients, stimulant-detected group; and Group B, 97 patients, no stimulant detected group) were examined. In addition, a BCSFB model was constructed using human vascular endothelial cells and human choroid plexus epithelial cells separated by a filter, and the kinetics of caffeine in the BCSFB and the effects of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), a neuroexcitatory agent, were studied. Caffeine concentrations in right heart blood (Rs) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were compared in the autopsy cases: caffeine concentrations were higher in Rs than CSF in Group A compared to Group B. In the BCSFB model, caffeine and 4-AP were added to the upper layer, and the concentration in the lower layer of choroid plexus epithelial cells was measured. The CSF caffeine concentration was suppressed, depending on the 4-AP concentration. Histomorphological examination suggested that choroid plexus epithelial cells were involved in inhibiting the efflux of caffeine to the CSF. Thus, the simultaneous presence of stimulants and caffeine inhibits caffeine transfer across the BCSFB.
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Job MO. Injection of Cocaine-Amphetamine Regulated Transcript (CART) peptide into the nucleus accumbens does not inhibit caffeine-induced locomotor activity: Implications for CART peptide mechanism. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2016; 148:8-14. [PMID: 27168116 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 04/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Much evidence suggests that intra-nucleus accumbens (NAc) CART peptide (CART 55-102) injection inhibits locomotor activity (LMA) when there is an increase in the release and activity of dopamine (DA) in the NAc. However, this hypothesis has not been fully tested. One way to examine this is to determine if there is a lack of effect of intra-NAc CART peptide on LMA that does not involve increases in DA release in the NAc. Several studies have suggested that caffeine-induced LMA does not involve extracellular DA release in the NAc core. Therefore, in this study, we have examined the effect of injections of CART peptide (2.5μg) into the NAc core on the locomotor effects of caffeine in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Several LMA relevant doses of caffeine were used (0, 10, 20mg/kg i.p.), and an inverted U response curve was found as expected. We determined, in the same animals, that intra-NAc CART peptide had no effect on caffeine-induced LMA whereas it blunted cocaine-mediated LMA, as shown by other reports. We also extended a previous observation in mice by showing that at a LMA activating dose of caffeine there is no alteration of CART peptide levels in the NAc of rats. Our study supports the hypothesis that the inhibitory effects of CART peptide in the NAc may be exerted only under conditions of increased extracellular DA release and activity in this region. Our results also suggest that intra-NAc CART 55-102 does not generally inhibit increases in LMA due to all drugs, but has a more specific inhibitory effect on dopaminergic neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin O Job
- Psychobiology Section, Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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Chronic caffeine produces sexually dimorphic effects on amphetamine-induced behavior, anxiety and depressive-like behavior in adolescent rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2016; 143:26-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2016.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Frau L, Costa G, Porceddu PF, Khairnar A, Castelli MP, Ennas MG, Madeddu C, Wardas J, Morelli M. Influence of caffeine on 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-induced dopaminergic neuron degeneration and neuroinflammation is age-dependent. J Neurochem 2015; 136:148-62. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; Section of Neuropsychopharmacology; University of Cagliari; Cagliari Italy
| | - Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; Section of Neuropsychopharmacology; University of Cagliari; Cagliari Italy
| | - Pier Francesca Porceddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; Section of Neuropsychopharmacology; University of Cagliari; Cagliari Italy
| | - Amit Khairnar
- Applied Neuroscience Research Group; CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology; Masaryk University; Brno Czech Republic
| | - Maria Paola Castelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology; University of Cagliari; Monserrato (CA) Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ennas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology; University of Cagliari; Monserrato (CA) Italy
| | - Camilla Madeddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology; University of Cagliari; Monserrato (CA) Italy
| | - Jadwiga Wardas
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology; Institute of Pharmacology; Polish Academy of Sciences; Krakow Poland
| | - Micaela Morelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; Section of Neuropsychopharmacology; University of Cagliari; Cagliari Italy
- CNR; Institute of Neuroscience; Cagliari Italy
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Ioannidis K, Chamberlain SR, Müller U. Ostracising caffeine from the pharmacological arsenal for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder--was this a correct decision? A literature review. J Psychopharmacol 2014; 28:830-6. [PMID: 24989644 DOI: 10.1177/0269881114541014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Caffeine is one of the most widespread psychotropic substances in the world. It exerts multiple effects on the brain including adenosine receptor antagonism, and thereby has been found to modulate aspects of cognition, including attention, in animal models and in healthy human volunteers. This review considers what is known of the effects of caffeine on symptoms and cognitive functions in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a prototypical disorder of cognitive dysfunction. We consider the merits of investigating further caffeine's therapeutic potential as a monotherapy or as an adjunctive agent in ADHD. The potential benefits of re-opening a dialogue regarding the use of caffeine in ADHD clinical practice are highlighted, along with potential implications for the use of adenosine receptor antagonists in ADHD and other disorders characterised by cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samuel R Chamberlain
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ulrich Müller
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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López-Cruz L, Salamone JD, Correa M. The Impact of Caffeine on the Behavioral Effects of Ethanol Related to Abuse and Addiction: A Review of Animal Studies. JOURNAL OF CAFFEINE RESEARCH 2013; 3:9-21. [PMID: 24761272 PMCID: PMC3643311 DOI: 10.1089/jcr.2013.0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The impact of caffeine on the behavioral effects of ethanol, including ethanol consumption and abuse, has become a topic of great interest due to the rise in popularity of the so-called energy drinks. Energy drinks high in caffeine are frequently taken in combination with ethanol under the popular belief that caffeine can offset some of the intoxicating effects of ethanol. However, scientific research has not universally supported the idea that caffeine can reduce the effects of ethanol in humans or in rodents, and the mechanisms mediating the caffeine-ethanol interactions are not well understood. Caffeine and ethanol have a common biological substrate; both act on neurochemical processes related to the neuromodulator adenosine. Caffeine acts as a nonselective adenosine A1 and A2A receptor antagonist, while ethanol has been demonstrated to increase the basal adenosinergic tone via multiple mechanisms. Since adenosine transmission modulates multiple behavioral processes, the interaction of both drugs can regulate a wide range of effects related to alcohol consumption and the development of ethanol addiction. In the present review, we discuss the relatively small number of animal studies that have assessed the interactions between caffeine and ethanol, as well as the interactions between ethanol and subtype-selective adenosine receptor antagonists, to understand the basic findings and determine the possible mechanisms of action underlying the caffeine-ethanol interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John D. Salamone
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Mercè Correa
- Àrea de Psicobiologia, Universitat Jaume I, Castelló, Spain
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
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Vanattou-Saïfoudine N, McNamara R, Harkin A. Caffeine provokes adverse interactions with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'ecstasy') and related psychostimulants: mechanisms and mediators. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 167:946-59. [PMID: 22671762 PMCID: PMC3492978 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.02065.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2012] [Revised: 05/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Concomitant consumption of caffeine with recreational psychostimulant drugs of abuse can provoke severe acute adverse reactions in addition to longer term consequences. The mechanisms by which caffeine increases the toxicity of psychostimulants include changes in body temperature regulation, cardiotoxicity and lowering of the seizure threshold. Caffeine also influences the stimulatory, discriminative and reinforcing effects of psychostimulant drugs. In this review, we consider our current understanding of such caffeine-related drug interactions, placing a particular emphasis on an adverse interaction between caffeine and the substituted amphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'ecstasy'), which has been most recently described and characterized. Co-administration of caffeine profoundly enhances the acute toxicity of MDMA in rats, as manifested by high core body temperature, tachycardia and increased mortality. In addition, co-administration of caffeine enhances the long-term serotonergic neurotoxicity induced by MDMA. Observations to date support an interactive model of drug-induced toxicity comprising MDMA-related enhancement of dopamine release coupled to a caffeine-mediated antagonism of adenosine receptors in addition to inhibition of PDE. These experiments are reviewed together with reports of caffeine-related drug interactions with cocaine, d-amphetamine and ephedrine where similar mechanisms are implicated. Understanding the underlying mechanisms will guide appropriate intervention strategies for the management of severe reactions and potential for increased drug-related toxicity, resulting from concomitant caffeine consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Vanattou-Saïfoudine
- Neuropsychopharmacology Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
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Zancheta R, Possi AP, Planeta CS, Marin MT. Repeated administration of caffeine induces either sensitization or tolerance of locomotor stimulation depending on the environmental context. Pharmacol Rep 2012; 64:70-7. [DOI: 10.1016/s1734-1140(12)70732-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2011] [Revised: 09/29/2011] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Boeck CR, Marques VB, Valvassori SS, Constantino LC, Rosa DV, Lima FF, Romano-Silva MA, Quevedo J. Early long-term exposure with caffeine induces cross-sensitization to methylphenidate with involvement of DARPP-32 in adulthood of rats. Neurochem Int 2009; 55:318-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2009.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2009] [Revised: 02/18/2009] [Accepted: 03/25/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Müller-Vahl KR, Buddensiek N, Geomelas M, Emrich HM. The influence of different food and drink on tics in Tourette syndrome. Acta Paediatr 2008; 97:442-6. [PMID: 18307557 DOI: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2008.00675.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM Tourette syndrome (TS) is characterized by waxing and waning motor and vocal tics. Because standard medication often remains unsatisfactory, many patients seek alternative medicine. The aim of this study was to increase experience about the influence of food and drinks in TS. METHODS A standardized questionnaire was sent to 887 people recruited from our Tourette outpatient clinic and the German TS self-aid group. Respondents should assess whether 32 different foods influenced their tics. RESULTS Two hundred twenty-four questionnaires could be used for analyses. A significant positive correlation (tic deterioration) was found for caffeine- and theine-containing drinks such as coke (p<0.001), coffee (p<0.001) and black tea (p<0.001) as well as for preserving agents (p<0.001), refined sugar (p<0.001) and sweeteners (p<0.001). A significant negative correlation (tic improvement) was not found. CONCLUSIONS Results from this first survey investigating the influence of special foods and drinks on tics demonstrated that 34% and 47% of responders, respectively, assessed that coffee and coke deteriorate tics. It, therefore, can be speculated that caffeine may further stimulate an already overactive dopaminergic system in TS and thus increases tics. However, from these preliminary data, no further general recommendations regarding special diets and food restrictions can be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten R Müller-Vahl
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
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On postnatal CNS plasticity. Amino Acids 2006. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-006-0371-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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