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Egunlusi AO, Joubert J. NMDA Receptor Antagonists: Emerging Insights into Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Applications in Neurological Disorders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:639. [PMID: 38794209 PMCID: PMC11124131 DOI: 10.3390/ph17050639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) include a range of chronic conditions characterized by progressive neuronal loss, leading to cognitive, motor, and behavioral impairments. Common examples include Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). The global prevalence of NDs is on the rise, imposing significant economic and social burdens. Despite extensive research, the mechanisms underlying NDs remain incompletely understood, hampering the development of effective treatments. Excitotoxicity, particularly glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity, is a key pathological process implicated in NDs. Targeting the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which plays a central role in excitotoxicity, holds therapeutic promise. However, challenges, such as blood-brain barrier penetration and adverse effects, such as extrapyramidal effects, have hindered the success of many NMDA receptor antagonists in clinical trials. This review explores the molecular mechanisms of NMDA receptor antagonists, emphasizing their structure, function, types, challenges, and future prospects in treating NDs. Despite extensive research on competitive and noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonists, the quest for effective treatments still faces significant hurdles. This is partly because the same NMDA receptor that necessitates blockage under pathological conditions is also responsible for the normal physiological function of NMDA receptors. Allosteric modulation of NMDA receptors presents a potential alternative, with the GluN2B subunit emerging as a particularly attractive target due to its enrichment in presynaptic and extrasynaptic NMDA receptors, which are major contributors to excitotoxic-induced neuronal cell death. Despite their low side-effect profiles, selective GluN2B antagonists like ifenprodil and radiprodil have encountered obstacles such as poor bioavailability in clinical trials. Moreover, the selectivity of these antagonists is often relative, as they have been shown to bind to other GluN2 subunits, albeit minimally. Recent advancements in developing phenanthroic and naphthoic acid derivatives offer promise for enhanced GluN2B, GluN2A or GluN2C/GluN2D selectivity and improved pharmacodynamic properties. Additional challenges in NMDA receptor antagonist development include conflicting preclinical and clinical results, as well as the complexity of neurodegenerative disorders and poorly defined NMDA receptor subtypes. Although multifunctional agents targeting multiple degenerative processes are also being explored, clinical data are limited. Designing and developing selective GluN2B antagonists/modulators with polycyclic moieties and multitarget properties would be significant in addressing neurodegenerative disorders. However, advancements in understanding NMDA receptor structure and function, coupled with collaborative efforts in drug design, are imperative for realizing the therapeutic potential of these NMDA receptor antagonists/modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayodeji Olatunde Egunlusi
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Makhanda 6140, South Africa
| | - Jacques Joubert
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa;
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Yates JR. Quantifying conditioned place preference: a review of current analyses and a proposal for a novel approach. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1256764. [PMID: 37693282 PMCID: PMC10484009 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1256764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Conditioned place preference (CPP) is used to measure the conditioned rewarding effects of a stimulus, including food, drugs, and social interaction. Because various analytic approaches can be used to quantify CPP, this can make direct comparisons across studies difficult. Common methods for analyzing CPP involve comparing the time spent in the CS+ compartment (e.g., compartment paired with drug) at posttest to the time spent in the CS+ compartment at pretest or to the CS- compartment (e.g., compartment paired with saline) at posttest. Researchers can analyze the time spent in the compartment(s), or they can calculate a difference score [(CS+post - CS+pre) or (CS+post - CS-post)] or a preference ratio (e.g., CS+post/(CS+post + CS-post)). While each analysis yields results that are, overall, highly correlated, there are situations in which different analyses can lead to discrepant interpretations. The current paper discusses some of the limitations associated with current analytic approaches and proposes a novel method for quantifying CPP, the adjusted CPP score, which can help resolve the limitations associated with current approaches. The adjusted CPP score is applied to both hypothetical and previously published data. Another major topic covered in this paper is methodologies for determining if individual subjects have met criteria for CPP. The paper concludes by highlighting ways in which researchers can increase transparency and replicability in CPP studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R. Yates
- Department of Psychological Science, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY, United States
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Shelkar GP, Gandhi PJ, Liu J, Dravid SM. Cocaine preference and neuroadaptations are maintained by astrocytic NMDA receptors in the nucleus accumbens. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabo6574. [PMID: 35867797 PMCID: PMC9307248 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo6574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cocaine-associated memories induce cravings and interfere with the ability of users to cease cocaine use. Reducing the strength of cue-drug memories by facilitating extinction may have therapeutic value for the treatment of cocaine addiction. Here, we demonstrate the expression of GluN1/2A/2C NMDA receptor currents in astrocytes in the nucleus accumbens core. Selective ablation of GluN1 subunit from astrocytes in the nucleus accumbens enhanced extinction of cocaine preference memory but did not affect cocaine conditioning or reinstatement. Repeated cocaine exposure up-regulated GluN2C subunit expression and increased astrocytic NMDA receptor currents. Furthermore, intra-accumbal inhibition of GluN2C/2D-containing receptors and GluN2C subunit deletion facilitated extinction of cocaine memory. Cocaine-induced neuroadaptations including dendritic spine maturation and AMPA receptor recruitment were absent in GluN2C knockout mice. Impaired retention of cocaine preference memory in GluN2C knockout mice was restored by exogenous administration of recombinant glypican 4. Together, these results identify a previously unknown astrocytic GluN2C-containing NMDA receptor mechanism underlying maintenance of cocaine preference memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gajanan P. Shelkar
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Creighton University School of Medicine, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Pauravi J. Gandhi
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Creighton University School of Medicine, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jinxu Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Creighton University School of Medicine, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE, USA
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Pantoni MM, Kim JL, Van Alstyne KR, Anagnostaras SG. MDMA and memory, addiction, and depression: dose-effect analysis. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:935-949. [PMID: 35179622 PMCID: PMC8891111 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06086-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE ±3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a recreational drug that shows substantial promise as a psychotherapeutic agent. Still, there is some concern regarding its behavioral toxicity, and its dose-effect relationship is poorly understood. We previously explored the role of dose in the cognitive effects of MDMA in a systematic review of existing literature and found no evidence in animals that MDMA impairs memory at low doses (< 3 mg/kg) but mixed results at high doses (≥ 3 mg/kg). Since this review comprised mostly of single-dose studies and an assortment of methodologies, an empirical dose-ranging study on this topic is warranted. OBJECTIVES The current study aims to evaluate the conclusion from our systematic review that 3 mg/kg may be the threshold for MDMA-induced amnesia, and to further understand the dose-effect relationship of MDMA on behavioral assays of memory, addiction, and depression. METHODS We systematically examined the effects of 0.01 to 10 mg/kg MDMA on Pavlovian fear conditioning; behavioral sensitization, conditioned place preference, and conditioned responding; and the Porsolt forced swim test in mice. RESULTS High doses of MDMA (≥ 3 mg/kg) produced amnesia of fear conditioning memory, some evidence of an addictive potential, and antidepressant effects, while low doses of MDMA (≤ 1 mg/kg) had no effect on these behaviors. CONCLUSIONS The present dose-ranging study provides further evidence that 3 mg/kg is the threshold for MDMA-induced amnesia. These findings, in addition to our systematic review, demonstrate that careful selection of MDMA dose is critical. High doses (≥ 3 mg/kg) should likely be avoided due to evidence that they can produce amnesia and addiction. Conversely, there is little evidence to suggest that low doses, which are usually administered in clinical studies (approximately 1-2 mg/kg), will lead to these same adverse effects. Ultra-low doses (< 1 mg/kg) are likely even safer and should be investigated for therapeutic effects in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline M. Pantoni
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Molecular Cognition Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA ,grid.266102.10000 0001 2297 6811Translational Psychedelic Research Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, CA San Francisco, USA
| | - Jinah L. Kim
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Molecular Cognition Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Kaitlin R. Van Alstyne
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Molecular Cognition Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Stephan G. Anagnostaras
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Molecular Cognition Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA ,grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Molecular Cognition Laboratory, Program in Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
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Iman IN, Yusof NAM, Talib UN, Ahmad NAZ, Norazit A, Kumar J, Mehat MZ, Jayabalan N, Muthuraju S, Stefaniuk M, Kaczmarek L, Muzaimi M. The IntelliCage System: A Review of Its Utility as a Novel Behavioral Platform for a Rodent Model of Substance Use Disorder. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:683780. [PMID: 34149373 PMCID: PMC8211779 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.683780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of animal models for substance use disorder (SUD) has made an important contribution in the investigation of the behavioral and molecular mechanisms underlying substance abuse and addiction. Here, we review a novel and comprehensive behavioral platform to characterize addiction-like traits in rodents using a fully automated learning system, the IntelliCage. This system simultaneously captures the basic behavioral navigation, reward preference, and aversion, as well as the multi-dimensional complex behaviors and cognitive functions of group-housed rodents. It can reliably capture and track locomotor and cognitive pattern alterations associated with the development of substance addiction. Thus, the IntelliCage learning system offers a potentially efficient, flexible, and sensitive tool for the high-throughput screening of the rodent SUD model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Nurul Iman
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Aiman Mohd Yusof
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Ummi Nasrah Talib
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Nur Aimi Zawami Ahmad
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Anwar Norazit
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jaya Kumar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Zulfadli Mehat
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Nanthini Jayabalan
- Translational Neuroscience Lab, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Sangu Muthuraju
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Marzena Stefaniuk
- BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Leszek Kaczmarek
- BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mustapha Muzaimi
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
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Dopamine D 1 and D 2 Receptors Differentially Regulate Rac1 and Cdc42 Signaling in the Nucleus Accumbens to Modulate Behavioral and Structural Plasticity After Repeated Methamphetamine Treatment. Biol Psychiatry 2019; 86:820-835. [PMID: 31060803 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.03.966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methamphetamine (METH) is a highly addictive psychostimulant that strongly activates dopamine receptor signaling in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). However, how dopamine D1 and D2 receptors (D1Rs and D2Rs, respectively) as well as downstream signaling pathways, such as those involving Rac1 and Cdc42, modulate METH-induced behavioral and structural plasticity is largely unknown. METHODS Using NAc conditional D1R and D2R deletion mice, Rac1 and Cdc42 mutant viruses, and a series of behavioral and morphological methods, we assessed the effects of D1Rs and D2Rs on Rac1 and Cdc42 in modulating METH-induced behavioral and structural plasticity in the NAc. RESULTS D1Rs and D2Rs in the NAc consistently regulated METH-induced conditioned place preference, locomotor activation, and dendritic and spine remodeling of medium spiny neurons but differentially regulated METH withdrawal-induced spatial learning and memory impairment and anxiety. Interestingly, Rac1 and Cdc42 signaling were oppositely modulated by METH, and suppression of Rac1 signaling and activation of Cdc42 signaling were crucial to METH-induced conditioned place preference and structural plasticity but not to locomotor activation. D1Rs activated Rac1 and Cdc42 signaling, while D2Rs inhibited Rac1 signaling but activated Cdc42 signaling to mediate METH-induced conditioned place preference and structural plasticity but not locomotor activation. In addition, NAc D1R deletion aggravated METH withdrawal-induced spatial learning and memory impairment by suppressing Rac1 signaling but not Cdc42 signaling, while NAc D2R deletion aggravated METH withdrawal-induced anxiety without affecting Rac1 or Cdc42 signaling. CONCLUSIONS D1Rs and D2Rs differentially regulate Rac1 and Cdc42 signaling to modulate METH-induced behavioral plasticity and the structural remodeling of medium spiny neurons in the NAc.
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Pantoni MM, Carmack SA, Hammam L, Anagnostaras SG. Dopamine and norepinephrine transporter inhibition for long-term fear memory enhancement. Behav Brain Res 2019; 378:112266. [PMID: 31580915 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Psychostimulants are highly effective cognitive-enhancing therapeutics yet have a significant potential for abuse and addiction. While psychostimulants likely exert their rewarding and addictive properties through dopamine transporter (DAT) inhibition, the mechanisms of their procognitive effects are less certain. By one prevalent view, psychostimulants exert their procognitive effects exclusively through norepinephrine transporter (NET) inhibition, however increasing evidence suggests that DAT also plays a critical role in their cognitive-enhancing properties, including long-term memory enhancement. The present experiments test the hypothesis that combined strong NET and weak DAT inhibition will mimic the fear memory-enhancing but not the addiction-related effects of psychostimulants in mice. We examined the effects of the high affinity NET inhibitors atomoxetine or nisoxetine and the low affinity DAT inhibitor bupropion, either alone or in combination, on short- and long-term memory of Pavlovian fear conditioning. We also examined the addiction-related effects of combined strong NET and weak DAT inhibition using conditioned place preference and a locomotor activity test. While atomoxetine or nisoxetine alone enhanced short-term fear memory, the addition of bupropion was required to significantly enhance long-term fear memory. Additionally, combined atomoxetine and bupropion did not produce substantial motor stimulation or place preference. These findings suggest that combining strong NET and weak DAT inhibition could lead to the development of a highly effective cognitive enhancer that lacks the potential for addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline M Pantoni
- Molecular Cognition Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0109, USA.
| | - Stephanie A Carmack
- Molecular Cognition Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0109, USA
| | - Leen Hammam
- Division of Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0109, USA
| | - Stephan G Anagnostaras
- Molecular Cognition Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0109, USA; Program in Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0109, USA
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8
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Cholinergic M4 receptors are involved in morphine-induced expression of behavioral sensitization by regulating dopamine function in the nucleus accumbens of rats. Behav Brain Res 2019; 360:128-133. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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7,8-Dihydroxyflavone blocks the development of behavioral sensitization to MDPV, but not to cocaine: Differential role of the BDNF-TrkB pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 163:84-93. [PMID: 30738029 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) acts as a dopamine transporter blocker and exerts powerful psychostimulant effects. In this study we aimed to investigate the bidirectional cross-sensitization between MDPV and cocaine, as well as to evaluate the role of the BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway in the development of locomotor sensitization to both drugs. Mice were treated with MDPV (1.5 mg/kg) or cocaine (10 or 15 mg/kg) once daily for 5 days. After withdrawal (10 days), animals were challenged with cocaine (8 mg/kg) or MDPV (1 mg/kg). For biochemical determinations, MDPV (1.5 mg/kg) or cocaine (15 mg/kg) were administered acutely or repeatedly, and BDNF, D3R and G9a transcription levels as well as pro- and mature BDNF protein levels were determined. Our results demonstrate that repeated administration of MDPV or cocaine sensitizes to cocaine and MDPV locomotor effects. After an acute or a repeated exposure to MDPV, cortical mRNA BDNF levels were increased, while a decrease in mBDNF protein levels in the nucleus accumbens 2 h after repeated exposure was evidenced. Interestingly, such decline was involved in the development of locomotor sensitization, thus the pretreatment with 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (10 mg/kg), a TrkB agonist, blocked the development of sensitization to MDPV but not to cocaine, for which no changes in the BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway were observed at early withdrawal. In conclusion, a bidirectional cross-sensitization between MDPV and cocaine was evidenced. Our findings suggest that decreased BDNF-TrkB signaling has an important role in the behavioral sensitization to MDPV, pointing TrkB modulation as a target to prevent MDPV sensitization.
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Liu X, Tian L, Cui R, Ruan H, Li X. Muscarinic receptors in the nucleus accumbens shell play different roles in context-induced or morphine-challenged expression of behavioral sensitization in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2018; 819:51-57. [PMID: 29196177 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.11.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Both drug-related cues and drug priming are the main factors that induce relapse of drug addiction. Previous research has reported that blockade of the muscarinic receptors could significantly depress addictive behavior, suggesting that the muscarinic receptors might be involved in drug use and relapse behavior. The nucleus accumbens (NAc), especially the shell of the NAc, where the muscarinic receptors are expressed, is critical for craving and relapse. This study investigated the effects of microinfusion of the muscarinic receptor antagonist scopolamine into the NAc shell on context- and morphine-induced expression of behavioral sensitization. Behavioral sensitization was established by exposure to 5mg/kg morphine once daily for five consecutive days. Expression of behavioral sensitization was induced by saline challenge or 5mg/kg morphine challenge. The results showed that: (a) the muscarinic receptor antagonist scopolamine (10.8μg/rat) microinjected into the NAc shell blocked expression of conditional sensitization; (b) acetylcholinesterase inhibitor huperzine-A (0.5 and 0.1μg/rat), but not scopolamine (10.8μg/rat), microinjected into the NAc shell blocked morphine-induced expression of sensitization; and (c) pre-infusion of scopolamine (10.8μg/rat) reversed the inhibitory effect of huperzine-A (0.5μg/rat) on morphine-induced sensitization. Our findings suggest that muscarinic receptors in the NAc shell play different roles in context-induced and morphine-challenged expression of behavioral sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhe Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Learning and Cognition, Department of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Lin Tian
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Learning and Cognition, Department of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Ruisi Cui
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Learning and Cognition, Department of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Heng Ruan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Learning and Cognition, Department of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xinwang Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Learning and Cognition, Department of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Beijing, PR China.
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Gonzales FR, Howell KK, Dozier LE, Anagnostaras SG, Patrick GN. Proteasome phosphorylation regulates cocaine-induced sensitization. Mol Cell Neurosci 2017; 88:62-69. [PMID: 29217409 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2017.12.001] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Repeated exposure to cocaine produces structural and functional modifications at synapses from neurons in several brain regions including the nucleus accumbens. These changes are thought to underlie cocaine-induced sensitization. The ubiquitin proteasome system plays a crucial role in the remodeling of synapses and has recently been implicated in addiction-related behavior. The ATPase Rpt6 subunit of the 26S proteasome is phosphorylated by Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases II alpha at ser120 which is thought to regulate proteasome activity and distribution in neurons. Here, we demonstrate that Rpt6 phosphorylation is involved in cocaine-induced locomotor sensitization. Cocaine concomitantly increases proteasome activity and Rpt6 S120 phosphorylation in cultured neurons and in various brain regions of wild type mice including the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex. In contrast, cocaine does not increase proteasome activity in Rpt6 phospho-mimetic (ser120Asp) mice. Strikingly, we found a complete absence of cocaine-induced locomotor sensitization in the Rpt6 ser120Asp mice. Together, these findings suggest a critical role for Rpt6 phosphorylation and proteasome function in the regulation cocaine-induced behavioral plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frankie R Gonzales
- Section of Neurobiology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0347, United States
| | - Kristin K Howell
- Molecular Cognition Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0109, United States
| | - Lara E Dozier
- Section of Neurobiology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0347, United States
| | - Stephan G Anagnostaras
- Molecular Cognition Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0109, United States
| | - Gentry N Patrick
- Section of Neurobiology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0347, United States.
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Hopf FW. Do specific NMDA receptor subunits act as gateways for addictive behaviors? GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2016; 16:118-138. [PMID: 27706932 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Addiction to alcohol and drugs is a major social and economic problem, and there is considerable interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms that promote addictive drives. A number of proteins have been identified that contribute to expression of addictive behaviors. NMDA receptors (NMDARs), a subclass of ionotropic glutamate receptors, have been of particular interest because their physiological properties make them an attractive candidate for gating induction of synaptic plasticity, a molecular change thought to mediate learning and memory. NMDARs are generally inactive at the hyperpolarized resting potentials of many neurons. However, given sufficient depolarization, NMDARs are activated and exhibit long-lasting currents with significant calcium permeability. Also, in addition to stimulating neurons by direct depolarization, NMDARs and their calcium signaling can allow strong and/or synchronized inputs to produce long-term changes in other molecules (such as AMPA-type glutamate receptors) which can last from days to years, binding internal and external stimuli in a long-term memory trace. Such memories could allow salient drug-related stimuli to exert strong control over future behaviors and thus promote addictive drives. Finally, NMDARs may themselves undergo plasticity, which can alter subsequent neuronal stimulation and/or the ability to induce plasticity. This review will address recent and past findings suggesting that NMDAR activity promotes drug- and alcohol-related behaviors, with a particular focus on GluN2B subunits as possible central regulators of many addictive behaviors, as well as newer studies examining the importance of non-canonical NMDAR subunits and endogenous NMDAR cofactors.
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Affiliation(s)
- F W Hopf
- Alcohol and Addiction Research Group, Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Li L, Qiao C, Chen G, Qian H, Hou Y, Li T, Liu X. Ifenprodil attenuates the acquisition and expression of methamphetamine-induced behavioral sensitization and activation of Ras-ERK1/2 cascade in the caudate putamen. Neuroscience 2016; 335:20-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Gill KE, Reynolds AR, Prendergast MA, Akins CK. Female Japanese quail with high levels of estradiol demonstrate cocaine-induced conditioned place preference. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol 2016; 24:185-92. [PMID: 26963687 PMCID: PMC4891236 DOI: 10.1037/pha0000070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical research has indicated that females may be more sensitive to the rewarding properties of cocaine. However, the majority of this research has been done in rodent species. Environmental cues associated with human drug-taking behavior tend to be visual. Because rodents do not rely on the visual system as their primary sense modality, the use of a visually oriented species may add to our understanding of cue-elicited drug cravings and relapse. The present study examined the potential role of the steroid hormone, estradiol, in the rewarding properties of cocaine in female Japanese quail using a conditioned place preference (CPP) procedure. In the current experiment, female quail were housed on either an 8L:16D (light:dark) or 16L:8D (light:dark) cycle for 21 days to induce photoregression or photostimulation, respectively. They then received 10, 20, or 30 mg/kg cocaine, or saline during conditioning. Conditioning trials were carried out for 8 days, once per day for 30 min, for a total of 4 cocaine and 4 saline alternating conditioning trials. Results indicated that female quail housed in long-light conditions (16L:8D) had significantly higher levels of estradiol than short-cycle females. Additionally, photostimulated female quail developed a CPP to 10 and 20 mg/kg cocaine. Short-cycle females did not show cocaine-induced CPP to any dose tested. Results indicate that cocaine is dose-dependently rewarding to photostimulated female Japanese quail. Furthermore, the current findings suggest that estradiol may enhance the rewarding properties of cocaine in female quail. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin E. Gill
- Dept of Behavioral Neuroscience, Centre College, Danville, KY 40422,Address correspondence to: Karin E. Gill, Young Hall, 218, Centre College, 600 W. Walnut Street, Danville, KY 40422, , Phone: (859) 238-6513, Fax: (859) 236-7925
| | | | | | - Chana K. Akins
- Dept of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506
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15
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The learning of fear extinction. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 47:670-83. [PMID: 25452113 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Revised: 10/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Recent work on the extinction of fear-motivated learning places emphasis on its putative circuitry and on its modulation. Extinction is the learned inhibition of retrieval of previously acquired responses. Fear extinction is used as a major component of exposure therapy in the treatment of fear memories such as those of the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is initiated and maintained by interactions between the hippocampus, basolateral amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex, which involve feedback regulation of the latter by the other two areas. Fear extinction depends on NMDA receptor activation. It is positively modulated by d-serine acting on the glycine site of NMDA receptors and blocked by AP5 (2-amino-5-phosphono propionate) in the three structures. In addition, histamine acting on H2 receptors and endocannabinoids acting on CB1 receptors in the three brain areas mentioned, and muscarinic cholinergic fibers from the medial septum to hippocampal CA1 positively modulate fear extinction. Importantly, fear extinction can be made state-dependent on circulating epinephrine, which may play a role in situations of stress. Exposure to a novel experience can strongly enhance the consolidation of fear extinction through a synaptic tagging and capture mechanism; this may be useful in the therapy of states caused by fear memory like PTSD.
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Gemperline E, Laha K, Scarlett CO, Pearce RA, Li L. Measurement of NMDA Receptor Antagonist, CPP, in Mouse Plasma and Brain Tissue Following Systematic Administration Using Ion-Pair LCMS/MS. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2014; 6:6389-6396. [PMID: 25663848 PMCID: PMC4317794 DOI: 10.1039/c4ay01168f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
(RS)-3-(2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)-propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP) is a competitive antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and is routinely used with rodent models to investigate the role of NMDA receptors in brain function. This highly polar compound is difficult to separate from biological matrices. A reliable and sensitive assay was developed for the determination of CPP in plasma and tissue. In order to overcome the challenges relating to the physicochemical properties of CPP we employed an initial separation using solid phase extraction harnessing mixed-mode anion exchange. Then an ion-pair UPLC C18 separation was performed followed by MS/MS with a Waters Acquity UPLC interfaced to an AB Sciex QTrap 5500 mass spectrometer, which was operated in positive ion ESI mode. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was utilized to detect the analyte and internal standard. The precursor to product ions used for quantitation for CPP and internal standard were m/z 252.958 → 207.100 and 334.955 → 136.033, respectively. This method was applied to a pharmacokinetic study and examined brain tissue and plasma concentrations following intravenous and intraperitoneal injections of CPP. The elimination half-life (t1/2) of CPP was 8.8 minutes in plasma and 14.3 minutes in brain tissue, and the plasma to brain concentration ratio was about 18:1. This pharmacokinetic data will aid the interpretation of the vast number of studies using CPP to investigate NMDA receptor function in rodents and the method itself can be used to study many other highly polar analytes of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Gemperline
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Ave, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Kurt Laha
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Cameron O. Scarlett
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Robert A. Pearce
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Lingjun Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Ave, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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Implication of NMDA receptors in behavioural sensitization to psychostimulants: A short review. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 730:77-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Revised: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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18
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Howell KK, Monk BR, Carmack SA, Mrowczynski OD, Clark RE, Anagnostaras SG. Inhibition of PKC disrupts addiction-related memory. Front Behav Neurosci 2014; 8:70. [PMID: 24639635 PMCID: PMC3945752 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2014.00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The atypical PKC isoforms, PKMζ and PKCλ have been proposed as integral substrates of long-term memory (LTM). Inhibition of these isoforms has recently been demonstrated to be sufficient for impairing the expression and maintenance of long-term potentiation. Additionally, the pseudosubstrate inhibitor, zeta inhibitory peptide (ZIP), which effectively blocks PKMζ and PKCλ, has previously been shown to disrupt associative memory; very little is known about its effects on pathological nonassociative forms of memory related to addiction. The neural and molecular substrates of memory and addiction have recently been argued to overlap. Here, we used ZIP to disrupt PKMζ and PKCλ activity to examine their role in cocaine sensitization, a nonassociative, addiction-related memory argued to underlie the transition from casual to pathological drug use. We examined the effects of both continuous and acute administration of ZIP. Even a single application of ZIP blocked the development of sensitization; sustained inhibition using osmotic pumps produced an almost complete blockade of sensitization. Further, a single application of ZIP was shown to reduce membrane-bound AMPAR expression. These results demonstrate a novel, critical role for the atypical PKC isoforms in nonassociative memory and cocaine addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin K Howell
- Molecular Cognition Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Bradley R Monk
- Molecular Cognition Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Stephanie A Carmack
- Molecular Cognition Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Oliver D Mrowczynski
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Robert E Clark
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center San Diego, CA, USA ; Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Stephan G Anagnostaras
- Molecular Cognition Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA ; Program in Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Carmack SA, Howell KK, Rasaei K, Reas ET, Anagnostaras SG. Animal model of methylphenidate's long-term memory-enhancing effects. Learn Mem 2014; 21:82-9. [PMID: 24434869 PMCID: PMC3895222 DOI: 10.1101/lm.033613.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Methylphenidate (MPH), introduced more than 60 years ago, accounts for two-thirds of current prescriptions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although many studies have modeled MPH's effect on executive function, almost none have directly modeled its effect on long-term memory (LTM), even though improvement in LTM is a critical target of therapeutic intervention in ADHD. We examined the effects of a wide range of doses of MPH (0.01–10 mg/kg, i.p.) on Pavlovian fear learning, a leading model of memory. MPH's effects were then compared to those of atomoxetine (0.1–10 mg/kg, i.p.), bupropion (0.5–20 mg/kg, i.p.), and citalopram (0.01–10 mg/kg, i.p.). At low, clinically relevant doses, MPH enhanced fear memory; at high doses it impaired memory. MPH's memory-enhancing effects were not confounded by its effects on locomotion or anxiety. Further, MPH-induced memory enhancement seemed to require both dopamine and norepinephrine transporter inhibition. Finally, the addictive potential of MPH (1 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg) was compared to those of two other psychostimulants, amphetamine (0.005 mg/kg and 1.5 mg/kg) and cocaine (0.15 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg), using a conditioned place preference and behavioral sensitization paradigm. We found that memory-enhancing effects of psychostimulants observed at low doses are readily dissociable from their reinforcing and locomotor activating effects at high doses. Together, our data suggest that fear conditioning will be an especially fruitful platform for modeling the effects of psychostimulants on LTM in drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie A Carmack
- Molecular Cognition Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of California, San Diego, California 92093-0109, USA
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Abstract
Cocaine-induced neuroplasticity mediated by histone acetylating and deacetylating enzymes may contribute to addiction-like behaviors. For example, overexpression of histone deacetylases (HDACs) 4 or 5 in the nucleus accumbens suppresses cocaine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) acquisition in mice. HDAC4 and HDAC5 are known to interact with HDAC3, but the role of HDAC3 in cocaine-induced behaviors has never been examined. In this study, we address the hypothesis that HDAC3 is a negative regulator of cocaine-context-associated memory formation in mice. We examined the role of HDAC3 during the conditioning phase of CPP, when the mouse has the opportunity to form an associative memory between the cocaine-paired context and the subjective effects of cocaine. To address this hypothesis, Hdac3(flox/flox) and Hdac3(+/+) mice (generated from a C57BL/6 background) were infused into the nucleus accumbens with adeno-associated virus expressing Cre recombinase to create focal, homozygous Hdac3 deletions. Hdac3(flox/flox) mice exhibit significantly enhanced CPP acquisition, which is correlated with increased gene expression during the consolidation phase of acquisition. Increased gene expression of c-Fos and Nr4a2 is correlated with decreased HDAC3 occupancy and increased histone H4 lysine 8 acetylation at their promoters. The results from this study demonstrate that HDAC3 negatively regulates cocaine-induced CPP acquisition.
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